“Ask AMEX”, New App Based Concierge From American Express
American Express has launched a new pilot program for an app based concierge called “AskAMEX”. For now the app is on available on Apple devices and only for those who were invited.
What is it
AskAmex is an application that helps you find & book travel, dining, and more – all from your phone. AskAmex is also a limited-time pilot, which means it’ll be available through May 31, 2017 to a pre-selected group of invited American Express Card Members. Received an invite? Download the app now to get started.
The service is provided by Mezi, a startup that originally launched as an AI-powered virtual assistant and has since pivoted to focus mainly on travel. They already offer a similar service for free and have extensive experience in the field.
The idea is that you can book almost everything through the app, without having to search for hotels, flights etc. You just tell the app what you need and you get the best choices available, hopefully. Reviews on the App Store are positive from what I saw.
Caution
There’s a big downside to the app, which makes it useless for lots of people.
Travel purchases you make through AskAmex are not eligible for some benefits that require booking directly with Amex Travel, including, if applicable, 5X/2X Membership Rewards points and The Hotel Collection benefits.
Amex Offers that require booking directly on a merchant website or on amextravel.com, won’t be triggered by AskAmex transactions.
In addition, only certain Amex cards are eligible for the pilot program and purchases can only be made through your connected American Express Card that was included in the invitation you received.
Conclusion
This is a good idea, but there’s not much value in it I think. Not being able to take advantage of bonus categories with or using Amex Offers through the app is a big downside.
Still, I would like to play around with the app, but I have an Android device.
Were you invited? Let us know how you like the app so far.
HT: Doctor of Credit and Windbag Miles
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