I'm Simon, I work as a Market Analyst for a water treatment company in London.
I'm Simon, I work as a Market Analyst for a water treatment company in London.
Member since:10.08.2000
Reviews:29
Members who trust:1
It seems that more and more people have Platinum cards these days. Most of them do not have any minimum requirements apart from having a job, and consequently say very little about those who have them. American Express still have very high standards and only give Platinum cards to existing customers by invitation only.
It's not cheap at £225 a year, but the package it offers you is potentially worth a great deal more. You get year round travel insurance, which American Express claim would cost you at least £165 if purchased separately. Looking at the level of cover, I believe them. You, and any of the five people who can be given supplementary cards all get cover on every journey abroad whether booked on the card or not. This gives you personal liability cover of £1 million and emergency hospital cover of £2 million and £7500 trip cancellation as well as much more. If you book using the card, you get even better cover, with increased payments for flight delays and lost luggage.
You also get access to Platinum Card Service who can make all of your travel arrangements, whether booked in advance or at the last minute. As part of the travel package, you also get access to Priority Pass who operate a number of airport lounges across the world. This membership is usually worth around £129 a year. You usually get access to complementary refreshments, newspapers, snacks and showers as well as somewhere quiet to sit. Standards vary from airport to airport, but they are always much better than the standard public airport lounges.
If you book your flights through Amex, you can get an upgrade to the next class of travel or get a free companion ticket. The offers available vary from airline to airline, but there are a lot of airlines involved, so you can usually take advantage of this. On top of this you can also make savings of up to 40% on the cost of the flight. There are also a lot of offers available through many different hotels. Complementary Gold VIP membership of Hilton HHonors gets you free room upgrades and express check-in.
You can also order £1000 in foreign currency or commission-free travellers cheques and have them delivered to you free of charge.
Concierge Service is available 24 hours a day 365 days a year to make arrangements for you. They can find a gift and have it delivered on your behalf, book a table at a restaurant, or book tickets for events throughout Europe.
Any purchases made on the card will earn points under the American Express Membership Rewards Classic Programme. The points can be redeemed against a large number of items from magazine subsciptions, food and drink to hotel stays and airline flights.
There are so many more benefits to card membership but there are too many to list. One more benefit you do get is invitations to film premieres, new store openings, private shopping nights at top stores such as Harrods and Selfridges etc. To get the most benefit from American Express Platinum, you need to be someone who travels abroad at least once a year, since a lot of the benefits relate to travelling. Since most people do travel at least once a year, I'd recommend membership to everyone. You will probably have to be a Gold Card member for a year or two and spend at least several thousand pounds a year on the card before you receive the invitation to join though.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
I once called amex to find out what day was VJ day (to settle an argument in the pub). Very helpful!
Costs are high if you don't use the services i.e. travel insurance and priority pass. If you do use the service its good value.
2penceworth 19.12.2003 17:38
I've held an AMEX Green Charge for a year now and never used it. AMEX have now pre-approved me for their Platinum Charge Card. I also hold their BLUE and GOLD credit card. Make of that what you will.
steveuk 20.12.2002 13:48
Good review, shame you didn't say a bit more about your personal experience of using the card.
Advantages: Probably the most exclusive card you can get, numerous travel benefits Disadvantages: Not accepted that widely, very difficult to apply for
Advantages: Travel insurance, priority pass membership, accelarated hotel status and more! Disadvantages: Limited acceptance within the UK, although this is improving.
Advantages: Travel insurance, priority pass membership, accelarated hotel status and more! Disadvantages: Limited acceptance within the UK, although this is improving.
Advantages: Probably the most exclusive card you can get, numerous travel benefits Disadvantages: Not accepted that widely, very difficult to apply for
Advantages: Good cashback, no annual fee good opportunity to build credit rating with Amex Disadvantages: No option to pay in full each month by direct debt, not as widely accepted as other cards, won't get you laid
Briz_Hatchings 10.10.2001 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
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