[Rumor] American Express To Launch New Card In Between Platinum & Centurion (‘AmEx Optio’)

At the Bank of America Future of Financials Conference Doug Buckminster (American Express) was asked to comment on a rumor that American Express planned to launch a card in between Platinum & Centurion, he ummed and uhhed and said yes before finally saying that he had no comment at the time to an audible laugh in the room. Recently American Express has doubled the annual fee on the Centurion card, so the gap between the two cards is now larger than ever. At this stage we don’t know any specifics on what this card would be called or the benefits offered, but I’ve heard enough rumors from other sources to feel somewhat confident that this is a real project that American Express is working on.

Hat tip to reader Richard

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Farhan Chishti
Farhan Chishti (@guest_1065095)
September 30, 2020 11:19

I heard from my Centurion sales rep that they will offer Centurion members, three designs to choose from, and the designs will be customizable. To be launched Q1 2021.

Farhan Chishti
Farhan Chishti (@guest_1155990)
March 9, 2021 06:37
Ethan
Ethan (@guest_839012)
November 9, 2019 12:15

This is very exciting. I cannot wait to receive my invite!

Keet
Keet (@guest_838849)
November 8, 2019 20:39

Wonder if this will have access to “The List” from Centurion. Apparently an exclusive travel & dining guide?

LG
LG (@guest_838489)
November 8, 2019 10:30

If true, the Platinum will be practically useless. Gold and Everyday already earn more and the new card will have all the benefits if not more of current platinum. Time to dump my MR and possibly switch to UR.

Jason
Jason (@guest_837864)
November 7, 2019 19:06

Really done with Amex on those “dear customer:plz spend some more $$$ w/ some shitty service providers” (like uber) using our card thing here.
if they can really make their credits easier to use, give out some CFHR benefits, make their rental insurance primary and trip delay to 4h with hilton status and delta gold status, I am more than happy to pay a $1000 effective annual fee. The biggest reason I choose amex is for their customer service and I am happy to give them some real cash to do that. if amex make my life easier by that instead of raping my right of choice I can spend more money on it. I’m more done with other banks in terms of service.

Jason
Jason (@guest_837878)
November 7, 2019 19:11

Also done with having cards with different bonus cats jamming up my wallet. Eager to see a “1800 THE CARD” on bonus cats to kick plat, gold and green to trash can, which saves me 2 slots in wallet.

Kirk
Kirk (@guest_837781)
November 7, 2019 18:41

I already get the AF for plat covered by Morgan Stanley, so probably not a winner for me.

Tree
Tree (@guest_838165)
November 7, 2019 21:58

You have to pay Morgan Stanley $10,000 for that waived AF?

Colin
Colin (@guest_1173084)
April 7, 2021 21:54

Holding 10K in assets with MS isn’t exactly “paying” them. Can’t believe I had to type this …

Joe
Joe (@guest_837743)
November 7, 2019 18:12

Could only imagine the silly subscriptions I would be prepaying to “get a good value”. Maybe a credit for Instacart, the New York Times, Jelly of the Month, and more

itsa me
itsa me (@guest_1244977)
August 26, 2021 21:09

“New York Times”
Man you really nailed it. What is Amex going to do next, Joe?

Finn
Finn (@guest_837737)
November 7, 2019 18:10
John
John (@guest_837703)
November 7, 2019 17:34

$20/month Global Entry credit. $250 hotel incidental credit (must select hotel in advance and not valid for room rates or gift cards but work-around already discovered where you order $250 of room service but put a hair in the food and send it back for a refund to a gift card). Best Western Platinum status. 4x on everything except 0x at grocery stores, gas stations, office supply stores, and Simon malls. Annual fee waived for the 2nd year. Limited time Red card. No Priority Pass though.

aubergine
aubergine (@guest_837741)
November 7, 2019 18:11

also includes standby access for SFO Centurion Lounge (after 10pm)

tBoston
tBoston (@guest_837756)
November 7, 2019 18:19

Ooh, you forgot the 0x on purchases over $450

Jags
Jags (@guest_837694)
November 7, 2019 17:25

Unless the earnings are out of this world I will pass. It’s he’s to justify prepaying (i.e. big annual fee) for things you wouldn’t buy normally.

An annual fee of $1000-$1500 would really require some serious SUB and some big time earnings.