American Express Platinum Charge card is among the best credit cards in India for frequent travellers, particularly those who travel internationally. It’s not suited to everyone, but for people whose lifestyle matches its premium benefits, it can deliver exceptional value.
Amex recently began issuing this card as a metal card in India and adjusted a few perks and the joining fee. If the higher joining fee gives you pause, several attractive sign-up offers are currently available that can make the card far more affordable.
Table of Contents
- #1 Rs.25,000 Amex Domestic Travel Voucher
- #2 125,000 MR Points
- #3 110,000 Bonus MR Points
- Bottomline
#1 Rs.25,000 Amex Domestic Travel Voucher
I was recently contacted by a sales representative who described an attractive offline-only offer.
OFFER: Spend Rs.5,00,000 within 90 days of receiving the card and receive a Rs.25,000 Amex domestic travel voucher that can be used to book domestic hotels and flights.
This promotion is compelling because it significantly lowers the effective cost of the card. With the voucher and the standard 100,000 MR points signup bonus, the net cost of the card can fall to around Rs.45,000 instead of the roughly Rs.70,000 (including GST). For frequent travellers, that makes the card considerably more worthwhile.
Note: As far as I know, this offer was available in the Chennai circle and valid until 31 March 2019. If you are outside Tamil Nadu, check with your local sales representative. This is an offline sourcing offer; in some cities sales teams may state it’s available only to new customers, so confirm eligibility before applying.
#2 125,000 MR Points
American Express periodically sends targeted upgrade offers to select cardholders. One such offer, received by an acquaintance, increases the standard signup bonus.
OFFER: Upgrade an American Express Gold Charge Card to the Platinum Charge Card and receive an additional 25,000 bonus MR points, bringing the total to 125,000 MR points instead of the usual 100,000.
This is a solid upgrade incentive, but it is targeted and must be extended to you directly via email or phone. If you don’t receive the targeted communication, you cannot claim this benefit. Amex also occasionally offers other upgrade incentives such as a free lifetime Platinum Reserve or Platinum Travel card on upgrade.
#3 110,000 Bonus MR Points
If the previous two offers aren’t available to you, a referral or online sign-up offer can still provide additional value.
OFFER: Earn 10,000 bonus MR points by spending Rs.5,000 within 90 days of card receipt, taking the total to 110,000 MR points instead of the usual 100,000.
To use this promotion, apply via the referral link below.
It’s a useful offer, though many prospective cardholders might prefer a larger bonus tied to higher spending—something like an extra 20,000 points for a Rs.2,00,000 spend would better match the profile of premium card users.
Bottomline
American Express is clearly aggressive with signup and merchant offers this quarter, making premium cards like the Platinum Charge far more attractive than usual. If you travel often and can make use of the card’s benefits, these temporary incentives can significantly offset the higher joining fee.
If the metal Platinum Charge isn’t right for you, Amex is still running first-year-free promotions on other cards. Consider the First Year Free offers on the Membership Rewards Credit Card and the Platinum Travel Card when evaluating options.
What are your thoughts on these aggressive sign-up offers from American Express?