When you buy something using links found on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. This content is reviewed & supervised by The Los Angeles Times Commerce Team.
Advertiser Disclosure

On This Page

On This Page

Benefits of The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express makes it easy to earn and redeem rewards, but the steep $695 annual fee (see rates and fees) may be a bit much for casual users. With over 40 valuable benefits, this card can help users get more enjoyment out of their lives, and the perks it offers can far outweigh the cost if you’re able to maximize them.

Benefits of The Platinum Card® from American Express

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Not all rewards credit cards are created equal and The Platinum Card® from American Express truly stands out among the crowd. With over 40 benefits ranging from travel insurance and airport lounge access to digital entertainment credits and access to premium events, this American Express card is perfect for those who enjoy the finer things in life.

Advertiser Disclosure

Best for VIP travelers

The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Click here to learn more
 Go to review
LEARN MORE
Rates & Fees /Terms Apply on Bankrate's secure site
Up to 5X Reward Rate

Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points for 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, and 1X points on other eligible purchases.

Show More Show Less
Annual Fee
$695
Welcome Offer
80,000 points
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
The Platinum Card® from American Express is full of high-value perks like over $1,500 in statement credits, travel insurance perks, airport lounge access and hotel elite status.
Show More Show Less
Card Details

More card info

  • $200 Hotel Credit: Receive up to $200 back in statement credits each year for prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when paying with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Receive up to $20 back in statement credits every month when you make eligible purchases with your Platinum Card®. This offer applies to Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
  • Escape the hectic nature of the airport with the American Express Global Lounge Collection®. With complimentary access to over 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries, you can enjoy more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer. As of 03/2023.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Maximize savings on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership using your Platinum Card® and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one eligible airline and then get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when you are charged incidental fees by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
  • $200 Uber Cash: Receive Uber VIP status and get up to $200 annually ($15 per month, plus a $20 bonus in December) in Uber Cash on Rides or Eats orders in the U.S. Uber Cash and VIP status are only available to Basic Card Members. To receive this benefit you must have downloaded the latest version of the Uber App and your eligible Card must be a method of payment on your Uber account. This benefit may only be used in the United States. Terms apply.
  • $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Get to your gate faster at over 50 airports nationwide with CLEAR® Plus and receive up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership when you use your card. Subject to auto-renewal. CLEARLanes are available at over 100 airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
  • Enjoy either a $100 statement credit for a Global Entry application fee every 4 years or a statement credit of up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also get access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • Shop Saks with Platinum: Use your Platinum Card® to receive up to $100 in statement credits for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com annually (Up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually). Enrollment is required.
  • Add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile and enjoy access to exclusive reservations and unique dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy
  • Terms Apply.
Pros
  • Excellent rewards rate for travel purchases
  • Qualify for $1,500+ in statement credits
  • Very generous welcome offer
Cons
  • High annual fee of $695
  • Many statement credit offers are too specific and hard to use
  • Non-travel-perks aren’t spectacular

Earning American Express Platinum card rewards

American Express makes it easy to earn and redeem rewards. Here’s what you can expect as an Amex Platinum member.

1. Welcome bonus 

Spend $8,000 on eligible purchases within your first six months of membership to earn 80,000 bonus points. These points could be worth over $800 depending on your selected redemption method.

▶︎  See our picks: Best credit card welcome offers

2. Earning rewards 

One of the biggest American Express Platinum card benefits is the rewards rates for travel. 

You can earn rewards at the following rates:

3. Redeeming rewards

Once you rack up enough points with this rewards credit card, you can redeem them in these ways:

▶︎  Learn more: Amex Membership Rewards guide

Amex Platinum travel benefits

The benefits of the American Express Platinum card aren’t limited to earning and redeeming points. You also get some fabulous travel perks.

4. Airport lounge access

Cardholders have access to the American Express Global Lounge collection, which has more than 1,400 lounges spread across 40 countries. Depending on which lounge you visit, you may enjoy perks such as free snacks, meals, alcoholic beverages, nonalcoholic beverages and shower facilities.

The American Express Global Lounge collection includes these lounges:

▶︎  See our picks: Best credit cards for airport lounge access

5. International airfare discounts

One of the best Amex Platinum card benefits for travelers is access to the International Airline Program, which offers up to 20% off international airfare when you book First Class, Business or Premium Economy tickets with a participating airline via American Express Travel.

6. Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts program

The Amex Platinum travel benefits keep coming with access to the Fine Hotels + Resorts program. Cardholders receive extra benefits at each participating hotel, such as daily breakfast for two, complimentary room upgrades, free Wi-Fi, guaranteed 4 p.m. checkout, a $100 credit to use toward on-property charges and 12 p.m. check-in.

7. Gold Elite Status with Marriott Bonvoy

Access complimentary Marriott Gold Elite status, which entitles you to perks like room upgrades, bonus points, late checkouts, free Wi-Fi and more.

8. Hilton Honors Gold status

Amex Platinum cardholders can enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status. This benefit gives you access to a complimentary free fifth night on reward stays of 5 nights or more, 80% bonus points on every stay, room upgrades when available, and more.

▶︎  Learn more: What Hilton Elite status gets you

9. Car rental privileges 

Platinum cardholders receive complimentary Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® status, which comes with one car-class upgrade when available, up to 15% off standard rates, up to 25% off vehicles in the Prestige Collection and a four-hour grace period when returning a Hertz rental.

10. No foreign transaction fees 

If you love to travel overseas, the Amex Platinum may be a great fit for your needs. Cardholders pay no foreign transaction fees, so you can buy all the souvenirs you want without worrying about extra charges.

▶︎  See our picks: Best no foreign transaction fee credit cards

Amex Platinum travel credits

Many Amex Platinum card benefits relate to travel, including hotel and airline credits, Uber Cash and fee credits for CLEAR®, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®.

11. Up to $200 hotel credit

Get up to $200 per year in statement credits for prepaid hotel bookings made through American Express Travel. This includes Fine Hotels + Resorts and properties in The Hotel Collection. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.

▶︎  See our picks: Best hotel credit cards

12. Up to $200 in airline fee credit

You can earn up to $200 per year in airline fee credits if you charge incidentals to your Amex Platinum card. To qualify for the credit, you must purchase incidentals from a participating airline. Your options include Alaska Airlines, Delta, JetBlue Airways and American Airlines.

13. Up to $200 in Uber cash

As a cardmember, you’re automatically enrolled in Uber VIP status, which gives you access to the highest-rated Uber drivers in your area. You get up to $15 per month in Uber Cash, plus a $20 bonus (up to $35 total) in December, for potential earnings of $200 in Uber Cash per year. (To receive this benefit, you must have your eligible card added as a method of payment in your Uber account. This benefit is only good for Rides and Eats orders in the U.S.)

14. $189 CLEAR® Plus credit

If you use your card to pay for a CLEAR® Plus membership, you’ll receive a $189 statement credit to cover your costs.

15. Fee reimbursement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®

As a Platinum cardholder, you’re eligible for up to a $100 statement credit to cover the cost of your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees.

16. Up to $300 Cruise Privileges Program (CPP)

Use your Amex Platinum card to book a cruise of five nights or more via the Amex Travel portal and get up to $300 worth of shipboard credit per stateroom.

Amex Platinum travel protections

As a travel credit card, the Amex Platinum comes with several valuable travel protections.

17. Trip delay insurance

Trip delay insurance reimburses you for up to $500 if you experience a common-carrier delay lasting six hours or longer. You’re limited to two claims in a 12-month period.

18. Trip cancellation and interruption insurance

Your Amex Platinum card comes with trip cancellation and interruption insurance to give you extra peace of mind. If you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason, or if a covered event disrupts a trip in progress, the insurance company will reimburse you for up to $10,000 in prepaid, nonrefundable expenses. This benefit has a limit of $20,000 per card in a 12-month period.

19. Baggage insurance plan

American Express gives Platinum members baggage insurance with coverage limits of $2,000 for checked luggage and $3,000 combined for checked and carry-on items. You can use this benefit if your luggage is lost, stolen or damaged while you’re traveling via a common carrier.

▶︎  Learn more: Amex travel insurance

20. Premium Global Assist Hotline

If you run into trouble when you’re more than 100 miles from home, you can call the Premium Global Assist Hotline for help. Trained agents are on hand to provide referrals and help you overcome any travel-related obstacles.

21. Premium car rental protection

Premium car rental protection gives you primary coverage for damaged rental vehicles. You pay a flat fee for up to 42 days of coverage when renting a vehicle with your Platinum card. Members also have two coverage options for extra peace of mind.

22. Car rental loss and damage insurance

Your Amex Platinum card also comes with car rental loss and damage insurance for eligible vehicles. To use this benefit, you must decline the waiver offered by the rental company. You must also use your Platinum card to pay for the entire rental fee. Note that coverage isn’t available for vehicles rented in Italy, Australia and New Zealand.

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.

Amex Platinum shopping and lifestyle benefits

The Amex Platinum card comes with many shopping and lifestyle perks.

23. Global Dining Access by Resy

When you create a Resy account and add your Platinum card to your profile, you’ll gain access to some of the most prestigious restaurants in the world.

24. Events with Amex

Platinum members have access to a wide range of events, including ticket presales and Amex fan experiences. You can even use your Platinum card to find exclusive merchandise or take advantage of special offers just for cardholders.

25. Premium Events Collection™

Level up with access to the Premium Events Collection, which offers customized experiences that aren’t available to the general public. Think major sporting events, impossible-to-book restaurant reservations and in-demand art exhibits.

26. ShopRunner

Your Amex Platinum card comes with a complimentary ShopRunner membership, which makes you eligible for free two-day shipping on eligible items at more than 100 online stores. Participating merchants include Under Armour, Coach and Kate Spade New York.

27. Platinum Card® Concierge

Live like royalty with the Platinum Card® Concierge service, which puts you in touch with concierge professionals who can find the best restaurants or help you obtain tickets to upcoming events.

Amex Platinum shopping and lifestyle credits

American Express Platinum benefits also include shopping and lifestyle credits, making this one of the most versatile credit cards available.

28. Walmart+ monthly membership credit

Use your card to sign up for a monthly Walmart+ membership, and you’ll receive a $12.95 statement credit each month to cover the fee. Walmart+ entitles you to fuel discounts, free shipping on Walmart.com purchases, free grocery pickup on orders of $35 or more and a host of other benefits.

29. Up to $100 at Saks

Pay with your Amex Platinum card to receive up to $100 for purchases made at Saks.com or Saks Fifth Avenue stores. This is split into $50 increments— $50 from January through June and the other $50 from July through December. Enrollment required.

30. $100 InCircle point card

Until August 15, 2024, new Platinum members can enroll in InCircle to receive a $100 Point Card for every 10,000 points earned. Points are good for purchases at Last Call, Horchow, Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus. Note that Platinum cardholders will no longer have InCircle status after December 31, 2024.

31. Up to $240 digital entertainment credit

Receive up to $20 in statement credits per month for subscriptions to Peacock, The New York Times, Hulu, ESPN+ and Disney+. You must use your Platinum card to pay for the subscription. Enrollment required.

32. Up to $300 Equinox credit

Exercise to your heart’s content with a credit of up to $300 per year for an Equinox club membership or digital subscription. Enrollment required.

33. Up to $300 SoulCycle credit

Platinum cardholders are also eligible for a credit of up to $300 toward the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike. Enrollment required.

Amex Platinum shopping and lifestyle protections

Amex Platinum offers additional protections to help you get the most out of your card.

34. Purchase Protection

Purchase Protection will reimburse you up to $10,000 per covered item ($50,000 per card each calendar year) for theft, loss or accidental damage occurring within 90 days of the purchase date. Note that this benefit only gives you $500 in coverage for damage caused by a natural disaster.

35. Extended Warranty

Extended Warranty Protection adds one year to the manufacturer’s warranty on covered items. This applies to products with original warranties of five years or less.

36. Cell phone protection

If someone steals your mobile phone, or it needs repairs, the cell phone protection plan makes you eligible for up to $800 in reimbursement. This benefit is limited to two approved claims in a 12-month period.

37. Return Protection

If the merchant won’t take back an eligible item within 90 days of purchase, use Return Protection to get reimbursed for up to $300 (excluding shipping and handling charges).

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.

Other Amex Platinum benefits

38. Amex Offers

Amex Offers gives you cash back, discounts and other perks on eligible purchases. To use this benefit, you must add each offer to your Platinum card and then use the card to pay for the item. Enrollment required.

39. Payment flexibility

American Express allows you to split purchases, send money via PayPal or Venmo and use a digital wallet to manage your transactions. Cardholders even have access to flexible bill payment options.

40. Amex Auto Purchasing Program

The Amex Auto Purchasing Program allows you to browse available vehicles and see how much other people have paid for your favorite models. You can also request Upfront Price Offers from dealerships.

41. CreditSecure®

Maximize your American Express Platinum card benefits by using your card to sign up for CreditSecure. It comes with credit monitoring and other tools to help you prevent fraud and manage your credit wisely. CreditSecure costs $1 for the first 30 days and $19.99 per month thereafter.

42. American Express® MyCredit Guide

MyCredit Guide gives you access to your Experian credit report and FICO® score, making it easier to monitor your credit situation. The tool also gives you personalized credit insights to help you improve your score over time.

43. Amex Carbon Emissions Tracker

If sustainability is one of your top priorities, use the Amex Carbon Emissions Tracker to understand how each purchase made with your connected card is likely to affect your carbon footprint. You can also set up a monthly contribution of $5 to $100 to support carbon removal projects.

How to maximize Amex Platinum benefits

Follow these tips to maximize the benefits of your American Express Platinum card:

▶︎  Read more: Amex Platinum review

• • • • •

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please visit this page.

FAQs: Amex Platinum Benefits

Is it worth getting the American Express Platinum Card?

It’s worth getting the American Express Platinum card if you travel frequently, are willing to track and utilize statement credits, and can benefit from perks like airport lounge access.

What are the benefits of American Express Platinum?

The Amex Platinum card comes with a wide range of benefits, such as statement credits, shopping protections, airport lounge access and travel insurance.

What airport perks do you get with Amex Platinum?

As an Amex Platinum cardholder, you can relax in select airport lounges worldwide. Your application fees for time-saving CLEAR® Plus and TSA PreCheck or Global Entry are also reimbursed, making airport visits more convenient and less stressful.

Why is Amex Platinum so prestigious?

The Amex Platinum is so prestigious because it offers a ton of benefits. As a premium credit card, members have access to the Premium Global Assist Hotline, professional concierge services, Amex Offers and more.

How many airport lounges can I access with the Amex Platinum card?

You can access more than 1,400 airport lounges with the Amex Platinum card.

What is the annual fee of the Amex Platinum card?

The Amex Platinum card has an annual fee of $695.

About the Author

Leigh Morgan
Leigh Morgan Personal Finance

Leigh Morgan is a seasoned personal finance contributor with over 15 years of experience writing on a diverse range of professional legal and financial topics. She specializes in subjects like navigating the complexities of insurance, savings, zero-based budgeting and emergency fund development.

In the last five years, she’s authored over 300 articles for credit unions, digital banks, and financial professionals. Morgan is also the author of “77 Tips for Preventing Elder Financial Abuse,” a book focused on helping caregivers protect the elderly from financial scams.

In addition to her writing skills, she brings real-world financial acumen thanks to her previous experience managing rental properties as part of a $34 million real estate portfolio.

* Opinions expressed here are those of the LA Times Compare Cards Team and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser or entities included within this content. See our editorial policy for more details.

All products or services are presented in this content without warranty. The information, including card details such as rates and fees, is accurate at the time of publish. Please visit each bank's website directly for the most current information.

BACK TO TOP