Temporary downgrade from Platinum to Gold possible?

[dshunter]

I’m considering a downgrade.

Seeing very limited value with most trips in 2024 booked at independent hotels (booking.com/lufthansa offer) and enough lounge passes from Barclays/gold card for the economy flights – when the lounges have space…

I’m also a bit irritated by the recent melia cashback not paying out despite following the ts and cs. Unable to speak to anyone who can help.

However I’ve had some decent upgrades with hotel status and I’d like to return once my girlfriend gets U.K. residency so she can get the companion card.

So if they call my bluff and don’t offer a good retention, how soon can I return to platinum? I’m not interested in bonus churning.

[RTS]

your hotel status’ gets retained anyways – so if thats your only concern, you’ll be fine for a while.

[NorthernLass]

Have you written to Amex about your cashback? I had a similar thing with one of the offers last year – got nowhere on chat so wrote in and eventually got the rebate plus £50 for my trouble.

[dshunter]

Main concern is returning to platinum in 9 months or so. Not trying to game the system. Just don’t want to pay £600 for very little this year.

[zapato1060]

dshunter wrote:

Main concern is returning to platinum in 9 months or so. Not trying to game the system. Just don’t want to pay £600 for very little this year.

Its the gamble. For the most part in my experience its been to do with your line of credit. If you have been paying on time and your Gold credit limit is not too high then you “should” be able to upgrade. I will cancel the Plat but for 24 month purposes.

[FredWatson]

I recommend you ask Amex. Explain your reasoning. Ask to take your points across if you do. Cancelling a card effects your credit score. Another option, which Amex do now and then, is if you tell them you are thinking of cancelling they can reduce the premium on the card for a year.