Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook or Twitter!
I like posting ways to get the most out of a credit card sign up bonus, so I’m always happy to post referral links from readers who can refer others for targeted offers which are not broadly available and get you more miles for the same card.
I’ll also link to these posts in the “Bank Reward Points” credit card tab so that you’re sure of getting the most miles for a particular card sign-up! As always, if you know of a better deal than I’ve got listed, just let me know.
Feel free to jump in if you also have a referral to share in the comments. And, no, I don’t think it devalues the blog (but I appreciated you sharing your thoughts)!
Million Mile Secrets reader David emailed me about a referral offer which he received for the American Express Platinum personal card with a 50,000 (vs. the regular 25,000) Membership Rewards point bonus after spending $3,000 within 3 months.
AMEX Platinum with 50,000 Membership Rewards Points
However, the annual fee is $450 and you have to apply by February 28, 2012 and be approved by March 10, 2012.
David will receive a 10,000 point bonus for referring you. If you’re interested in the offer, please email him (NOT me!) at scutterdav@gmail.com
Terms
The terms say that: “This offer is valid for first-time Platinum Card members only. You are eligible to receive bonus points for only one Card account.”
My thoughts
Just like with their targeted offer for the Premier Rewards Gold card, this is a great way for AMEX to keep their marketing costs low (no ads or affiliate payments) and to increase existing Platinum cardholder’s loyalty (wouldn’t you be happy with a 10,000 point bonus?!) while also increasing the conversion rate of applications.
The $450 fee has kept me from applying for this card, but at some point I’ll get it.
Good Deal or Not?
This is a good deal for those of you who fly frequently and like airport lounge access. That’s because you get American Airlines, Delta, and US Airways lounge access just by having the card.
You also get a $200 Airline Fee Credit towards airline incidentals on any 1 airline which you designate per calendar year. This is supposed to cover expenses like baggage fees and snacks on the plane, but as Mommy Points has written, you may be able to use it to buy airline gift cards if you buy those airline gift cards in low denominations (think $50).
So your $450 annual fee gets you:
- $200 in airline gift cards (or can be used towards what was once free on planes!)
- 50,000 Membership Rewards points
- Lounge access (worth ~$300 if you would pay for it separately or $0 to $299 if you wouldn’t)
- Other perks like having the $100 Global Entry fee waived
- Priority Pass Membership
Bottom Line: If you value lounge access or pay for it, this is a good deal.
If you are interested in just the bonus points and hoping to use the $200 airline credit towards gift cards, you are effectively getting 50,000 Membership Rewards Points for $250 ($450 annual fee – $200 airline credit/airline gift cards).
Update: But as a reader points out, you could get the airline fee next year (2013) as well and then cancel the card so you get 50,000 Membership Rewards points for $50 ($450 annual fee – $200 airline credit/airline gift cards in 2012 – $200 airline credit/airline gift cards in 2013.
Another reader emailed to say that if you cancel within the first 2 months you get the $450 fee refunded. If you cancel after 2 months, you get a pro-rated refund.
If you don’t use lounge access or will use it only once or twice or wouldn’t pay a penny for lounge access, this isn’t the best deal since there are lots of other cards which will give you 50,000 miles or points for no charge during the 1st year. card will still get you Big Travel with Small Money.
Disclosure: I don’t get any payment if you apply for the card through David, except the thrill of knowing that both you and him earned more points!
* If you liked this post, why don’t you join the 3,500+ readers who have signed-up to receive free blog posts via email (only 1 email per day!) or in a RSS reader …because then you’ll never miss another credit card update!
I have earned and redeemed millions of airline miles and hotel points to travel the world for free. Now I'm blogging to help more people do the same! 
Actually, you get $200 in airline credits per calendar year, so sign up now and you get $200 (which you can buy 4x $50 AA gift cards) then Jan 1 next year you get another $200 before the annual fee is due so essentially you can get this card for $50 and 50,000 points. Darius, you forgot to mention another huge benefit of this card – Priority Pass. You get FREE access to any lounge that takes PP. I’ve personally used this overseas at amazing lounges that had open bars and free meals. This card is pretty amazing! Email me if you want a referral. Jason10170@gmail.com
I also received the same referral bonus and I am able to referr anyone. Email me at vimaury@hotmail.com for a referral. Recently I bought a $200 AA giftcard and was reimbursed completely about three days later.
Do you think AMEX might offer me the AMEX Platinum With 50,000 Membership Rewards Points if I threaten to cancel my amex premier rewards or amex gold biz card? i have these 2 cards since MAY 2011.
I mean can I ask amex to convert/change my amex gold biz or premier reward and give me the 50k with it?
oh never mind $450 annual fee kills the 50k bonus points.
BOA is not reporting credit limit to credit bureaus and reporting high balance only?
I opened my BOA cash rewards visa signature card over 2 months ago and have been using it and pay before due dates but when I check my credit report, my score has gone down. I am sure one of the reason is I have been applying for cards for the last several months, but another reason I am sure is and what i found on my report is, BOA is not reporting my credit limit of $10k to credit bureaus and reporting my high balance only. I found this on my citi identity and my credit karma report shows that I should ask BOA to have my CL reported.
I called and raised this issue but BOA told me mine is visa signature card and I have the flexibility or the purchase power of going over my CL and this is why CL is not reported, I was told he can change my card to BOA visa platinum card and it will have same , exact reward program like the cash rewards and my CL will then be reported to Credit bureaus.
I agreed to have my card changed to the platinum and waiting for it in the mail.
@jimmy - You could try calling and asking AMEX. They may be able to upgrade your card. The BOA platinum card offers fewer miles (Hawaiian Airlines) than the signature versions.
@Jason – Good points both. I totally forgot about them late last night. Thanks for the reminder and I’ve updated the post.
I also am able to make the referral for the Amex Platinum. Yes, it’s expensive at $450/yr but you get 50K MR points (worth $500-1,000 depending on your valuation), $200 for miscellaneous costs on your “favorite airline”, Priority Pass, and Global Entry for free (Amex reimburses the$100 cost). I just used the $200 benefit to purchase a single $200 gift certificate from Continental/United and Amex reimbursed within 3 days. I’m happy to refer you if you send me your first and last names and email address to hoglard1@comcast.net. Full disclosure–I’ll get 10K MR points. Thanks for your consideration!
Hello
For those on the fence on getting the Amex Platinum card, yes it has a very high annual fee at $450 but it comes with a boatload of benefits that i have not seen any other card to match. For starters there is the $200 airline fee credit which is reimbursed every year bringing the fee down to $250 . You also get the Priority Pass select which in itself is a $299 value and get free access to Airline club lounges of AA, Delta, US (even if you are not flying with them). Other benefits include SPG Gold Status and National Executive status. Eventhough i dont travel much , i still have been able to realise the full potential of this card and appreciate the excellent customer service that Amex provides. Lounge access in itself seals the deal for me since we travel with the small baby and are able to travel in comfort.
I am able to refer anyone who is interested (yes i get a 10000 point referral bonus). Please send me your name and email to ezymailme@gmail.com
Thanks and you wont regret getting this card one bit.
how badly does it hurt your credit score closing your amex platinum card right after you get the points and $200+$200 airline credit? Does canceling a charge card difer from canceling a credit card?
I can also do the platinum referral and a referral for the Amex HHonors card (free version). That one is 40k HHonors points with $750 spend in 3 months. I believe it is better than all current public offers on that card. There is never an annual fee on it and it gets you silver for as long as you have the card. Referral bonus was 10k last time I looked, but they might be doubling all bonuses right now.
Doh! Didn’t mean to hit the submit yet. tgewin at gmail if you want a referral. Provide first and last name, preferred email and which card you want.
Happy to refer anyone needing the Amex Platinum, in addition to the Amex SPG (25k after $5k/6mo) and Amex Premier Rewards Gold (25k after $2k/3 mo with annual fee waived) cards as well; let me know at catul3@gmail.com!
Thanks for the post, Darius! This will help my wife and I take a nice anniversary trip which we otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford. Keep up the great blogging work!
The people who are pushing their referrals are spinning this pretty hard, which is fine but to my mind detracts from this blog. I don’t like it but I can adjust.
For fun let’s look at the Global Entry $100 credit. I have Global Entry + Nexus, which is an enhanced GE that comes with a Nexus card for the fast lane into Canada and back. That program is way better than GE alone if you go to Canada much as you will spend way more time waiting to get across that border than at the airport immigration line, and it’s hard to sit in your car for an hour watching people in the Nexus lane scream across the border. The enhanced GE/Nexus is $50 for 5 years and GE alone is $100 for 5 years, so the other reason to get the enhanced GE is to save $50. This kills or reduces to draw of the GE $100 credit.
A not very talked about feature of the Chase Ink Bold Buisness, after the 50K points with a waived $95 fee, and the 5x points for Internet, cell phone, landline costs, and office supplies is the lounge access. I haven’t looked very carefully at it but it waives the Lounge Club membership fee and you get two free visits a year, after that it is $25 per visit. With the much better transfer partners for many people, I think the Ink should be looked at carefully before the Amex Plat. The requirement to show a buisness is the drawback.
The real question is understanding how you will use the points, with the limited transfer partners and better purchasing points on other cards some of us are finding ourselves with 55K points after a year with no idea where to park them. Paying $450 for hard to use points is a drag. But if you love an airline they partner with it will be different. Perhaps having the Chase on their butts will promt AMEX to get a better transfer partner but I don’t who that could be as Chase suks them up one after the other.
I have both, the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Ink Bold cards, so agree with the Ultimate Rewards value. However, I plan to keep my Amex Platinum because I see value in the multiple lounge visits to DL and AA lounges in addition to the Priority Pass ones, the $200 airline fee expenses reimbursement helps with the $450 annual fee, and it’s the little extras like SPG Gold, National Executive Aisle, TripIt Pro (going away in a couple of months), etc. that all add up to make this card worth it to me.
Anyone else need Amex Platinum Card referrals can e-mail me with their name at felipey@gmail.com
@Brian(J)/Daraius – how do you get the Priority Pass with the Bold? My wife just signed up for the Bold and we have a couple trips (one domestic, one international) coming up in the next 2 months. Would like to have some lounge access on at least the international one.
Do I need to apply for the PP and then get reimbursed by Chase? I tried researching it but the info doesn’t give you much on how to actually get the PP.
@SB – my Ink Bold had a small booklet with the various benefits listed. They don’t include Priority Pass, the lounge access is through “Lounge Club” (loungeclub.com); you can sign up using the link in the booklet with the code in there; I didn’t go through with this since I have Priority Pass Select through the Amex Platinum, and the Lounge Club wanted payment information for when the complimentary membership expires.
Just wondering where to buy gift cards/certificates from AA or UA/CA? I think if go to their websites and buy miles, the purchases will be charged by points.com, not airline companies. Thanks in advance!
I absolutely love this card. I dont think I could travel without lounge access anymore….and even though they lost United/Continental as a partner, I am still having a hard time giving up this card. If anyone needs a referral, you can email me at sandyjb@gmail.com
PS – Daraius, thank you for your generosity in allowing your readers to earn some referrals as well! That’s really kind of you!
SB, you go to http://www.loungeclub.com/inkcard and use the invitation code CHASEINK. What you get is free membership and 2 free visits/year and then it is $27/pop. I am already in 1st or business enough that it may not make sense to do more, but your travel patterns will determine that. I wish there was more discussion by people who were not after points. (Daraius: “doesn’t make sense for me right now” as opposed to “I love this card! Give me 10,000 points and you will love it to!).
Lounge Cub.
Because I brought this up I think I am responsible to point out that it is clearly a budget offering. Only 16 airports in the US have them, only 4 in Japan. On the other hand it is worth knowing about, and the website makes it easy to find the locations.
I always have a laugh at these “use my referral links!” “conga lines,” as they’re sometimes called. I don’t know any of these people. Why should I give them 10K points, as opposed to giving 10K points to someone who will promise to give to charity or give me a cut, or just calling Amex myself?
Hi, I had the Amex Platinum for many years before cancelling a few years ago. Do you think that I can still get the sign-up bonus. Is there any way to find out for sure?
Also, my wife was an additional card holder on my account. I guess I can always get her a new application and she would get the points, right?
Thanks.
I also received the offer and can refer you if you’d like. My offer has 50,000 for the new account holder, and 20,000 for me: “Each friend or family member who applies for the Card through that email and is approved can get 50,000 Membership Rewards bonus points for themselves when they spend $3,000 on their new Card in 3 months. You can get 20,000 Membership Rewards bonus points for up to 50 approved referrals.”
I love this card – lounge access, $200 airline credit, global entry and priority pass are great, but one of my favorite benefits is the fine hotels program. Room upgrade, early check in, guaranteed 4pm check out, free continental breakfast for 2 and usually $100 hotel credit. Last time I stayed at a Ritz Carlton and booked through the Platinum line I got as good a rate as I could find anywhere ($229), $176 in hotel credit ($100 + 2 x $38 for the breakfast), free valet parking, and 4pm checkout.
If you need a referral let me know at tim.morris.atl@gmail.com
Just a warning…I got this card with a link for 50,000 membership rewards points in November 2011. After charging $6000, I received only 25,000 points. I sent them a printscreen of my confirmation that states I would receive 50,000, but after emails and phone calls they said the couldn’t do anything for me because they only see me signing up with the 25,000 points. After talking to the supervision they said the only thing I can do is send a letter to membership rewards….and the still might not do anything. It’s frustrating when I have proof and they still won’t honor it. After my letter, if they do not give me the remaining 25,000 points, I will have to cancel the card…and wait around again until I am able to get the 50,000.
Again about the Lounge access- would anyone know where to find a definitive list, every one I can find is out of date. It is quite time consuming trying to find the list.
@Romsdeals – I’d like to hear an expert’s answer on this – My guess is closing a charge card doesn’t cost much because you’re not losing any credit utilization.
@Joy
I had the same problem with AMEX so I cancelled the card. They would not give me the points promised.
I always take screen shots and print out the application page, just in case the credit card issuer doesn’t post the bonus promised. Frustrating, if they don’t do what they say they will. At least Amex will refund pro rata portion of annual fee (or so I’ve read) if you cancel the card. Good luck!
brian(J)… from the amex website:
Airport Club Access Program
Platinum Card Access1*
To gain admission, simply present your Platinum Card, a government issued ID, and a ticket valid for same-day travel to the club agent in:
American Airlines Admirals Clubs®
Delta Sky Clubs®
US Airways Clubs®(Note: ticket not required for US Airways Clubs)
Airspace Lounges3
Your Spouse and children under age 21, or up to two traveling companions, may join you
Ticket must be on the club’s corresponding airline.
Enroll for Priority Pass Select2 Access
More International Access – over 600 airport lounges in 100 countries
Access available regardless of which carrier or class you are flying
Guests may enter with you for a fee of $27 per person
To gain admission, simply present your Priority Pass Select Card and airline ticket. (Please note that unlike Platinum Card Access admission, you will need to enroll in Priority Pass Select to gain admission)
ENROLL NOW
here is a direct link for the platinum application. 50,000 Membership Rewards points after $3000 spend. Good Luck to all!!
I also receive a referral for signups, PM me on flyertalk.com with your email address for the offer. A temporary email is ok. My wife just signed up, 50K for her, 20K for me.
I’d be happy to refer anybody for the Amex Plat card: 50K points for you after $3k spend in 3 months, 10K points for me. email mbiverson@hotmail.com
plz send me the link that after i sign up i can refer my freind
thank you
Is there any limit to the total number of AMEX cards one can have? I already have 2 cards thru AMEX…Hilton Surpass and SPG, plus a business AMEX.
@BunMama
I have 4 Amex cards (2 credit, 1 charge, 1 biz charge), and I know someone with 5.
@motty the link should show up on your account screen
We like the AMX-P for lounge access, globel entry, airline fee refund but in particular we enjoy our AMX-P for the cruise benefits (we took two cruises last year and as AMX-P cardholders) we got $300 shipboard credits twice (total $600) and on one cruiseline we alsogot a bottle of Dom (value $150) along with the SBC.
@bubmama; wife has 5AMX cards, I have six..will apply for another two at next months quarterly churn.
Direct link for the Amex Platinum card – Receive 50,000 Membership Rewards points for a $3K spend
https://www304.americanexpress.com/personal-card-application/platinum-charge-card/45000-343-0-2C03E565B03A5B3D47BEA09537A56876F630B68437904BAA-10938?csi=platinum-charge-card/45000-343-0-2C03E565B03A5B3D47BEA09537A56876F630B68437904BAA-10938
Thanks Daraius
If anyone is looking for a referral for the 50,000 membership rewards point Amex Plat with $3,000 spend in 3 months, feel free to email me at skate50@rocketmail.com. I only need your email address, so a blank email with 50k Amex in the subject is fine.
@Joy – Maybe try tweeting AskAmex about your missing points. They are really helpful with a lot of issues.
I am one day too late…damn.
Hi, I’m enjoying your blog posts and learning alot. I was searching Milepoint for information on Credit Card Reward Programs and came across the AMEX Platinum for 50,000 MR and only $1,000 spend in 3 months. This is for first time Platinum Card holders and does still have the $450 annual fee:
https://www304.americanexpress.com/personal-card-application/platinum-charge-card/29278-319-0-2C03E565B03A5B3D72C2E3355EA4CF28F630B68437904BAA-10938?csi=platinum-charge-card/29278-319-0-2C03E565B03A5B3D72C2E3355EA4CF28F630B68437904BAA-10938
I purchased a Southwest Gift Card for $197.50 and their shipping charge was $2.50 for a total of $200.00. I received the money back in 3 days. I also did the trusted traveler and received the $100 back with 3 days. I love my Platinum.
@Tony – Thanks for the link!
@Benny – I’m seriously considering this card at some point – perhaps towards the end of the year.
Pingback: PILE THE MILES - Should I Keep My AMEX Platinum?
I just went through the worst experience with American Express Platinium’s Member Rewards service and Card services. I applied the AMEX platinum over the phone after the AMEX promised 50,000 MR miles / $3,000 spending. I did not get the promised miles and they told me they do not have any promotion for that. At least, they are giving me prorated refund on the annual fee. This is truly one of worst credit card experience ever for me. The main problem is that they failed to deliver on promotion. It will take too much time to get this straighten out. I’m going back to my Chase Master Card and Costco AMEX.
@James Chen – Sorry to hear about that. AMEX’s customer service isn’t what it used to be.
Just got a refer a friend deal this morning from AMEX Platinum –
50,000 Membership rewards points, with $3,000 spend in 3 months. Send me your email address if you want the link.
Terms:
Once the referred individual(s) are approved for the Platinum Card® from American Express, the individual can get 50,000 Membership Rewards® bonus points when they spend $3,000 within 3 months of Card membership. To be eligible to get bonus points, they must be enrolled in the Membership Rewards First® program at the time of purchase (they will be automatically enrolled in the program upon account approval) and they must charge their purchase on an eligible, enrolled Platinum Card® from American Express. Bonus points are awarded after the spend requirement has been reached and will be credited to their Membership Rewards account 6-8 weeks after they spend $3,000. Bonus points may be redeemed toward one round-trip domestic airline ticket or any reward of equal point redemption value, or retained for future use. This offer is valid for first-time Platinum Card members only. They are eligible to receive bonus points for only one Card account. Additional Card members are not eligible. Terms and Conditions for the Membership Rewards First® program apply. Visit membershiprewards.com/terms or call 1-800-297-1300 for more information. Participating partners and available rewards are subject to change without notice.
Send email to rick@parkercolorado.me
Is this promotion still active? Someone please send a referral to thomasl39@gmail.com
This referral deal is still active!
AMEX Platinum 50,000 MR Points, $3k spend in 3 months.. see above…
send me an email with your first and last name.
Rick
The other thread about Amex Premier Rewards signup bonus of 25,000 Membership Rewards point bonus after spending $2,000 within 3 months is still alive.
http://millionmilesecrets.com/2012/01/17/reader-referal-amex-premier-rewards-gold-with-25000-points/