Thread: I broke down and got the Platinum

No there aren't any cards like it, it would take like 2-3 free cards to even get a second rate version of the Amex plat. but i do understad where u are coming from Ronnieloo. I love the concierge feature, but want to max points with my Gold PR card, so I'm gonna get a cap.1 Worlds MasterCard (no foreign transaction fees on cap one cards, a concierge and MasterCard flexibility)

I called to upgrade to the Plat tonight and was told I had to wait one full year after my account was opened (currently a gold member) to upgrade b/c of some law that was passed a couple of years ago. Anyone heard anything about this? The CSR was very helpful and told me if I called back on July 28th, he can get me upgraded. (Account opened July 27th, 2010)

I actually called last week to discuss an upgrade as well and was told the same thing. The guy was extremely nice and helpful, and he said it has to do with the Dodd-Frank bill. It is basically AMEX's way of internally complying with the legislation and avoiding some sort of potential fines. I don't think it makes a whole lot of sense though. If you voluntarily call them and offer to pay them more money to have a better card, what's the harm? It would be entirely different if they were actively soliciting you for something like that, which I don't think they are doing.

yes according to the "FAIR Credit" act that was recently implemented a credit card company's can not increase the annual fee on a card member within the first year (it was intended for those low class loan shark card company's) so amex has a 13 month wait in order to abide by that new law. You can get around it by not upgrading and opening up and entirely new account.

The problem with opening a new account to get a platinum card is that is a hard inquiry on your credit report. If you upgrade from gold to platinum it is a soft inquiry and does not negatively affect your credit score.