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There is another benefit provided by AMEX not mentioned and that is United Airlines Premium Silver status which allows seat upgrades, free checked bag, and better boarding group. US TSA Precheck or Global Entry program fees are refunded up to $100.00.
Hi Ricky. If I were to book a 5 night stay, paying 4 nights in points and getting the 5th night free, could I use the Bonvoy annual free night as one of the four nights? If not, would they permit me to add it onto the end of the 5 nights on the same reservation?
No and yes. The Fifth Night Free must be paid entirely in points, but you can use the free night certificate at the end to make it six nights in total.
I don't expect to see Platinum Elite offered on the credit card again in the future, since it's pretty clearly a COVID thing. Maybe the 100K points will return, but it'll probably be at least one year until it does.
Ricky, if the card is used in the Maldives by jan 22 (the same hotel you stayed with Jess), would I get the free breakfast + use one night free certificate + possible room upgrade + 300 us back since it is a Marriott property? BTW, P2 has more Marriott points. Wondering how the breakfast would play out since she's booking more nights Thanks 😊
Probably the Aspire, since you can actually come out ahead vs. the annual fee if you maximize the credits, and you get a free night certificate right from the start.
W Dubai the Palm! Paid for this one since the value wasn’t quite there in redeeming (it’s a Category 7 at 60,000 points whereas the cash rate is only $250-300)
Hey Ricky - check out the Hotel G in Galway, Eire; reminiscent of the cool, shag style of your hotel. Best upgrade- the Milestone in London. Full suite with humongous living area and butler who came in to fire up the fireplace every evening, two bedrooms..l all I guess predicated upon them misconstruing I was some elite travel writer... lucky us. Anyway, would love to get this card but despite no credit issues in Canada and an existing AE card which always was in good shape, I’ve been turned down because I don’t have a social security card or American credit card history... I have family in IS but it counts for nada. Any ideas who to qualify?
Did you try applying through Nova Credit? When you tick the "I have credit history in Canada" box but don't sign in to your existing account, the application uses the Nova Credit service to apply on the basis of your Canadian credit history. That's the way to get your first Amex US card. More info here: princeoftravel.com/blog/getting-us-credit-cards-for-canadians/
Nice 👍. Hey Ricky what room do have to book to get upgraded to that suite? We are PE. Q2: if you get the brilliance card and your PE instant status does that mean they credit you 50 Elite nights?
Nope, they just bump you up to Platinum. And full disclosure my friend paid for this upgrade as complimentary upgrades to this suite are pretty rare these days (but there’s always a chance if you ask and the hotel isn’t busy)
Yes but it’s a little tricky because the online application forces you to enter one. Recommended to apply over the phone and explain that you’re a newcomer who hasn’t set one up yet but already have an Amex card and would like to apply on that basis
Feeling a little perturbed, applied and received it with their last promotion for 80,000. If I call and complain, do you think they’ll offer me anything to compensate?
Unlikely in my opinion, Amex US rarely matches offers like these for previous signups. Maybe consider the business card which is also elevated at the moment?
It's not too different as most of the good US cards don't have a foreign transaction fee to them, so you can just spend on them normally, and the only FX impact is when you transfer funds to your US bank account to pay off the bill. Good topic suggestion for a future post/video too.
@@PrinceofTravel And last but not least, what is your preferred method of transferring CAD funds to USD funds? (Norbert's Gambit, Transferwise, Knightsbridge FX, etc...)
"effective $150" is arguable... unless you were already planning on spending $300 on marriott anyway - and even then you're getting exactly what you pay for minus point redemption opportunity cost, so effectively you're losing money. Also not a fan of limited time benefits like plat elite especially during current times when it's harder to travel and easier to reach status with Marriott status match challenge. Bonvoy Boundless all the way! Always enjoying the vids!
Yeah, I personally think the overall value proposition is strong enough to keep year after year, as someone who stays and spends with Marriott frequently. I agree with your overall point that the value will depend on the individual's travel patterns - someone who otherwise would rarely stay with Marriott and would have to go out of their way to get the value from this card is probably best off keeping the card only for one year.
Yes, the free night certificate worth up to 35,000 points can easily outweigh the $120 annual fee. Some people choose to cancel the card in the hopes of reapplying in the future to get the 50,000+ bonus again, but that's looking less and less advisable these days.
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That suite is actually hilarious! Nice vid 😂
Second time staying in it too 😅 That’s probably enough
Sad I missed out on the plat offer :(
That annual fee is waived if you’re active duty military. I know that doesn’t apply to everyone but it’s a point worth noting.
Grabbed this along with the Gold card (via Resy) last week as my first US cards! Here's hoping the plat status gets some use next year!
Go get em Daniel!
Who is your cameraman?
There is another benefit provided by AMEX not mentioned and that is United Airlines Premium Silver status which allows seat upgrades, free checked bag, and better boarding group. US TSA Precheck or Global Entry program fees are refunded up to $100.00.
That's only when you hit Titanium status, which isn't what's being offered here (Platinum only).
Hi Ricky! Which one of the Amexes do you prefer - Amex Plat, Bonvoy Brilliant or Hilton Aspire? Thank you in advance for your help.
What credit score do I need to get this card?
I got mine with a 680 and 85,000 a year in income
Does AMEX require you to pay full balance monthly?
Love the shirt. My brilliant just came in the mail thanks to your previous article!
Nice work Dr Arsalan!
Problem is it’s not available outside North America residents. So it’s a no from international travelers.
do you get charged 2.5% forex fee on the purchases made inside hotel in a foreign country ?
Can you use the $300 credit in the first year or only after paying for year 2?
Can’t apply for another chase card until my 5/24 goes away :/
Hi Ricky. If I were to book a 5 night stay, paying 4 nights in points and getting the 5th night free, could I use the Bonvoy annual free night as one of the four nights? If not, would they permit me to add it onto the end of the 5 nights on the same reservation?
No and yes. The Fifth Night Free must be paid entirely in points, but you can use the free night certificate at the end to make it six nights in total.
You're right that's a ridiculous suite, I love it!
It's a wild one for sure!
So sad I missed this! Any idea if it is coming back, or should I just take their current offer?
Same. For some reason i missed the video and deal :(
I don't expect to see Platinum Elite offered on the credit card again in the future, since it's pretty clearly a COVID thing. Maybe the 100K points will return, but it'll probably be at least one year until it does.
I am ashamed to say how many times I’ve watched this video! 😂 All of your videos are GREAT by the way! Thank you.
Don't be ashamed :) Glad you enjoyed it!
Awesome video bro
Why thank you!
Great video! Are you sure you can stack the 2 x 15 nights from Bonvoy Amex Biz & Amex Bonvoy Brilliant to get to platinum faster?
If I weren't sure, would I have said it? ;)
does booking 3 rooms fo 1 night count as 1 night or 3 nights reward
I have currently have the Chase Boundless and if i were to get the Amex bonvoy business will i get 30 elite night to get gold status?
Yes!
Ricky, if the card is used in the Maldives by jan 22 (the same hotel you stayed with Jess), would I get the free breakfast + use one night free certificate + possible room upgrade + 300 us back since it is a Marriott property?
BTW, P2 has more Marriott points. Wondering how the breakfast would play out since she's booking more nights
Thanks 😊
Brilliant vs aspire, which would you have a multiple of?
Probably the Aspire, since you can actually come out ahead vs. the annual fee if you maximize the credits, and you get a free night certificate right from the start.
What's the name of the hotel? And did you use points to book it? It looks absolutely sick!
W Dubai the Palm! Paid for this one since the value wasn’t quite there in redeeming (it’s a Category 7 at 60,000 points whereas the cash rate is only $250-300)
Hey Ricky - check out the Hotel G in Galway, Eire; reminiscent of the cool, shag style of your hotel. Best upgrade- the Milestone in London. Full suite with humongous living area and butler who came in to fire up the fireplace every evening, two bedrooms..l all I guess predicated upon them misconstruing I was some elite travel writer... lucky us.
Anyway, would love to get this card but despite no credit issues in Canada and an existing AE card which always was in good shape, I’ve been turned down because I don’t have a social security card or American credit card history... I have family in IS but it counts for nada. Any ideas who to qualify?
Did you try applying through Nova Credit? When you tick the "I have credit history in Canada" box but don't sign in to your existing account, the application uses the Nova Credit service to apply on the basis of your Canadian credit history. That's the way to get your first Amex US card.
More info here: princeoftravel.com/blog/getting-us-credit-cards-for-canadians/
Nice 👍. Hey Ricky what room do have to book to get upgraded to that suite? We are PE. Q2: if you get the brilliance card and your PE instant status does that mean they credit you 50 Elite nights?
Nope, they just bump you up to Platinum. And full disclosure my friend paid for this upgrade as complimentary upgrades to this suite are pretty rare these days (but there’s always a chance if you ask and the hotel isn’t busy)
Nice video Ricky! Also would one be able to apply US business card without SSN/ITIN?
Yes but it’s a little tricky because the online application forces you to enter one. Recommended to apply over the phone and explain that you’re a newcomer who hasn’t set one up yet but already have an Amex card and would like to apply on that basis
@@PrinceofTravel got it thx!
if you have 2 brilliant cards; can you use the 300 credit on the same trip? pay hotel statement daily? thank you
Sure - you could just ask them to split the bill into two payments at the end.
Feeling a little perturbed, applied and received it with their last promotion for 80,000. If I call and complain, do you think they’ll offer me anything to compensate?
Unlikely in my opinion, Amex US rarely matches offers like these for previous signups. Maybe consider the business card which is also elevated at the moment?
Do you have a guide on how to meet MSR for US credit cards? Thanks!
It's not too different as most of the good US cards don't have a foreign transaction fee to them, so you can just spend on them normally, and the only FX impact is when you transfer funds to your US bank account to pay off the bill. Good topic suggestion for a future post/video too.
@@PrinceofTravel Do you happen to know if you can use these US Amex cards with Plastiq?
Yes, should be no problem.
@@PrinceofTravel And last but not least, what is your preferred method of transferring CAD funds to USD funds? (Norbert's Gambit, Transferwise, Knightsbridge FX, etc...)
@@Akersar I earn a fair bit of income in USD so I use that, but otherwise I like Transferwise and KBFX myself.
Wait, you can buy marriott GCs at the hotel and get the $300 US statement credit?
Most data points indicate so!
"effective $150" is arguable... unless you were already planning on spending $300 on marriott anyway - and even then you're getting exactly what you pay for minus point redemption opportunity cost, so effectively you're losing money.
Also not a fan of limited time benefits like plat elite especially during current times when it's harder to travel and easier to reach status with Marriott status match challenge. Bonvoy Boundless all the way! Always enjoying the vids!
Sorry commented without fully watching... There's a free night certificate too!
Yeah, I personally think the overall value proposition is strong enough to keep year after year, as someone who stays and spends with Marriott frequently. I agree with your overall point that the value will depend on the individual's travel patterns - someone who otherwise would rarely stay with Marriott and would have to go out of their way to get the value from this card is probably best off keeping the card only for one year.
Agreed, seems definitely worth it if you travel with Marriott often.
Is the Canadian version of the AMEX Bonvoy worth holding year after year?
Yes, the free night certificate worth up to 35,000 points can easily outweigh the $120 annual fee. Some people choose to cancel the card in the hopes of reapplying in the future to get the 50,000+ bonus again, but that's looking less and less advisable these days.
Thanks for the info. On a side note, I have no idea what the appeal of that hotel room is. It actually made me laugh. Anyway, good vid, good info!
That’s exactly the appeal I’d say - the fun factor 😃
Nope ... not worth it
I pity da fool who don't have no ITIN
Thankfully you don't need one to get this one!