I'm 30 years old and I work as Marketing Manager for one of the largest retailers in the UK. Based i...
I'm 30 years old and I work as Marketing Manager for one of the largest retailers in the UK. Based in London. Passionate about helping people. My interests include cars, gadgets, movies, watches, music, clothes, the sea, travel, and beauty in all forms.
Member since:01.10.2007
Reviews:5
This is a review for the UK AmEx Platinum Charge Card - NOT the Platinum Credit Card. Some people seem to get the two mixed up and they are very different.
I used to hold an AmEx Gold Card but upgraded it to AmEx Platinum when I moved to the UK. I've now had the card for about 9 months and overall I'm very happy with it.
I chose it for the following reasons:
1) Extra security when shopping online or abroad. Paying with the AmEx card means I'm not taking a risk with my own money and I don't provide people with access to my private bank account.
2) Travel insurance. The Platinum card really does offer great insurance when you pay for your tickets/holiday using the card. Delayed flights, lost bags etc. doesn't scare me as much anymore. Last time my flight was cancelled I had to stay in a hotel over night and the AmEx Platinum team were very helpful and friendly throughout.
3) Access to loyalty programmes. The card gives you VIP status with some hotel chains and car rental companies. This means free upgrades, late checkouts, car rental discounts and some extra perks. It's very nice to get those complimentary hotel room upgrades. You also get free access to airport lounges which can really be a blessing!
4) Concierge service. When things happen I know I can just call the platinum team and ask them to help sort things out. So far that has worked very well. The service level from the platinum team has been excellent and they do make me feel valued as a customer (I've been in contact with them about 5-6 times during the past 9 months).
I haven't had to dispute anything on the card yet so can't comment on that.
Other advantages include: # The dedicated platinum card website has some good stuff, such as offers at exclusive hotels, deals on flights (usually business class), lifestyle events (concert tickets, supercar rentals etc), and insights and recommendations on what to do, where to eat, and what to explore in different locations of the world.
# Handing over the platinum card still seems to make sales people and hotel staff extra friendly and helpful
SO WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES? Well... 1) AmEx isn't accepted everywhere. Be sure to bring a backup card too. 2) Getting in touch with the AmEx travel people to book a hotel seems to take a long time (at least on a Monday over the phone). There is an online option too which I'm trying now. 3) The PIN code doesn't seem to work when I use it in stores abroad. No problem when the card is swiped though. I haven't used it in cash machines yet.
IN CONCLUSION I do recommend this card to anyone who travels and wants the extra benefits that come from getting the travel insurance, the lounge access, the free upgrades at hotels etc. If you make use of these upgrades they easily cover the £300 yearly card fee. If you don't travel, however, you may be better off choosing something else.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
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: 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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