Introduction
An exclusive credit card from American Express, the Platinum Card has a high annual fee. The card remains among critics’ favourites despite its perks, including access to over 1,400 airport lounges, yearly statement credits, and 5 points for every dollar spent on flights. American Express does not specify a dollar amount for the advantages, but this blog strives to give readers a thorough evaluation of the card’s worth.
Amex Platinum Card Advantages
The Amex Platinum card offers a range of exclusive benefits that are exclusive to the card. These benefits include a variety of travel benefits that are included in the card and are where the true value of the card lies. These benefits include but are not limited to, lounge access and hotel status.
- A Huge Welcome Bonus Offer (First Year)– In exchange for an annual charge of 2.2 cents per Membership Rewards point, Amex Platinum delivers a welcome bonus worth $2,200 for a period of 3 years. For more than 3 years, this bonus will cover a yearly charge.
- Worldwide Airport Lounge Access –Through its lounge network, which includes the Centurion Lounge Network, Delta Sky Club, Escape Lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, Priority Pass Select, Select Lufthansa Lounges, and Select Virgin Clubhouses; Amex Platinum Card allows access to airport lounges. The value of each lounge is impacted by its particular access requirements. Depending on their usage, users can give each lounge network their own subjective value.
- Airline Incidental Fee Credit —A $200 airline incidental fee credit is available with the Amex Platinum card for a variety of airline expenses, such as seat selection fees, lounge access, and checked bag fees. Choose an airline and charge the qualifying purchase to your Amex Platinum card to use this credit, which will be returned to your card in 4 weeks. Its varied applications make it a useful perk for frequent travellers.
- Prepaid Hotel Credit – On prepaid reservations made through American Express Travel for Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection, Amex Platinum cardholders may receive up to $200 in statement credits per year. These reservations offer premium privileges at particular resorts across the world and call for a minimum two-night stay. Without requiring a minimum stay, Fine Hotels & Resorts provides exclusive advantages at more than 1,000 premium hotels globally. To be eligible for the perks, reservations must be paid for using an American Express card and travel must follow the planned schedule.
- Saks Fifth Avenue Credit —For owners of Amex Platinum cards, American Express offers a $100 annual Saks Fifth Avenue credit. Customers can charge purchases made at Saks to their Amex Platinum card and receive up to $50 back by registering in the Benefits section. Saks Fifth Avenue makes a great pick for festive and occasion presents because it has a wide selection of clothing and housewares.
- Monthly Uber Credit — The Amex Platinum card provides members with an annual Uber credit of up to $200, distributed at a rate of $15 to $35 per month. After attaching the card to the Uber account, this credit is credited as Uber Cash. Users may apply the $200 credit towards any Uber ride or any Uber Eats meal delivery. Every major U.S. city has Uber, which offers cheap transportation for tourists.
- Annual Equinox Credits & Monthly Digital Entertainment Credits— Owners of Equinox credit cards are eligible for a $300 yearly statement credit towards club or Equinox+ app memberships, but an American Express membership is required. Similar to Equinox credits, eligible purchases of Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, and other subscriptions can earn up to $240 in yearly statement credits. Sign up to receive perks now.
- Earns 5 Points per Dollar on Flights — Up to $500,000 per year, the Amex Platinum card offers 5 Membership Rewards points for every dollar spent on flying. The value varies depending on how much is spent on flying each year, with frequent travellers earning thousands of points and less frequent flyers earning fewer points.
- Annual Marriott and Hilton Status— Hilton Honours Gold and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite are mid-tier hotel statuses offered by Amex Platinum, both of which include premium perks including upgrade eligibility and extra points. At full-service properties, Hilton Honours Gold offers an 80% points bonus, room upgrades, and a continental breakfast. The 25% points bonus, welcome gift, room upgrades, free in-room Wi-Fi, and priority 2 p.m. late checkout are all features of the Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite membership. These bonuses can have a big impact on your trip to a Hilton or Marriott property, letting you expand your loyalty and keep your status rewards.
- American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts Access — Fine Hotels and Resorts is an internal hotel programme offered by American Express that gives special perks when booking luxurious hotels across the world. These perks include free Wi-Fi, free daily breakfast, assured delayed check-out, upgraded rooms, and a $100 in-house perk. However, Elite level privileges might not be offered during certain visits, so have a look at other hotel advantages. The worth of these advantages depends on how frequently reservations are made, but even just once can result in a value of at least $150.
- Rental Car Status (Avis, Hertz, National) —Amex Platinum cardholders are eligible for discounts on National, Hertz, and Avis rentals. While National offers full-blown status with membership, Avis and Hertz provide particular benefits and rates. Included in these advantages is National Emerald Club Executive Status, which entitles you to access any car class while charging the mid-size fee. Additionally, Avis and Hertz provide assured upgrades, no additional driver fees, and discounted rates on Premier Selection vehicles. Hertz President’s Circle Status, a free one-car class upgrade, and 25% off base rates are all included in the Amex Preferred American Express privileges. For frequent travellers, these advantages can be very helpful, especially if you need to rent a minivan, pickup truck, or other high-end car.
- Access the International Airline Program —The International Airline Programme, which provides exclusive discounted rates on international premium economy, business, and first-class tickets through Amex Travel, is available to Amex Platinum cards. Aeromexico, Air China, Air France, Air New Zealand, Austria, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Iberia, Japan Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, LATAM, Lufthansa, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Swiss Air Lines, and Virgin Atlantic are just a few of the airlines that this programme partner with. Regular use is the key to getting the most out of the programme, with premier tickets worth hundreds of dollars annually.
Global Dining Access, yearly CLEAR Plus Credit, TSA PreCheck/Global Entry Reimbursement, 20% off Wheels Up Connect, and 40% off Wheels Up Core Premium Private Jet Programme, Purchase & Return Protection, extended Product Warranty, Amex Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance, Cell Phone Protection, Walmart+ Credits and SoulCycle Bike Credit are all extra benefits included with the Amex Platinum Card usage.
Conclusion
For travellers who travel occasionally, the Amex Platinum card is a good option because it offers more than $5,200 in value. You will surpass the charge with a welcome bonus within your first year, making it a reasonable investment.