topic Re: AMEX Platimum Points Question in Credit Cards

AMEX Platimum Points Question

Scuba — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 23:47:32 GMT

I should know this but dont.

I have a lowly 20K points on my Platimum amex and the same number is showning on my Zync.

I want to close my Platimum but dont want to lose the points.

Are the points interchangable between the 2 cards?

Forum members always talks about MRE points and the like but i never understood what the differences are.

Re: AMEX Platimum Points Question

Anonymous — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 00:56:24 GMT

Basic difference is that MRE points are not transerable to travel partner frequent flier/stay programs. You can move your plat points to Zync, and then they become MRE. However, if you get a "real" MR card again, they effectively become MR points and can be transferred.

One possibility is to wait till April 2 and get the new Everyday card, which has no AF and keeps the points as MR.

But if you don't plan to transfer points to hotel or airline programs, might not be worth it. You can keep the points on your Zync and choose other types of awards.

Re: AMEX Platimum Points Question

Anonymous — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 00:58:42 GMT

MRE points are MR Express points - that's what the Zync has. Green to Platinum (and the future Everyday cards) has regular MR points.

Regular MR points can transfer to airlines (which is where you get great value redemptions, 2-8% back depending on how you know how to use them). MRE points basically gets didly squat. I think it earns 1% cash back.

While you have a Green-Platinum card, all your points are considered regular MR points. As soon as you ONLY have the Zync, they become MRE.

Get the new Everyday card next month (no AF), then all your points will be regular MR again. then cancel your Platinum after.

Re: AMEX Platimum Points Question

twist7d7 — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 01:00:11 GMT

What kind of points do the charge cards (gold) earn? is it the same as the new everyday card?

Re: AMEX Platimum Points Question

Anonymous — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 01:03:46 GMT

@twist7d7 wrote:
What kind of points do the charge cards (gold) earn? is it the same as the new everyday card?

Zync = MRE points.

Green, Gold, PRG, Platinum, MB Platinum card, MB credit card, Centurion, Everyday, EverydayP all earns regular MR points.

Re: AMEX Platimum Points Question

Anonymous — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 01:04:41 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@twist7d7 wrote:
What kind of points do the charge cards (gold) earn? is it the same as the new everyday card?
Zync = MRE points.

Green, Gold, PRG, Platinum, MB Platinum card, MB credit card, Centurion, Everyday, EverydayP all earns regular MR points.

Yes. And the Amex Blue (which I expect to go away soon!) is also MRE

Re: AMEX Platimum Points Question

Anonymous — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 01:05:30 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@twist7d7 wrote:
What kind of points do the charge cards (gold) earn? is it the same as the new everyday card?
Zync = MRE points.

Green, Gold, PRG, Platinum, MB Platinum card, MB credit card, Centurion, Everyday, EverydayP all earns regular MR points.
Yes. And the Amex Blue (which I expect to go away soon!) is also MRE

lol, the whole world always forgets the Blue.

Re: AMEX Platimum Points Question

twist7d7 — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 01:08:31 GMT

This makes me really want to trade in my BCE to the everyday card. i dont want to be earning two different kinds of points.

Re: AMEX Platimum Points Question

Anonymous — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 01:14:02 GMT

@twist7d7 wrote:
This makes me really want to trade in my BCE to the everyday card. i dont want to be earning two different kinds of points.

If you like the 3-6% cash back in groceries then stick with the BCE. If you like the transferring to airlines, go with the Everyday card(s)!

I see use from both cards depending on the person. The regular Blue card however I see going obsolete.

Re: AMEX Platimum Points Question

Anonymous — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 01:15:42 GMT

@twist7d7 wrote:
This makes me really want to trade in my BCE to the everyday card. i dont want to be earning two different kinds of points.

Current belief is that you cannot PC, you would have to app.

Depending on spend and how you value MR, the everyday card may not be better for all. You also have to do 20 transactions a month, which may take transactions away from other cards (although 20 per month isn't a lot).

Re: AMEX Platimum Points Question

Anonymous — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 01:18:18 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@twist7d7 wrote:
This makes me really want to trade in my BCE to the everyday card. i dont want to be earning two different kinds of points.
If you like the 3-6% cash back in groceries then stick with the BCE. If you like the transferring to airlines, go with the Everyday card(s)!

I see use from both cards depending on the person. The regular Blue card however I see going obsolete.

I think it is more how much you value an MR. If you transfer, you can get high valuations, and the 2MR on groceries (up to 6K) can be worth more than the 3% the BCE gives you. If however, you don't think you will ever transfer, and you have little non-category spending, the everyday probably isn't worth it. But in that case, get the Sallie Mae and sock drawer the BCE.

Re: AMEX Platimum Points Question

Anonymous — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 01:39:42 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@twist7d7 wrote:
This makes me really want to trade in my BCE to the everyday card. i dont want to be earning two different kinds of points.
Current belief is that you cannot PC, you would have to app.

Depending on spend and how you value MR, the everyday card may not be better for all. You also have to do 20 transactions a month, which may take transactions away from other cards (although 20 per month isn't a lot).

A known Amex employee on the "other" boards confirmed that you will not be able to PC to ED/EDP.

Re: AMEX Platimum Points Question

Anonymous — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 01:48:19 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@twist7d7 wrote:
This makes me really want to trade in my BCE to the everyday card. i dont want to be earning two different kinds of points.
Current belief is that you cannot PC, you would have to app.

Depending on spend and how you value MR, the everyday card may not be better for all. You also have to do 20 transactions a month, which may take transactions away from other cards (although 20 per month isn't a lot).

A known Amex employee on the "other" boards confirmed that you will not be able to PC to ED/EDP.

Anyword on PC-ing a SPG card to a Everyday card yet?

Re: AMEX Platimum Points Question

Anonymous — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 01:54:00 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@twist7d7 wrote:
This makes me really want to trade in my BCE to the everyday card. i dont want to be earning two different kinds of points.
Current belief is that you cannot PC, you would have to app.

Depending on spend and how you value MR, the everyday card may not be better for all. You also have to do 20 transactions a month, which may take transactions away from other cards (although 20 per month isn't a lot).

A known Amex employee on the "other" boards confirmed that you will not be able to PC to ED/EDP.
Anyword on PC-ing a SPG card to a Everyday card yet?

The statement on the Amex Community Forums implied no PCing at all to the new cards.

Re: AMEX Platimum Points Question

Anonymous — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 01:56:27 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@twist7d7 wrote:
This makes me really want to trade in my BCE to the everyday card. i dont want to be earning two different kinds of points.
Current belief is that you cannot PC, you would have to app.

Depending on spend and how you value MR, the everyday card may not be better for all. You also have to do 20 transactions a month, which may take transactions away from other cards (although 20 per month isn't a lot).

A known Amex employee on the "other" boards confirmed that you will not be able to PC to ED/EDP.
Anyword on PC-ing a SPG card to a Everyday card yet?

See quoted text:

"I have an update for those of you enquiring on product changing to this card - I went into the office last night and learnt that this is one of the cards that will not be able to have any type of product change (like JetBlue and TrueEarnings). The reason for this particular card's restriction is due to the [20% or 50%] bonusing structure tied to the card. The only way to get this card will unfortunately be to apply. Sorry in advance for any confusion or disappointment."

Re: AMEX Platimum Points Question

Open123 — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 01:59:26 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
The statement on the Amex Community Forums implied no PCing at all to the new cards.

Only rationale I can think of for this is because Blue cash or Blue Sky has different rewards, which aren't convertable to MRs. For instance, what happens to the $18 cash remaining in a PC'ed BCP? Since it can only be redeemed at $25 increments and can't be dispursed as a check.

*Edited* Obviously, posted before reading Leadberry's post above. In this case, I'll just app for the EDP on launch date.

Re: AMEX Platimum Points Question

newUser0 — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 02:07:41 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@twist7d7 wrote:
What kind of points do the charge cards (gold) earn? is it the same as the new everyday card?
Zync = MRE points.

Green, Gold, PRG, Platinum, MB Platinum card, MB credit card, Centurion, Everyday, EverydayP all earns regular MR points.

I think this is wrong information.

Zync = MRE Points

Green, Gold, PRG, Everyday series = MR Points

Platinum (MB and other versions) and Centurion = MR First Points.

Here is a link that explains this better.

https://www295.americanexpress.com/cards/platinum/benefit.do?benefitTemplate=template_a&benefitId=membershiprewards

Re: AMEX Platimum Points Question

Anonymous — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 03:43:45 GMT

@newUser0 wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@twist7d7 wrote:
What kind of points do the charge cards (gold) earn? is it the same as the new everyday card?
Zync = MRE points.

Green, Gold, PRG, Platinum, MB Platinum card, MB credit card, Centurion, Everyday, EverydayP all earns regular MR points.
I think this is wrong information.
Zync = MRE Points
Green, Gold, PRG, Everyday series = MR Points
Platinum (MB and other versions) and Centurion = MR First Points.
Here is a link that explains this better.
https://www295.americanexpress.com/cards/platinum/benefit.do?benefitTemplate=template_a&benefitId=membershiprewards

You're correct but the difference between MR and MR First is minute. For instance you request advance MR points with MR First, and that's the only difference I think.

Re: AMEX Platimum Points Question

Open123 — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 03:50:49 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
You're correct but the difference between MR and MR First is minute. For instance you request advance MR points with MR First, and that's the only difference I think.

Only other difference is on the Bus Plat, MR First points receive a 20% discount when using points for travel redemptions. However, even with a 20% discount, it's usually not a good option compared to direct FF transfers for air travel redemption.

Re: AMEX Platimum Points Question

Anonymous — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 04:16:14 GMT

@Open123 wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
You're correct but the difference between MR and MR First is minute. For instance you request advance MR points with MR First, and that's the only difference I think.
Only other difference is on the Bus Plat, MR First points receive a 20% discount when using points for travel redemptions. However, even with a 20% discount, it's usually not a good option compared to direct FF transfers for air travel redemption.

thanks. Yeah, I can't believe they took the 20% off from the personal Plat. But as you said transferring to airlines is much better anyway.