Downgrade from an Amex Platinum Charge to Gold possible?

[Anonymous]

Was wondering if anyone on the forum ever downgraded their charge card with Amex? Have had the Platinum since '09 and only use the travel rewards sparingly. I would definitely use the Gold more because of the points for at supermarkets and restaurants. Is it easy to do and can you always go up if you change your mind? I have an everyday preferred card with them with a 48k limit already so I would hope I would be pre-qualified if I wanted to return. Thoughts and experiences from anyone appreciated.

[simplynoir]

Downgrading shouldn't be an issue at all. They might try to throw a retention offer at you to keep it as is but still won't be a problem since you still plan to keep the account open. You can always upgrade back up again after one year if you do not find it to your liking. Do note, however, that if you want to keep the Gold card and decide you want the Platinum again there's a very good chance you won't requalify for the SUB. That might not be something that concerns you but just something to keep in mind.

[CGeorge]

That should work. I downgraded from the Gold to the Green. I just wan't willing to pay the Gold AF - I just don't use it enough to warrant that.

I was able to keep all of Membership Rewards Points - they just transferred.

Hope this helps.

[Anonymous]

Be sure to get your airline credit and upgraded status on rentals/hotels for the year and PreCheck benefit before you cancel.  I'm leaving Platinum too when my year is up in April, now with the changes to lounges that was announced. 

[Anonymous]

What were the changes that were announced? I must have missed it.

[Anonymous]

Probably a stupid question, but does SUB mean?

[simplynoir]

The big change is arrivals are no longer allowed to check in to Centurion Lounges, only departures 3 hours out are allowed in is the one I'm assuming they're talking about. And SUB is sign up bonus; basically where you meet a certain spending threshold and the credit card company gives you a bonus for it in the form of points/cashback.

[UncleB]

Hi @Anonymous, this link might help: http://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/User-Guidelines-General/Common-Abbreviations/td-p/88458

[Anonymous]

Were you able to keep the same account number and member since date when you downgraded?

[simplynoir]

---

@Anonymous wrote:
Were you able to keep the same account number and member since date when you downgraded?

---

The account number and age remain the same, only thing that changes is the reward structure and perks associated with the card or lack thereof in the case of a downgrade.