The Platinum Card® from American Express
Rating
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
The Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card offering luxurious benefits and perks. It's designed for frequent travelers who value exclusive experiences, airport lounge access, and elite status with hotels and car rental companies.
Key Features
- Rewards Structure:
- 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year)
- 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
- 1X points on other eligible purchases
- Welcome Offer: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Annual Fee: $695
- Additional Benefits:
- $200 Airline Fee Credit annually
- Up to $200 in Uber Cash annually ($15 per month, plus a $20 bonus in December). To receive this benefit, you must have downloaded the latest version of the Uber App, and your eligible American Express Card must be a method of payment on your Uber account. The Amex Benefit may only be used in the United States.
- $200 Hotel Credit annually for prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit annually ($20/month for select streaming services)
- $155 Walmart+ Credit
- $300 Equinox Credit annually
- Global Lounge Collection access, including Centurion Lounges
- Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status
- Complimentary memberships in premium car rental programs
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee credit
- No foreign transaction (see rates and fees) fees
Rewards Program
The Platinum Card uses the Membership Rewards® program. Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, statement credits, or transferred to airline and hotel partners, often yielding high value for savvy travelers.
Rates and Fees
- This is a charge card, which means you are expected to pay your balance in full each month.
- Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
- Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40
- Cash Advance Fee (if applicable): Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- See rates and fees
Who Is This Card For?
The Platinum Card from American Express is ideal for:
- Frequent travelers who can take advantage of the travel credits and lounge access
- Those who value luxury travel experiences and hotel elite status
- Consumers who can maximize the various statement credits to offset the high annual fee
- People who appreciate concierge services and exclusive event access
Pros
Extensive Travel Benefits: The Platinum Card® offers comprehensive travel perks, such as access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide and up to $200 in annual hotel credits (required a 2 night minimum stay)
Substantial Statement Credits: Cardholders can benefit from numerous annual credits, including up to $240 for digital entertainment and up to $155 for Walmart+ memberships (enrollment required)
Exclusive Access: The card provides unique privileges, such as Global Dining Access by Resy and Hilton & Marriott Gold status, offering cardholders access to exclusive dining reservations and special experiences
Cons
High Annual Fee: The $695 annual fee is a significant expense and may not be justified for individuals who do not utilize the extensive benefits the card offers
Enrollment Requirements: Many of the card’s benefits, such as digital entertainment credits and Saks Fifth Avenue credits, require enrollment, adding an extra step for cardholders to access these perks
Limited Usage for Some Benefits: Certain credits, like the up to $200 airline fee credit and the $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit, are restricted to specific expenses, which may limit their usefulness for some cardholders
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