What credit cards do I need to take with me?
Take your major credit cards, such as, Visa, Master Card and American Express.Make sure they are really credit cards and not just debit cards with a credit card company’s logo on them. Many locations require a credit card and will not accept a debit card, so they may have limited use on your travel.
Leave all your local store credit cards in a secure location at home; there will be no need to carry them with you.
Why should I contact my credit card companies before I leave?
You want to notify them of your trip. They may delay you if they are unaware you are traveling. The unfamiliar spending patterns might cause them to suspect that the card is being used fraudulently and delay your approvals.
They will be able to explain many of the services that they can provide while you are on your trip.
How can my credit card company help prepare me for my trip?
You can arrange to pay bills that will come due while you are gone.
Leave all your local store credit cards in a secure location at home; there will be no need to carry them with you.
Why should I contact my credit card companies before I leave?
You want to notify them of your trip. They may delay you if they are unaware you are traveling. The unfamiliar spending patterns might cause them to suspect that the card is being used fraudulently and delay your approvals.
They will be able to explain many of the services that they can provide while you are on your trip.
How can my credit card company help prepare me for my trip?
You can arrange to pay bills that will come due while you are gone.
- They will be aware that you will be making charges from another country.
- They will be able to give you an idea of how acceptable their credit card is in that particular country.
- They can verify acceptance at certain foreign locations.
- They’ll be able to see if your PIN number will work in the countries you are visiting. They can also issue you another PIN number if your current PIN is unacceptable to the foreign bank’s system.
- They can explain cash advance, ATM, foreign purchase and foreign exchange rate policies and fees.
- They can explain any services they offer, such as, extra insurance for your rental car, luggage or purchases. Make sure the coverage offered extends outside the United States and will be valid in all the countries where you’ll be traveling. Also, be sure to note any other exceptions.
- They may need to give you another phone number to call in case you need to reach them. The 800 number listed on the back of your card may not work from foreign locations.
You can find out if they charge a currency conversion fee, so you can find the most economical card on which to place your foreign purchases.Should I use my ATM card while traveling?
Yes, you’ll have access to cash during your trip so you won’t have to take as much cash with you and using your ATM card can also be a good way to get cash in foreign countries.
The ATM will issue money in local currency.
You should exchange at the bank’s wholesale exchange rate. You may still want to shop around to different banks since some will charge a high usage fee for their ATMs. Although, even high ATM fees may be less than others will charge for currency exchanges.
Don't wait until you're out of money to go to an ATM, the machines can run out of money or break down.
What should I know about using travelers checks?
If the particular brand of travelers checks are accepted in the country you’ll be visiting.
How widely they are accepted within the countries you’ll be visiting.
Any fees for purchasing and using the travelers checks.
The travelers check company’s loss, replacement and refund policies.
How can I protect my travelers checks while traveling?
Yes, you’ll have access to cash during your trip so you won’t have to take as much cash with you and using your ATM card can also be a good way to get cash in foreign countries.
The ATM will issue money in local currency.
You should exchange at the bank’s wholesale exchange rate. You may still want to shop around to different banks since some will charge a high usage fee for their ATMs. Although, even high ATM fees may be less than others will charge for currency exchanges.
Don't wait until you're out of money to go to an ATM, the machines can run out of money or break down.
What should I know about using travelers checks?
If the particular brand of travelers checks are accepted in the country you’ll be visiting.
How widely they are accepted within the countries you’ll be visiting.
Any fees for purchasing and using the travelers checks.
The travelers check company’s loss, replacement and refund policies.
How can I protect my travelers checks while traveling?
Take the same precautions you would to protect your cash. Be sure to learn and follow the procedures required if you lose your travelers checks. You’ll also need to make copies of your travelers checks before you go and keep separate from them the following information.
Travel Benefits Associated With American Express Platinum.
Everybody wants the American Express Platinum Card because of the prestige and status attached to it. On the other hand, a lot of people are wary of the card’s annual fee. But, once you take a look at the American Express Platinum Card benefits, you will realize what an extraordinary value it actually is.
To begin with, the American Express Platinum Card benefits are simply unparalleled by any other card in the world. Let’s take a look at what you get:
Unlimited First-Class Airport Lounge Access
We all know how stressful air travel is these days, however the first-class airport lounges are the exception. The American Express Platinum provides you and your family (or two other people) complimentary access to these exclusive sanctuaries where you’ll find everything you need to unwind; ultra-plush chairs and sofas, complimentary fax machines, phones, and internet. The meticulously clean, upscale restrooms can be a lifesaver when you’ve been traveling all day long. However, my favorite benefit is the complimentary food and drinks; sandwiches, hors d'oeuvres, juices, beer, wine, mixed-drinks, etc.
The American Express Platinum Card offers you free airport lounge access across the globe, regardless of whether or not you’re flying first-class. Normally, unlimited access would cost you several hundred dollars per year.
$500,000 Travel Accident Insurance
As the old saying goes, plan for the best but prepare for the worst. Whether you’re traveling by plane, boat, bus, train, or helicopter, you are insured by up to $500,000 in the event of dismemberment or accidental death (in which case your beneficiaries would be paid). This is a free benefit; simply pay with your AmEx Platinum charge card. Common Carrier Conveyance insurance such as this would normally cost you quite a bit of money, especially for international travel. Car Rental Coverage
Simply pay for your rental car using your American Express Platinum card and you’re covered in the event of an accident. This is especially helpful in foreign countries that have narrower streets and more aggressive drivers than what we’re typically accustomed to. Please note there are a few countries which are not included (six countries excluded at the time of this review).
Roadside Assistance
Another driving benefit for American Express Platinum card members. You’re covered up to four service calls per year, with $50 of coverage each time, in the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
Baggage Insurance
This is another valuable benefit which the Platinum Card provides. For carry on and check luggage, your covered for up to $3,000. Keep in mind this is on top of the airline’s coverage, so your total coverage is even higher. To qualify for this free benefit, just pay for your ticket using your American Express Platinum Card.
Purchase Protection
How many times have you bought something new which is accidentally damaged, lost, or even stolen a few days or weeks later? Whether its a pricy article of clothing, electronics, or something else... if you bought it with your Platinum Card, you’re protected! For purchases within the past 90 days, it covers you up to $10,000 per occurrence (up to $50,000 per calendar year) to repair, replace, or reimburse you for the affected item(s). This is truly one of the most valuable American Express Platinum card benefits; I have used it on numerous occasions. It’s a very simple process (all it took was a phone call for me) and it saved a great deal of money, which I otherwise would have lost.
Return Protection
At one time or another, we’ve all bought something that we later could not return. Whether we lost the receipt or the store simply doesn’t accept returns, it’s a predicament we all encounter regularly. But if you made that purchase with your Platinum card, then American Express will accept your return and reimburse you, up to $300 per item, $1,000 annually.
Extended Warranty
Being that most merchandise is made overseas these days, an extended warranty is now more important than ever. However if you’re a smart shopper, skip the extended warranty at checkout and instead just pay for the merchandise using your AmEx Platinum Card. They will double the original manufacturer’s warranty, up to one full additional year, for absolutely free. You’re protected up to $10,000 per item, $50,000 per year. So enjoy piece of mind next time you buy that new flat screen or computer. Like the other Platinum Card benefits, this is completely free.
Hotel Upgrades & Benefits
American Express has partnered with over 600 hotel and resort companies to offer Platinum cardmembers a wide array of perks and upgrades. Platinum cardmembers receive a free room upgrade (when available), 4:00 PM late checkout, and complimentary breakfast for two. Depending on the hotel, there are often other additional perks like $100 food/drink/spa credits and complimentary third night stays. As you can imagine, this an extremely valuable benefit which will save you a lot. Personal Concierge Service
Odds are that you’re probably too busy with work to be hassled with the tedious things in life… making dinner reservations, booking travel, or having to call around to locate that hard-to-find item. Fortunately, you now have the benefit of a personal concierge service to handle virtually any request, any time, anywhere. Simply call your personal concierge directly, tell them what you want, and they will do all the leg work. This benefit is especially useful if you’re trying to get last minute dinner reservations or sold out tickets – they’ve never failed me.
Rewards
Earn points for virtually every purchase made. American Express has the largest and most diverse rewards program; redeem points for merchandise, travel, or almost anything else:
Another driving benefit for American Express Platinum card members. You’re covered up to four service calls per year, with $50 of coverage each time, in the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
Baggage Insurance
This is another valuable benefit which the Platinum Card provides. For carry on and check luggage, your covered for up to $3,000. Keep in mind this is on top of the airline’s coverage, so your total coverage is even higher. To qualify for this free benefit, just pay for your ticket using your American Express Platinum Card.
Purchase Protection
How many times have you bought something new which is accidentally damaged, lost, or even stolen a few days or weeks later? Whether its a pricy article of clothing, electronics, or something else... if you bought it with your Platinum Card, you’re protected! For purchases within the past 90 days, it covers you up to $10,000 per occurrence (up to $50,000 per calendar year) to repair, replace, or reimburse you for the affected item(s). This is truly one of the most valuable American Express Platinum card benefits; I have used it on numerous occasions. It’s a very simple process (all it took was a phone call for me) and it saved a great deal of money, which I otherwise would have lost.
Return Protection
At one time or another, we’ve all bought something that we later could not return. Whether we lost the receipt or the store simply doesn’t accept returns, it’s a predicament we all encounter regularly. But if you made that purchase with your Platinum card, then American Express will accept your return and reimburse you, up to $300 per item, $1,000 annually.
Extended Warranty
Being that most merchandise is made overseas these days, an extended warranty is now more important than ever. However if you’re a smart shopper, skip the extended warranty at checkout and instead just pay for the merchandise using your AmEx Platinum Card. They will double the original manufacturer’s warranty, up to one full additional year, for absolutely free. You’re protected up to $10,000 per item, $50,000 per year. So enjoy piece of mind next time you buy that new flat screen or computer. Like the other Platinum Card benefits, this is completely free.
Hotel Upgrades & Benefits
American Express has partnered with over 600 hotel and resort companies to offer Platinum cardmembers a wide array of perks and upgrades. Platinum cardmembers receive a free room upgrade (when available), 4:00 PM late checkout, and complimentary breakfast for two. Depending on the hotel, there are often other additional perks like $100 food/drink/spa credits and complimentary third night stays. As you can imagine, this an extremely valuable benefit which will save you a lot. Personal Concierge Service
Odds are that you’re probably too busy with work to be hassled with the tedious things in life… making dinner reservations, booking travel, or having to call around to locate that hard-to-find item. Fortunately, you now have the benefit of a personal concierge service to handle virtually any request, any time, anywhere. Simply call your personal concierge directly, tell them what you want, and they will do all the leg work. This benefit is especially useful if you’re trying to get last minute dinner reservations or sold out tickets – they’ve never failed me.
Rewards
Earn points for virtually every purchase made. American Express has the largest and most diverse rewards program; redeem points for merchandise, travel, or almost anything else:
- You get 1 point on virtually every dollar spent
- You get 2 points per dollar through the American Express travel services website
- You get up to 4 points per dollar when shopping at the Bonus Points Mall, which includes a large number of retailers
- You get up to 2 to 10 points per dollar with select partners
- Points never expire. Accumulate as many as you want and use them whenever it’s convenient for you.
Annual Fee
I personally know a Centurion (black card) member that recently switched back to the Platinum Card since almost all of the benefits are identical. The difference is that the Centurion will cost you $7,500 in fees just for the first year, while the Platinum Card is only $450 and you still get all of the above benefits... it easily pays for itself many times over!
I personally know a Centurion (black card) member that recently switched back to the Platinum Card since almost all of the benefits are identical. The difference is that the Centurion will cost you $7,500 in fees just for the first year, while the Platinum Card is only $450 and you still get all of the above benefits... it easily pays for itself many times over!
http://www201.americanexpress.com/getthecard/learn-about/Platinum-Card/25K_1Kspend_first3months/21463?PID=1&BUID=CCG&PSKU=PLA&CRTV=SJPLA&EAID=PPkX79/c*b0-DbyDmRC1OkhMMhq1aQJxRw
