Thread: Upgrade AMEX Gold to Platinum - Should I do it?

Originally Posted by DoingHomework

I haven't been too embarrassed puling out the card. Most people don't really notice. But occasionally someone will comment on it, and note that its expensive or something. That has happened mostly at nicer hotels. And a few friends or coworkers have seen in in my wallet and commented. Some people know the expense and seem to think it means you're rich. But honestly, anyone who travels just a few trips a year would benefit. I know people I work with who make far less than me but travel more. They would probably save money with a platinum card but the "mystic" and expense keeps them for getting one.

But man, if you eat KFC...well you may not be platinum material!

And if my team makes it, I might just see what the concierge can do for the Superbowl. But I don't have my hopes up!

It is such a waste that your on-the-road acquaintances are not taking advantage of the Platinum.

The problem is that I have no girlfriend yet to take to fancy dinners, my parents aren't the type to go to fancy dinners, and my brothers are the same with my parents. My friends are already married and busy with their own life now. hehe... that's the reason with the KFC thing.

So it is kind of uncomfortable going alone to a fancy restaurant with everyone having other people with them.

Originally Posted by Celestine

Thanks for everyone's opinion.

I guess... I'll stick to my Gold card for now.

I'll apply for a Platinum card after I have my very own family (wife and children)... so I can spoil them with all those perks associated with the Platinum card

If I were you, I'd check with AMEX by calling them to see if you can upgrade with no inquiry to the Premier Rewards as it sounds like you could benefit from the 2x of rewards on gas and groceries and 3x the rewards on the seldom airfare. That's me though.

Hi There,

I have had an AMEX Blue card for six years (haven't used it in about 3 years), and just got a PR Gold card in early February because I knew I had a LOT of work expenses coming up and didn't want to deal with a credit limit. I am know hoping to upgrade the gold to a platinum card.

My concern is, because I just got the gold card as my expenses were ramping up, twice this billing cycle I have had charging privileges suspended because of "unusually high activity." Both times I sent in a big payment and had the suspension lifted. I admit my spending this month would justifiably raise eyebrows, I've had the card a little over a month and have put over $72,000 in charges on it (and paid them all off). Even though there have been no late payments (on the contrary, I send them payments every week when I get reimbursed by work), do you think the two charging privilege suspensions will cause them to deny me an upgrade to platinum? My credit scores are 760, 780, and 805.

Originally Posted by eastoftheboston

Hi There,

I just got a PR Gold card in early February, do you think the two charging privilege suspensions will cause them to deny me an upgrade to platinum? My credit scores are 760, 780, and 805.

It doesn't matter what your scores are or how much you pay right now, you have to wait 13 months to change or modify an existing account. It has to do with the CARD law that was passed.

If you are cool with closing an account, and starting a new one I say do it. Or you can keep the gold card with the double points, and have them apply toward your platinum MR First account, and then cancel it before the year is up. If you are charging 70k to your card a month you definitely want the additional benefits the platinum card gives you.

It is not unusual for American Express to request payment in the first 90 days, as you have not established a history with them yet. I like to say that an American Express Platinum card are the keys to kingdom... BUT the gates haven't fully opened yet. Once they do, you may feel like you're on cloud 9. Pun intended.

Every relationship with American Express is different and unique. I tell people that I love my American Express Platinum card. I give it the respect that it gives me.