@Anonymous wrote:
@AnonymousHow do you downgrade an AMEX Platinum to a no AF product?
The answer is you can't.
But you can PC it to a $95 AF product, which is $455 less than his current product. Compared to no AF, $95 is a drop in the bucket relative to $550.
The Platinum starts at $550, but a significant part of that can be considered "prepaid travel" such as the $200 airline credit for certain fees, the Uber credit monthly, and the perks such as lounge access and status. Granted one needs to get out there to use those credits, but it's not a simple $550 vs $95 comparison. Add the SUB for the first year, and that goes a long way to take the sting out.
Congrats OP on getting the Platinum 
Sometimes it is best to stop waiting and just get the darn card, then see how it works for you. With first hand experience, instead of guessing, you can sleep soundly knowing that it works or does not work for you.
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:I hate to sound harsh but you kind of did it to yourself. Who applies for a "fancy" (it's really not that fancy) card with a $550 AF without sitting down and analyzing how it would fit into their spending habits and how they are benefiting from it. It sounds like you did have the intent to look at the benefits, however personally I would have done that before applying. Never apply for a card without thinking of how it can benefit you and not just sit there and look "fancy"--especially one with a AF that high
Due to the above, I don't think it's fair to make a blanket statement saying the Platinum is not worth it just because you are not the demographic the card is intended for. The proper statement would be "The AMEX Platinum is not worth it for me" or something to that extent. Nonetheless, you can downgrade the card to the AMEX Green card but it will be a $95 AF or you can just close it. It sounds like closing it might be the best bet for you since you are looking for no AF.
Good luck to you.
You don't sound harsh. :-)
You're right, though. I should be more specific. After speaking to 3 reps at Amex (by the way, I love their customer service), I can say the Platinum card is not a good choice for my family, and is probably not for a family who, like mine,
- Travels frequently by road trip and almost never by air.
- Spends the majority of hotel nights at less expensive chains such as Choice Hotels or Holiday Inn.
- Lives in an area with no Uber.
- Spends more on local experiences like museums and kid-friendly attractions than on events.
- In general spends a decent amount on travel, but not on high-end or luxury travel.
After exploring the benefits, I think this would be a great card for the future when my kids are all grown and travel won't be as restricted. My annual travel budget justifies the card, but doesn't provide any substantial reward beyond that. The last rep I spoke with was extremely helpful in recommending other cards that would be more rewarding for our usual travel habits than the BlueCash.
One clarification: The "fancy" reference was to the stainless steel card. I knew that's how it came but was kind of surprised by it still. The actual charge card program wasn't what I was referring to.
Why is travel restricted because you have children? My daughter is 3 and has already been to Guadeloupe, Ireland and Disney World. She loves going on airplanes and traveling. We will be leaving her with in laws when we travel to Paris in the fall. Don't think major cities are fun with small kids but rural areas are great.
Felt that way in the beginning but now it seems worth it. Like someone mentioned, if you travel enough, the benefits are good. If you don't, then not so good. I took advantage of the $200 airline credit and uber credits. Still have not done the global entry thing yet but that's next.
I think each card out there is different and each of us needs one for different purposes.
Forgot to add, I received the 100k signup bonus offer which will come in handy as I'm saving for a trip to Tahiti or Thailand for my 20 yr wedding anniversary.
