Benefits of the American Express Platinum Card

The Amex Platinum Card boasts dozens of premium benefits for its members, including travel perks, airport lounge access, and a host of other posh rewards. But are the benefits of the American Express Platinum Card worth it?

In our honest opinion, yes, it is worth it. While it comes with a $695 annual fee, the welcome bonus and annual statement credits you can earn can far exceed the $695 price tag.

All about luxury, the Platinum Card is one of Amex’s most prestigious cards.

44 Benefits of the American Express Platinum Card

Here’s a breakdown of the rewards that come with an American Express Platinum Card:

Earn Points for Spending

The Platinum Card offers a number of ways for cardholders to earn Membership Rewards points. The points vary in value based on how they were accrued and how they are redeemed.

1. Premium welcome offer

Earn 80,000 in Membership Rewards Points as a welcome bonus. To qualify, you must spend at least $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months of card membership. Other terms may also apply.

Learn More about the Welcome Offer

2. Lucrative travel rewards

You’ll earn statement and airline fee credits for eligible travel purchases. Beyond that, earn 5 Membership Rewards points for every dollar spent on qualifying travel expenses:

  • Flights booked directly with airlines.
  • Flights booked through American Express Travel (com).
  • Prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel.

You can also earn 2 points per dollar on other eligible travel expenses (i.e., business trip incidentals) booked through American Express Travel.

3. Everyday spending rewards

Earn 1 point for every dollar on other Amex spending. Redeem your everyday spending or travel points toward free or discounted airfare, gift cards, and other premium rewards.

Up to $1,789 in Free Statement Credits

4. Up to $200 a year in airline credits

For one qualifying airline of your choice, you can receive up to $200 per statement credit per calendar year. This credit is for incidental fees such as in-flight refreshments, amenities, or checked bags.

5. Up to $200 in Uber Cash

As another Platinum card benefit, you’re automatically given Uber VIP status and connected with top-rated Uber drivers and premium luxury vehicles (when available). If you add your card as a payment method to your Uber account, you’ll get $15 monthly in Uber Cash for rides in the U.S., with a bonus of up to $20 in December.

In addition to Uber X (rideshare), you can also use your Uber Cash for Uber Eats restaurant meal delivery. It can also be used in the Postmates app as Uber Eats acquired Postmates in 2020 for $2.65 billion.

6. Up to $200 in hotel credits

Earn up to $200 in credits per year for select hotel stays. To be eligible, you must book a prepaid reservation (for a minimum two-night stay) with American Express Travel at The Hotel Collection or at Fine Hotels + Resorts properties. There are over 1,700 worldwide locations.

7. Up to $300 Equinox credit

Get up to $300 in statement credits when you use your Platinum Amex to pay for an Equinox fitness gym membership. With a base membership of $2,200, you’re essentially getting a 13.6% rebate off your yearly fitness dues. (Although if you are not already a member, you will also need to shell out $500 as a one-time initiation fee.)

That $300 credit can also go toward the Equinox+ on-demand fitness app where subscription fees start at $39.99 a month.

8. SoulCycle credit for $300

When you purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike (priced at $1,500 and a major Peloton rival), you’ll get a free $300 statement credit.

This is like getting a 20% cash-back rebate. In order to qualify for this $300 credit, you will need to have an Equinox+ subscription. Which, as outlined in the previous section, comes with a $300 yearly statement credit for Platinum members. Which is like getting a 75% discount off your Equinox+ subscription

9. Over $200 in digital entertainment credits

Get up to $20 per month in free digital entertainment credits that can be used to pay for any of the following streaming services: SiriusXM, Disney+, Audible, Peacock, ESPN+, Hulu, The Disney Bundle, or The New York Times. This is up to $240 per year free for streaming services.

10. CLEAR Plus credit for $189

Get an annual CLEAR Plus credit of $189, essentially covering a free yearly membership. It’s similar to TSA PreCheck, as CLEAR Plus credit gives you access to faster security lanes at airports.

CLEAR uses unique biometric attributes — eye scans or fingerprints — to verify your identity. You must pay for your Clear Plus subscription with your Platinum Card in order to qualify for the $189 credit.

11. Free TSA Precheck or Global Entry

You can pretty much get TSA PreCheck or Global Entry for free as a Platinum cardholder. You’ll get reimbursed for any application fees.

That’s a $100 statement credit once every four years for Global Entry, or a $78 statement credit once every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck.

Here are some distinctions between the two programs:

  • Global Entry: Department of Homeland Security (DHS) expedited travel screening program. Get expedited customs screenings for international air travelers re-entering the U.S. Global Entry clearance also includes TSA PreCheck for domestic travel.
  • TSA PreCheck: Another DHS program. It offers expedited security screening for flights departing from U.S. airports.

12. Up to $100 in statement credits for Saks Fifth Avenue

Get statement credits of up to $100 a year for your Saks Fifth Avenue purchases online or in-store. You’ll receive these Saks Fifth Avenue credits twice a year in increments of up to $50.

The first credit is for January through June and the second credit is for July through December. This is free for all Platinum customers, but you must enroll directly in the program to claim this reward.

Amex Lounge Benefits

13. Coveted access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection at airports

No more stretching out in stiff, overcrowded airport lobby chairs! Platinum members can glamp out in style. You (and any travel companions) will gain entry to a number of exclusive airport lounges:

  • Priority Pass Select: Get access to lounges and airport experiences at over 1,300 airports worldwide, including 95% of the world’s busiest airports.
  • Access to International American Express lounges.
  • Access to Airspace and Escape lounges.
  • Access to Delta Sky Club lounges (when flying Delta).
  • “Black Card” or Centurion Lounges: Get access to luxury lounges for Amex Black cardholders. If there’s enough room, Platinum card members can also enter.

14. Access to American Express Business Lounges

You can access the American Express Business Lounge when you’re at a busy work convention and need to recharge.

Right now there are two Amex Business lounge locations:

  1. Las Vegas Convention Center
  2. Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City

Lounge access comes with free WiFi, insanely comfortable seats, tons of outlets to recharge your phone and laptop, and free complimentary snacks.

To gain access, you just need to show the Platinum Card to the lounge concierge.

Hotel and Travel Resort Benefits

15. Upgrade to Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status

It’s free for Platinum members to upgrade to Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status. Enrollment is available online from your Platinum Card account. You’ll then be eligible for a 25% Marriott Bonvoy points bonus, early room check-in (when available), late room checkout, premium (faster) WiFi, and other hotel perks.

16. Upgrade to Hilton Honors Gold status

Enroll in gold status and you’ll get room or suite upgrades at select properties, a complimentary reward night on stays of five nights or more in a standard room, and an 80% increase in bonus points – accrued on top of all Hilton Honors base points.

17. Save money on travel stays booked through The Hotel Collection

If you book a hotel stay of at least two nights in a row — at one of more than 600 properties in The Hotel Collection — you’ll get a free $100 hotel credit to spend on dining, in gift shops, or on spa and resort activities. If there is availability, you can also qualify for a complimentary room upgrade.

18. Free perks through Fine Hotels & Resorts

Enjoy additional free perks at any of the 1,000+ properties that are part of the Fine Hotel & Resorts group.

Among these free extras:

  • Daily breakfast for two
  • Guaranteed late checkout (4 p.m.)
  • Early check-in (noon) when available
  • High-speed Wi-Fi
  • Resort credits for dining and spa amenities (up to $100)

Shipping and Concierge Services

19. Enjoy free shipping with ShopRunner

Sign up for a ShopRunner membership using your Platinum Amex and get unlimited, free two-day shipping and free return shipping on qualifying items. (Qualifying items are generally any non-freight, non-refrigerated, or non-hazardous items.)

ShopRunner puts 2-day shipping at your fingertips for a whole world of merchants beyond just Amazon. You’ll get expedited shipping and other benefits at hundreds of participating stores.

20. Complimentary concierge service

Before there was Siri or Alexa, there was American Express Concierge service. Platinum Card concierge agents can perform a number of complimentary services:

  • Secure dinner reservations at the hottest restaurants (even if they’re supposedly booked solid for months)
  • Find your tickets for sold-out shows.
  • Shop for and ship (or deliver) a forgotten birthday present.
  • Research travel plans for you (no matter how off the grid).
  • Book or assist with booking travel.

While this concierge service is free, you will need to pay for any costs incurred with fulfilling the task. So while the concierge may be able to get you Taylor Swift tickets, you’ll still need to shell out for them. These costs will be charged to your Platinum card.

To contact Platinum Card Concierge, call the number on the back of your Amex card and request concierge service. Or, you can contact the concierge line directly by calling 1-800-525-3355.

Premium Travel Deals

21. Exclusive low fares through the Amex International Airline Program

The Amex International Airline Program boasts exclusive low airfare rates with over 20 participating airlines. To get these deals, you must book through American Express Travel. Airfare deals are available for international and domestic tickets in first class, business class, or premium economy class. The savings are available for you and any traveling companions.

While there is a $39 service fee per ticket, the airfare savings — and companion eligibility — make it worthwhile.

22. Exclusive Savings with the Cruise Privileges Program

Enjoy exclusive cruise savings and amenities when you use your Platinum card to book a cruise. For stays of five nights or longer you’ll get a free $300 shipboard credit.

Additional perks are available too but will vary by the cruise line. You’ll also earn one extra Membership Reward point on every dollar spent. You must book your cruise through American Express Travel in order to qualify.

23. Earn bonus points for booking a Platinum Destination vacation

Earn one extra Membership Rewards point, per dollar spent on your Platinum card, for any eligible travel package booked through American Express Platinum Travel Service.

24. Membership and discounts through The Travel Collection by Travel Leaders Group

As a Platinum cardholder, you’ll get a complimentary membership in The Travel Collection by Travel Leaders Group.

Travel Leaders Group and Amex combined forces to offer this premier benefits program for select American Express cardholders.

With membership comes free access to travel experts and specialists who offer discounts and complimentary amenities for booking eligible flights, cruises, hotels, car rentals, resort stays, or other travel packages.

25. Subscription to Departures Magazine

Published by Amex and circulated to over 1.5 million readers, Departures is a lifestyle magazine that focuses on luxury travel. Formerly a print publication, since June 2021 the magazine has been in digital circulation only. Departures are published exclusively for Amex cardholders.

26. Added shopping perks through the InCircle rewards program

Get exclusive perks with Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. Enroll your card in InCircle, the department stores’ premier rewards program and earn a $100 point card every time you accrue 10,000 InCircle points. Redeem your point cards for purchases at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Last Call, CUSP, or Horchow.

Exclusive Retail Savings

27. Car Deals through the Amex Auto Purchasing Program

With the American Express Platinum Card, you can unlock special member perks at over 10,000 auto dealers that accept American Express.

Benefits you’ll enjoy include:

  • Purchase a car with your Platinum Amex for purchases of at least $2,000 up to the full purchase price of the car. Includes inventory of new and used vehicles, including certified pre-owned.
  • All of these featured dealers offer a Guaranteed Savings Certificate on any in-stock or custom-configured car.
  • Select incentive savings of up to $4,500 off vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz EQS Sedan.
  • Assistance selling your car. Get an instant quote from featured dealers.

Access to Unique Experiences

Your Amex card unlocks some unique, first-rate experiences for dining, concerts, and more.

28. The Global Dining Collection

Powered by Resy, The Global Dining Collection provides dining access to many of the world’s most sought-after restaurants — including restaurants so exclusive there’s typically a waitlist of at least several months to get in.

To receive the dining benefit, Platinum members must download the Resy iOS app to their phone, or visit the Resy website (resy.com). Then add your Amex card to your Resy profile under payment methods. (If you are not yet a member, you will need to sign up for Resy.)

As a Platinum cardholder, you’ll get access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences. This includes best-in-house tables and exclusive culinary events with chefs.

29. Access to invitation-only exclusive events

Amex is known for offering access to amazing events and experiences, including many invitation-only affairs. Always fun affairs and some of them are downright decadent.

These special invitation-only events have included:

Business Platinum cardholders can unlock exclusive business outing experiences, from wine tastings to sports game box seats and more. These gatherings are designed to build team camaraderie and woo clients.

30. Ongoing open invitation to Membership Experiences events

As a Platinum cardholder, you can get early access to many American Express Membership Experiences events.

This means presale tickets, member-only tickets, special offers, and special experiences within events designed just for Amex members. These events can include sporting events, concerts, plays, fashion shows, galas, or live theater.

31. Enjoy a better view with Preferred Seating

The American Express Preferred Seating Program gives you first dibs on coveted seats (including the best seats in the house) for sports, concerts, and other entertainment events. This program is available to many (but not all) U.S. Amex cardholders.

32. Discounted travel through the American Express Premium Private Jet Program

This program offers eligible Amex cardholders exclusive discounts for travel by private jet. American Express offers this exclusive perk to Platinum and Black Card (Centurion Card) holders in partnership with Wheels Up.

Wheels Up connects flyers to private jets and planes to deliver an exceptional, personalized experience. Individuals, families, or corporate flyers can experience private aviation through their fleet of 1,500+ private aircraft. You can download the Wheels Up app and view real-time pricing and trip options to give the service a spin. Or, there are membership options for private individuals or businesses.

Wheels Up offers exclusive (preferred) access and pricing to Amex Platinum and Black Card members. You can confirm your eligibility for this perk by entering your card number on the Wheels Up Amex page.

Convenient Card Features

33. No foreign transaction fees

Platinum Card members pay no foreign transaction fees for international charges made on their cards. This is a convenient feature, but keep in mind that American Express is not accepted as widely in foreign countries as Visa or Mastercard products.

There are many other travel credit cards with no foreign transaction fees better suited for international travel.

34. No spending limit

As a charge card, not a credit card, the American Express Platinum Card doesn’t have a preset spending limit. Your balance in full is due each month.

There is still a general ceiling though that’s fluid. The cap will fluctuate from month to month based on your credit history, purchase history, and overall card management.

35. Add up to three authorized users for only $175

Platinum cardholders can add up to three authorized users to their account — who will also get a physical Platinum card — for only $175. There is a $175 per person fee for each user beyond that. While that sounds pricey, it’s actually a good deal. Black cardholders must pay a staggering $5,000 initiation fee for each additional authorized user they add to their card account.

Authorized users you add to your Platinum card can enjoy the same perks and amenities, like concierge service, airport lounge access, or invitation-only events. And you will earn points for any eligible purchases they make on their Platinum card.

36. A revolving line of credit is available

While the Platinum card is a charge card, not a credit card, the card does come with a revolving credit feature. This means it can function like a credit card, enabling you to pay the balance over a set period of time at a defined rate of interest.

Or, you can split up payments for some larger purchases into installment payments. This revolving credit function is available for periods of $100 or greater.

Protections for Retail and Travel

37. Purchase Protection

Amex offers Platinum cardholders purchase protection above and beyond what a retailer might offer for its defective merchandise or return policy.

Amex Purchase Protection will cover or reimburse purchases (for up to 120 days from the purchase date) in the event a good is damaged, lost, or stolen. In certain regions, the coverage period may only be for 90 days.

The coverage amount is up to $10,000 per incident up to a maximum of $50,000 per year. This coverage amount is exceptionally generous. For most Amex cards, purchase protection is offered up to only $1,000 per incident.

Cardholders can file a claim online or by calling Amex toll-free at 1-800-322-1277. International callers may call collect at 1-303-273-6498.

38. Return Protection

American Express offers a return protection policy enabling you to be reimbursed for returns up to 90 days from the date of purchase if the retailer will not take back the item.

American Express will issue you a full refund for such items purchased, up to $300 per item — up to a maximum of $1,000 per year.

This benefit is offered only for goods purchased with your Platinum Amex card (and some other select Amex cards), and it does not cover any costs for shipping and handling.

39. Extended Warranty

Beyond any manufacturer’s product warranty, American Express will offer up to two extra years for any manufacturer warranty of five years or less. Your Amex card must be used to purchase the product in order to qualify.

Terms for this Extended Warranty policy may differ in U.S. territories, Arizona, Texas, Indiana, Oregon, or Washington state. You can read more details in the Amex Extended Warranty Benefits Guide.

40. Baggage Insurance Plan

American Express offers insurance coverage for baggage that is lost, damaged, or stolen.

For Platinum cardholders, the plan covers:

  • Up to $2,000 for checked bags
  • Up to $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage combined
  • For trips that do not exceed 365 days

To receive this benefit, the entire trip fare must be paid for with your Platinum card. Other terms may also apply.

41. Rental Car Coverage for Loss and Damage

American Express offers Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance for car rentals paid for with your Platinum card. To validate this coverage, you need to call the number on the back of your card.

Rental vehicles are insured for up to 30 consecutive days, per any rental agreement. Insurance benefits cover up to $75,000 per rental agreement for damage or theft to a rented vehicle within a covered territory.

42. Travel Accident Insurance

American Express offers you travel accident insurance that covers any emergency that might occur when you’re traveling. This offers financial protection up to $500,000 in case of accidental death or dismemberment while traveling on a common carrier conveyance (plane, train, ship, or bus) and the entire fare has been charged to your Platinum card.

Emergency Assistance 24/7

43. Premium Roadside Assistance

Get roadside assistance 24/7 if you have a roadside emergency. You just need to call the number on the back of your card.

Eligible roadside assistance includes:

  • Vehicle jump-start
  • Vehicle towing to a station up to 10 miles away
  • Changing a flat tire

American Express will pay for these qualifying services up to four times a year.

44. Premium Global Assistance

For global travelers, American Express offers around-the-clock assistance with medical, financial, or legal services – or other select emergency assistance. Amex operates a 24-hour Premium Global Assist Hotline.

This global assistance may cover the cost of emergency medical transportation, passport or luggage replacement, translation services, and more.

Eligibility requirements for Amex Platinum cardholders include:

  • Membership in good standing with Amex
  • The trip must originate from your U.S. billing address
  • The trip must be completed within the past 90 days to a distance of more than 100 miles from your U.S. billing address
  • Payment of global assistance cannot violate economic sanctions, laws, or trade resolutions. (For example, any assistance is prohibited to Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, or the Crimea region.)

Should You Utilize the Benefits of the American Express Platinum Card?

These 44 American Express Platinum Card benefits make a compelling case to go for the card in spite of its $695 annual fee.

The annual statement credits alone far exceed that figure, and there are loads of other free travel, retail, emergency assistance, and event experience perks.

Comments are closed here.