AMEX Platinum Charge 40K MGM referral bonus extended till year end

Back in March, AMEX doubled the MGM referral bonus on the AMEX Platinum Charge card from 20K to 40K Membership Rewards (MR) points.

This offer was supposed to expire on 30 June 2019, but has been extended till the end of the year. The official website will be updated shortly to reflect this.

Sign up for the AMEX Platinum Charge card here and get 40K bonus MR points

Under the MGM program, a new cardholder who spends $5K in the first 3 months of approval gets 40K MR points. This spending double counts towards the regular $20K sign up bonus, which means a total yield of 140K MR points:

• 40K bonus MR points from the MGM offer
• 75K bonus MR points from the sign up bonus
• 25K base MR points from $20K spending

140K MR points can be converted into 87.5K miles with Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, Asia Miles, British Airways Executive Club, Dynasty Flyer, Emirates Skywards, Malaysia Enrich and Thai Royal Orchid Plus.

Recap of AMEX Platinum Charge key benefits

The AMEX Platinum Charge has a non-waivable annual fee of $1,712, so it’s definitely one you want to think through before you pull the trigger. I’ve written an extensive summary of the AMEX Platinum Charge’s benefits here (including some lesser-known and unpublished ones) but I’ll recap the highlights once more.

Cardholders receive a $400 statement credit for hotel, tour or cruise bookings, and another $400 for airline bookings. You can also book discounted premium cabin tickets on airlines like Singapore Airlines, Qatar, Etihad and more through the AMEX International Airline Program.

Cardholders also receive a welcome gift of a 2 night stay at selected overseas Banyan Tree or Mandarin Oriental properties (this was due to expire 30 June but has been extended to applications received before 31 Oct) plus a further one night stay at the St Regis or W Singapore with breakfast included.

The AMEX Platinum Charge card comes with access to Centurion Lounges, International American Express lounges, Delta SkyClubs and Plaza Premium lounges worldwide. Cardholders will also be issued an unlimited visit Priority Pass that covers themselves and a guest. The first supplementary cardholder receives the same lounge benefits as the principal cardholder, and there’s no fee for up to 2 supplementary cards.

All cardholders receive instant elite status with the following programs: Marriott Bonvoy Gold, Shangri-La Golden Circle Jade, Hilton Gold and Radisson Rewards Gold.

The welcome package comes with a host of other dining and spa freebies like a $100 Tower Club dining voucher and $200 of St Regis dining vouchers (no minimum spend is required).

What about the income requirement?

The AMEX Platinum Charge card has a $200K income requirement on paper, but as I mentioned in my post on credit card income requirements, there’s some wriggle room.

You’ll be able to submit an online application for the AMEX Platinum Charge card with an income of $150K and above. Any lower than that, and your best bet is to try an offline application with a representative who can help appeal your case based on other proof of assets.

I’d recommend reaching out to Siva (siva.kumar4@aexp.com)- mention you came through Aaron/The Milelion and we’ll both get some CapitaVouchers if you’re approved. Do note that the MGM 40K MR points bonus is only available for applications done online.

Conclusion

Although the AMEX Platinum Charge may not offer the beefiest of miles earning rates, the sign up bonus and benefits make it a good (if pricey) option for someone looking for a premium credit card.

The T&C of the MGM program can be found here. The only thing to flag is that if your referee subsequently cancels his/her approved card within six months, you both lose your gifts.