How we use our Amex Platinum coupon book credits | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep294 | 2-21-25
Feb 21, 2025
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This week, the discussion dives deep into the Amex Platinum card's perks, exploring clever ways to leverage those credits. Exciting news emerges as Capital One finally adds JetBlue as a transfer partner, albeit with less-than-ideal rates. Listeners learn how to navigate new Uber fees and maximize travel reimbursements abroad. Tips on using hotel credits creatively and optimizing benefits across various services highlight practical savings. Additionally, a listener's unfortunate experience with Qatar Airways sparks a conversation on compensation issues.
The recent Capital One transfer error highlighted JetBlue's inclusion as a partner but criticized the unfavorable five to three transfer ratio.
Hosts shared strategies for maximizing Amex Platinum credits, including using airline gift cards and booking through Fine Hotels and Resorts.
Uber's new feature adds a 1.5% charge on overseas rides, leading to frustration and advice to stick with local currency pricing.
Deep dives
Mistake in Mileage Transfer
A significant error regarding the transfer of Capital One miles to JetBlue was addressed, highlighting that JetBlue was not previously a partner for transfers. Upon receiving feedback from listeners who corrected this misinformation, Capital One quickly responded by designating JetBlue as a transfer partner. However, the excitement was short-lived as the announced transfer ratio of five to three was deemed unfavorable, making the transfer less valuable for cardholders. This situation raised questions about Capital One's decision-making process and the potential confusion for users unfamiliar with transfer ratios.
Expense Management with Amex Platinum Credits
The discussion focused on the various ways to effectively utilize the credits associated with the Amex Platinum card, specifically the coupon-like benefits that can justify its hefty annual fee. Both hosts shared personal strategies for optimizing these credits, which can sometimes feel tedious but ultimately provide value. For instance, utilizing the airline incidental fee credits creatively by purchasing airline gift cards or navigating through the complexities of hotel bookings through Fine Hotels and Resorts helped maximize their benefits. This exchange of tips aimed to simplify the process for users so that they can enjoy the perks without feeling overwhelmed.
Uber's New Currency Feature and Its Implications
A new feature introduced by Uber that defaults prices to U.S. dollars for overseas users sparked concern due to an added interchange fee of 1.5% on rides. This change means customers would pay a premium for the convenience of seeing prices in their home currency while risking foreign transaction fees on their credit cards. Although this could enhance clarity for some users, it ultimately felt like an additional charge and led to frustration over its necessity. The hosts advised users to opt out of this feature to avoid the extra costs and stick to local currency pricing.
Assessment of Hotel Transfer Bonuses
The hosts analyzed recent hotel point transfer offers from Chase and Amex, such as a 50% bonus to Marriott and a 25% bonus to Hilton. While discussing the transfer bonuses, they shared insights into the strengths and weaknesses of using hotel points for bookings through these programs. Notably, the value proposition for transferring points was deemed less favorable when compared to other redemption options available through respective travel portals. Each host underscored the importance of having specific redemption goals before making transfers, to ensure that the overall value of their points is maximized.
Utilizing Amex Platinum Restaurant and Retail Credits
The conversation also touched on the effective use of various monthly credits provided by the Amex Platinum, including those for digital entertainment and dining services. Both hosts described how they leverage these credits to enjoy benefits from platforms like Disney+ and Uber Eats, emphasizing their relevance in daily life. Additionally, they talked about utilizing retail credits such as those for Saks Fifth Avenue, sharing tips on how to maximize value without incurring unnecessary shipping costs. Overall, their anecdotes served as a practical guide for effectively navigating the breadth of credits offered by the Amex Platinum card.
On this week's episode, we talk about our Capital One mistake, how Uber has tried to "Bonvoy" us, and the many ways we use our Platinum credit card credits.
(01:27) - OOPS: Capital One doesn't transfer to JetBlue like we implied
(02:33) - BUT...then this week Capital One announced they ARE adding JetBlue as a transfer partner, (but at horrible rates)
(05:24) - Hotel transfer bonuses, yay or nay?
(10:29) - Uber adding 1.5% charge to rides abroad – here’s how to avoid overpaying
(58:51) - One reader asks for advice about a Qatar Airways issue they experienced on a cash flight (for Q-Suites) where the entertainment system went out and the reimbursement offered for this problem was unsatisfactory.
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