Benefits of the American Express Platinum Card
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The Platinum Card® from American Express is like a flashy suitcase overflowing with premium benefits for your travel experience.
It has a $695 annual fee, yes, but it also comes with a slew of valuable benefits that can easily make up for that cost, assuming you'll use them. From travel credits and airport lounge access to purchase protections and exclusive services, this card is all about luxury.
Here are the benefits of The Platinum Card® from American Express:
Points: Rewards on spending
The Platinum Card® from American Express earns Membership Rewards points, which offer flexible redemption options that vary in value.
1. A jet-setting welcome offer
The introductory offer can take your travel further: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
2. Big travel rewards
You earn ongoing Membership Rewards at the following rates:
5 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel.
5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel.
2 points per dollar on other eligible travel expenses booked through American Express Travel.
1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
Terms apply (see rates and fees).
Perks: Goodies that come with the card
The Platinum Card® from American Express offers a long list of perks, most of which require you to use the card to qualify for them.
Credits
3. Up to $200 in annual credit for airline incidental fees
You can choose one qualifying airline to receive up to $200 per calendar year in statement credit when you enroll and charge incidental fees such as checked bags or in-flight refreshments to your card. Learn more about travel credits.
4. Up to $200 in Uber cash for rides
You’re automatically enrolled in Uber VIP status, which connects you with top-rated drivers. And you’ll get up to $15 monthly in Uber Cash for rides in the U.S. on your Uber account, plus a bonus of up to $20 in December. You must add your card as a payment method in the Uber app.
5. Up to $200 in annual hotel credit
You'll get a credit on prepaid bookings with American Express Travel at The Hotel Collection (two-night minimum required) or Fine Hotels + Resorts properties (more than 1,700 worldwide) when you pay with the card, up to $200 each calendar year.
6. Up to $300 Equinox credit
You'll get up to a $300 statement credit when you use the card to pay for an Equinox fitness club membership. Or it can be applied to Equinox+, an on-demand fitness app.
7. $300 SoulCycle credit
When you purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike, you'll receive a $300 statement credit. But you need to have an Equinox+ subscription to qualify.
8. Up to $240 in digital entertainment credit
This credit can be applied at $20 per month when using the card to pay for one of the following services: Peacock, Audible, SiriusXM, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu and The New York Times, up to $240 per calendar year.
9. $189 Clear credit
This annual credit covers the cost of Clear, which uses biometrics to let members bypass part of the security line at airports and stadiums in some cities.
10. Reimbursement of application fees for TSA Precheck or Global Entry
You get a statement credit either once every four years for Global Entry or once every 4.5 years for TSA Precheck. Learn more about TSA Precheck and Global Entry. TSA Precheck costs $78, while Global Entry costs $100.
11. Up to $100 in statement credits annually at Saks Fifth Avenue
Receive this amount annually for purchases made in-store or online with your card. Credits are divvied up in $50 increments; one from January through June, and the other from July through December. Enrollment is required.
Terms apply.
Lounge benefits
12. Access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection at airports
This portfolio includes Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta only), Priority Pass Select, International American Express lounges, Airspace and Escape lounges. Enrollment required. Terms apply.
13. Access to American Express Business Lounges at convention centers
There are currently two American Express Business Lounges in the world: one at the Las Vegas Convention Center, and the other at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. Inside you’ll find complimentary snacks, free Wi-Fi and myriad outlets to recharge your electronics — all in a place to recharge yourself with plentiful plush couches.
To get inside, simply flash The Platinum Card® from American Express.
Hotel-friendly benefits
14. Upgrade to Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
You don’t have to do much work to earn this status. Simply enroll and you’ll be eligible for a 25% Marriott Bonvoy points bonus, an enhanced room at check-in (when available), 2 p.m. late checkout, enhanced in-room internet access with premium Wi-Fi and more. Terms apply.
15. Upgrade to Hilton Honors Gold status
When you enroll in this status, you get room upgrades at select properties (when available), a complimentary fifth reward night on standard room reward stays of five nights or more, and 80% bonus points on all Hilton Honors base points. Terms apply.
16. Money-saving perks for stays booked through The Hotel Collection
If you book a stay of at least two consecutive nights with The Hotel Collection at over 600 properties, you can get a $100 hotel credit to spend on dining, spa and resort activities. You can also qualify for a room upgrade upon arrival depending on availability.
17. Complimentary benefits through Fine Hotels & Resorts
At over 1,000 properties, you can get a room upgrade (when available), daily breakfast for two, guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout, noon check-in (when available), complimentary Wi-Fi and amenities such as a spa, food and beverage credit valued at $100.
Terms apply.
Services
18. Free shipping with ShopRunner
Get unlimited free two-day shipping and free return shipping on qualifying items when you sign up for a ShopRunner membership using your card. Enrollment required.
19. Concierge Service
You have 24-hour access to assistants for personal, travel or card-related needs. The service is free, but fees may apply for costs incurred to fulfill your requests.
20. Low fares through the International Airline Program
You and your travel companions could earn savings on International First, Business and Premium Economy Class tickets on over 20 participating airlines when you book through American Express Travel. There’s a $39 servicing fee per ticket.
21. Savings with the Cruise Privileges Program
Use your card to book cruises of five nights or longer through American Express Travel and get up to $300 in shipboard credit per stateroom. Additional perks include exclusive amenities that vary per cruise line and one extra Membership Rewards points per dollar spent.
22. Deals through the Amex Auto Purchasing Program
You’re connected with over 10,000 dealers that accept American Express. Dealers on the auto purchasing program's website accept your card for at least $2,000 and up to the full purchase price of the car. These same dealers also offer a Guaranteed Savings Certificate on your configured car and in-stock cars that align with your preferences.
23. An extra point when booking Platinum Destinations Vacations
Get one extra Membership Rewards point per dollar spent with your card on an eligible vacation package booked through the Platinum Travel Service.
24. Membership discounts through the Travel Collection by Travel Leaders Group
Get complimentary access to membership in The Travel Collection by Travel Leaders Group. As a member, you have access to specialists who can provide you with discounts and amenities when you book qualifying flights, cruises, hotels, car rentals and tours through them.
25. A subscription to Departures Magazine
This digital travel and style magazine is published exclusively for cardholders.
26. Additional value through the InCircle rewards program
Enroll your card into InCircle, a Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman rewards program, and you can earn a $100 point card every time you earn 10,000 InCircle points. Points cards can be used to shop at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Last Call, Horchow and CUSP. Terms apply.
Access to unique experiences
27. The Global Dining Collection
Get access to exclusive culinary events with famous chefs, customized experiences at restaurants around the world and special table access.
28. Exclusive events
The “By Invitation Only” platform offers an open invitation to purchase tickets to exclusive events from sporting and fashion to dining, art and performances.
29. An open invitation to events with Membership Experiences
Get access to presale tickets, offers, special events and experiences in music, theater and sports, to name a few.
30. A better view with American Express Preferred Seating
Get dibs on coveted seats and advance ticket sales for concerts, sports and entertainment events.
31. Discounted travel opportunities through the Premium Private Jet Program
Get discounts when you purchase a Delta Private Jets card, a Sky Access membership or Aircraft Management program. This benefit is available only for purchases made through Platinum Travel Services. Terms apply.
Convenient features
32. No foreign transaction fees
The Platinum Card® from American Express doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, but you may experience limited merchant acceptance abroad. American Express cards aren’t as widely accepted internationally as Visa and Mastercard products. See NerdWallet’s best no foreign transaction fee cards.
33. No preset spending limit
The Platinum Card® from American Express doesn’t have a preset spending limit. You’ll still have a general limit, though, that fluctuates with changing factors such as your purchases and credit history. Regardless of how much you spend, you’ll have to pay it off in full every month.
34. Skip the annual fee on additional Gold Cards
You can add authorized users to your account with a complimentary Gold card and earn Membership Rewards points for all qualifying purchases made by your additional card members. Terms apply.
Protections
Retail and travel
35. Purchase Protection
This benefit protects qualifying purchases made with your card if they’re accidentally damaged, stolen or lost for up to 120 days (90 days in certain regions) from the purchase date. Coverage includes up to $10,000 per incident for up to a maximum of $50,000 per year. Learn more about purchase protection.
36. Return Protection
If a merchant won’t take an item back after 90 days, American Express may refund you the value up to $300 item purchased with your card (for a maximum of $1,000) per year. The benefit doesn’t cover costs for shipping and handling. Learn more about return protection.
37. Extended Warranty
Get up to two extra years added to an original manufacturer’s warranty of five years or less when you use the card to pay for qualifying purchases. Terms apply. Learn more about extended warranty protections.
38. Baggage Insurance Plan
If your luggage is lost, damaged or stolen, this plan covers you up to $2,000 for checked bags and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage. You have to pay for the entire fare with your card to be covered. Terms apply.
39. Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance
This benefit offers secondary coverage for a rental car that is damaged or stolen. To qualify, you must pay for the rental car with your card and decline the collision damage waiver. Exclusions and terms apply. Learn more about rental car coverage provided via cards.
40. Travel Accident Insurance
If you have an emergency when you’re traveling by plane, train, ship or bus, this benefit can offer financial security. You have to pay for the entire fare with your card to be covered. Terms apply.
Emergency services: Assistance 24 hours a day
41. Premium Roadside Assistance
The Premium Roadside Assistance benefit offers help when you have an emergency on the road. You can call the number on the back of your card at any time of day. Eligible services include towing up to 10 miles, changing a flat or jump-starting a battery, and American Express pays for these services up to four times a year. Exclusions and terms apply.
42. Premium Global Assist Hotline
If you’re traveling farther than 100 miles from home, American Express offers around-the-clock medical, legal, financial or other select emergency and assistance services. This benefit may also provide emergency medical transportation assistance. You may be responsible for any costs charged by third-party service providers.
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