It is. They’re both the same.
This might have something to do with Amex changing how additional cards and supplementary cards are branded.
They started calling the complimentary fee-free supplementary cards in the US “companion platinum/centurion card” instead of Gold (I don’t think even American Cent ever got free plat). The free platinum cards on UK Centurion are also now differentiated from a normal platinum card. They are now called “The Centurion Platinum Supplementary” card – my AC platinum card does not have “platinum” printed on the back but is otherwise indistinguishable from a normal plat.
Wouldn’t be surprised if they change things quite often without people noticing. The first contactless centurion was still titanium and had serious peeling/adhesive issues.
Even after switching to steel, I suspect they also changed things up when they launched the 2 additional designs. My old card used to get scratched, but the new one is pristine despite being my go-to letter opener.
edit: added photo, spelling
I pay my Platinum cashback card monthly in full by DD. Amex collect this 14 days after the Statement Date which is 10 days prior to the Payment Due date. They have now advised that WEF 1.11.2024 they will be taking the DD 12 days after the statement date with the Payment Due Date remaining the same. I would have thought they get the payment long before the Payment Due Date and now they want it two days earlier. All other cards take the DD payment on the actual Payment Due Date. It’s no big issue for me but I think it’s a sharp practice which will be even sharper by two days.
Quite the lineup you have there!
I got the same email yesterday.
Amex say it’s so that you don’t end up with a missed payment if something goes wrong with your DD, and I like it. It always makes me anxious when the payment due date is the same as the DD collection date.
Yep. Happened to me with my Tesco credit card a few years back. They collected the DD the day after the due date and charged me interest. Only took a phone call to sort it out but I still prefer the payment being taken early.
They take it 10 days before the Payment Due Date currently so I can’t see why they need another 2 days. Furthermore, they send numerous notifications so if the DD wasn’t taken I’d know and then contact them. I can’t see that the further two days makes a difference. It seems they just want the cash earlier as it increases their cash flow. I’m not nervous about those CCs that collect on the PDD as if the direct debit fails it would be my bank’s or the CC issuer’s fault as I have sufficient funds to meet the DD.
Slightly annoying change because it means my payment will be taken just before, rather than just after, pay day.
They state you can call or use chat to amend this to suit your circumstances.
Just got another Platinum card through the mail and this time it’s through RM. The card itself is also tinted green again but my name, members since date, and the 4 digit code are all solid black and slightly embossed. Seems like whatever DHL uses messes up the black ink for the printed letters/numbers.
Either it’s bad luck or cards after March 2024 started to get tinted green.
I just got a replacement Platinum card and the back is slightly embossed like the one Marius posted, but the front is completely flat.
The front details are actually horrible and quite discoloured already. Even the contactless symbol looks awful:
Straight to the drawer and not using this card.
I find reading the 4 digit security number a challenge. It seems to blend in with the card colouring. It’s OK when I get the magnifying glass out.
Currently have the BAPP, just wondering do folk here use their amex for spend when travelling or use their monzo?
Planning a trip to the states and wondering if there may even be a different amex i should pick up before i go
Not really. It’s not fee free so unless you desperately needed points it wouldn’t be worth it.
I out my hotel on an Amex mind you, but that’s something I factor the fee into for.
Fee free credit card when abroad unless it’s a work trip, in which case I’ll use my Amex as I’ll be fully reimbursed for my expenses.
As above, it’s the only time I actually use Monzo as a spending card. I’ll only use my AMEX if I’m on a work trip as I’m able to expense it all.
Being able to pull AMEX statements by the way for individual transactions is perfect for this!
If you’re going to the US you’ll want to consider Chase so that you have free access to their ATMs.
Unless I have an amex offer to make it worthwhile, I use a fee free credit card abroad, like Santander zero or MBNA horizons.
Abroad I will use another card without FX fees, unless it’s for an Amex credit or something that needs to be paid with Amex to be covered by their insurance.
I always thought I could do this with other cards until I had to make an insurance claim and needed to show individual transaction on a Virgin card. Turns out they don’t do it and had to give my entire statement to the insurance people.
You can use the Amex to guarantee the booking and pay with a fee free card when checking out.