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The Platinum Card® from American Express Overview

The Platinum Card® from American Express

A complete guide to one of the world's most iconic premium travel cards.

Author: Shannon Lopez
|
Reviewed by: Taevann Calloway
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Benefits Accurate as of: Sep 25, 2025

PREMIUM TRAVEL CARD

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card from American Express
Apply now

at the issuer's secure site. Terms & restrictions apply.

Why we love this card: This card is the undisputed king of travel perks, offering unparalleled lounge access and a long list of statement credits that can provide tremendous value for frequent travelers.

Estimated First-Year Value: $4,750+, plus points on your spend

- Includes a sign-up bonus with up to 175,000-points (worth up to ~$1,750) and over $3,000 in potential annual credits.

Annual Fee

$895

 

Sign-Up Bonus

Up to 175,000 points

 

Est. Annual Value

$3,000+

In available statement credits

Rewards Rates
5x Points 5x Points 1x Point
On flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. On prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com. On all other purchases.

Why you may want the Amex Platinum Card

  • Unmatched Lounge Access: Gain entry to The Centurion® Lounge, Delta Sky Club® (when flying Delta), and Priority Pass™ lounges, among others.
  • Over $3,000 in Credits: Includes annual credits for hotels, digital entertainment, Uber, airline fees, Saks Fifth Avenue, CLEAR® Plus, lululemon, Walmart+, Oura Ring, and Equinox.
  • Elite Hotel Status: Receive complimentary Marriott Bonvoy™ Gold Elite Status, Hilton Honors Gold Status, and Leaders Club Sterling Status
  • Premium Travel Perks: Includes access to the Fine Hotels + Resorts® program and comprehensive travel insurance protections.
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit: Receive a statement credit for the application fee every 5 years.

Redeeming Membership Rewards® Points

American Express Membership Rewards® is a top-tier flexible loyalty program:

  • Transfer to Partners: The best way to get maximum value is by transferring points to over 20 airline and hotel partners, including Delta, British Airways, and Hilton.
  • Book Travel via Amex: Use points to book flights, hotels, and more through amextravel.com. You can get a better value on flights when you "Pay with Points."
  • Other Redemptions: Redeem for statement credits, gift cards, or merchandise, though these options typically offer a lower value.

Amex Platinum Card Alternatives

For a simpler premium experience...

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers a more straightforward approach to premium travel. Its $300 travel credit is incredibly easy to use, and it earns bonus points on a broader range of travel and all dining purchases. While its lounge access isn't as extensive, it's still excellent.

  • Why you might prefer it: You want a simple, high-value travel credit and strong bonus rewards on everyday spending categories like dining.
  • Why you might stick with the Platinum Card: The Platinum Card's vast network of lounges and automatic hotel elite status are more important to your travel style.

For a lower annual fee...

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has a much lower $395 annual fee that is easily offset by its annual credits. It earns a simple 2x miles on every purchase and provides great lounge access for the primary cardholder and authorized users.

  • Why you might prefer it: You want a premium card experience with a lower annual fee and simple, easy-to-understand rewards.
  • Why you might stick with the Platinum Card: You're a luxury traveler who can maximize the Platinum Card's extensive list of credits and perks to get far more value than its annual fee.

Want to find the perfect travel credit card, just for you? Visit our Credit Card Finder to get your best match.

Final Thoughts

The Platinum Card® from American Express is not for everyone, but for the frequent traveler who can take advantage of its many benefits, it's in a class of its own. The key is to treat the card like a book of coupons—if you can use the various statement credits throughout the year, the high annual fee becomes an afterthought. The unparalleled lounge access is the icing on the cake.

Bottom Line: If you live a travel-heavy lifestyle and value luxury perks, the Amex Platinum card can provide value that far outweighs its cost.

Apply for the Platinum Card®

at the issuer's secure site. Terms & restrictions apply.

PREMIUM TRAVEL CARD

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Apply now
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Now that you have a good handle on goals and the available savings products out there, you’re ready for Savings 102 where it’s time to choose the right product to meet your specific savings goal.