4 ms·

Ironically, you're demonstrating why Amex has higher status or "perceived value." The stereotypical Discover cardholder is extra frugal, micromanaging small cas

Ironically, you're demonstrating why Amex has higher status or "perceived value." The stereotypical Discover cardholder is extra frugal, micromanaging small cashback percentages (and bragging about it), something the stereotypical Amex cardholder doesn't have time for. It's kind of the same way a cheap Holiday Inn will make a big deal about offering free breakfast while the Four Seasons, costing 10x as much, does not. Now, stereotypes may not be reality, but that's what 60 years of very effective marketing can do.

crooked-v 2y ago
I've stayed away from AmEx cards specifically because of the level of micromanaging you need to get the expected value out of them. With something like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Venture/Venture X, for contrast, the only thing you really need to keep in mind to get the face value of it is to book flights through their travel portal.
- listenallyall 2y ago
  Yes, and that is Amex's selling point to merchants who are concerned that its fees are too high -- that it delivers exclusive, high-margin, free-spending customers rather than the other cards' value-oriented masses.
ianhawes 2y ago
Funny enough, Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts (of which most Four Seasons properties are in) often includes free breakfast, late checkout, and a $100 credit alongside other perks. I don’t know that I am a stereotypical Amex cardholder (member since 2012) but I certainly love perks like that and will always check for FHR listed hotels when booking travel.
- Spooky23 2y ago
  AMEX uses perks like this to give you and ROI to get your spouse's approval for pay for the card. Reality is that you want a couple of benefits, maybe airport lounge or late checkouts. That's not worth the Platinum card fee -- but if you are saving $25/month with Uber, getting your free Four Seasons breakfast, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum, etc, suddenly you're making money by paying $1000 for a charge card. For me, I pay for a Hilton and Delta card. I basically end up with a completely $0 3-5 day getaway annually, with a value that is well above the baseline 2% cash back. Other brands charge lower fees, but make you use captive portals for travel. Sometimes that hurts your earnings with the hotel and airline programs, which is meaningful to some folks. Personally, I find value in having airline and hotel "status" for preferred boarding and little perks.
- rty32 2y ago
  Well I'd say you are definitely a stereotypical AmEx card holder. My salary is decent enough compared to the general population (>$200k yr), so does my SO. But when we travel it never occur to us to check FHR -- those places are too expensive, and we didn't see value in those "perks". Chances are that your income is much higher than mine, or at least you are much more willing to spend even at the same income level.

crooked-v 2y ago

I've stayed away from AmEx cards specifically because of the level of micromanaging you need to get the expected value out of them. With something like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Venture/Venture X, for contrast, the only thing you really need to keep in mind to get the face value of it is to book flights through their travel portal.

listenallyall 2y ago
Yes, and that is Amex's selling point to merchants who are concerned that its fees are too high -- that it delivers exclusive, high-margin, free-spending customers rather than the other cards' value-oriented masses.

ianhawes 2y ago

Funny enough, Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts (of which most Four Seasons properties are in) often includes free breakfast, late checkout, and a $100 credit alongside other perks. I don’t know that I am a stereotypical Amex cardholder (member since 2012) but I certainly love perks like that and will always check for FHR listed hotels when booking travel.

Spooky23 2y ago
AMEX uses perks like this to give you and ROI to get your spouse's approval for pay for the card. Reality is that you want a couple of benefits, maybe airport lounge or late checkouts. That's not worth the Platinum card fee -- but if you are saving $25/month with Uber, getting your free Four Seasons breakfast, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum, etc, suddenly you're making money by paying $1000 for a charge card. For me, I pay for a Hilton and Delta card. I basically end up with a completely $0 3-5 day getaway annually, with a value that is well above the baseline 2% cash back. Other brands charge lower fees, but make you use captive portals for travel. Sometimes that hurts your earnings with the hotel and airline programs, which is meaningful to some folks. Personally, I find value in having airline and hotel "status" for preferred boarding and little perks.
rty32 2y ago
Well I'd say you are definitely a stereotypical AmEx card holder. My salary is decent enough compared to the general population (>$200k yr), so does my SO. But when we travel it never occur to us to check FHR -- those places are too expensive, and we didn't see value in those "perks". Chances are that your income is much higher than mine, or at least you are much more willing to spend even at the same income level.