topic Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story in Credit Cards

Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story

Anonymous — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 17:59:24 GMT

After some request and my own curiosity, I decided to find out which concierge would be best in an emergency, such as if my flight is canceled and I need a different one right away, I decided to compare Visa and Amex Concierges.

First up a unique request. If they can help with something they have never helped anyone else with, then surely they can help with things they do on a daily basis. What is something that is rarely if ever requested? How about a space flight.

I sent an email to both companies inquiring about the possibilities of space flight. Same text, same time. The request was done by email for both. Within 1 hour I get a call from Visa from a gentleman asking questions so he’s sure what to research on. He tells me he was never asked a request like this and is very happy to work on it. He tells me he will get back to me by the next day at 6 P.M.

I wake up and already see the email from him (about 17 hours early). In the email is a very detailed PDF consisting of 4 companies, all of their addresses, prices, details of what each experience is/does, pictures, and a story about each one. Safe to say I didn't expect this to be so detailed and nice.

Meanwhile, I got an email from Amex after reviewing the Visa PDF. The email, in essence, says that they need 7 more days to compile information and will get back to me no later than 1 week. While I can’t say Visa has won based on work since Amex hasn't actually submitted any work, I can say that for time and dedication Visa wins.

Next up something that I actually plan to do. Travel to Hawaii. Once again, I contacted both companies with the exact same request. They were given dates and told I needed flights, car, hotel, and daily experiences. I went into great detail in each category to explain what I prefer and what I dislike. They should have a very clear picture of everything from my preferred flight times to the rental car type to the hotel location.

Within 2 hours I got a call back from Visa from Mr. E. He seemed very passionate about my upcoming travel. He listened and made suggestions that were in line with what I wanted to do. He provided everything from flights, to cars, to hotels. Everything matched my preferences. He also informed me that if I needed anything else or if any of my plans changed, to email him personally. I had an overall great planning experience.

Amex also replied within 2 hours. This time in the form of an email. Very friendly representative who included brochures for every island. However, I was told they can not help me. Only Amex’s travel dept. can help me. This is understandable in my eyes, but I would much prefer to be transferred to a travel agent who has read about my plans so that I didn't have to start from scratch. Including the travel dept. plans isn't a direct comparison of concierges and will be left out.

There are other comparisons that could have been done but id rather not waste any more of there time. I have tried to make this as fair as possible so that you the user can gather an opinion.

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story

Open123 — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:18:11 GMT

Interesting post.

I've never tried using Visa signature for travel related services, but am now tempted after your post. In your estimation, which has been a better experience for you thus far?

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story

Anonymous — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:20:38 GMT

@Open123 wrote:
Interesting post.

I've never tried using Visa signature for travel related services, but am now tempted after your post. In your estimation, which has been a better experience for you thus far?

I try to stay away from opinions but honestly; I feel that I received no help from Amex where Visa helped tremendously. I really wanted it to be the other way around as Plat has quite a high AF.

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story

Anonymous — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:22:27 GMT

As much as I dislike Citi, I'd have to give the Trophy to Citi on this one.

Very good post Tanner.

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story

Open123 — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:23:02 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Open123 wrote:
Interesting post.

I've never tried using Visa signature for travel related services, but am now tempted after your post. In your estimation, which has been a better experience for you thus far?
I try to stay away from opinions but honestly; I feel that I received no help from Amex where Visa helped tremendously. I really wanted it to be the other way around as Plat has quite a high AF.

I can understand, especially since with the fee on the Platinum, you'd expect them to be better hands down. I think I'm gonna try the Visa Sig, since I'm going to take Citi up on the 50k bonus on the Premier card.

Do you have if Visa sig has airport access?

Thanks!

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story

Anonymous — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:23:54 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
As much as I dislike Citi, I'd have to give the Trophy to Citi on this one.

Very good post Tanner.

Thank you. I really thought I would get burned for posting this. Its nice to see someone appreciate my test. If your going for concierge solely, save the 450 and go with Visa.

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story

Anonymous — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:25:16 GMT

I can understand, especially since with the fee on the Platinum, you'd expect them to be better hands down. I think I'm gonna try the Visa Sig, since I'm going to take Citi up on the 50k bonus on the Premier card.

Do you have if Visa sig has airport access?

Thanks!

I currently know of none. Amex always touts there concierge as the best. Take the space comparison for example. 8 Days Amex vs 6 hours Visa.

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story

Anonymous — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:28:50 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
As much as I dislike Citi, I'd have to give the Trophy to Citi on this one.

Very good post Tanner.

Thank you. I really thought I would get burned for posting this. Its nice to see someone appreciate my test. If your going for concierge solely, save the 450 and go with Visa.

You're Welcome.

I hold 3 AmEx Cards and I'm AmEx all the way, but your post brings to light something positive about Citi, and I find not one thing wrong with that.

I honestly think you have posted something very useful to potential AmEx Plat and Citi Visa Sig applicants.

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story

Anonymous — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:30:22 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
As much as I dislike Citi, I'd have to give the Trophy to Citi on this one.

Very good post Tanner.

Thank you. I really thought I would get burned for posting this. Its nice to see someone appreciate my test. If your going for concierge solely, save the 450 and go with Visa.
You're Welcome.

I hold 3 AmEx Cards and I'm AmEx all the way, but your post brings to light something positive about Citi, and I find not one thing wrong with that.

I honestly think you have posted something very useful to potential AmEx Plat and Citi Visa Sig applicants.

I appreciate that. Any Sig card should work as I was using a sapphire prefered. I really was hoping Amex would be better. I may try one last comparison. Any ideas?

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story

Open123 — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:32:23 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
As much as I dislike Citi, I'd have to give the Trophy to Citi on this one.

Very good post Tanner.

Thank you. I really thought I would get burned for posting this. Its nice to see someone appreciate my test. If your going for concierge solely, save the 450 and go with Visa.
You're Welcome.

I hold 3 AmEx Cards and I'm AmEx all the way, but your post brings to light something positive about Citi, and I find not one thing wrong with that.

I honestly think you have posted something very useful to potential AmEx Plat and Citi Visa Sig applicants.

Absolutely! In my estimation, since most of my business travel takes me to SE Asia, I've noticed that Citi and HSBC have greater recognition there than Amex. I like Amex's airport access, but have never used the concierge. Regarding the 0% foreign transaction, VISA is much more widely accepted internationally than Amex.

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story

Cory — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:33:13 GMT

I love your compare & contrast story. I heard a lot of good things about Visa Signatures Cards. I have the Bank of America Visa Signature Card. I didn't see where the original poster mentioned Citi? Anyways, I was under the impression that I would not have to contact BofA if I had questions or make plans and reservations, but Visa Signature Services would do all of the work. I think that he/or she contacted Visa Signature Customer Service.

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story

Anonymous — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:35:24 GMT

@Cory wrote:
I love your compare & contrast story. I heard a lot of good things about Visa Signatures Cards. I have the Bank of America Visa Signature Card. I didn't see where the original poster mentioned Citi? Anyways, I was under the impression that I would not have to contact BofA if I had questions or make plans and reservations, but Visa Signature Services would do all of the work. I think that he/or she contacted Visa Signature Customer Service.

No mention of Citi by me. Any Visa Signature card will work. On both cases I emailed them. Simply google Visa Concierge and its the first link. They will set up your card and let you begin emailing right away.

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story

Anonymous — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:36:44 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
mayb my cruise ship ran aground and i have nothing but the clothes on my back and need to get home?

Something that doesnt require travel as Amex's concierge does not help with travel.

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story

Walt_K — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:39:13 GMT

You should forward this to Amex. I'm sure they'd be itnerested in the feedback. Like you said, at the very least, they should have sent the request to the correct department instead of just telling you that they aren't the ones who handle these types of requests.

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story

Anonymous — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:39:16 GMT

Great to know - thank you for the detailed and informative post!

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story

Anonymous — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:40:51 GMT

@Walt_K wrote:
You should forward this to Amex. I'm sure they'd be itnerested in the feedback. Like you said, at the very least, they should have sent the request to the correct department instead of just telling you that they aren't the ones who handle these types of requests.

Im scared of FR.

No, but really. You think I should send it as a secure message?

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story

Anonymous — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:42:32 GMT

@Cory wrote:
I love your compare & contrast story. I heard a lot of good things about Visa Signatures Cards. I have the Bank of America Visa Signature Card. I didn't see where the original poster mentioned Citi? Anyways, I was under the impression that I would not have to contact BofA if I had questions or make plans and reservations, but Visa Signature Services would do all of the work. I think that he/or she contacted Visa Signature Customer Service.

You're correct, my mistake, I thought I saw Citi mentioned in the OP's first post.

If I'm going to make an excuse, I'm sick and my head is a bit clouded (hopefully that will get me off the hook)

Sorry about that, I really could have sworn I saw Citi mentioned in the first post.

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story

Anonymous — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:45:09 GMT

Funny I was just buttering up my DW as to why I earth I would want to pay an AF that high for the Plat. one day, I was specifically praising their concierge, I hope yours was a fluke However I do bank with Citi and can't wait to get approved for one of their Prime cards!

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story

Anonymous — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:45:19 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Cory wrote:
I love your compare & contrast story. I heard a lot of good things about Visa Signatures Cards. I have the Bank of America Visa Signature Card. I didn't see where the original poster mentioned Citi? Anyways, I was under the impression that I would not have to contact BofA if I had questions or make plans and reservations, but Visa Signature Services would do all of the work. I think that he/or she contacted Visa Signature Customer Service.

You're correct, my mistake, I thought I saw Citi mentioned in the OP's first post.

If I'm going to make an excuse, I'm sick and my head is a bit clouded (hopefully that will get me off the hook)

Sorry about that, I really could have sworn I saw Citi mentioned in the first post.

Its no problem.

I would like for Amex to see this. Just not sure what the best approch to take is.

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story

Anonymous — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:46:24 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
Funny I was just buttering up my DW as to why I earth I would want to pay an AF that high for the Plat. one day, I was specifically praising their concierge, I hope yours was a fluke However I do bank with Citi and can't wait to get approved for one of their Prime cards!

I, too, have heard great things and wanted to try them out. My result is the story on page one.

topic Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge *Warning* Semi Long Story in Credit Cards

Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge *Warning* Semi Long Story

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge *Warning* Semi Long Story

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge *Warning* Semi Long Story

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge *Warning* Semi Long Story

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge *Warning* Semi Long Story

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge *Warning* Semi Long Story

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge *Warning* Semi Long Story

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge *Warning* Semi Long Story

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge *Warning* Semi Long Story

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge *Warning* Semi Long Story

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge *Warning* Semi Long Story

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge *Warning* Semi Long Story

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge *Warning* Semi Long Story

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge *Warning* Semi Long Story

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge *Warning* Semi Long Story

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge *Warning* Semi Long Story

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge *Warning* Semi Long Story

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge *Warning* Semi Long Story

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge *Warning* Semi Long Story

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge *Warning* Semi Long Story

topic Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story in Credit Cards

Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story

Re: Visa Signature vs Amex Platinum Concierge Warning Semi Long Story