I use the Amex as much as I can all the time to get the membership awards points… I don’t use it in Ecuador very much these days as I pay most everything in cash. But I did use it a lot when we were first furnishing our house. I also like the benefits that the Platinum card offers… such as airport lounge access and car rental insurance. Since I travel so much these things come in handy. Truthfully, if I didn’t travel for a living I might opt for a lower-fee regular AMEX card. But I’ll never give up AMEX — their customer service is second to none.