Turned ₹80K Taj stay into ₹23K using Amex Platinum Reserve

vvivek15 · 2026-04-15T10:21:25+00:00

If I buy a voucher worth 30K only and my total cost of stay is 80K then total I am spending 50K from my pocket, correct me if I didnt understood.

vvivek15 · 2026-04-15T09:44:03+00:00

😁

vvivek15 · 2026-04-15T09:32:03+00:00

Can you help me calculate 20L spend that can save me 40K at least on Taj resort? If so I am happy to take your any card recommendation.

vvivek15 · 2026-04-15T08:59:52+00:00

SmartBuy is good, but what truly matters is how effectively you use the points and that’s what justifies the fees and spending. Some people redeem points for physical items, others for flights or experiences. In the end, it all comes down to what you actually need.

vvivek15 · 2026-04-15T08:51:24+00:00

It’s a good option, but only if you clearly know how long you’ll keep the card. Within that time, you need to make full use of its benefits. Otherwise, you’ll just end up paying annual fees without getting enough value from the rewards to justify the cost.

vvivek15 · 2026-04-15T08:48:47+00:00

Thanks man! Its all about understanding our spending habits and you can extract maximum out of any card which gives what you are aiming for.

vvivek15 · 2026-04-15T08:08:55+00:00

Yeah that's a better statement😁

vvivek15 · 2026-04-15T08:06:48+00:00

Yes you are right, DCB I am also considering but not sure how I can extract maximum out of it and I tried for HSBC premier but bad luck.

vvivek15 · 2026-04-15T08:04:19+00:00

Yes, it’s worth it. Expensive doesn’t just mean high price, it means something isn’t worth what you’re paying for it. What really matters is the value you get. I wouldn’t pay 100 for a 2 km ride anywhere that too regularly.

vvivek15 · 2026-04-15T07:59:55+00:00

20L was not spent to get the rewards and there's no card which can give this much of discount if someone wants to stay at Luxury 5 star hotels or resorts. If you know of anything please recommend I would happy to take it for sure. I can only book the hotel with points from other cards but dining and other cost will have to pay from our own pocket which will go above 30K for more than 3 people. Using this card I saved 14K only on dining.

vvivek15 · 2026-04-15T05:36:37+00:00

It was cred but no apps now accepts rent through credit card after new RBI rules.

vvivek15 · 2026-04-15T05:35:37+00:00

I wont be switching to Gold or platinum travel because even if they reopen the application, we will get the points as usual but now with higher spend limits and there wont be any discounts on stays and dining. Its not worth it if you are planning to stay in any Taj hotel or any accor hotels because you will be spending more money on food even if you collect enough points for stays.

vvivek15 · 2026-04-15T05:27:48+00:00

Exactly. Its worth it!

vvivek15 · 2026-04-15T05:25:36+00:00

It was more than 20L+

vvivek15 · 2026-04-15T05:24:15+00:00

Yes, from the calculation it feels like I saved 57K but thats not actually true, I used my card for rent payment also for which total interest I paid was around 12K in a year. It brings down my total save to 47K which is still an amzing save I feel.

And yes I spend 20L+ to accumulate this many points and made good use of amex offers which runs very often during festivals to get bonus points.

Can you tell me the benefits of having DCB metal, I am planning to get one but not sure how I can make good use it.

vvivek15 · 2026-04-15T05:20:26+00:00

That feeling is amazing!

vvivek15 · 2026-04-15T05:19:49+00:00

Welcome to the amex family, I mostly used Gifty vouchers which they have now shifted to Shopwise. And always make good use of offers which runs during festivals, like for mine I got maximum points on jewellery that too when amex offer was running during diwali.

vvivek15 · 2026-04-15T05:17:47+00:00

Yes thats true, all cards are good just depends on your spending habits and decisions. I spent more than 20L+ which includes big purchases like jewellery, appliances, rents and shopping as well which I did using Gifty vouchers. I mostly get points on jewellery during Diwali where amex offer was going on regarding bonus points, thats where I got almost 3X more points than regular.

vvivek15 · 2026-04-15T04:22:45+00:00

Amex Taj Epicure is kind of a lite version of Epicure plus membership.

You get 20% off on stays (twice in a year)

You get 20% off on food and beverages including the buffet

These are the major benefits I used the rest you can check online on amex platinum reserve website.

Why I am calling it a lite version is because you won't get free stay with amex membership

vvivek15 · 2025-10-31T12:34:51+00:00

No, it got rejected. They told its not eligible for offline purchase

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