FIA Fidelity Private Client American Express Review (discontinued)
The Facts
The Math
The rewards features are exactly the same as the regular Fidelity Amex (2% cash back or 2 Aeroplan miles per dollar spent), which is our benchmark for general spending.
The Conclusion
A premium version of our beloved Fidelity Amex for an additional $200/year. Note that you can have Priority Pass Select from Ameriprise WEMC for $150/year. Thus if you want both the regular Fidelity Amex and Priority Pass Select, the good reason to pay $50 more is that you can use one card instead of two. Of course, if you can get the annual fee waived, it is a no-brainer.
Last updated 11/20/2011.
- Annual Fee: $200, waived for Private Client customers
- Signup Bonus: none
- Rewards: 2x everything
- Best Use of WorldPoints: the card has exactly the same rewards features as our Top Lister Fidelity Amex (Investment Rewards, Retirement Rewards, and 529 Rewards). Other than the regular redemption options of WorldsPoints (including transferring points to Aeroplan miles at 1:1), you can link your card to a Fidelity account and get 2% cash back.
- Other Benefits: complimentary Priority Pass Select membership that entitles you unlimited access to 600+ airport lounges ($27 for each guest you bring). That is the major reason why you will pay $200 over the regular Fidelity Amex. However, due to the fact that American Airlines domestic lounges do not participate, Delta left Priority Pass in 2009, and United/Continental lounges are excluded from Priority Pass Select after 9/30/2011, the value of this membership is somewhat limited. Please see our featured review on airport lounges if you want to learn more details. You may also enjoy the Premium Hotel, Airline and Cruise Privileges as well as concierge services from FIA Card Services.
The Math
The rewards features are exactly the same as the regular Fidelity Amex (2% cash back or 2 Aeroplan miles per dollar spent), which is our benchmark for general spending.
The Conclusion
A premium version of our beloved Fidelity Amex for an additional $200/year. Note that you can have Priority Pass Select from Ameriprise WEMC for $150/year. Thus if you want both the regular Fidelity Amex and Priority Pass Select, the good reason to pay $50 more is that you can use one card instead of two. Of course, if you can get the annual fee waived, it is a no-brainer.
Last updated 11/20/2011.