Tons of Benefits, Bigger Fee: A Full Review of the Amex Platinum Card

*amex platinum card* is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market today, period.

While many travelers understandably shy away from the card's hefty annual_fees annual fee (see rates & fees), it offers a ton of benefits that can easily offset that high dollar amount (and then some) … if you're willing to put in a bit of work. In fact, even occasional travelers who play their cards right can come out way ahead with the Platinum Card.

Has the Platinum Card piqued your interest? We'll run through all the benefits of the card and help you decide if it's the right fit for your wallet. After a major update earlier this month, there's a lot to unpack. 

Related reading: A New (& Free) Tool to Easily Track Your Platinum Card® from American Express Credits

 

 

Learn more about *amex platinum card*

 

 

Amex Platinum Benefits

Welcome Offer Bonus

Exactly what welcome offer you're eligible for will vary, but you can now earn a welcome bonus as high as 175,000 points after spending $8,000 in the first six months. After you submit your application – but before you accept the card (if you are approved) and your credit is pulled – Amex will let you know the exact welcome offer you are eligible for.

 

$600 in Hotel Credits

The Platinum card's previous hotel credit was replaced by a much bigger perk: up to $300 in credits twice a year (up to $600 annually) for prepaid bookings at Fine Hotels + Resorts® (FHR) and The Hotel Collection properties through Amex Travel. The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay while you can book a single-night stay at FHR locoations.

It's a souped-up version of the hotel credit first added a few years back. That once-a-year credit was only good for up to $200 total each year. 

You'll now get up to $300 in credits from January through June, and another $300 in credits from July through December. This is a use-it-or-lose-it benefit: If you don't spend the full $300 in each half year, it won't roll over to the next.

 

 

Unlike some of the other Amex Platinum benefits, there's no need to enroll for the credit before you use it. All you need to do is log in at Amextravel.com, search for a participating property, pay with your Platinum Card, and that credit of up to $300 will kick in automatically.

Check out our full guide on using the Amex Platinum hotel credit!

 

$400 Resy Credit

Amex is giving you a reason to whip out your Platinum Card at dinner.

Platinum cardholders now get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter (for up to $400 each year) for dining purchases at more than 10,000 U.S. Resy-partner restaurants.

American Express acquired the restaurant reservation platform Resy back in 2019 and has been slowly integrating these credits into its card lineup. The bank first introduced Resy statement credits when it refreshed the suite of Delta SkyMiles cards early last year, and then added similar credits to the *amex gold* after completing a similar card refresh last summer. But it's going even further with the Platinum Card.

You'll need to enroll online in your Amex account before dining at one of these restaurants. And like most Amex credits, this is a use-it-or-lose-it benefit. If you don't spend the full $100 in each quarter, it won't roll over to the next.

Beyond these credits, Amex is layering in exclusive access to certain Resy partner restaurants. Platinum Nights by Resy gives cardholders the ability to book hard-to-get reservations at select in-demand restaurants in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. To use it, you need to add your Platinum Card to your Resy profile.

Read more: How to Use Amex Resy Credits

 

 

$300 Lululemon Credit

From new running shorts, a yoga mat, a shirt, or a hoodie, Lululemon gear is incredibly popular. That's precisely why Amex recently added a Lululemon credit to the Platinum Card mix. 

Cardholders now get up to $75 back each quarter (up to $300 a year) on purchases at U.S. Lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) or online at lululemon.com. Lululemon gear is pricey, so these new credits may not cover much more than a t-shirt or a few pairs of socks or underwear. Still, it's useful to offset the cost of the shopping you might already be doing.

Thrifty Tip: While the terms and conditions say otherwise, this credit still works to buy gift cards – especially if you purchase in store. That means you could buy a few gift cards over time and put them towards a larger purchase.

Like many of these new benefits, enrollment is required before you can take advantage. Head to your online Amex account and enroll in this new benefit before you use it. 

 

 

$200 Oura Ring Credit

Track your sleep, recovery, and health trends on Amex’s dime.

Platinum cardmembers can now get up to $200 back each year toward a purchase at Ouraring.com, including the sleek Oura Ring wearable that’s become a favorite for fitness and wellness tracking.

Oura's latest tracking ring – the Oura Ring 4 – starts at $349, so this new Platinum credit cuts that cost by just over half. But while using an Oura ring also requires a membership that costs $5.99 a month (or $69.99 per year), Amex has confirmed to Thrifty Traveler that this new credit can only be used for the ring hardware – not the subscription. 

That makes this a weird one. It covers just half the cost of a product you're unlikely to buy on an annual basis. And that's the point: Amex partners with these third-party companies – likely at little to no cost – as a way to get you in the door and spend even more.

Like others, enrollment is required to use this benefit, so make sure you enroll before heading to Oura's website. 

 

 

 

$200 in Annual Airline Credits

Each year you hold the Platinum Card®, you get up to a $200 credit to use with one selected airline. The credit is intended to be used for things like checked bags, change or cancellation fees, seat assignments, lounge access, and more.

On paper, that means you can't simply buy airfare with these credits. But in practice, there are workarounds you can use to put your credits toward booking flights – especially with Delta, Southwest, and United. Otherwise, using these credits to cover the taxes and fees when booking award tickets is our go-to.

 

 

The benefit follows the calendar year, so you will receive $200 to use each January. Any remaining credit from the previous year will not carry over.

So, what airlines can you select for your credit? All the big U.S. carriers are eligible. Keep in mind you'll need to select one of these airlines in advance in order to use up the credits at the start of the year.

• Delta Air Lines
• United Airlines
• Hawaiian Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• American Airlines
• JetBlue Airways
• Southwest Airlines
• Alaska Airlines

These credits reset every calendar year, expiring on Dec. 31 and resetting right away on Jan. 1. So even if you just used your credit at the end of last year, you've got another $200 to spend. This also means you can get up to $400 in airline credits in your first full year with the card, allowing you to double-dip on this benefit while paying a single annual fee.

Make sure to read our whole guide on the best ways to maximize your Amex Airline credits!

 

Up to $200 of Annual Uber Cash

Each year you hold the Platinum Card, you get up to $200 in Uber cash. It's doled out in increments of $15 each month except for December, when you get $35 to round out the year.

You must use the full amount each month or you will lose any remaining value: The Uber Cash does not carry over from month to month. If you don't often take Uber rides, the credit can also be used on Uber Eats, Uber's food delivery platform. If Uber Eats is available in your area, it makes it relatively easy to maximize this benefit each and every month.

To take advantage of this benefit, you must add your Platinum Card to your Uber account, and the $15 monthly Uber cash (and $35 in December) will automatically flow into your Uber Wallet. Additionally, American Express now requires that you charge any additional balance to your Platinum Card in order to use these credits.

 

 

$120 Uber One Credit

If you’re already using the Platinum’s monthly Uber cash ($15 a month, plus a $20 bonus for $35 total in December), this new perk makes the deal even sweeter.

Cardholders now get up to $120 back each year when they use their Platinum to cover the entire cost of an Uber One membership – unlocking discounts on rides and $0 delivery fees on the Uber Eats platform. You can even use the Uber One membership to waive delivery fees, then pay with your monthly Uber Cash.

 

One important detail: The terms and conditions warn that using any available Uber Cash to pay for Uber One will make it ineligible for your credit, so you'll want to be sure to toggle that option off when you pay for your membership.

 

Up to $300 in Annual Entertainment Credits

Amex Platinum cardholders now receive up to $300 in annual statement credits for select entertainment services, split into monthly installments of up to $25. But this benefit is incredibly restrictive: It only applies to purchases or subscriptions with the following services:

• Peacock
• The New York Times
• Disney+
• The Disney+ Bundle
• ESPN+
• Hulu
• The Wall Street Journal
• Paramount+
• YouTube TV
• YouTube Premium

That said, it's also one of the only credits you can truly automate. Set your Platinum Card as the payment option for any of the services listed above and you'll automatically receive a credit of up to $25 each month. 

 

Get a Walmart+ Membership

Nothing says “premium travel credit card” like a Walmart subscription, right?

On the heels of its summer 2021 overhaul when Amex hiked the Platinum Card's annual fee with additional benefits, the bank added several more perks, including a monthly credit of up to $12.95 for … a Walmart+ membership.

Odd or not, there are some solid perks with a Walmart+ membership that could make it worth signing up for, including:

• Free next-day shipping from Walmart.com, with no order minimums
• Free local delivery of groceries and other items, with a $35 order minimum
• Discounts on prescriptions from Walmart pharmacies, with savings of up to 85%, according to Walmart
• Save 5 cents per gallon on gasoline from Walmart and Murphy stations.
• Skip the checkout lane: Scan your items with your phone using the Walmart app, pay, and go.
• 25% discount (and free whoppers) at Burger King
• 24/7 telehealth for your pets
• A Paramount Plus or Peacock membership for at-home streaming of popular channels like CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, BET, and Nickelodeon, as well as many live sports events and movies.

Like many others on this list, this is a monthly credit … and it's “use it or lose it.”

Read More: Walmart+ is Low-Key One of the Amex Platinum Card’s Best Perks

 

$100 Annual Credit for Saks Fifth Avenue

You get two credits of up to $50 each year to use at Saks Fifth Avenue: One $50 credit will be available from January through June and another from July through December. Like the other credits available on the Platinum card, you will lose any remaining balance after the expiration date. Enrollment is required for this benefit.

The offer can be used in-store and online. However, per the terms and conditions of this offer, it will not work to purchase gift cards.

Saks Fifth Avenue isn't the cheapest place to shop, but you should be able to find a few things each year to use your credit on.

Sadly, Saks nuked this benefit last year by eliminating free shipping unless you spend $300 or more. While $50 won't go very far, it's still worth trying to put this one to use.

 

 

Earn 5x Points on Airfare & Prepaid Hotel Stays

If you spend a lot on airfare, you won't find a more rewarding card than the Platinum Card.

That's because it earns 5x Amex Membership Rewards points for every dollar spent directly with any airline or through the American Express Travel® portal at amextravel.com (up to $500,000 spent each year). Combined with some excellent built-in travel insurance, it easily makes the Amex Platinum Card the best option for booking flights.

You'll also earn 5x points per dollar when booking prepaid hotel stays through AmexTravel.com.

Otherwise, you'll earn just 1x point per dollar on all other eligible spending, which means that other than flights, there is likely a better option for your everyday spending. 

 

The Best Airport Lounge Access, Period

The Platinum Card is one of the best credit cards for airport lounge access, and no other travel rewards credit cards come particularly close. Just for holding the Platinum card, you will get access to the following lounge networks through the Amex Global Lounge Collection.

Amex Centurion® Lounges: These are American Express's flagship lounges, available only to Platinum (and invite-only Centurion) cardholders. Your card gets you in free, but if you want to bring a friend with you, that'll cost an extra $50 per guest. Alternatively, you can get two free guests each visit by spending $75,000 per calendar year on your card.

Centurion Lounges are available in more than a dozen U.S. airports and several international locations, including Hong Kong (HKG) and London-Heathrow (LHR).

Read our master guide to the Amex Centurion Lounges. 

 

 

Delta Sky Clubs®: The Platinum Card is a no-brainer if you often fly Delta. Just for holding the card, you get 10 complimentary visits to any Delta Sky Club® (part of the Global Lounge Collection®) between Feb. 1 and Jan. 31 of the next calendar year, so long as you are flying Delta that day. You can bring in up to two guests (or immediate family) for $50 each.

After you've used up your 10 complimentary passes each year, each additional visit will cost you $50 … but it's possible to use your airline credit to get up to four more visits. 

Priority Pass: The Amex Platinum Card also offers a Priority Pass Select™ membership, getting you and up to two guests into thousands of lounges around the world.

Plaza Premium: Plaza Premium Lounges are a collection of more than 300 lounges around the world, with higher-end finishes and food than you'll find in your standard airline club or Priority Pass Lounge. They're mostly found overseas, though the company is building more and more of them in North America. For now, it also includes access to the excellent Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse lounges in the U.S.

The Escape Lounge:  Escape Lounges, the American Express Studio are a partnership with American Express. They're typically much smaller than your typical Amex lounge but also regularly less crowded. You'll find them at airports across the country, even smaller regional airports. The Escape Lounge allows Amex Platinum cardholders to bring in up to two guests at no additional cost.

Check out our reviews of the MSP Escape Lounge and the Escape Lounge in Phoenix!

 

A $209 Annual Credit for CLEAR Plus

Platinum cardholders get a $209 annual credit for the privately run CLEAR® Plus security program – and since memberships start at $209 a year, you're set. Just pay for your membership with your Platinum Card, and the credit should kick in automatically.

You can easily lower the cost of CLEAR to just $199 by being a Delta SkyMiles or United MileagePlus member, or even $169 if you hold a co-branded credit card from United or Delta or have status with either airline. That leaves some extra money on the table with this new credit, which you could use to add up to three family members to your account for an additional $125 each.

 

 

CLEAR Plus may not make sense for every traveler, but there’s no denying this is a nice benefit. CLEAR® Plus allows you to cut to the front of the security line at a growing number of U.S. airports.

Read more: Is CLEAR Worth the Cost Anymore? Our Full Review

 

Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Fee Credit

If you apply for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and pay with the Platinum Card, a credit will kick in to cover the entire cost (up to $120).

Global Entry also includes a TSA PreCheck membership, so if you plan to travel internationally, that's likely the best option. Just beware: Backlogs in processing applications and trouble securing a Global Entry interview appointment can make signing up a lengthy process.

Not sure which option is best for you? See our guide on Global Entry vs TSA PreCheck. 

 

Amex International Airline Program

The Amex International Airline Program (IAP) is an exclusive benefit available to both Platinum and Business Platinum cardholders that allows you to get exclusive savings on select airlines when you book your airfare through the American Express Travel® portal. It is only valid for international itineraries booked in first class, business class, and premium economy – so there are no additional savings here when flying economy.

American Express claims that the average savings are $150 on premium economy, $300 in business class, and $600 on international first-class round-trip fares. In practice, we’ve seen these numbers vary depending on the routing, fare class, and airline.

The discount will only apply on flights originating in the U.S., and from select Canadian airports. Additionally, Amex will allow you to apply the international airline program discount on up to eight tickets booked on the same reservation. 

Read More: Our full guide on the American Express International Airline Program.

 

Instant Status with Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy & Leading Hotels of the World

Just for holding the Platinum Card, you get automatic Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors™ Gold Status without meeting any stay requirements. You'll just need to enroll on the benefits tab of your online account.

Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status typically requires 25 eligible stays in a calendar year. With this status, you'll earn 25% more points on stays, receive enhanced room upgrades upon availability, and enjoy a late checkout during your stays.

 

 

Hilton Honors Gold Elite status typically requires 20 stays or 40 nights in a calendar year. With the status, you'll earn 80% more points on stays, complimentary space-available upgrades.

Hilton Gold status includes free breakfast for you and a guest during your travels abroad. In the U.S., Hilton has replaced this with a daily food and beverage credit.

 

 

Platinum cardholders will now receive complimentary Leaders Club Sterling Status with The Leading Hotels of the World®. That unlocks perks at more than 400 luxury properties worldwide, including daily breakfast for two, exclusive upgrades, and pre-arrival upgrade opportunities. 

Yet again, enrollment is required to use this benefit.

 

Car Rental Insurance: Rental Car Benefits with Hertz, Avis & National

Renting a car is easier and more comfortable when you carry the American Express Platinum card. Just as with hotel chains, the Amex Platinum gets you rental car benefits with instant status at several car rental companies. 

Our favorite among the bunch is Emerald Club Executive status with National. That’s because you get access to the special Executive Section, where you can choose any full-size car or higher when paying a midsize car rate. That means that you can make a reservation for any full-size car and skip the National check-in desk entirely. Instead, head straight for the Emerald Aisle and take your pick.

It also gets you free upgrades and extra points when you book. 

 

 

Read more about why we love National Car status and the Emerald Aisle!

Hertz President's Club is great, too. You can skip the line and grab any car on the lot at one of the 50-plus airport locations across the country that offer Hertz Ultimate Choice. Other perks include complimentary upgrades, earning bonus points, free additional drivers on each rental, and more.

With Avis Preferred Status, you can skip the line and pick a car, or get 25% off your rental and a one-class car upgrade. Hertz Gold Plus Status means you can head straight for the Gold counter at check-in, where it's available. It also gives you lower rates and a one-class car upgrade.

No matter which company you choose, you have to enroll through your benefits page to get status with all three rental car companies. Those upgrades generally take a few days to process, so you may want to plan ahead. 

Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. 

• Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. 
• Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. 
• Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

 

An Equinox Gym Membership … Kind Of

We've reached the bottom of the barrel. 

Back when it got a facelift in 2021, Amex added a credit of up to $300 for Equinox, the incredibly pricey luxury fitness clubs found primarily in New York and California. Most Equinox locations cost at least $200 a month – if not twice that or more – so this credit won't get you very far.

But there's one other option: You can sign up for Equinox+, the gym's app with on-demand fitness courses and tracking. The credit will kick in to cover the entire $300 annual fee.

 

Trip Delay & Cancellation Coverage

The Platinum Card offers trip delay and cancellation coverage. Add in the 5x points per dollar you earn when booking flights directly with the airline, and it makes it one of the absolute best ways to book flights.

If you pay for your round-trip flight with the Platinum Card – or put the taxes and fees from an award flight on it – you will be eligible for:

• Trip Cancellation Insurance: You can get reimbursed for up to $10,000 of nonrefundable expenses – and up to $20,000 a year total – if your flight is cancelled due to weather, an injury or illness, and other “covered reasons.”
• Trip Delay Insurance: If your flight is delayed by more than six hours, you are eligible for up to $500 in reimbursement for lodging, food, and other associated expenses.

To qualify for coverage, flights must be round-trip, though booking a multi-city trip and sometimes even two one-way flights would still qualify.

• Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. 
• Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. 
• Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

 

Cell Phone Insurance Protection

If a card member’s cell phone is stolen or damaged (damage even includes a cracked screen), American Express will reimburse the cost of repair or replacement for up to two approved claims for a maximum of $800 per claim or $1,600 over a 12-month period.

Your phone line must be listed on the wireless bill, and the prior month’s wireless bill must have been paid with one of the eligible cards listed above.

Each claim will require the cardholder to pay a $50 deductible – a relatively small cost.

• Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. 
• Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. 
• Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

 

Amex Platinum Concierge

Just for holding the card, you will receive around-the-clock assistance with travel planning and booking, shopping advice, and other personal requests through their Platinum cardholder concierge service. Simply email the Platinum concierge at [email protected] or call them at 1-800-525-3355.

Amex Platinum Cardholders can also search, book, and manage restaurant reservations from more than 10,000 restaurants (and growing) around the world through the American Express mobile app thanks to their recent acquisition of the restaurant reservation service, Resy.

If you hold the Platinum card, head to the “Membership” tab in the mobile app. You will see the “Access Top Restaurants” button in your account.

 

Adding Authorized Users to Your Amex Platinum

Adding authorized users to your travel credit card can be a great way to share travel perks with loved ones.

But if you want to add an authorized user, it will cost you. After a benefits update, adding an authorized user to your Platinum Card will cost another $195 per card each year – which certainly isn't cheap.

But there are some alluring reasons why you should consider adding an authorized user.

Your new authorized user won’t get every single benefit that you do. Namely, some of the big-dollar credits don’t pass over to your guest. But there’s more than enough value here to offset the additional fee for many travelers. Here’s a brief rundown of what your authorized users will get.

• American Express Centurion Lounge Access: Yes.
• Priority Pass Select Lounge Membership: Yes.
• Delta SkyClub Access (When Flying Delta): Yes.
• Up to $120 Credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry: Yes.
• Earn 5x Points on Airfare Booked Directly with Airlines and Hotels Booked Through Amextravel.com: Yes.
• Instant Hotel Status with Marriott and Hilton: Yes.
• Instant Rental Car Agency Status with Hertz, Avis, and National: Yes.

One additional note: you can add a “Companion Platinum Card” to your account at no additional cost. These users won't get nearly as many benefits, but they will get their own reimbursements for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.

Another bonus: American Express allows you to transfer Membership Rewards points directly to an authorized user's frequent flyer account. Unfortunately, Amex has added some restrictions to these transfers. But it can still make it much easier to book that trip together.

 

 

Is the Amex Platinum Annual Fee Actually Worth It?

The Platinum Card boasts an annual fee of annual_fees (see rates & fees).

Because of all the benefits the card offers listed above, that can easily be a fair price … but it depends on you and your travels. If you are using the benefits, you should get far more value out of the card than you pay for the annual fee. And because of the big welcome offer bonus, that alone could make it a no-brainer for at least the first year.

If you can't maximize those benefits or don't want to put in the (admittedly substantial) effort to do so, this card could be worth skipping.

Read more: The Amex Platinum Isn't a Travel Card Anymore: It's a Club Membership

 

 

Learn more about *amex platinum card*

 

Bottom Line

Year in and year out, the American Express Platinum Card is one of our favorite travel rewards credit cards.

While the large annual fee isn't for everyone, there is no single credit card that can improve your airport and travel experience more than the Platinum Card. Throw in the big bonus, and it's easily worth considering.