The Ameriprise version of the American Express Platinum card just changed to include a 60,000 points signup bonus. The card now has an annual fee of $550 even the first year.
Reader Rob asks:
Anyone know if you’re eligible for the bonus if you’ve had the card before? Technically we haven’t received a sign up bonus.
It’s a good point: the lack of annual fee almost seems like a bonus for a premium card, yet it’s not technically a ‘bonus’. However, in the post Can you get a Signup Bonus if you Previously had the Card without a Bonus? we clarified with a few data points that the Amex system considers just having had the card enough to spoil your signup bonus eligibility.
We do quote a report there of someone who was able to get the bonus upon request, but suffice it to say that the system probably will not automatically give you a bonus, so I wouldn’t count on it. Also worth noting that some people have gotten in on a rare 25k points bonus on the Ameriprise Platinum card; those people are obviously ineligible for another bonus.
Reader Shm asks:
Can I get bonus for this card if I have/had the regular platinum?
Yes, you should be able to. It’s worth nothing that there have been rumors from time to time about Amex considering all Platinum cards as one, but far as I know they are generally still allowing each Platinum card a separate signup bonus. Until we hear otherwise, it’s a fair assumption that if you never had this version of the Platinum card before, you’ll be able to get the bonus. While the card is technically meant for Ameriprise Financial customers, that’s never yet been enforced.
As noted in the original post, the Ameriprise change is a bummer for those who’ve churned this card, but actually a nice new signup bonus option for those who never did.
Had the no-fee Ameriprise, but now want a signup bonus on the regular Platinum. How long should I wait after canceling my Ameriprise to reapply for the regular Platinum?
I was going to get a Schwab after having had the vanilla plat, got the dreaded popup… I am holding out some thought that amex might bar repeat plats rather than treating me as persona non grata. I know it’s not necessarily better for the churning world, but I was hoping to get Aspire (etc), it’s most unfortunate if I can’t get more Amex signups.
The one’s getting hurt here are those that have signed up within the last year. At best, they will only get the Airline credit $400 (from last year and this year) + other benefits that it comes with. Although, with no AF. Actually, this is a great deal, but by no means, it is nothing like those that have had this card for past umpteen years (way before my time…as an amateur, I just start this miles/pts 1 1/2 ago).
Doesn’t really hurt people that signed up within the last year, AF was only waived first year anyway.
I have the Ameriprise Plat but never had the vanilla Plat. Is there a consensus on whether I will be eligible for a vanilla Plat bonus?
DPs say no. ALWAYS was recommended to get Vanilla before Ameriprise.
Yes you will. I had Ameriprise a few years ago and got Vanilla last year and received bonus without any issued.
Some of us did get the card when it had a 25K MR sign-up bonus in the past.
yes…that’s sad…
Yeah, it’s sad we can’t get a no-fee Amex Plat anymore, but as far as the bonus goes, the AF waived + 25k MR I got in 2015 seems much better than this AF + 60k MR offer.
Right, I meant to put a note in about that. I’ll add.
I am definitely looking forward to signing up for the card once my other cards (Amx Plat personal changed from Amx Mercedes Benz and Amx Morgan Stanley Plat) hit the 12 months in May-June time frame. The additional 60KMRs will add to my accumulation for my current 500KMRs, so far. Also, my objective is to get the Amx Schwab Plat this summer to give me my escape route to the 1.25 cash out, if needed (only as an emergency if needed). While on this subject, DoC, do you know if I cash out to buy miles from an airline, when there is a big bonus for buying miles (say 100% or so), what would the return on rate be?
FYI – My Amx MS Plat is still opened since last May when I opened a Morgan Stanley access account. Even though, Morgan Stanley closed my access account after 45 days without funding it, my MS Plat remains opened.
How did you get the Morgan Stanley card? What requirements did you meet in order to get the card?
Last April, DoC posted a link to ‘Windbag Miles’ that has a write-up on the MS access account. Its doable. I would suggest to google ‘Windbag Miles’ and or Morgan Stanley Access Account or ask DoC.
BTW – You don’t need to fund the MS access account. Although, MS will close an unfunded access account, but only after 45 days unfunded. Also, after you open it, wait several days (I waited a week since there was no rush). This way, you give Amx time to confirm your MS account. Otherwise, your application will get rejected.
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Not bad
Your question is answered in the original post.
How was it churn-able earlier when it had no Sign Up bonus?
You just signup time and again, each time getting the benefits of a Platinum card with no fee for a year.
Yup, Triple-dip ($600) Saks ($150), 3 no fee AU (4 Priority passes depending on hub is huge @ $28/per). Centurion lounge. Avis Preferred Plus status has had the best rental prices and upgrades. All for No AF. No real reason to put much spend or keep card 2nd year and pay AF.
Plus $100 P2 referral on a No AF card. It was a gateway card for my DW in to the world of Ultra-Premium cards with large sounding AF.
Saks would actually be $200 if the timing lines up with triple dip.
Oh yeah also forgot the $200 or $235 Uber/Ubereats credit.
So a maximizer could get $1,000 -$1,135+ of actual value on a card with an $0 AF.
I didn’t include boingo or showrunner or other benefits.
Hopefully they don’t send me a 1099 😂