Quick AMEX Platinum question

Just going through my holiday receipts & reconciling against card statements. I used my VS MBNA AMEX for all transactions except one whilst in USA for two & a half weeks. With VS MBNA AMEX the typical £/$ exchange rate was 1.57 - pretty good. For the one transaction I put on AMEX Platinum (car rental) my statement says an exchange rate of 1.57 was used but then they applied a charge of £16.99 "commission" which effectively brings the exchange rate down to 1.53.

Now I'm not grumbling as overall I'm happy with the benefits I get through AMEX Platinum, and 99% of the time I use my VS AMEX for purchases, but am I right in saying that this is not a card to use for everyday purchases on holiday as the bottom line exchange rate you end up with is pretty poor?

Just wondered what others think? I should stress I only have the Platinum for the associated benefits, I don't as a rule charge purchases to it.

Thanks
James

[Nottingham Nick]

I agree James - the only time I use my Plat Amex abroad is when there are additional benefits for doing so. Some hotels that give extra benefits and car hire being the two things that come to mind.

Their exchange rates / surcharges are truly punitive and are often discussed on the Amex board on Flyertalk.

Nick

I use the AMEX platinum for hotels only in the USA and only for business for that reason (I can claim it all back). As soon as I have taken the holidays that I am covered by their travel insurance with under the "old" scheme, I am not renewing as the rest of it is not worth it for me any longer.