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Pay to Move Up from American AAdvantage Platinum to Platinum Pro

Jan. 10, 2017
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3 min read
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Pay to Move Up from American AAdvantage Platinum to Platinum Pro
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Update 1/11/17 4:00pm: Some AA documentation listed free confirmed same-day changes as a Platinum Pro benefit, however this no longer appears to be included.

January 1 was a big day for American AAdvantage — the first of the year marked the launch of AA's new revenue requirement for elite status, along with a new elite tier: Platinum Pro. The new status level falls right in between Platinum and Executive Platinum, requiring 75,000 elite-qualifying miles or 90 segments, plus $9,000 in elite-qualifying dollar spend. If you meet those requirements but fall short of Executive Platinum in 2017, you'll end up with Pro.

Since this status level just launched a few days ago, there are likely very few AA elites currently in this tier — while it's technically possible that some very frequent flyers have met the requirements for Pro as of today, it's likely that they're already Executive Platinum or Concierge Key members based on elite credits earned in 2016. So if being "first" is a priority for you, this latest offer from American might be of interest.

AA has been sending out emails to current Platinum members offering a buy up to Platinum Pro — if you didn't receive an email, you can check your eligibility here. One TPG team member received an offer to buy up for $1,449, while a friend of the site got the same offer for $999. The buy-up price is apparently tied to the number of elite credits earned in 2016 — according to AA, "The offer provided in this email reflects your 2016 Elite Qualifying Miles/Segments account balance as of 01/05/17 and your corresponding 2017 elite status level valid through February 28, 2017." Purchased status will be applied within five days and will be valid through January 2018.

In our annual status valuations, we pegged AAdvantage Platinum Pro at $3,435 — it's valued roughly $1,000 more than regular Platinum. However, it's important to note that you'll need to travel a fair amount to get that much value from the status, and depending on what you have planned for 2017 it may be worth more or less. The biggest incremental benefit is unlimited complimentary upgrades on flights over 500 miles — while you'll no longer need to apply 500-mile upgrades, you'll be prioritized behind Executive Platinum members. Additionally, you'll earn 20% more redeemable miles and upgrades will be confirmed as far in advance as 72 hours before departure, rather than a maximum of 48 hours.

Ultimately, it might be worth paying a few hundred dollars for the buy-up, but $1,449 is a bit much. Rather than buy that status bump outright, you might be better off putting that money toward meeting the regular requirements in 2017.

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
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TPG Editor‘s Rating
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Rewards Rate

4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.