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Mercedes-Benz Plat has a 50k with 3k spend in 3mo. but terms dictate no zync/green/gold members within last 90 days....
The Platinum and Reserve Delta cards still over a free companion cass (economy for platinum and economy/business for reserve) It does not require a full fare but there are fare requirements.
For example I booked a ticket that was showing lowest fare 485, the fare needed for the companion pass was 540. still saved over $400.
@VegasKyle wrote:
I have a follow up question. From the best of my googling abilities, it looks like the only companion tickets the Plat charge card offers are for international business or first class. It looks like they use to offer a domestic service but don't any longer.
Is this correct?
I see the delta plat and reserve have domestic companion ticket offers.
Correct about the Plat companion ticket. I do not know about the delta plat and reserve, sorry.
A question for you Kyle, do you still live in Vegas?
ETA: or how many times do you fly to Vegas or DFW a year?
@VegasKyle wrote:
I have an AMEX green charge card and gold Delta credit card now. I don't use the green card much, small purchases here and there totaling a few hundred a month. I do like having a charge card "just in case" and the 13 years of backdating alone justifies the $95 AF(which will kick in 3/14). I'm starting to wonder if the extra $355 in AF for the platinum could be justified. Also would I even qualify for the platinum or is the underwriting criteria be same for all charge cards?
I've started traveling more (once or twice a month) and will continue to do so, probably more frequently over the foreseeable future. Because of where I now live I can't get direct flights, I have at least 1 layover, always. I would be able to use the $200 in travel credit easily. That leaves $155, the lounge access is worth that to me. So am I missing anything? It looks like the platinum is a better deal than the green.
OP,
IMO, you should cancel the green card before the annual fee kicks in and apply for the Platinum.
Ameriprise Financial offers a Platinum American Express card w/ the annual fee waived for the first year. All they ask is that you have some sort of account with them (even though there have been situations where non-members were approved.) The catch is there aren't any MR Points being offered as a sign up bonus (which you probably wouldn't be eligible for anyway) however, you will receive 5,000 additional Membership Rewards points for every $20,000 in eligible spending, up to 30,000 additional Membership Rewards points annually.
Here's the link for the app https://www.ameriprise.com/cash-cards-and-lending/cards/platinum-card-from-american-express.asp
*Also, check this out to learn more about what the American Express Platinum Card has to offer as a whole http://www.askmrcreditcard.com/creditcardblog/american-express-platinum-card-review/
Hope this helps and keep us updated on your decision
Thank me later
@VegasKyle wrote:
@SuperKirby
I no longer live in Vegas, I'd guess Ill fly to Vegas 3-6 times next year, it's hard to say right now. The rest will be spread out across the US, plus maybe 1-2 to Canada and 1-2 other international. Delta is what I've been flying most, Alaskan and American are options too, I've also taken some sketchy regionals. I've been spending a lot of time in the Salt Lake airport
Oh Ok do you fly to DFW? Flying transcon on American Airlines does usually mean youll have plenty of layovers in DFW.
The reason I ask is because Platinum Card now gives free access to the Centurion Lounge at Vegas and Dallas. Have you ever been to the Centurion Lounge? Its the, IMO, nicest lounge by far in the US. Free buffet and free premium alcoholic drinks! The Dallas Centurion lounge gives out free spa treatments. They'll even give you an iPad to play with. http://thepointsguy.com/2013/10/preview-of-the-new-american-express-centurion-lounge-opening-at-dall...
Non Plat members can pay $50 to get in. So if you travel to LAS or DFW alot its definitely worth it. IMO, 3-6 times is worth it.