American Express Platinum Card® Review
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Apply Now Pros and cons
- Generous welcome offer
- High rewards rate
- Several travel credits
- Digital entertainment credit
- Complimentary hotel elite status
- Global airport lounge access
- Annual fee
- May have to pay balance in full
- Low rewards earning rate on non-travel purchases
- Limited acceptance internationally
Is American Express Platinum Card® worth it?
American Express Platinum Card® is one of the most coveted luxury cards among frequent travelers — and for good reason.
This card provides one of the best earning rates on travel, offers an extensive amount of travel and shopping credits and provides several types of travel insurance. It also offers airport lounge access, hotel elite status (enrollment required) and much more, making it a great asset for serious travelers. It does have a high $895 annual fee, but its benefits — including more than $1,000 worth of credits — can make it more than worth its annual fee each year.
However, those who don’t travel often enough to take advantage of all of the card’s benefits may be better off with a no or low annual fee travel card or even a cash back card.
Quick facts
- Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
- You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
- More Value! With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. * As of 07/2025.
- More Value! $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
- More Value! $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $25 in statement credits each month after you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at participating partners. Enrollment required.
- More Value! $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- New! $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: When you use the Platinum Card® to pay at U.S. Resy restaurants and to make other eligible purchases through Resy, you can get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter with the $400 Resy Credit benefit. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you, enrollment required.
- More Value! $209 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with the Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account*. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
- Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in upon arrival, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
- New! $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®.*Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
- $100 Saks Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com on the Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December. No minimum purchase required. Enrollment required.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- $895 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- Rates & Fees
- Recommended Credit
Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretionGood / Excellent
- Annual fee: See Pay Over Time APR (see rates & fees)
- Foreign transaction fee: None (see rates & fees)
- Welcome offer: You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
- Rewards: 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. Terms apply.
- Other benefits:
- Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status (enrollment required)
- Hilton Honors Gold status (enrollment required)
- Car rental loss and damage insurance1
- Trip delay insurance2
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance2
- Return protection3
- Purchase protection3
- Extended warranty3
- Recommended credit: Good / Excellent
Intro Purchase APR
N/A
Regular Purchase APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Intro BT APR
N/A
Regular BT APR
N/A
Annual Fee
$895
Cash Advance Fee
Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater.
Foreign Transaction Fee
None
Balance Transfer Fee
N/A
What we like about American Express Platinum Card®
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Generous welcome offer
You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. If you use your points to book a flight through American Express Travel, that’s a $800 value.
That’s one of the most valuable welcome offers among travel cards. You can increase the value of your points from 1 cent on American Express Travel to around 2.2 cents by transferring them to travel partners, depending on where and when you redeem them.
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High rewards rate on travel purchases
American Express Platinum Card® offers 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. Terms apply.
The rewards rate on flights is much higher than other similar cards, including the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. Even though it doesn’t offer elevated rewards on much else, the rewards rate could still provide a lot of value to frequent flyers.
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Credits worth more than $1,000
American Express Platinum Card® offers valuable travel credits, which can help you cover the cost of the annual fee, including:
- Up to $200 hotel credit: Redeemed as statement credits on select prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel
- Up to $200 airline fee credit: Select one qualifying airline at the beginning of the year and receive statement credits for incidental fees, like checked bags and in-flight refreshments
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit: Get either a $100 statement credit for Global Entry or a statement credit for up to $85 for TSA PreCheck
- Up to $189 CLEAR® Plus credit: Up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year for CLEAR Plus (enrollment required)
- Up to $200 Uber Cash: Up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the U.S. annually. Terms apply.
- Up to $155 Walmart+ credit: A statement credit of $12.95 (plus taxes where applicable) after paying for a Walmart+ membership (enrollment required)
- Up to $240 digital entertainment credit: $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases on Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock and The Wall Street Journal (enrollment required)
- Up to $100 Saks Fifth Avenue credit: $50 in statement credits semi-annually (enrollment required)
These credits add up to more than $1,000 — which can cover the high annual fee of the card if you take advantage of them. Just be aware that not all of them are applied automatically, and you may have to jump through a couple of hoops to use them.
For example, the airline fee credit requires you to pick a qualifying airline before you can use the credit. The hotel credit also must be used on bookings for American Express’s Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel — and requires a minimum two-night stay.
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Flexible redemption options
There are many ways you can use your American Express Membership Rewards. The most valuable way to redeem them is by transferring them to one of American Express’s travel partner loyalty programs, which include:
- Asia Miles
- British Airways Executive Club
- Delta SkyMiles®
- Emirates Skywards
- Etihad Guest
- Finnair Plus
- Flying Blue
- Iberia Plus
- Marriott Bonvoy™
- Qantas Frequent Flyer
- SAS EuroBonus
- Singapore KrisFlyer
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
Depending on when and where you transfer points, they could be worth around 2.2 cents each — which is extremely valuable.
Some other ways you could redeem them include claiming statement credits, booking travel through American Express’s travel portal, using points at checkout in certain stores, selecting gift cards and more.
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Hotel elite status
Cardholders qualify for Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status, which allows you to receive upgrades to enhanced rooms upon check-in when available (enrollment required).
You will also be eligible for Hilton Honors Gold status (enrollment required), which lets you earn space-available room upgrades, daily food and beverage credits or continental breakfast and more.
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Global airport lounge access
American Express Platinum Card® offers cardmembers access to The Global Lounge Collection, which includes more than 1,400 lounges in over 140 countries. That includes the Centurion® Lounges from American Express, which have plenty of services and amenities. Those include:
- Member Services Professionals that can help you adjust your current travel itinerary, book future travel and more
- Signature cocktails, premium spirits and curated wine
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- Semi-private workspace
- TVs
- Spa services
- Wine tasting
- Luggage lockers
On top of access to Centurion® Lounges, The Global Lounge Collection also offers access to these groups of lounges, which are widely available at airports both in the U.S. and internationally:
- The International American Express Lounges
- Priority Pass
- Escape Lounges
- Delta Sky Club®
- Plaza Premium
- Air Space
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Digital entertainment credits
If you’re ready to kick back with some digital entertainment, American Express Platinum Card® has credits that can help. Get up to $240 back a year (enrollment required) toward eligible digital entertainment purchases with Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock and The Wall Street Journal.
What to look out for with American Express Platinum Card®
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Annual fee
American Express Platinum Card® charges an annual fee of $895. Regardless of the card’s extensive benefits, that is a hefty bill.
However, it can be made back fairly quickly by taking advantage of the card’s many benefits and credits.
*To see rates & fees for American Express Platinum Card®, please click here. -
You may have to pay your balance in full each month
Unlike typical cards, American Express Platinum Card® only allows you to carry a balance for certain charges — but not all.
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Low rewards rate on non-travel purchases
American Express Platinum Card® earns 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. Terms apply.
It doesn’t include other categories like dining or groceries, which may make it hard to earn points on everyday purchases outside of travel.
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International acceptance may be limited
American Express is accepted by 99% of U.S. merchants, according to a 2022 Nilson Report. However, its availability abroad can be limited. If you’re traveling internationally, you should bring a Visa or Mastercard with you, which are more commonly accepted.
Alternate premium travel cards to American Express Platinum Card®
American Express Platinum Card® vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
If more simple benefits and a lower annual fee is important to you, The Chase Sapphire Reserve® may be a better fit. Chase Sapphire Reserve® has a slight advantage for less frequent travelers by charging a lower annual fee of $795 that can be more than half offset by the card’s $300 flexible travel credit. This credit applies to most travel expenses, including airfare, making it easier to use than most of the credits from American Express Platinum Card®.
| American Express Platinum Card® | Chase Sapphire Reserve® |
|---|---|
| Up to $200 in Uber Cash per year for rides and eats in the U.S. Terms Apply. ($15 monthly, $20 in December, enrollment required) | Earn 10x total points on Lyft rides through March 2025 |
| Up to $100 annual statement credit to Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com (enrollment required) | Up to $100 in statement credits for Global Entry, TSA Precheck or NEXUS applications every 4 years |
| Up to $240 digital entertainment credit per year for eligible transactions with partners such as Peacock and the New York Times (enrollment required) | Up to $300 annual travel credit |
| Access to the Global Lounge Collection over 1,200 airport lounges (including Priority Pass) (enrollment required) | Priority Pass™ Select membership |
| Complimentary benefits at Fine Hotels and Resorts (enrollment required) | Complimentary benefits at The Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection |
| $195/year for each authorized user | $75/year for each authorized user |
American Express Platinum Card® vs. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
If you don’t want to deal with that card’s large annual fee but still want a high rewards rate on travel, TSA PreCheck or Global Entry and a valuable travel credit, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card could be your best choice. It’s another luxury travel credit card that offers a generous travel rewards rate, travel credits and lounge access. It also has a lower $395 annual fee.
You’ll earn 2X Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 10X Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 5X Miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel, plus a generous sign-up bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
On the other hand, it doesn’t have as many travel benefits as American Express Platinum Card® . It offers a $300 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel and a $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit — but American Express Platinum Card® has a lot more credits available.
American Express Platinum Card® vs. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
If you mostly fly with Delta, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card may be a better fit than American Express Platinum Card®. Unlike American Express Platinum Card®, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is a co-branded card that offers Delta-specific rewards and benefits.
The card lets you earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases. There’s also a big welcome offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 10/29/2025.
Not surprisingly, this card comes with a ton of Delta benefits, including:
- 15% off award flights
- Delta status boost to get you closer to Medallion Status
- A Delta Reserve annual companion certificate when you renew your card
- Access to Delta Sky Club and The Centurion Lounge
- First checked bag free
However, you can only use most of the card’s benefits with Delta Air Lines, which means it’s only worth it if you fly Delta frequently. If you’re looking for more flexibility, American Express Platinum Card® is the better choice.
Compare American Express Platinum Card® to similar cards
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Annual Fee | Rewards Rate | Welcome Offer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
American Express Platinum Card®
|
$895 | 5X points
| As high as 175,000 points
You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
| ||
Chase Sapphire Reserve®*
|
$795 | 1X - 8X points
| 125,000 points
Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
| ||
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
|
$395 | 2X - 10X miles
| 75,000 miles
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
| ||
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
|
$650 | 1X - 3X miles
| 125,000 miles
Earn 125,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 10/29/2025.
|
Is American Express Platinum Card® right for you?
American Express Platinum Card® is worth it if you take advantage of the majority of its benefits and credits. So if you already love utilizing airport lounges, making in-flight purchases and staying in Marriott and Hilton resorts, then this card will likely be a good fit for your lifestyle.
This card isn’t worth it if the card’s offerings aren’t already a part of your spending habits. You won’t save as much money if you get it just to start using Uber Eats more, for example.
If you’re looking for a simpler but similar card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® might be a good option. It offers a $300 flexible travel credit and other luxury benefits like airport lounge access and a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck or NEXUS fee credit. You wouldn’t have to worry about taking advantage of niche credits — and you can focus instead on getting your value from the card by transferring your points to travel partners.
*To see rates & fees for Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, please click here.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
To see rates & fees for American Express cards mentioned on this page, visit the links provided below:
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
The information related to the Chase Sapphire Reserve® has been independently collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.