I didn't really see an option that applies to me, but I prefer to run everything including Hermes purchases through my Amex Platinum. I like that the points and perks are more universal than just hotel, travel, etc. 
Hermes Shopping and Credit Card Benefits
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Major credit cards can all redeem points in various ways, it's just that the points are worth more when used toward flights & hotels, plus the additional perks and travel insurance that come along with the bookings. I use Amex for US purchases but Chase is better suited for international shopping since it's a VISA and usually work more smoothly involving vat refund with global blue.I didn't really see an option that applies to me, but I prefer to run everything including Hermes purchases through my Amex Platinum. I like that the points and perks are more universal than just hotel, travel, etc.
I get that, but I prefer the added perks & bonuses with our Platinum cards. Agree re: Visa internationally...... We have the Wells Private Visa and the Chase Sapphire, but for 99.9% of purchases, we still prefer Amex.
It is…
For me it’s easier to manage spending this way that I can see what I spend reflecting on my online banking
Yes I second that and I’ve been doing this with my platinum for years. All the perks that I like might not be worth it for others, and I’m pretty sure I pay $0 in annual fee after all the perks that I got from Amex.
And I normally book my flight via Amex travel to earn more points or transfer the existing points that I have to airlines that offer 1:1 ratio…
next stop will be Switzerland with all these points!!
Do your search diligently
Miles are what I like best, but it’s because I travel a lot for work and my job doesn’t pay for business class so upgrading or getting status that gives me auto upgrades sometimes is really nice.
Points-wise 1 or 2% cash back is good but not as nice as the miles/status for me.
Points-wise 1 or 2% cash back is good but not as nice as the miles/status for me.
I likes miles best!
I'm planning ahead for a Europe trip and trying to decide which credit card to use should I find anything to buy at H. My credit card awards miles for transactions classified as "shopping" by the merchant category code. E.g. MCC 5621 Women’s Ready to Wear Stores, or 5631 Women’s Accessory and Speciality Stores.
I'm trying to figure out which category H falls into, so I know which card to use to get miles.
Would anyone happen to know/remember what the Hermes MCC is (from your previous bills), please?
I'm planning ahead for a Europe trip and trying to decide which credit card to use should I find anything to buy at H. My credit card awards miles for transactions classified as "shopping" by the merchant category code. E.g. MCC 5621 Women’s Ready to Wear Stores, or 5631 Women’s Accessory and Speciality Stores.
I'm trying to figure out which category H falls into, so I know which card to use to get miles.
Would anyone happen to know/remember what the Hermes MCC is (from your previous bills), please?
I use Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire. Amex points are great for transferring to several airlines but not easily or directly to United, and I have Global Services status at United which ensures I usually fly them. So for United miles, the Chase Sapphire is the way to go.
It's not just about points. Purchase protection is hugely valuable - that bag you bought is now insured for three months against everything from thieves to your puppy. I had my Global Entry long before Amex started paying that fee, but if you don't yet have it, it's covered. There's something like $200 in random travel credit which anyone who travels will easily use.
Amex does give you Uber Cash which actually adds up to like $180 a year which puts a dent in the $695 fee. Once in a great while Priority Pass is helpful in using a lounge. Also, Amex has some exclusive pre-sales for concerts, etc. , and there's a deal with Resy in the US which gives cardholders priority dining status.
I overwhelmingly use my points for flying. Two first-class seats to Singapore from the US can easily cost $15,000....or just a few hundred with points. At this point though I have more points than I am likely to use, so I donate miles to organizations that use them for good causes.
Also worth noting that Amex and Chase have different multipliers on categories of spending (3x hotels, 5x dining, etc.) so it's worth noting which categories fit which card.
It's not just about points. Purchase protection is hugely valuable - that bag you bought is now insured for three months against everything from thieves to your puppy. I had my Global Entry long before Amex started paying that fee, but if you don't yet have it, it's covered. There's something like $200 in random travel credit which anyone who travels will easily use.
Amex does give you Uber Cash which actually adds up to like $180 a year which puts a dent in the $695 fee. Once in a great while Priority Pass is helpful in using a lounge. Also, Amex has some exclusive pre-sales for concerts, etc. , and there's a deal with Resy in the US which gives cardholders priority dining status.
I overwhelmingly use my points for flying. Two first-class seats to Singapore from the US can easily cost $15,000....or just a few hundred with points. At this point though I have more points than I am likely to use, so I donate miles to organizations that use them for good causes.
Also worth noting that Amex and Chase have different multipliers on categories of spending (3x hotels, 5x dining, etc.) so it's worth noting which categories fit which card.
Amex plat user here. Yes to all of the above. Another perk that I like is Amex plat gives you 1.5 the points for purchases over 5k which is very easy at Hermes. Also, my business platinum is $595/annually.
The points can also be redeemed at checkout for pretty much all categories, not just travel. All though redeeming at checkout is shied upon since the conversion is like .01 per point or something like that.
+1000I didn't really see an option that applies to me, but I prefer to run everything including Hermes purchases through my Amex Platinum. I like that the points and perks are more universal than just hotel, travel, etc.
Cash back, since travel has been difficult during COVID times. And seems like will continue to be trying with all these new viruses coming out.
forgot to add my travel agent, affiliated with virtuoso, will book airlines and deal with the Amex point stuff.
the hotel pays the fee. The fact that our independent travel agent is affiliated with virtuoso means we get when available, upgrades to room; free breakfast; hotel credits for a meal or spa; and late checkout.
I don’t know about what we lose re not booking with Amex. We’ve been Amex members since 1987 or so, and have always used an independent TA. My priority is having one person who knows everything handle everything without any waiting or issues. I think we might have used Amex platinum concierge for performance tickets at one point, and years ago I might have tried to get a restaurant reservation through them and was not impressed. One example of a deal our TA got was she was able to book was emirates first class NY Dubai for a relatively low 65K points during a deal lull period at the start of 2022; it might be 300K points now, IDK.
we do travel quite a bit and DHs family has used this TA for decades, so i think it works out well for both sides. Apparently post Covid, she’s busy enough that she’s not accepting new clients, so I assume she makes a sufficient amount via fees. (favorite hotels she’s booked for us post covid that I can remember include: post ranch inn, Big Sur; Aman Jackson hole; Four Seasons Whistler; Connaught, London; Bulgari hotel, Paris; Aman Venice; Twin Farms Vermont; Hotel de Russie Rome). We aren’t fond of big chains in general. We’re members of Aman NY, and TA been able to get us better deals at Amans worldwide than the Aman Concierge (Which is a source of complaint)
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