15 years with American Express

On 22 July 2011, I got my American Express card. I remember after working for more than a year, I figured, I am ready for Amex lifestyle. Back then, my only motivation was that Amex was offering good discounts. For example get $10 back on every $20 spent at small businesses. Those deals have largely disappeared because I cannot recall the last time I took advantage of any specific Amex offer.

Why I still have this card?

Well, probably over ten years ago, I got upgraded to what is called the American Express Reserve card (too fancy for my liking, but the Good Lord has been kind). The card's annual fee was $399 and its still $399 today. However, on my application I ticked the box that I am a Chartered Accountant (which I am not) and therefore my annual fee is $100 less, $299.

There are two reasons I still have this card:

1. Every year, it gives me $400 of travel credit to use on flights and hotels. So, I pay $299 and get $400 travel credit. I am no Chartered Accountant but in my mind, that still makes sense today.
2. The card comes with Priority Pass, which twice a year gives me free access to airport lounges around the world and when I have exhausted that, I gain entry for a fee. The cheapest Priority Plan is USD99 and that does not come with any free visits. So again, this is a no brainer.

Therefore, in my mind, Amex is paying me to keep using the American Express card. Until that proposition changes, I will continue to be an Amex Express card holder.