@Anonymous wrote:
I'm planning on taking a few trips over the next year and I'm considering a Platinum card, mainly for the sign up bonus and some of the perks (specifically the $200 airline fee credit and lounge access). I have some questions through.
I am currently sitting on 200K+ AAdvantage miles so I'll probably redeem some of those miles for one or two of the trips.
First off, can someone please clarify whether or not I'm elligible for a sign up bonus from Amex? I currently have a gold card, not PRG (stupid, I know, I got it before I discovered this site). I did not receive any sort of sign up bonus. When I am on the website no signup bonuses are offered to me for any card. Am I automatically disqualified from signup bonuses due to being a card member? Or do I still qualify since I never received a bonus? I've read conflicting information regarding the new policy.
- I don't think you would get sign up bonus if you already carry a charge card (Gold, Green, Zync, PRG)
Do I have to pay for my flight ticket with the Amex in order to get reimbursed for the incidentals using the $200 airline fee credit? Or can I cash in my miles, then pay for a checked bag with the card and get the credit back?
- Airlines Fee credit only works on incidentals and carry on luggage fee (as per T&C) but people, including myself have had success almost all the time in cashing out for Airline Gift cards (American in particular). So you can get gift cards worth 200$
Similar question for lounge access- can I access Centurion lounges simply by flashing the Amex Platinum and the airline ticket? Or do I need to actually pay for the flight using the Amex? And if my spouse is with me is she free or is there an extra fee if she is not a cardholder? I live in Dallas so I'd definitely want to take advantage of Centurion Lounge access. If you are in a city that does not have a Centurion Lounge but does have a partnering lounge, say a Delta Sky Club, do you get access with just the card or do I need an accompanying Delta ticket?
- You simply flash your Platinum card. You don't need to purchase the ticket using an AMEX. Two of your family members or friends can accompany you for free. ** Delta Sky Clubs used to work even if you don't fly with them, but this might have changed recently **
Whether or not I keep the card for a second year will depend on my travel plans for the following year. If I don't have anything planned, I'll probably cancel.
- If you put in a good amount of spending, AMEX will offer you a retention bonus. I got 50K bonus for around 60K spending last year.
I briefly considered the Citi Exec AAdvantage card, but it doesn't appear that they waive the first year AF. I would get Admirals Club access but the other perks, such as first checked bag free, would require I purchase a ticket using the card. Also I'm doing OK on AA miles so I'd like to use the sign up bonus to kickstart my MR accumulation rather than acquire more AA miles.
- If I was in your shoes, I would rather go for Citi Prestige. 250$ incidental reimbursements, Admirals Club access, free 4th night when you book 3 nights using Citi's preferred portal
