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The Platinum Card® from American Express is newly renovated to provide you the well-known premier charge card for the frequent traveler who revels in the prestige and luxury the name affords. Right now, you can get 60,000 Membership Rewards bonus points after you spend $5,000 in first 3 months of card issuance.
Cardholders earn 5X Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel. In addition, you also get up to $200 Uber savings each year with this card!
Once your unlimited points accumulate, use them whenever you’re ready because your points don’t expire as long as you have this card. Pay with points for travel! Fly anytime, anywhere with no blackout dates or restrictions, or shop online on their website.
Learn more about this card and its features here.
Table of Contents
- 1 American Express Platinum Card Summary
- 2 Editor’s Alternate Pick
- 3 The Platinum Card 60,000 Bonus Points Offer
- 4 What are Membership Rewards Points Worth?
- 5 Platinum Card Top Features
- 6 Other Amex Platinum Card Benefits
- 7 Concierge At Your Service
- 8 Travel, Events, Shop, Connect, & More
- 9 Bottom Line
- 10 Who’s the Competition?
American Express Platinum Card Summary
 |
| Bonus Available | 60,000 bonus Membership Rewards points when you spend $5,000 within 3 months. |
| *Bonus Value | $1,200 |
| Travel Credit | $200 a calendar year in baggage fees and incidentals at your chosen airline.
Up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Up to $100 every 4 years for Global Entry or TSA Pre-Check |
| Ongoing Rewards/Benefits | 5X Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines or with Amex travel.
5X Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | None |
| Airport Lounge Access | Global Lounge Collection to more than 1,200 lounges across 130+ countries. |
| Annual Fee | $550 |
Recommended Free Credit Score (Get Free Score)
690 – 850 (Good – Excellent)
PROS
- Variety of travel credits
- Lounge access
- No foreign transaction fees
- Valuable travel partners
CONS
- High annual fee
- Airline fee credit perk isn’t the best
Editor’s Alternate Pick
 The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®! You'll earn 2X points on travel and dining at restaurants worldwide; 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. And when you redeem your points for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards, you'll get 25% more value! |
The Platinum Card 60,000 Bonus Points Offer
Take advantage of the 60,000 bonus points offer by spending $5,000 in purchases within three months of account opening. If you need help meeting the spending requirement, here are some ideas on meeting the spending requirements:
| • Plastiq - Using Plastiq allows you to pay for your personal expenses such as rent, tuition, mortgage, auto lease etc. Although they charge a 2.5% processing fee for using your credit card, this will contribute to the card bonus that you will receive. There is also a referral program that allows you to earn "Free-Free Dollars" that goes towards processing fees as well. |
| • Funding Checking Accounts - When it comes to funding a checking account, opening your initial deposit with a credit card is the usual way to go about it. However, if you want to have more opportunities, you should open a checking account that offers a sign-up bonus. This allows you to work towards bonuses from not one but two different sources instead. Banks like Chase, Huntington Bank, TD Bank and BBVA offers credit card funding, and for your opening deposit, you can often fund anywhere from $50-$1000 with a credit card, depending on the bank. |
| • Gift Card Purchases With Using a Credit Card - Another way to acquire the bonus is using your credit card to purchase gift cards. Buying a a gift card or an individual merchant card typically do not require a purchase fee and are used towards leisure, so gift cards are ideal. However, gift cards such as a Visa or American Express do incur purchase fees because they can be spent anywhere, but gift cards that are specifically for a certain online shopping site such as Amazon or eBay don't. |
| As for a Citi Credit Card, you should call customer service and ask them to lower your Cash Advance limit to $0 before making any purchases because Citi tends to read gift card purchases as a Cash Advance. Ideally, you should do this with any card just to be safe. Lastly, there is such thing as a discounted gift card which can be purchased on Raise or eBay. If you use a credit card often for everyday purchases, it can build your credit score that will contribute towards paying for things such as bills and taxes. |
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What are Membership Rewards Points Worth?
If you book flights with your points directly with an airline or American Express Travel, these points are worth 1¢ per point. Additionally, you can also redeem your points towards Uber rides since it will give you the same value!
You can also check out other redemption options, but note that they are at a lower value:
| Redemption Method | Value Per Point |
|---|---|
| Shopping | .625¢ |
| Gift Cards | 1¢ |
| Paying off a charge | .6 ¢ |
| Shopping on Amazon | .7 ¢ |
| Booking Flights with Points | 1 ¢ |
| Booking Hotels with Points | .75¢ |
| Transfer Points | 1.2 ¢ |
| Uber | 1¢ |
But if you want more value per point, you can transfer your points over using the loyalty program. You can get up to 2¢ per point in value by using the transfer partners! The outcome will be rewarding, if you’re willing to search through different booking scenarios with different partners.
Membership Rewards Airline Partners
| Aer Lingus | AeroMexico | Air Canada |
| Air France/KLM | Alitalia | All Nippon Airways |
| Avianca | British Airways | Cathay Pacific |
| Delta Air Lines | El Al Israel Airlines | Emirates |
| Etihad Airways | Hawaiian Airlines | Iberia |
| JetBlue Airways | Qantas | Singapore Airlines |
| Virgin Atlantic |
Membership Rewards Hotel Partners
| Choice Privileges | Hilton Honors | Marriott Bonvoy |
Platinum Card Top Features
Get 5 points per $1 spent on flights book directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, as well as 5 points per $1 on eligible hotels booked on amextravel.com
The need to book your hotels through the ametravel website may prove a little inconvenient, as you often be giving up discounted rates from travel engines for these rewards points.
Flights booked directly through airlines is rarely more expensive than through travel search engines, they’re usually $1 or so in savings.
This is one of the best benefit of a premium travel credit card, but you’ll only have access to Delta Sky Club locations, given that you have a flight with the airlines.
The Platinum Card does have an advantage over its competition with access to the Centurion airport lounges, which has more luxury than most standard lounges. International american Express lounges and Airspace lounges are also included with this access benefit.
You’ll have access too all the 1,200+ lounges included in the Priority Pass Select program just like you would with the Citi Prestige Credit Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve. This is equal to the Prestige membership plan that can cost you more than $400 when purchases on the Priority Pass site.
One restriction is that the credits can only be used for Uber rides in the United States. Please note that it’s not $200 in credits that you can use anytime throughout the year. Rather it’s $15 in credits monthly with an extra $20 in bonus credits for the month of December. This is a unique benefit addition from American Express.
With the Amex Platinum, checking in a bag isn’t going to cost you an arm and a leg. You’ll receive $200 airline fee credit every year. Thus, any purchases with a qualifying airline will be eligible for you to receive statement credit up to that amount.
With TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, you can bypass crazy lines during busy airport times. Just apply for one, pay with this card, and receive statement credit in the amount of your application cost. It’ll save you time if you’re running late!
The Platinum Card from American Express comes with automatic Starwood Preferred Guest and Hilton Honors Gold member statuses which isn’t even offered from their own branded hotel cards(except Hilton HHonors Reserve Card). Gold member status with both hotel partners will earn you more reward points and extra hotel benefits like you complimentary room upgrades and wifi, late check out, and even free nights at Hilton properties.
Just like with the hotel Gold status upgrades, you can choose to manually enroll in elite status with several car rental agencies. This includes Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive, and Avis Preferred status.
Use your card outside of the U.S. without the hassle of paying a foreign transaction fee.
Other Amex Platinum Card Benefits
- Complimentary Statuses and Memberships: Get complementary Gold Elite Status at Hilton and Starwood hotels. Enjoy luxurious resorts and hotels at Hilton and Starwood. Earn bonus points for free nights faster. Also match your status to Marriott Gold status. Plus, get complimentary memberships in Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, Avis Preferred, and National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive.
- Save on Companion Tickets: Enjoy savings on a companion ticket each time you purchase a qualifying Business Class or First Class international ticket with your card. Choose from over 25 participating airlines. Purchase the ticket through Platinum Travel Service or any American Express Travel office. Then, pay with your Platinum card. A $39 fee per ticket applies to your ticket, the companion ticket, each additional ticket, and itinerary change.
- 24/7 Concierge Service and Premium Access: Use this service to call and make reservations. Enjoy an exquisite dining experience with the Amex Platinum Dining Program. Also, Premium Access gets you advanced tickets and preferred seating to theater, concerts, sporting and family events.
- Complimentary Benefits at Fine Hotels & Resorts: When you stay at any of the 975+ Fine boutique, resort and luxury hotels around the world, you’ll receive benefits, such as upgrades, late check-out, and many more with an average total value of $550.
- Travel and Purchase Perks: Get travel accident insurance, car rental loss and damage insurance, roadside assistance, baggage insurance and more. Plus, get purchase protection, return protection, and extended warranty. Terms and limitations apply.
- Amex Offers: As an American Express credit card, you can participate in Amex Offers. This way, you can get more points and savings across select merchants. Just check your account weekly and add your desired available offers to your card. Then, go shop and you’re on your way to saving hundreds of dollars and earning tons of extra points.
Concierge At Your Service
The Platinum Card® from American Express focuses on the highest level of customer service and assistance just about any time you need it. Ask any question or make any request for the professionals behind the card who may surprise you with what they can accomplish.
- Platinum Card Concierge – The Platinum Card Concierge can make special things happen. Representatives can help you plan ahead with the smallest of details or fulfill last minute requests like confirming a table at the most sought after restaurant that typically requires reservations made well in advance.
- Platinum Travel Service – The Platinum Card is tailored around traveling and it’s only fitting that agents are available to help plan and book your trips as part as their Platinum Travel Service. You’ll receive suggestions and recommendations specifically for your trip, whether it’s for business, a family vacation, or a much needed getaway.
- Premium Roadside Assistance – With Premium Roadside Assistance, you will always have help on the way. Receive 4 complimentary car services a year that includes towing of up to 10 miles, winching, jump starts, flat tire change, lockout service, and delivery of up to 2 gallons of fuel.
- Premium Global Assist Hotline – Get help 24/7 where ever you need it with Premium Global Assist Hotline. Even if you’re across the globe in a country that does not speak your language, you’ll have access to medical, legal, and financial help.
- Card Member Services – Also available 24/7 is Card Member Services to help with your Platinum Card from American Express. Representatives will be able to replace missing cards or can answer questions about your account.
Travel, Events, Shop, Connect, & More
The Platinum Card® from American Express includes even more benefits and features that makes it one of the best cards to travel with. Below are a few that are noteworthy with more left to be mentioned.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees and Purchase & Travel Benefits – There are no foreign transaction fees when making purchases outside the U.S. Make any purchase with your Platinum card to get return protection, extended warranty, purchase protection. More travel benefits include baggage insurance and travel accident insurance.
- Car Rental Privileges and Loss & Damage Insurance – Receive discounts, upgrades, and complimentary membership with Avis, Hertz, and National Car Rental for luxury car rentals. Also get rental coverage for loss and damage when you use your Platinum to pay for the rental and decline the collision damage waiver during pick up. There are exclusions and restrictions that may apply.
- Entertainment & Events – The Platinum Card from American Express comes with exclusive entertainment and event programs that includes By Invitation Only, Preferred Seating, Membership Experiences, and Platinum Dining. At your fingertips are early access to the best seating to a memorable affair with any of these programs.
- Boingo WiFi – Receive unlimited complimentary Boingo WiFi internet service on up to 4 devices. You must enroll and create an American Express Preferred Plan account to get access to over 1 million hotpots worldwide. You’ll stay connected any where you go.
Bottom Line
Although at initial glance the $550 annual fee seems a little hefty, the benefits offered justify the cost.
To start, as a cardholder you get complimentary benefits with every stay at more than 700 luxurious hotels around the world! Just book through Platinum Travel Service. Plus, get a free companion ticket with the purchase of a qualifying international Business Class ticket when you book with Platinum Travel Service.
Additionally, receive roadside assistance coverage that amounts up to $200. You also get to enjoy $200 Uber savings annually. Plus, with $200 airline fee credit, that’s already a total savings of $400 in benefits alone!
Not to overlook, there are tons of other perks. Some include purchase and return protection, extended purchase warranty, travel/bag/car insurance, and access to the Platinum concierge service. If you’re on the market for a travel card with all the bells and whistles, The Platinum Card® from American Express is the one.
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Learn more about this card and its features here.
Who’s the Competition?
* Below are some of the top competitors to the Platinum Card® from American Express to consider.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®! You'll earn 2X points on travel and dining at restaurants worldwide; 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. And when you redeem your points for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards, you'll get 25% more value! |
| PROMOTIONAL LINK | OFFER | REVIEW |
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| Chase Total Business Checking® | $200 Cash | Review |
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| Chase College CheckingSM | $100 Cash | Review |
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| TD Bank Convenience CheckingSM | $150 Cash | Review |
| Discover Cashback Debit Account | $360 Cash | Review |
| Huntington Bank Unlimited Plus Business Checking | $750 Cash | Review |
| Huntington Bank Unlimited Business Checking | $400 Cash | Review |
| Huntington Bank Business Checking 100 | $200 Cash | Review |
| UFB Direct High Yield Savings | 2.00% APY | Review |
| Simple | 2.15% APY | Review |
| Betterment EverydayTM Cash Reserve | 1.85% APY | Review |
| E*TRADE | $2,500 Cash | Review |
| Ally Invest | $3,500 Cash | Review |
| TD Ameritrade | $600 Cash | Review |
If you do not stay at luxury hotels often, would the card still be worth the price? I plan on trying a cruise this next year (no hotels) and southwest flights are already pretty cheap.
Good for AMEX!