Saison Platinum American Express Card in Japan - Annual Fee and Benefits

Mention a platinum card and many people picture an annual fee of well over a hundred thousand yen. Credit Saison's Saison Platinum American Express Card (the Saison Platinum Amex below) sits in a much lower price band, 33,000 yen a year (tax included), and still comes with Priority Pass and a concierge desk.

Credit Saison's official information says the company was established in May 1951 as Midoriya, an installment department store. It later changed its name to Seibu Credit and then to Credit Saison while growing its card business. This article starts from the low annual fee and sorts out what you actually receive and what needs attention.

What to know before you apply

A modest price makes some points easy to overlook.

Using the benefits takes extra steps

Priority Pass is free to use, but the official page says a digital membership card must be applied for separately. Without that application, the annual fee gets you nothing here. Guests are charged 35 US dollars each, so allow for that if you travel with family or friends.

The travel insurance trigger is not stated on the page

Overseas travel accident insurance goes up to 100 million yen and domestic cover up to 50 million yen. However, the page that was checked did not say whether the cover is automatic or applies only when the trip is paid with the card. This article does not guess. Check the terms before relying on the insurance.

Family cards carry a fee

A family card costs 3,300 yen (tax included) each, and up to four can be issued. ETC cards are available up to five. If your family will use the card, add these costs to the main member's fee beforehand.

Looking at 33,000 yen per month

An annual fee of 33,000 yen (tax included) is 2,750 yen a month. For that, the following is available.

As a simple example, suppose you spend 1,000,000 yen a year on shopping. At 2 points per 1,000 yen that is 2,000 points. At 5 yen per point, it is at most 10,000 yen. It is only a maximum, and some exchange items are worth less than 5 yen per point, so treat the figure as the ceiling when points are used at their best value.

The history behind the card

Credit Saison's official information places the start of the company in May 1951, with Midoriya selling goods on installment. In 1980 the name became Seibu Credit, and in 1989 Credit Saison.

A company that began in installment retail and turned into a card company shows its character in today's cards. The best-known feature of Saison cards is Eternal Points, which do not expire. At the same time, as a card that carries the American Express brand, it combines travel, hotel and restaurant privileges.

American Express was founded in 1850 and launched its Platinum Card in the United States and Canada in 1984. The Saison Platinum Amex carries that brand name, but it is a card issued in Japan by Credit Saison.

Travel benefits

The travel benefits of the Saison Platinum Amex are as follows.

Priority Pass

A membership that opens airport lounges. The main member can use it at no charge, after applying separately for the digital membership card. Guests are 35 US dollars each.

Concierge

A desk exclusively for platinum members is available around the clock, every day of the year. The official page says it handles reservation services, travel services and more.

Travel accident insurance

Overseas travel accident insurance goes up to 100 million yen, and domestic travel accident insurance up to 50 million yen.

Hotel and restaurant privileges

Hotel and restaurant privileges are also included. The following could be confirmed on the official page.

• Stays at member-only prices at Hoshino Resorts properties such as Hoshinoya
• Reservations at Michelin-listed hotels (with benefits such as room upgrades and free breakfast)
• Special rates at leading hotels in Japan (including breakfast service and free parking)
• Reservation privileges at carefully selected hotels, inns and restaurants nationwide
• "Shotai Biyori": one course free for every two or more adults dining

These become valuable only when you actually stay or dine. Check whether the facilities covered include places you want to go before you decide.

How the points work

Normally you earn 1 Eternal Point per 1,000 yen (tax included). Shopping in Japan and overseas earns double, 2 points. The points do not expire.

On earning efficiency alone, the card cannot be said to match cards with much higher fees. It suits people who keep the annual fee low and choose the card for its travel and service side.

Eligibility

The official page states that applicants must have a stable income and social credit and be contactable. Students and minors are not eligible. The screening criteria and whether you will actually be accepted are not shown on the page.

Who the card suits

The Saison Platinum Amex gathers Priority Pass, a 24-hour concierge, travel accident insurance and hotel and restaurant privileges for 33,000 yen (tax included) a year. Its value comes less from numbers that save money than from lifting the quality of trips and outings.

Three checks help the decision:

1. How many times a year will you use airport lounges, and does it still pay once guest fees are included?
2. Have you confirmed in the terms when the travel insurance applies?
3. Do the facilities offered include places you want to visit?

If the answers are yes, you can use the annual fee well. If you do not use airports and would not use the hotel and restaurant privileges, it is worth comparing cards with lower fees.