American Express Announces Minor Changes for Platinum Cardholders
American Express is making some changes for Platinum cardholders. The most impactful change is the way you will use the Platinum Card Concierge service going forward. Soon, the only option will be to call in.
The other change is a new spending tracker that most people will probably never use. This has to do with the new pricing for Centurion Lounge access, and the spending required to get in for free.
Platinum Card Concierge
Concierge is a complimentary service Amex Platinum cardmembers. They can assist you with finding the best restaurants or buying tickets to upcoming events. For now, you could call or email the Platinum Concierge any time with a request and an agent is ready to help you.
But, going forward, you will only be able to reach out to a Platinum Card Concierge by phone. Email requests will no longer be honored after August 18. TPG first reported these changes. Here’s what American Express said:
American Express prides itself on providing the world-class customer service, which is why every U.S. Consumer, Business and Corporate Platinum Card® Member has access to our Concierge. We believe that this service is most effective and efficient by phone. Therefore, as of August 18, 2021, Platinum Card Members will no longer be able to contact Concierge by email. Instead, we ask that they simply call the number on the back of their Card and say ‘Concierge.’
I think most people preferred the email option. Going forward you will have to call the number on your card and talk to a concierge directly. With many new cardholders added to the ranks, I expect that there will be some wait times to get in touch with Platinum Card Concierge service.
New Spending Tracker
American Express is making change to Centurion Lounge access starting in February 1, 2023. From that date forward, Platinum Card Members, Business Platinum Card Members and Additional Platinum Card Members on the account will be charged a $50 fee for each guest. Children between 2 and 17 years old will pay $30.
The good news is that you can bring in guests for free with enough spend. The bad news is that you need to spend $75,000 annually. That a ridiculous amount of spending on a card that earns 1X on most purchases.
However, if you’re planning on getting that free guest access, American Express is helping you out with a spending tracker.
Starting in 2022, you will be able to check your Platinum Card’s spend tracker in the Membership tab within the Amex App, or the Benefits Dashboard in your American Express online account. Eligible purchases may take up to 12 weeks to be reflected.
That will make things much easier for sure!
Conclusion
I’m sad to see the email option go for the Concierge service. That’s the only way I’ve ever contacted American Express. As for the tracker, I’m sure most readers will not be thinking about spending $75 with their Amex Platinum Card.
Let us know what you think!
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With 1.5 MR points per dollar on a Business Platinum charge over $5,000, it’s doable. Worthwhile? Maybe.
We have 2 Amex Plats and 1 Business Plat, however I use our 3 Blue Business Plus Amex cards (gives 2X on purchases up to $50K annually each) for all of my 1X spending. Using the Amex Biz Plat, I would be leaving 37,500 MR points on the table. Not enough for me to justify guesting someone into a Centurion lounge.