Our Take
The Platinum Card® from American Express is the epitome of luxury credit cards designed for travelers who demand the highest standards in service and rewards. Upon signing up, cardholders can earn an enticing 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after they spend $8,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months. This offer positions the Platinum Card as one of the best for serious travelers, equating to significant value, estimated around $3,850 in travel rewards, depending on how you redeem your points.
The card carries an annual fee of $695, which might seem steep, but the benefits it encompasses easily justify the cost. One of the standout features is its comprehensive airport lounge access – cardholders can enjoy entry to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, including the luxurious Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta, and Priority Pass lounges upon enrollment.
The benefits don’t stop there; cardholders also get complimentary elite status with Hilton Honors (Gold) and Marriott Bonvoy (Gold Elite), which come with exclusive perks such as room upgrades, late check-outs, and bonus points on hotel stays. Moreover, the card includes up to $300 in annual statement credits for Equinox memberships, up to $200 for airline fees, and up to $240 in monthly digital entertainment credits.
In terms of rewards, the Platinum Card offers 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel and 1X points on other purchases. With flexible redemption options through travel partners, transferring points can yield even greater value.
Additional invaluable features include purchase protections, travel and accident insurance, and access to special events through American Express Offers. In short, for anyone looking to elevate their travel experience while reaping substantial rewards, the Platinum Card® from American Express is a top contender that you should consider adding to your wallet.
Intro Offer
Lowest Available Bonus
175,000 Membership Rewards
Membership Rewards
After you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Worth
Highest Available Bonus
175,000 Membership Rewards
Membership Rewards
After you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Worth
Bonus History
Currently, The Platinum Card® offers a generous welcome bonus of up to 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months. Historically, this offer fluctuates but has often included enticing bonuses and strong point-earning structures, making it a continuous favorite among high-spending travelers.
Recommended Credit
Disclaimer: Having the recommended credit does not guarantee you will get approved, and not having the recommended credit does not imply you will absolutely not get approved. Learn how credit scores affect approval rates.
Rewards
The rewards structure of The Platinum Card® from American Express is tailored for loyal travelers. With the potential to earn numerous points on travel-related purchases, the card ensures that every dollar spent brings you closer to your dream trips. Whether it's flights, hotels, or exclusive experiences, this card maximizes your travel rewards effectively.
5x Airlines
Earn 5 Membership Rewards® points per dollar on airline purchases, making it ideal for frequent flyers.
5x Air Travel (amextravel.com)
Get 5 points for every dollar spent on air travel through Amex Travel, enhancing your travel rewards.
5x Hotels (amextravel.com)
Earn 5 points for hotel bookings made through Amex Travel, optimizing your hotel spending.
5x Car Rentals (amextravel.com)
Receive 5 points per dollar spent on car rentals booked via Amex Travel, beneficial for road trips.
5x Cruises (amextravel.com)
Earn 5 Membership Rewards® points on eligible cruise bookings, perfect for cruise enthusiasts.
Annual Fee
The Platinum Card® incurs an annual fee of $695, but this investment opens doors to a breadth of luxury travel benefits. From elite hotel statuses to extensive insurance coverages while traveling, your annual fee can translate into significant savings and enhanced travel experiences.
Benefits
Experience unparalleled benefits with The Platinum Card® from American Express, including complimentary access to luxurious airport lounges, premium hotel statuses, and unique travel protections. Each benefit is thoughtfully designed to enhance your travel and leisure experiences, ensuring that you enjoy the very best service wherever you go.
Amex Auto Purchasing Program
Get Upfront Price Offers online and earn rewards by using your American Express Card toward the down payment or purchase price of your next vehicle.
The Global Lounge Collection
Complimentary access to 1,400+ lounges in over 500 airports across 650+ cities and counting. Find participating airport lounge at The Global Lounge Collection or on the go with the latest version of the American Express App.
$240 Digital Entertainment Credit
Get up to $20 in statement credits each month when you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card at participating partners. Enrollment required.
$200 Hotel Credit
Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
$200 Airline Fee Credit
Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card Account.
Walmart+ Monthly Membership Credit
Receive a statement credit for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes. Plus Ups not eligible.
$200 Uber Cash
Platinum Card Members get $15 in Uber Cash to use on eligible orders with Uber Eats and rides with Uber in the US monthly, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings¹. Terms Apply. ¹ Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
$300 Equinox Credit & SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit
Take your workout to the next level when you use your Platinum Card. Get up to $300 back each calendar year on an Equinox+ subscription or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal). Plus, get $300 back when you purchase a SoulCycle at-home Bike in full.
Fees
While The Platinum Card® boasts an annual fee of $695, the associated benefits effectively offset the cost for frequent travelers. Expect additional fees for cash advances, foreign transactions, late payments, and returned payments. Understanding these fees is crucial for optimizing your card usage.
Cash Advance Fee
(Whichever Is Greater)