Question
Since I have a Marriot Rewards Signature VISA and a Chase CO World Mastercard I decided to find out more about these "Concierge" services that are provided with the cards. I'm really disapointed with the way both companies handle this service.
First thing was finding the phone number. YOU WOULD THINK THEY WOULD PUT THE NUMBER ON THE BACK OF THE CARD SO YOU COULD CALL THEM...Nope! I called Chase customer service. They gave me a 800 number for Mastercard customer service. They after verifying that I had the card- they gave me the number for the concierge. I called the number just to make sure it was correct before I wrote it on the back of my card. While on hold, I found out that if you have a World MC you get a FREE Zagat's subsciption. You can sign up by going to concierge.mastercard.com and loggin in. I tried to log in and was told I had a invald account number. Never did get to log in- really BAD service without even talking to them....
VISA is the same way... NO NUMBER for the concierge on the back of the card. How do they ever expect you to use this service if you don't know how to call them!?!? I called First USA, they were able to give me a VISA number that could transfer me to the conciege.
Long story short- I think MC and VISA just provide this service to say they do to try to keep up with Amex Plat. If you have to spend all day finding the number- why not just call the restarant and get the reservation yourself......
Answer
Sorry, but Amex platinum cards do not have the concierge # on the card.
Best bet -- go to the card association website, not your card issuer customer service (concierge services are outsourced, in MasterCard's case to VIPDesk). I don't know about Visa, but you can go directly to the concierge service at http://concierge.mastercard.com
I've been very happy with the service (primarily communicated by email), have gotten restaurant reservations in Paris to Spa services in Boston.
Answer
The American Express Platinum Charge Card does have the number on the back of their card. You call your card services number and you have the option for travel service, concierge, or customer service.
Answer
FWIW, Diners Club also uses VIPdesk