Credit cards and prestige

[FidelCashflow]

I was watching the show Extras (the Ricky Gervais comedy from England) yesterday, and there was a funny part of an episode that got me thinking.

There's a scene where Maggie walks into a very fancy store with a sort of confused look on her face. She spots a dress she likes, but is immediately put in her place by a saleswoman who says she can't afford it because it's 2,500 pounds. She walks out dejected and frustrated at being snubbed. Andy is waiting outside for her, when he hears about this, he marches back in there and plunks his gold card on the counter, and suddenly the saleslady changes her tune. It goes on with hilarious results, but that's besides the point. (Check it out on Sidereel, it's got to be the best comedy out right now.)

Do gold and platinum cards really carry that type of prestige anymore? I know Amex really likes to hype their brand as something special. Does it carry any sort of special prestige to it? I know people talk about black cards, but other than that, does anyone really notice? Or is the idea of a card being a status symbol an outdated notion that marketing departments are desperately trying to hang onto.

 

[dopey]

I believe there is no prestige factor at all.

 

[Brian278]

I would raise an eyebrow at an Amex black, but every other one I've heard of is pretty easy to get. I don't think "platinum" means what it used to. I think anyone that would be considered middle-class would qualify for any of AmEx's cards save the black. Though some of those cards do offer advantages over your standard bank card or Visa.

 

[Piobaire]

Yeah, need to see Centurion to get impressed. Amex platinum still does say a little something, as you actually do need some income and so/so credit and be willing to pay that damn yearly membership fee.

 

[Bradford]

Originally Posted by Brian278

I would raise an eyebrow at an Amex black, but every other one I've heard of is pretty easy to get. I don't think "platinum" means what it used to. I think anyone that would be considered middle-class would qualify for any of AmEx's cards save the black. Though some of those cards do offer advantages over your standard bank card or Visa.

I've heard the Black has some cool features - concierge service, etc... but other than that I agree.

I have platinum and gold cards - but it just means I can run up big bills, not much else.

 

[GQgeek]

I think it can impress a certain demographic. I would guess the 20-30s with no money, no future, but an burning need to show money (that they don't have). It won't impress anyone that you want to impress.

 

[Joffrey]

I don't get any special treatment with my CC.

 

[tiecollector]

Girls always ask to look at my Amex Blue when I whip it out. Glittery yet not overtly feminine.

 

[Gus]

Some, have features that are nice if you use them. But very expensive if you don't. My friend uses his AMEX platinum services a lot to get tickets, upgrades at resorts (if available) and two-for-one business class tickets going overseas. I always seem to be working a deal somehow that doesn't let me use my platinum perks, so I dropped it and saved a lot of dough.

 

[Quirk]

I got a platinum when I was about 22, earned accordingly and was stupid enough to fall for the "prestige" ambiance. I got over myself quickly when I realized how stupid it was to pay a company $300(?)/year so I could "impress" snooty retail clerks with my artifice of prosperity.

As for the Centurion, people just think it's cool cause it's black and has a few superficial bells and whistles. But there's no there there.

 

[James Bond]

My first card was a platinum; enough said.

 

[dtmt]

In Japan, gold cards still carry some prestige. Generally you have to be at least manager level at a decent company with income around ~$100k to qualify.

The funny thing is, my American credit card is platinum which is "better" than gold goes completely unnoticed here.

 

[tiecollector]

I once had a Titanium card!!! I'd be down for a green glow in the dark one called the Amex Uranium.

 

[flashback]

i have a plat amex. I don't know about prestige (do people understand what prestige really implies?) but I do enjoy having the concierge at my disposal.

 

[yfyf]

Originally Posted by flashback

i have a plat amex. I don't know about prestige (do people understand what prestige really implies?) but I do enjoy having the concierge at my disposal.

What exactly does the concierge do?