Cancel. Even if you really like the card, cancel and then try to get a no lifetime language offer for the card. This gives you a few months of your $450 in your pocket and you would get another bonus.
But yes, the airline credits are pretty difficult to use, at least to get somewhat close to face value for them.
I already paid prorated $150 AF in May, upgraded in march. I already got fee credit with gc purchase in may.
I am now charged full $450 AF. Will they claw back the bonus hilton points that are on my Hilton account if I cancel?
From all the posts I am reading, the $250 airline credit is hit or miss. many are saying you don't get it even on flight taxes , fees or bag fees and sometimes has to be $100 or less sometimes there is no credit at all.
So I will be wasting $250 in fees minus the free night valued at $200.
Tried downgrading to Surpass but gave me this warning
"As a result of this downgrade, American Express reserves the right to take away, withhold, or freeze any rewards (including acquisition and/or upgrade bonuses) that would have otherwise been earned".
I told the agent this card no longer gives airline credit for flight taxes and fees so the $450 fee is a rip off. someitmes has to be AA or SW or detla flight only with less then $99 in fees or taxes.
UPDATE:
After chatting with an agent,
the airline credit is almost dead bacause
Ineligible charges include:
Raul - 7:57 PM
Air freight
Airline tickets
Award ticket fees
Charges processed by Merchants other than the airline the Card Member has selected in (for example, in-flight internet services providers such as GoGo)
Charges made by airline partners (for example, Card Member purchase tickets on selected airline Delta, but purchases food on an Air France flight)
Duty-free purchase
Frequent Flyer purchase
Gift Cards issued by airlines
Point transfer fees
Trip insurance / baggage insurance
Ticket upgrades (Including American Airlines Upgrade Stickers)
Travel agent fees.
I book award flights so if it wont work on award flight fees or tax then this card is not valuable!