American Express Platinum Card review 2024

In a nutshell

card_name offers several perks that can make traveling more luxurious, but its high annual fee means this card isn’t suitable for everyone.

The AP Buyline roundup

Many frequent travelers consider the card_name the gold standard travel rewards card, and with good reason. Cardholders get numerous perks, including several annual credits, comprehensive trip insurance, lounge access and a lucrative bonus to jumpstart their travels. Not only does this card allow you to travel in comfort, but it can also help you save on your trips.

However, it comes with a annual_fees annual fee, so you’ll need to be strategic about accessing this card’s perks to offset this cost. Despite this cost, the card could still be well worth it if you’re willing to put some work in to maximize its credits and other benefits.

Who is card_name for?

card_name is a top-tier travel rewards card designed for frequent travelers. Its many travel-focused perks can help improve your experience at the airport, rental car counter and hotels. Those seeking airport lounge access will appreciate what this card offers, as it gives you free access to The Global Lounge Collection, which includes over 1,400 lounges in 140 countries.

You’ll also get several credits that offset the cost of your travels, and complimentary elite status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors. Enrollment is required for certain benefits.

card_name features

Rewards

This card offers lucrative bonus rewards for certain travel purchases. As a card member, you’ll get 5X Membership Rewards on flights purchased through Amex Travel or directly with airlines, 5X on prepaid hotels purchased through Amex Travel and 1X on all other purchases.

While its rewards might not be ideal for someone seeking flexibility with their bookings, there’s significant earning potential for travelers who rely heavily on the Amex Travel portal for flights and hotels.

Credits

As mentioned, you’ll get several credits as an Amex Platinum cardholder, though some require enrollment. Here’s a look at the credits available with this card:

• $200 annual hotel credit.
• $200 annual airline incidentals credit.
• $200 Uber Cash credit ($15 per month, plus $20 bonus credit in December).
• $100 annual Saks Fifth Avenue credit ($50 January to June, $50 July to December).
• $300 annual Equinox membership credit.
• $240 digital entertainment credit ($20 per month).
• $155 Walmart+ membership credit ($12.95 per month).
• $189 annual CLEAR Plus credit.
• Up to $100 for Global Entry every four years, or up to $85 for TSA PreCheck every 4.5 years.
• $300 SoulCycle at-home bike credit.

Note that certain benefits require enrollment and other terms may apply.

Travel insurance

card_name offers an array of travel insurance coverages, including trip delay, trip cancellation and interruption, and secondary car rental loss and damage insurance. You could receive reimbursement if your trip is delayed, canceled, or interrupted for a covered reason. Likewise, if your rental car is damaged or stolen, you could get reimbursed if there’s a gap between your primary insurance coverage and the cost of repairs or replacement.

Lounge access

As a cardholder, you’ll get access to The Global Lounge collection, which includes over 1,400 airport lounges in 140 countries. The Amex ‘find a lounge’ tool can help you see which lounges are available on your travel days.

Elite status

Hotels often require you to enroll in their loyalty program and stay for several nights to earn added perks, but you’ll get complimentary elite status with two popular hotel programs as an Amex Platinum card holder. This card gives you free Marriott Bonvoy Gold status and Hilton Honors Gold status. Enrollment is required.

In addition to elite hotel status, you’ll also get complimentary premium status with a popular rental car program. Card members can choose to enroll for free in Avis Preferred, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards and National Car Rental Emerald Club.

Fine Hotels and Resorts benefits

You can get added perks when you book a stay at Fine Hotels and Resorts properties through Amex Travel. Benefits may include early check-in, late checkout, complimentary upgrades, breakfast for two, and more.

The fine print

• Foreign transaction fee: foreign_transaction_fee
• Cash advance fee: cash_advance_fee
• Cash advance APR: cash_advance_apr
• Pay Over Time plan fee: 1.33% of purchase amount each month.
• Pay Over Time penalty APR: 29.99%.
• Late payment fee: late_payment_fee

Additional hidden perks

Cell phone protection

It’s rare to get cell phone protection as a credit card benefit, but you will with the Amex Platinum. This card offers up to $800 per claim (up to two claims per 12-month period) in coverage if your cell phone is damaged or stolen.

Extended warranty

You’ll also benefit from extended warranty coverage when you use your card to make qualifying purchases. This protection can extend your original manufacturer’s warranty by up to a year.

Purchase protection

In addition to cell phone and extended warranty, you’ll also get purchase protection for up to 90 days on eligible items. This helps protect new purchases if they’re stolen, damaged, or lost accidentally.

Exclusive access

Your Platinum Card gives you exclusive access to cardmember-only sporting, cultural, fine dining, fashion and other events. You can also get premium seating (when available) through American Express Entertainment.

Where card_name doesn’t measure up

One of the biggest drawbacks to the Amex Platinum is its costly annual fee. You’ll pay annual_fees per year for the privilege of being a card member. Other premium travel cards offer lower annual fees, though few offer the travel perks that the Platinum provides.

This card’s rewards structure may also come up short, depending on your spending habits. While you can earn a high rewards rate from Amex Travel purchases, general travel purchases won’t yield the same rewards.

Alternatives to card_name

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is card_name hard to get?

You can apply for the Amex Platinum online through the American Express website. American Express doesn’t disclose its credit score requirements, but generally, you’ll need good or excellent credit to qualify for a top-tier travel rewards credit card.

What is the credit limit for card_name?

American Express travel cards usually come with no preset credit limit, meaning your credit limit is flexible and aligns with your spending. That said, it’s possible Amex may notify you that it’s placed a credit limit on your card. Spending within your means can help you maintain a strong credit score.

Which Amex is better, Gold or Platinum?

The Amex Gold and Platinum can both be good cards for those who enjoy traveling. Frequent travelers who can benefit from the Platinum’s wide range of perks might find that this card is a better fit. Those who travel occasionally may benefit from the lower-annual-fee American Express Gold Card.

For rates and fees of the card_name, please visit URL.

For rates and fees of the card_name, please visit URL.