Top Perks of The Platinum Card from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express can be a valuable tool for any traveler who wants to take their excursions up a notch. This travel rewards card's strength lies not in its rewards structure, but in its perks. The benefits are plentiful and are enough to separate it from the pack. Here are some of the card's top perks.

The card does carry a very large annual fee of $695. So you’ll want to make sure you can make the most of these credits and benefits in order to offset the annual fee.

Best benefits of The Platinum Card® from American Express

Travel credits

The Platinum Card® from American Express includes a host of statement fee credits, including several travel-specific credits. These carry the most potential value, but can be a bit hard to unravel. Here are the main ones:

• Up to $200 annual airline incidental fee credit. This covers flight costs like checked bags and in-flight meals on your specified airline, but does not cover the airfare itself. This is a great benefit, but can be hard to use in full.

• $200 annual hotel credit with AmEx Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection. Another great benefit, but only applicable to certain high-end hotels booked through AmEx Travel. Also, stays at The Hotel Collection properties must be a minimum of two nights to qualify.

• $189 annual credit for a Clear membership.

• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit. Cardholders also get a credit to use on the applications fees for either on Global Entry ($100 once every four years) or TSA PreCheck ($85 once every 4.5 years, though PreCheck now only costs $78 to apply and $70 to renew online).

Terms apply.

If you'd max out these credits, the card nearly pays for itself. But note the restrictions on each credit, and determine for yourself whether you can take full advantage.

Non-travel credits

The Platinum Card® from American Express is positioning itself as more than just a travel lifestyle brand, and has expanded into several credits that benefit even homebodies:

• Up to $20 monthly credit with certain digital entertainment services, including Peacock and Hulu.

• $50 biannual Saks Fifth Avenue credit.

• $15 monthly Uber credit. Yes, this is travel if used for Uber rides, but you can also use it for takeout through Uber Eats. Includes a $20 bonus credit in December ($200 total for the year).

• Up to $300 per calendar year for the Equinox+ digital fitness app or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your card. Enrollment required.

Terms apply.

A helping hand

Make things a bit easier on yourself by taking advantage of your very own helping hand. Cardholders get access to the AmEx Platinum Concierge. It's a phone service that can help you book an event or reserve a table at a restaurant. Call 800-525-3355, make your request and let AmEx staff handle the rest. Terms apply.

A bump up to elite status

The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with complimentary Gold elite status with the Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalty programs. Terms apply. That means whenever you stay at a Hilton or Marriott hotel, you'll enjoy perks like room upgrades when available, early check-in and late checkout, bonus points and more. If you stay in these hotels often, this is a perk that stands out.

Wide-ranging lounge access

This card opens the doors to more than 1,300 airport lounges across the globe. You get access to AmEx's Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, Airspace Lounges and Priority Pass lounges. Enrollment required. Terms apply. Just be mindful that access rules vary. For example, while you and two guests can use a Centurion Lounge anytime, you can use a Delta Sky Club only three hours before your flight when you're flying Delta and extra guests come at a price. Not to mention, visits to the Delta Sky Club will be limited starting in 2025. Still, this perk is vital. Lounges and their amenities — from food to spa treatments — can make even the most frustrating day of travel feel less stressful.

If you're considering The Platinum Card® from American Express

The competition for premium travel cards is fierce, and The Platinum Card® from American Express makes its case by offering more benefits than others. It also expands these perks beyond travel, with credits for streaming services and even shopping.

Is it worth the $695 annual fee? Easily, if you diligently make use of all of these benefits. And that depends on your own preferences and commitment to tracking each benefit.