American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card

American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card Welcome Benefit:

You get 11,000 bonus Membership Rewards Points as a welcome benefit on the expenditure of Rs. 30,000 within 90 days of the card issuance, subject to realization of the joining fee.

Milestone Benefits:

• You can choose between a Flipkart, BookMyShow, or other brand vouchers worth Rs. 500 on the expenditure of Rs. 25,000 in a calendar month.
• Taj stay voucher worth Rs. 10,000 on the expenditure of a minimum of Rs. 5 lakhs in a membership year (subject to realization of the annual membership fee).

American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card Rewards:

You earn 1 Membership Rewards Point for every Rs. 50 spent with this card with the exception of spends on fuel, insurance, utilities, cash transactions and EMI conversion at Point of Sale.

Reward Redemption:

• The Membership Rewards Points earned on the American Express Platinum Reserve Credit card can be redeemed for purchasing e-vouchers from American Express’s online shopping portal, INSTA purchases at offline stores, and also to make credit card bill payments under the card issuer’s Cash + Points scheme.
• Membership Reward Points can also be transferred to airlines and hotel loyalty programs like Asia Miles, British Airways Executive Club, Club Vistara, Emirates, Skywards, Etihad Guest, Finnair Plus, InterMiles, Qatar Privilege Club, Singapore KrisFlyer, Virgin Points, Marriott Bonovoy and Hilton Honors.
• Monetary value of the Membership Reward Points varies for different modes of redemption.

Travel Benefits:

• 12 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits (limited to 3 per quarter) to American Express lounges as well as other airport lounges across India.
• Complimentary Priority Pass membership for international lounge access at 1200+ VIP lounges across 120+ countries around the world. USD 32 will be charged per visit per guest as the usage fee for international lounge visits under the Priority Pass program.
• Complimentary Taj Epicure membership that gives you special privileges including a 10% discount on stays, late check-outs and unlimited validity of Taj InnerCircle Points.
• USD 100 hotel credit and a complimentary room upgrade at luxurious hotel chains including Hyatt & Hilton Hotels under the Hotel Collection program.

Movie and Dining Benefits:

• You can choose between a BookMyShow and a Flipkart voucher worth Rs. 500 on a minimum monthly expenditure of Rs. 25,000.
• Complimentary Taj Epicure Program with exclusive benefits on dine-outs at bars, restaurants and spas across Taj, SeleQtions and Vivanta Hotels including 50% discount on first 3 dining transactions, 2 room upgrade vouchers and happy hours from 6 PM to 8 PM at participating bars.
• Complimentary membership of EazyDiner Prime which entitles you to benefits like a minimum 25% off on Prime restaurants, complimentary drinks with every booking,
• Preferential reservation and VIP Line for Prime members

Golf Privileges:

• Two complimentary rounds of golf every month at 32 of the top golf destinations in India with a 100% waiver on the green fee.
• Primary and add-on card members can also get golf lessons at a discounted price.

Concierge Service:

You get a global 24×7 Platinum concierge service with this credit card. You’ll get assistance regarding-

• Delivery of flowers and gifts
• Booking movie tickets
• Arranging a round of golf
• Booking a spa session at participating partners
• Dining reservations

You can avail of the American Express concierge service by dialing 1800-180-1030 or 1800-419-1030.

Insurance Benefits:

• Personal air-accident cover worth Rs. 1 crore (applicable only in case of loss of life).
• Purchase protection in case an item (purchased via the credit card) is stolen due to burglary or damages or breaks due to fire, earthquake, flood, storm, cyclone, etc. within 60 days of purchase. In such a case the amount paid may be refunded.
• Both these insurance benefits are provided in partnership with ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited.

Fuel Surcharge:

• No fuel surcharge applicable at HPCL fuel stations for transactions of up to Rs. 5,000 (1% surcharge applicable thereafter).
• 1% fuel surcharge applicable at BPCL and IOCL filling stations (subject to a minimum surcharge of Rs. 10).
• 2.5% fuel surcharge at all other filling stations (subject to a minimum surcharge of Rs. 10).

Zero Liability Protection:

Cardholder is not liable for any fraudlent transaction made with the card if the loss of card is reported within 3 days, otherwise, the liability of the cardholder is limitted to a maximum of Rs. 1,000.

American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card Eligibility:

Eligibility for this credit card as per the table below-

How to apply:

You can apply for American Express credit cards either online or offline. You will need to furnish KYC documents at the time of application including identity proof like Aadhar card, Voter ID Card, PAN Card, etc., address proof like Voter Card, Aadhar Card, electricity/telephone bill, driving liscence, etc. and  and a proof of income like salary slips or an audited ITR acknowledgement.

Customer Care:

American Express has a dedicated helpline for their Platinum Reserve credit card customers. You may dial 1800 180 1030 (toll-free), 1800 419 1030 (toll-free), 0124-280 1030 to report the loss of card, or in case you need any assistance. These numbers are operational 24×7.

Conclusion:

If you look at the travel-related benefits that this card offers, you might find a resemblance between the Platinum Travel card and this one, with the former offering very similar benefits at half the annual membership fee. The reward rate for both the cards is also similar. So if travel benefits is all you need from your credit card, you might consider the Platinum Travel card instead.

We’ve already covered it in one of our earlier posts. But, if you’re looking for a premium credit card that comes packed with all kinds of benefits, including some exclusive travel privileges, this card is certainly worth looking at. If we leave behind the extra travel benefits that this card offers, it is in direct competition with HDFC’s Infinia and ICICI’s Emerald credit cards. If you’re one of those people for whom the AmEx logo increases the worth of their wallet, you can pick this one without a second thought.

It’s certainly not a bad deal, at least as far as premium cards are concerned. For all others, HDFC’s Infinia and ICICI’s Emerald are also worth consideration. What do you feel about this premium offering by American Express? Do let us know in the comments.

Also, what kind of benefits do you look for in a premium credit card?