As the premium credit card space sees a rejig, here’s a quick roundup of the stories from the last week, including the upcoming changes to the Amex Platinum card, with an increase in annual fee.
Would you pay $900 for the Amex Platinum Card?
American Express is about to make changes to the Amex Platinum Card this Fall. Amex will be refreshing both the business and personal versions of their coveted Platinum card. However, we’ve already seen credible rumors that the new annual fee will be a massive $895. So, the question is, once the details are out, would you stick around or jump ship?
Emirates points transfer ratio drops
We were so used to transferring Amex Membership Rewards points to Emirates at a 1:1 ratio. A few weeks back, Amex killed this important feature from their Emirates Skywards program. Now, even then points transfer ratio will drop by 20% in a few weeks time.
My most recent attempt at trying to get a retention bonus from Amex
The annual fee on my Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card was due and I decided to try my luck out. I reached out to Amex’s chat rep and requested a retention offer for the card.
Your complete guide to Hilton Free Night Certificates
Given the number of hotel programs out there, figuring out the intricacies of free night certificates can often seem an arduous task. In this post, I’ve simplified things and created a complete guide for you as you look to earn and then redeem Hilton Free Night Certificates in order to book your next memorable stay.
Eern $600 each year: Your complete guide to Hilton Aspire Credits
The Hilton Aspire card is a fantastic product for those who frequently book stays with Hilton. While it carries an annual fee of $550, you can earn $600 in credits each year, in addition to one free night certificate. In this post, you’ll get a detailed look into how those credits work and how you can maximize them each year.
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New Credit Card Offers
Chase Sapphire Cards
- Earn 100,000 bonus points and a $500 statement credit with the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card
- Earn 200,000 bonus points with the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card for Business
Co Branded Hilton Honors Cards
- Earn 100,000 bonus points and a $100 statement credit with the Hilton Honors American Express card
- No fee for the first year, earn 130,000 bonus points with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass card
- Earn 175,000 bonus points with the Hilton Aspire card, in addition to 1 free night certificate each year
- Earn 175,000 bonus points with the Hilton Business Card
Co-branded Delta SkyMiles cards
- No annual fee for the first year, earn 80,000 bonus miles with the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
- Earn 90,000 bonus miles with the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card
- Earn 100,000 bonus miles with the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
- No fee for the first year, earn 90,000 bonus miles with the Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express Card
- Earn 100,000 bonus miles with the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card
- Earn 110,000 bonus miles with the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card
Marriott Credit Cards
- Earn 60,000 points and 1 free night with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold Card by Chase
- Earn 5 free nights with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card
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With this price increase, should come some great perks. Any idea what those may be?
@ShantaiMcDermott: No idea yet, but the announcement will come in Fall, probably by Sep-Oct.
I have had the Platinum Card since 1986…it’s a shame they ‘ve whored themselves out to the flip flop crowd..No recognition to long time card holders and more of a glorified Waffel House experience these days!! I won’t be fooled again…
@JacksonShockleyJr: Yes, the coupon-ish credits have totally eroded the allure of the card.
I became a Amex platinum member in 2007 for the travel perks. I don’t travel muxh now. I’ll be switching to a Gold card. Thanks for keeping us updated!!
@Jennifer: Gold is a good choice if you plan to downgrade!
Last year I didn’t travel enough to benefit from the Platinum card. I’m glad I went to gold, it woukd be insane at that price.
@MikefromBoston: That’s smart, another AF increase may convince many to downgrade to the Gold or Green
I never applied for the Platinum Amex .. I rather use my gold for now.. but a annual fee of 695 going up to 900 .. That’s a rip off.. ..I guess is good for the coupons lovers …Now .. I Know I will never have Platinum..
@AlexRod: the proof of the pudding is in the eating, we’ll see how many customers will jump ship. If enough do, we’ll see the banks make changes, else they keep winning.
I never applied for the Platinum Amex .. I rather use my gold for now.. but a annual fee of 695 going up to 900 .. That’s a rip off.. ..I guess is good for the coupons lovers …Now .. I Know I will never have Platinum..
Not sure in difficult times like this, you raise your prices for Platinum. I like the conveniences so please don’t force us to drop this card
Arlene Manning
@ArleneManning: Never hurts to ask, once the fee is increased, you can request a retention bonus offer.
Ridiculous how credit cards want to into people packet . 700 or 900 anual fee for a card I’d a RIP OFF. I understand is a Platinum card but hey are you at of you mind . We are living in an economic that is not help for no one. AMERICAN EXPRESS REDUCE YOU ANUAL FEES TO 95 AT LEAST SO A LOT OF PEOPLE WILL ABLE TO USE THAT CARD. THERE IS OTHER CREDIT CARDS OFFERING BETTER RATE AND MOR VALUES TO USE IT AND ENJOY HAVING A CARD , NOT TO HAVE A HEADACHE EVERY YEAR LOOKING A RIDICULOUS ANUAL FEE. CHANGE FOR THE BEST NOT FOR THE WORST.
I will likely switch and ditch it… It’s already almost a breakeven for me, going back to other cards that have a bit more value for what I need
My first credit card was Amex 1974. I have the Platinum Card. I am a 50 year member. I will cancel the card. Sad.
@Adam: I Won’t be surprised if more customers drop out this time around.
@MichaelAnderson: Wow, that’s a long time ago. The Platinum Card itself just turned 40.
@Adam: Won’t be surprised if more customers drop out this time around.