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Per recent reddit datapoints, it seems E*Trade accounts may now qualify for the MS Platinum. Could be worth opening an E*Trade account before the Sept merger just in case... h/t DH

Update on exactly how to open this confusing (but lucrative) card, including new methods involving Preferred Savings accounts, Active Assets Accounts (AAA), CashPlus engagement bonus & fee avoidance, and a walkthrough of two simple options for qualifying 👊😤

  • 0:00 - What's the deal with this card?
  • 7:11 - tldr: Preferred Savings ftw
  • 9:12 - Active Assets Accounts (AAA)
  • 10:20 - The magic of Preferred Savings
  • 12:31 - Why it's better than Access Investing
  • 14:28 - Preferred Savings vs CashPlus
  • 17:04 - Should I even open a CashPlus?
  • 19:55 - How does AMEX get data from MS?
  • 20:38 - Option 1: Preferred Savings + CashPlus (safest)
  • 23:50 - Option 2: Preferred Savings only (riskier)
  • 25:33 - What we did (riskiest 😁)

Show Notes

  • 125K Morgan Stanley Amex Platinum - direct | DoC
  • 3.5% Morgan Stanley Preferred Savings - direct | to open: 866-743-5700
  • Useful list of Morgan Stanley account types & fees - pdf
  • CashPlus terms & conditions (aka stuff you wish MS Advisors knew) - pdf
  • Reddit post from August hinting at this "new" method - reddit