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As the competition among premium credit cards grows, users are scrutinizing sign-up incentives and card benefits, hoping to access unique, high-value experiences. Among the top luxury cards is The Platinum Card® from American Express, or Amex Platinum for short.
And luxury doesn't come cheap. The card carries what many may consider to be an astronomical annual fee, but the card's litany of travel perks and benefits, if used correctly, can cover that fee and then some.
It's worth noting that the Amex Platinum was updated in 2025, and with this update came a litany of new statement credits and perks, as well as a higher annual fee. Still, the annual fee could be worth it as there are more Amex Platinum benefits today than ever.
The Platinum Card® from American Express basics
The personal Platinum Card from American Express is a premium travel rewards card that is especially valuable if you travel often and like to do so in style.
| Annual fee | $895 (previously $695). |
| Welcome offer | Earn as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new card in the first 6 months (welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer; apply and find out your offer) |
| Reward rate | 5X points per dollar spent on eligible airfare (on up to $500,000 per calendar year, after that 1X) and eligible hotel purchases, and 1X points per dollar on all other eligible purchases |
| Recommended credit score | Excellent, Good |
| Foreign transaction fee | None |
While it demands a hefty $895 annual fee, which increased from $695 when the card was refreshed in September 2025, the Amex Platinum is not a typical card. It provides more statement credits and perks than many other credit cards combined, with a laundry list of benefits so long we wanted to give them their very own page to talk about them.
If you're looking for rewards cards with no foreign transaction fees, you can put this one on your list. There are no foreign transaction fees when using the card abroad, making it a handy companion on international trips.
Redemption options
There are various ways to redeem Amex Platinum Membership Rewards points. You can apply points toward purchases already on your card or use points for:
- Transferring points to a partner program or booking travel via American Express Travel® (amextravel.com)
- Gift cards
- Cover your card charges (not necessarily cash back, but one of the closest redemptions you can get to it on the Amex Platinum)
- Merchandise on MembershipRewards.com
- Online and in-store purchases at participating stores (such as Amazon)
- Charitable donations
Amex makes earning and redeeming points convenient through its Membership Rewards program — but the points system is just the beginning of the perks you can receive with this card.
18 attractive Amex Platinum benefits
Although the ($895) annual fee might put off even the most frequent flyers and travelers, the Amex Platinum's perks, annual credits, and other benefits, if used in full, can more than justify the annual fee.
1. Welcome offer (value varies)
If you're in the market for a new card and expect to make a large purchase or a series of purchases within the first few months of card membership, the Platinum card's welcome offer might be worthwhile.
The Amex Platinum comes with a generous welcome offer if your eligible purchases meet the minimum spend requirement: Earn as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new card in the first 6 months (welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer; apply and find out your offer). The welcome offer varies per person, and you can see what you'd be eligible for when you check to see if you prequalify.
2. Airline fee credit (up to $200 value)
Cardholders can get up to $200 per calendar year in incidental airline fee credits on an eligible airline. Enrollment required.
To take advantage of this valuable credit, you'll need to select a qualifying airline and use your card for qualifying incidental fees or in-flight purchases. This can help to ensure that you're credited for eligible costs.
3. Uber Cash, Uber One, and VIP status (up to $320 value)
Primary cardmembers can receive $15 in Uber Cash per month on U.S. rides or U.S. Uber Eats orders, plus an additional $20 bonus in December. Enrollment required. Plus, you can receive up to $120 in annual Uber One credits to cover fees for this delivery and rideshare subscription.
To take advantage of this Amex Platinum perk, make sure you have the most current version of the Uber app on your smartphone, an Uber account, and your Amex Platinum card set as the method of payment. This will help ensure that you receive your Uber Cash each month.
4. Hotel credit (up to $600 value)
In addition to some coveted hotel perks, which we'll cover in a minute, you can also get a $600 hotel credit as an Amex Platinum cardmember. Before the card's refresh in 2025, this credit offered just $200 in potential value.
When you use your card to prepay for hotel stays through Amex Travel at eligible properties in the Fine Hotels & Resorts or The Hotel Collection portfolios, you can get up to $600 in statement credit each year. Keep in mind that this benefit requires a minimum two-night stay if staying at a The Hotel Collection property.
There are over 2,000 properties in the Fine Hotels & Resorts and The Hotel Collection, so you have plenty of options to choose from, making it easy to take advantage of this credit if you're a frequent traveler.
5. TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit (up to $120 value)
Travelers who are itching to avoid long security lines can receive an application fee credit for either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. This credit can be used after 4.5 years or 4 years, respectively (up to $85 for TSA PreCheck or up to $120 for Global Entry).
To get the statement credit for PreCheck or Global Entry, you must use your Amex Platinum card when paying for your application. This benefit also extends to additional cards under the enrolled account.
6. CLEAR® Plus credit (up to $209 value)
The Amex Platinum can make it a little easier to breeze through the airport and long lines at select stadiums.
When you use your Platinum card to pay for your CLEAR® Plus membership, you can get up to $209 in statement credit each year. Keep in mind that you must enroll in CLEAR, but taking advantage of this credit can offset the membership cost as an annual CLEAR® Plus membership could cost $209.
7. Digital entertainment credit (up to $300 value)
Whether you're streaming your favorite show or reading the newspaper or an ebook online, you may be able to take advantage of a digital entertainment credit of up to $300 (up from $240). Keep in mind that this benefit requires enrollment.
When you use your Amex Platinum card to pay for a qualifying purchase with Disney+, The Disney+ Bundle, Hulu, ESPN+, Peacock, The New York Times, Paramount, and YouTube, you can receive up to $25 back as a statement credit each month.
8. Equinox fitness club credit (up to $300 value)
Equinox and American Express teamed up to offer Platinum cardmembers a valuable statement credit of up to $300. The up to $300 Equinox credit benefit requires enrollment in an eligible Equinox membership.
You can use your Platinum Card to pay for an eligible Equinox digital or club membership to receive up to $25 in statement credit each month.
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Current Offer
Earn as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new card in the first 6 months (welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer; apply and find out your offer)
Annual Fee
$895
Rewards Rate
5X points per dollar spent on eligible airfare (on up to $500,000 per calendar year, after that 1X) and eligible hotel purchases, and 1X points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
9. SoulCycle at-home bike credit (up to $300 value)
If you have an Equinox+ membership, you can purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum card and receive a $300 statement credit.
You can use this benefit up to 15 times per year. The purchase must be made in full at the Equinox Amex Bike Benefit page in one transaction with your American Express Platinum card.
10. Walmart+ credits (up to $155 value)
American Express and Walmart partnered to offer statement credits when you use your Platinum card for a monthly Walmart+ subscription.
Pay for this subscription with your Platinum card, you can receive up to $12.95 back per month plus any applicable local sales tax amount. Walmart+ members get free shipping on Walmart items with no order minimum (free shipping excludes most marketplace items), free grocery delivery from local Walmart stores, pharmacy savings, and gas savings.
Keep in mind that enrolling in a monthly Walmart+ subscription is required. Plus Ups not eligible.
11. Saks Fifth Avenue credits (up to $100 value)
Amex partnered with premium retail store Saks Fifth Avenue to give Platinum cardholders $100 in annual shopping credit ($50 credit from January to June and another $50 credit from July to December). You must enroll in this benefit in order to activate the credits.
Keep in mind that certain purchases don't apply, such as Saks Fifth Avenue gift cards, in-store restaurant purchases, in-store or online Saks Fifth outlet purchases, and purchases shipped outside of the U.S.
12. Resy credit (up to $400 value)
A new kid on the block, this annual Resy statement credit offers more potential annual value than many of its predecessors. The credit, split into $100 quarterly credits, applies to eligible Resy dining reservations made through the Global Dining Access program. This program is exclusively for eligible Amex cardholders, but Platinum Nights by Resy bookings — another benefit of this particular card — are only available to Platinum cardholders.
The American Express® Gold Card, for comparison, offers a $100 annual Resy statement credit.
13. Lululemon credit (up to $300 value)
This lifestyle statement credit was also revealed when the Amex Platinum got a facelift in late 2025, but it fits right in. You can effectively pay yourself back for up to $300 in eligible lululemon purchases just by charging them to your Amex Platinum. On its own, this credit helps to more than offset the $200 annual fee increase from $695 to $895.
14. Airport lounge access (value: varies by location)
Whether you're taking a break from busy airport terminals or treating yourself to premium food and beverages, waiting in a comfortable space before boarding your flight can make or break your travel experience.
With the Amex Platinum card, you can access the Global Lounge Collection (for eligible Card Members). This is one of the largest networks of airport lounges, with locations in more than 140 countries.
In addition to the Amex suite of lounges, like the esteemed Centurion Lounge, cardholders can also receive a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership and access certain partner lounges depending on their boarding pass. These include the Delta Sky Club, Escape Lounges, Select Lufthansa Lounges when flying Lufthansa, and Plaza Premium Lounges. Select benefits require enrollment.
There's one caveat to be aware of, though, and it went into effect on Feb 1, 2023: There's a $50 fee per guest at the Centurion Lounges unless you spend over $75,000 on your card per year.
15. Hotel perks (value: up to $550)
No premium card is complete without additional benefits for hotel stays. When you book a qualified stay at American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts using your card, you may receive several benefits such as:
- Room upgrades
- Breakfast for you and a guest, daily
- Complimentary experience credit valued at $100 or more
- Late check-out until 4 p.m.
- Early check-in at 12 p.m., if available
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
These benefits offer an average total value of $550 for a two-night stay at one of more than 1,600 properties worldwide. The actual value you receive will vary by property, room, upgrade availability, and more.
Aside from the benefits above, qualifying reservations through Amex's The Hotel Collection network — which includes hotels like Hilton and Hyatt — also offer you a complimentary room upgrade. This benefit extends to up to three booked rooms in your reservation.
16. Complimentary elite status (value: varies by location and benefits)
The hotel perks continue with hotel status with both the Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalty programs. You can receive Hilton Honors Gold status and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status. Keep in mind that enrollment is required for both benefits.
Here's a quick breakdown of what benefits are included with your Hilton Honors Gold status and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status:
| Hilton Honors Gold | Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite |
|
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Some highlights of these benefits include the potentially free room upgrades and earning bonus points from either hotel chain. In addition, the fifth night free and free continental breakfast at eligible Hilton hotels can be valuable. For Marriott, the late checkout time and a welcome gift of points are helpful. You will need to enroll (for free) to take advantage of these status perks.
You also receive special car rental privileges with different providers, including Avis, Hertz, and National. Enrollment is required for select benefits.
17. Authorized users (value: varies)
Additional authorized users cost $195 each.
Authorized users receive access to many of their own benefits, including:
- Fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
- Complimentary access to The American Express Global Lounge Collection (including Priority Pass Lounges)
- Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
- Hilton Honors Gold status
- Select benefits require enrollment
18. International airline program (value: varies)
Amex Platinum cardholders can enjoy savings on international first, business, and premium economy seats on over 20 world-class airlines using the International Airline Program. You must book through American Express Travel to take advantage of this perk. The cardholder must also be traveling on the itinerary, and your flight must originate in, and return to, the U.S.
Additional perks to enjoy
As a card issuer, Amex has really packed a lot into this card. The Amex Platinum provides show-stopping benefits and annual statement credits, and it also has other benefits you'd expect from a luxury travel card. Here are a few more useful benefits you'll have as a cardholder:
- Concierge service: Whether you're looking for a unique gift or want to make reservations at an exclusive restaurant, an Amex Platinum card gives you access to an around-the-clock concierge hotline.
- Car rental loss and damage insurance1 <p>Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. </p><p></p><ul><li>Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. </li><li>Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. </li><li>Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.</li></ul><p></p> : Amex Platinum car rental insurance covers loss and damage to eligible rental cars when you decline collision damage coverage through the rental company.
- Baggage insurance2 <p>Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip.</p><p></p><ul><li>Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. </li><li>Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. </li><li>Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.</li></ul><p></p> : If your baggage is lost, damaged, or stolen, you may be covered for up to $2,000 for checked bags and a total $3,000 for checked and carry-on luggage. A $10,000 aggregate limit applies to New York residents for everyone traveling on a covered trip.
- Extended warranty protection3 <p>When an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase to an Eligible Card, Extended Warranty§ can provide up to one extra year added to the Original Manufacturer’s Warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your Card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year.</p><p></p><ul><li>Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. </li><li>Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. </li><li>Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.</li></ul><p></p> : New items purchased with your American Express cards get up to an additional year of extended warranty protection added to original U.S. manufacturer warranties.
- Return protection4 <p>With Return Protection, you may return eligible purchases to American Express if the seller won't take them back up to 90 days from the date of purchase. American Express may refund the full purchase price excluding shipping and handling, up to $300 per item, up to a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year per Card account, if you purchased it entirely with your eligible American Express® Card. Purchases must be made in the U.S. or its territories.</p><p></p><ul><li>Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. </li><li>Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.</li></ul><p></p> : If a retailer refuses your return, Amex provides a 90-day return window for eligible purchases up to $300 (excludes shipping and handling). This benefit covers a maximum $1,000 in total returns per calendar year.
- Purchase protection5 <p class="">Purchase Protection is an embedded benefit of your Card Membership and requires no enrollment. It can help protect Covered Purchases made on your Eligible Card when they’re accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost, for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date. The coverage is limited up to $10,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Coverage Limits Apply. <br></p><p></p><ul><li>Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. </li><li>Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.</li><li>Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.</li></ul><p></p> : Have the peace of mind in knowing that eligible purchases using your Amex Platinum card are protected for up to 90 days from the purchase date. This includes protection in the event of damage, theft, or lost goods.
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance6 <p>The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.</p><p></p><ul><li>Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. </li><li>Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. </li><li>Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.</li></ul><p></p> : Can help with reimbursement for nonrefundable expenses purchased with your card if you have an eligible reason for canceling or interrupting your trip.
- Cell phone protection7 <p>Coverage for a Stolen or damaged Eligible Cellular Wireless Telephone is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions and limits of liability of this benefit. The maximum liability is $800, per claim, per Eligible Card Account. Each claim is subject to a $50 deductible. Coverage is limited to two (2) claims per Eligible Card Account per 12 month period.</p><p></p><ul><li>Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. </li><li>Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. </li><li>Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.</li></ul><p></p> : Can help reimburse you for the cost to repair or replace a stolen or damaged eligible cell phone.
- Membership experiences: Get first dibs on presale tickets to music concerts, events, and shows. The card also provides access to preferred seating at special events.
- Amex Offers: American Express cardholders can get exclusive access to savings on a wide variety of purchases through the Amex Offers program. Enrollment required.
FAQs
How do I use my Amex Platinum credit on Uber?
To use your Uber credit on your Amex Platinum, download the Uber app, create an Uber account, and add your Amex Platinum as a payment method. Enroll in this benefit then you'll automatically receive $15 in Uber Cash each month, and a $20 bonus in December, on your account. That's a total of $200 in Uber Cash that can be used on Uber rides or UberEats orders. Terms apply.
What credit score is needed for the Amex Platinum?
You typically need a good or excellent credit score to qualify for the Amex Platinum.
How many airport lounges can I access with the Amex Platinum card?
After enrollment, the Amex Platinum card provides access to airport lounges worldwide. This includes lounges in over 140 countries in the Priority Pass, Delta Sky Club, The Centurion Lounge, Escape Lounges, The International American Express Lounges, and Air Space lounge networks.
Bottom line
The Amex Platinum card often makes the list of the best cards, and it could be a good fit for you and your lifestyle, depending on your travel habits and how actively you take advantage of the perks. One thing is for certain, this card offers some of the most luxurious benefits on the market.
And don't forget, American Express also offers The Business Platinum Card® from American Express as well. And if the Platinum Card feels like too much to you, make sure to check out the American Express® Gold Card as another option.
For even more high-value credit cards we recommend for travel, check out our list of the best travel cards.
The right travel card for you is the one that matches your interests and spending habits, allowing you to earn valuable rewards and travel the way you like — for less. Learn more about these top cards and choose the one that's best for you:
- For no annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
- For flexible points and travel partners: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- For airport lounge access: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- For unlimited 3X points in popular categories: Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
- For business travel: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Current Offer
Earn as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new card in the first 6 months (welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer; apply and find out your offer)
Annual Fee
$895
Rewards Rate
5X points per dollar spent on eligible airfare (on up to $500,000 per calendar year, after that 1X) and eligible hotel purchases, and 1X points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
