Introduction
The American Express Platinum Card is a premium card designed for those seeking a high-end lifestyle. With annual fees of $250 or more, it offers a taste of luxury. While suitable for frequent travellers and urban fitness enthusiasts, it may be challenging for those not meeting certain profiles, such as those who enjoy expensive shopping and rewards on flights and pre-paid accommodations.
This article will provide a comprehensive review of the American Express Platinum Card and offer alternative card options to help determine its worthiness.
Wonderful Card If You –
- Travel frequently enough to benefit from all the travel benefits.
- Can utilise the monthly credits (Uber, Equinox, digital entertainment) besides the annual credits (airline, Saks Fifth Avenue, pre-paid hotels).
- Want free access to airport lounges everywhere.
- Aspire to be a hotel VIP.
- Desire a premium card with superior features.
- Want to use special card privileges and rewards as a current military member.
Don’t accept if you don’t travel frequently, don’t care about benefits or annual credits, and would rather have a card with more bonus categories.
Is the Amex Platinum Card Worth the Annual Fee?
For frequent travellers looking for luxurious amenities, the Amex Platinum card is a great option. Access to the top airport lounges in the industry, 5x earnings on airfare and pre-paid hotels with Amex Travel, Gold elite status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honours, and participation in Amex’s Fine Hotel & Resorts programme are all included. Although the card’s annual fee first raises some doubts, the various credits and personalised advantages make up for it, making it the perfect addition for individuals wishing to improve their travel experiences. For individuals looking for upscale travel and lifestyle benefits, the Amex Platinum card is a solid pick.
Amex Platinum Card Benefits
- Annual Credits – The Amex Platinum card offers a variety of annual credits, including Walmart+, Equinox, Saks Fifth Avenue, CLEAR, Uber Cash, digital entertainment, prepaid hotel credit for Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings, and airline incidental. These credits offer considerable value, which may be greater than the yearly charge. The card also provides free shipping and same-day delivery of goods. The Saks Fifth Avenue credit is $100 from January to June and $50 from July – December, but the Equinox credit is $300 annually.
- Lounge Access – Through the American Express Global Lounge Collection, which includes Priority Pass lounges, Amex Centurion Lounges, International Centurion Lounges, Escape Lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, Airspace Lounge, Virgin Clubhouses, Lufthansa lounges, and Delta Sky Clubs, the Amex Platinum card grants entry to airport lounges. This makes it possible for you to unwind in a range of lounges at every airport, including those operated by Lufthansa, Delta, and Delta Sky Clubs.
- Hotel Elite Status – For Hilton cardholders, Marriott grants an immediate promotion to Hilton Honours Gold and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status upon enrolment, giving them access to more points, upgraded rooms, and late checkout times.
- Rental Car Elite Status – Frequent travellers can take advantage of perks from Avis Preferred, Amex, and Hertz Gold Plus, including automatic National Emerald Club Executive status, vehicle upgrades, price reductions, accelerated pickup lanes, and readily accessible drop-off points.
- Travel Protections –Amex Platinum provides perks for travellers who require an overnight stay or a journey, including travel insurance. These advantages include trip delay and cancellation insurance, which covers up to $20,000 a year for non-refundable travel expenses, as well as trip delay insurance, which pays out up to $500 per ticket for delayed flights or overnight stays. Additionally, the card offers secondary baggage insurance that covers up to $2,000 for checked baggage and $3,000 for carry-on baggage, as well as secondary rental car insurance that covers up to $75,000 for accidental damage or loss of the vehicle. All travellers can expect a smooth and comfortable vacation thanks to these advantages.
- Consumer Protections –Amex provides all-inclusive mobile phone safeguarding, including extended warranty coverage, purchase & return safeguards, and coverage for accidental harm. Amex offers coverage up to two times annually with a $50 deductible for coverage up to $800 per year. Additionally, Amex offers reimbursements of up to $300 per item and $1,000 per year for theft, incidental damage, and loss that occurs within 90 days of purchasing. Customers with cell phone demands can feel secure with this extensive coverage.
Best Ways To Earn and Redeem Your Amex Points
Amex points can be accumulated through regular transactions and redeemed for Amex Membership Rewards. Learn the best methods for accumulating points so you can use them wisely to book vacations. To purchase business and first-class tickets at barely any cost of cash, use Amex travel transfer partners.
Alternative Cards to the Amex Platinum Card
- Chase Sapphire Reserve – With 3x points for every $1 spent on travel and eating-out expenses, Chase Sapphire Reserve is a leader in the high-end travel credit card market. This card offers coverage for lodging, Airbnb, Uber/Lyft, and other services. For those looking for a versatile travel card, it’s an appealing choice with a $300 travel credit and Priority Pass membership. For individuals looking for a premium travel credit card, Chase Sapphire Reserve is an intriguing option even though it does not offer the identical elite advantages as Amex Platinum.
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card – For travellers looking for a one-stop premier credit card with airport lounge access for a cheaper annual cost, the Capital One Venture X card is a great choice. The card comes with free admission to 1,300+ lounges, a 10,000-mile anniversary incentive, and a $300 yearly travel credit for a $395 annual charge. It is a great option for anyone looking for airport lounge access at a cheaper annual price because it also earns 10x miles for every $1 spent on hotels, rental cars, and flights and 2x miles for every $1 spent on all other transactions.