Clearly this is an attempt by Amex to compete with the Chase Sapphire Reserve's 1.5 cents
per point redemption benefit, which is by far the most valuable aspect of that card (and the one I think is most likely to be cut back sooner rather than later).
Not exact matches
That card was always a good option for overseas travel because it charges no foreign transaction fees, earns 2
points per $ 1 on travel and dining, and gets you 20 percent off travel
redemptions — not to mention that 1:1 partner transfer you're about to
benefit from.
This card has gone through a roller coaster of sorts after several key
benefits were removed (among them American Admirals Club lounge access and a higher
redemption rate of 1.65 cents
per point for American Airlines flights).
Because of this there is no real
benefit to taking a flight
redemption at 1 cent
per point since you can take a cash
redemption at that rate and buy a ticket outright.
If you want to really enjoy the
benefits of a 5th night free
redemption, try using it when booking for a high - end hotel stay; that said, if you find you're getting over 2 cents
per point for your
redemption, then you're in safe territory value-wise.
• No more American Airlines Admirals Club access •
Redemption rates for airfare will drop to 1.25 cents
per point from the current rates of 1.6
points for American Airlines and 1.33
points for all other airfare • No more three free rounds of golf • The reimbursement for the 4th night free hotel
benefit will be based on the average price and will not include taxes