The Good Ole American Express...Gone?
 

On my recent European jaunt i thought of years ago when the first stop in each town was the AMEX office, not only to get travellers cheques cashed at favorable rates but to check the client's mail service for word from home.
But after looking for the old AMEX offices like in London (Haymarket, completely gone) and Paris (Opera, down to just an exchange counter) i gather this type of AMEX operation has bit the dust. Succombed to ATMs for changing money, e-mail instead of snail mail or whatever.
Anyway, the thrill of getting mail at the old American Expresses still lingers in my mind. Signed old fart.

American Express is going by the wayside. I had a Platinum Card for 10-12 years and just gave it up one day. They really didn't offer advantages that a simple internet search couldn't do. The same goes for Diner's Club. I resigned when they became a Mastercard.

The world is changing and if these folks want to become like all the 'others' then why should I pay extra for nothing?

AE's website still has 30-31 Haymarket. I have no idea if it's there or not.

But what do you expect. Everyday, we tell people going to Europe to just use their ATM cards. Who needs a real office?

And the Platinum, at $395, offers access to DL, NW and CO's airline lounges. That alone is worth $300 for those who otherwise would pay for a club membership.

Sorry, but I love my Amex Platinum card!

Not only do I get double miles for my everyday purchases...3 business class tickets in 3 years.. I can use the BC lounges even if I am flying coach.

Since I never have bothered with TCs for at least 15 years that is no problem...and my mail comes on the internet on webmail. Why does anyone have to change money nowadays?

I'm most likely older than you and I'd never call myself an "old fart"!

Sorry, Rkkwan..platinum is $135, not $335! and I just got, pay one year, get 1 year free..and I get 1 free companion ticket each year. And earlier this year,I got triple miles on everything !

Annual card fee for the AE Platinum is $395. They seldom offer it for lower. If you get one for $135, then you're extremely lucky, or there are some reasons they're offering that to you.

DH has the $395 platinum card. My AmEx platinum card, which is an add-on on HIS card (but with my own number) is $135.

We used to go to the AmEx office in Lucern Switzerland to cash an American check for up to $10k. That office is only for travel help now... I was really surprised to discover that back in Dec 06, when I purposely went there to cash a ck. I had to resort to the ATM at that point. What a let down.

But that doesn't mean we will quit the platinum card... no no no. Not gonna happen.

I just went back and checked my Amex renewal for platinum for last month.. it was $135.00 , if you all are paying 395.00 you are being screwed!That's for my DH's card and my card with a different number on the same account. We also get next year free with their special offer.

We have the Amex Skymiles Platinum card, for which the annual fee is $135. We get double points on many things, and occasional specials give even more. Our awards go directly into our Delta Skymiles account, and we get the buy-one get one free certificate on renewal each year. We DO NOT get admission to the airline clubs, as that is a benefit of the regular Amex Platinum card, which has a renewal fee of $395. The points on the regular Amex are called Membership Miles, and can be traded for a variety of travel options(airlines, Hotels) and for merchandise.

Believe me..if I was paying $395.00 plus $135.00 I'd know it!!!!!!!!!

BArb...I've always gotten into the Delta lounges with my $135.00 Delta Platinum card as long as I was flying Delta!

I think I have discovered the difference!


I have a Delta Amex card...as long as I am flying Delta or Continental or someone else(?0),I have access. My Amex card is linked to my Delta account..the $395.00 card is only an Amex card..not linked to an airline!

My "platinum" Amex card costs $75 a year. It comes from Costco. There may be other kinds of Amex platinum cards, but if you're talking about a specific type you need to say so. Mine is platinum colored and says American Express Platinum right on it.

The DL AMEX Platinum card doesn't qualify to get into any lounge. I used to have that card. You're lucky that the CRC people don't know better.

Neither does the Costco version.

We are flying to Buenos Aires, First class on our Platinum card, fly one get one free .. Pup is free too !
Our card is $395 a year.and also not linked to any airlines.
My husband remembers when Americans would hang out at the AMEX office in Paris and I remember the office across the street ( so convenient) from Harrods :)

The Amex office in Paris is being remodeled; there's a small side entrance where you can still obtain services while construction is in progress.

As recently as a few months ago (the last time I was there), they were still offering a full range of services.

I have used the American Express concierge service several times lately to make what others call "impossible" reservations. Rather than the months-earlier requirement for Jules Verne, the concierge got me reservations at the time I wanted with just a couple of days' notice. They also got me reservations at a restaurant that "does not take reservations" in that same time period. On the trip I am currently on, they were able to get me tickets to a sold out "Jersey Boys" performance.

This service is worth the cost of the card by itself! They are miracle workers!

Airport Club Access Program — complimentary admission
Wait for your flights in the comfort of a private airport club. Platinum Card members—as well as their spouses and children under the age of 21 or up to two traveling companions—can enjoy complimentary access to participating Continental Airlines Presidents Club®, Delta Crown Room Club®, and Northwest Airlines WorldClub® locations worldwide when traveling with the respective airline that is operating the club


from Amex website

Jody--the Airline club access is available only with regular Amex platinum. The card fee is $395.

http://www201.americanexpress.com/ap...gmID=undefined

Here is the info for Delta Platinum Skymiles card with no free lounge access, although you can purchase a reduced price membership or a one day pass.

https://www124.americanexpress.com/c...intBenefitList

I'm still trying to figure out how someone knows they have a "regular" platinum American Express card. Does it say "REGULAR" on it? Mine doesn't but does say "American Express platinum" yet it doesn't seem to be what some of you are calling a "regular platinum AMEX card", as I'm assuming it doesn't have those special features.