American Express Platinum
The Ultimate Luxury Travel Card
Annual Fee
$895
Earning Rate
5x flights direct or Amex Travel • 5x hotels Amex Travel • 1x everything
Welcome Bonus
As high as 175,000 points after $8,000 spend in 6 months
Card Material
Metal card with premium finish - limited-edition mirror design
Practical Recommendation
The Amex Platinum is for people who travel often and will actually use brand‑specific credits. At $895 per year, it only makes sense if you can redeem the big ones naturally—think prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts/The Hotel Collection stays, quarterly dining via Resy, streaming credits, Uber Cash, airline incidentals, CLEAR, Walmart+, and more. If that sounds like your life, the value stacks up fast; if not, it's an expensive flex.
Day-to-day: Book flights directly or through Amex Travel and prepaid hotels through Amex Travel for 5x points. Add your card to Uber for monthly Uber Cash, enroll for credits in the benefits hub, and set up direct billing for eligible streaming/memberships. Select your preferred airline for the $200 incidental credit (baggage fees, seat upgrades, day passes). Aim to use the $300 + $300 hotel credits on two prepaid stays and the $100/quarter Resy dining consistently.
Caveats: Many credits are use-it-or-lose-it monthly or quarterly and only work with specific partners (Resy restaurants, FHR/THC with a 2‑night minimum for THC, select streaming providers, one chosen airline for incidentals, etc.). If you don't already shop at these places or travel this way, you won't see full value. Authorized users add cost, and everyday non‑bonus spend only earns 1x.
Best pairing: Use an Amex Gold for dining/groceries and the Amex Blue Business Plus for everything else at 2x points. That combo covers daily spend while the Platinum handles travel perks and luxury credits, keeping all your points in the same ecosystem.
Credits
Practical Advice
This is what makes or breaks a card for you. If you can use these credits in your normal spend, the perks and protections are all bonus for you. We have a calculator at the bottom of this section to help you calculate that. Below we break down exactly what every credit is to show you if it's easy or if they're going to make you jump through 17 hoops to redeem it.
- $600 Prepaid Hotel Credits (FHR & THC) – Two $300 statement credits per calendar year on prepaid bookings via Amex Travel at Fine Hotels + Resorts (no minimum stay) or The Hotel Collection (2-night minimum). Enrollment required.
- $400 Dining Credit (Resy) – $100 per quarter at eligible restaurants when booked/paid via Resy as required. Enrollment required; use-it-or-lose-it quarterly.
- $300 Digital Entertainment Credit – $25/month back on eligible services (e.g., Paramount+, YouTube Premium/TV, Disney+, Hulu, Peacock, The New York Times, WSJ). Enrollment required; direct billing only.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit – Choose one U.S. airline; incidental fees reimbursed up to $200/year. Airfare and most gift cards don’t count. Enrollment/selection required.
- $200 Uber Cash – $15/month ($35 in December) in Uber Cash for U.S. rides or Uber Eats after adding your card to Uber. Use-it-or-lose-it monthly.
- $300 lululemon Credit – $75 per quarter at U.S. lululemon stores or online. Enrollment required; quarterly buckets don’t roll.
- $300 Equinox Credit – $25/month back on eligible Equinox or Equinox+ memberships when billed directly to your Platinum. Enrollment required; use-it-or-lose-it monthly.
- $200 Oura Ring Credit – Up to $200/year for eligible purchases at ouraring.com. Enrollment required; see terms.
- $120 Uber One Membership – Reimburses an auto-renewing U.S. Uber One membership. Enrollment required. Separate from Uber Cash.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit – Covers monthly Walmart+ membership when billed monthly to your Platinum. Annual plans don’t qualify.
- $209 CLEAR® Plus Credit – Covers CLEAR Plus membership up to $209/year. Useful only where CLEAR operates.
- $100 Saks Fifth Avenue Credit – $50 Jan–Jun and $50 Jul–Dec (in-store or online). Enrollment required.
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Fee Credit – Reimburses the application fee on its cadence (roughly ~$25/year averaged).
Click Here to Calculate Your Annual Fee
Credit
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Your Value
Practical Tip
You can edit the amounts in the number fields if you value a credit at less than the full value. For example, if you only use a $10/month Uber credit half the months, you might value it at $60 instead of $120.
Hotel Credits (FHR & THC)
| What It Is: | Up to $600/year split into two $300 statement credits for prepaid bookings via Amex Travel at Fine Hotels + Resorts (no minimum stay) or The Hotel Collection (2-night minimum). |
| How It Works: | Enroll, then book prepaid through Amex Travel; each $300 credit posts after the charge. THC requires 2 nights. |
| Gotchas: | Prepaid only via Amex Travel; THC requires 2 nights; premium properties can be pricier than booking direct. |
| Who Actually Benefits: | Travelers who already book upscale hotels and can align stays with FHR/THC. |
| Practical Value: | Strong if you already book FHR/THC; limited if you prefer budget or points stays. |
$0
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Dining Credit (Resy)
| What It Is: | $400/year as $100 per quarter back at eligible restaurants when booked/paid via Resy as required. |
| How It Works: | Enroll, then book through Resy and pay with your Platinum to trigger the quarterly credit. |
| Gotchas: | Use-it-or-lose-it each quarter; eligibility limited to participating Resy partners and flows. |
| Who Actually Benefits: | People who already dine at Resy restaurants in covered cities. |
| Practical Value: | Worth $400 if you can use it quarterly; $0 if you can't. |
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Digital Entertainment Credit
| What It Is: | $25/month back on eligible subscriptions (e.g., Paramount+, YouTube Premium/TV, Disney+, Hulu, Peacock, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal). |
| How It Works: | Enroll, pay directly with the provider; Amex posts monthly credits. |
| Gotchas: | Third-party billing (Apple/Google/cable) usually won't trigger. Eligible providers only. |
| Who Actually Benefits: | Households already paying these services. |
| Practical Value: | Easy $300 if you line it up correctly; otherwise $0. |
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Airline Fee Credit
| What It Is: | Up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees on one selected U.S. airline. |
| How It Works: | Choose your airline in benefits; pay eligible incidental fees with your Platinum and get automatic credits. |
| Gotchas: | Airfare and most gift cards don't count; you must select your airline first, and you can change only during the annual window. |
| Who Actually Benefits: | Travelers who check bags, pick seats, or buy lounge day passes on the same airline. |
| Practical Value: | Easy $200 if you fly one airline and pay incidentals; $0 if you never do. |
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Uber Credits
| What It Is: | $15/month in Uber Cash ($35 in December) for U.S. rides or Uber Eats. |
| How It Works: | Add your card to Uber; credit loads monthly and deducts at checkout. |
| Gotchas: | Use-it-or-lose-it monthly buckets; U.S. only. |
| Who Actually Benefits: | Anyone who orders Uber Eats or rides monthly. |
| Practical Value: | Full $200 if you already use Uber; otherwise a chore. |
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lululemon Credit
| What It Is: | $300/year as $75 per quarter at U.S. lululemon stores or online. |
| How It Works: | Enroll; pay with your Platinum; credits post after eligible purchases. |
| Gotchas: | Use-it-or-lose-it quarterly buckets; U.S. only. |
| Who Actually Benefits: | Shoppers who already buy lululemon each quarter. |
| Practical Value: | Worth $300 if you shop there; otherwise $0. |
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Equinox Credit
| What It Is: | $300/year as $25 per month back on eligible Equinox or Equinox+ memberships when billed directly to your Platinum. |
| How It Works: | Enroll in benefits; set Platinum as the payment method for your monthly Equinox/Equinox+ membership; credits post after eligible charges. |
| Gotchas: | Use-it-or-lose-it monthly; only direct-billed U.S. memberships qualify; not valid on gift cards or third-party billing. |
| Who Actually Benefits: | Members who already pay for Equinox or Equinox+ monthly and can keep billing on this card. |
| Practical Value: | Worth up to $300 if you keep and use the membership monthly. |
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Oura Ring Credit
| What It Is: | Up to $200/year back on eligible purchases at ouraring.com. |
| How It Works: | Enroll, then pay with your Platinum at ouraring.com; credits post after eligible purchases. |
| Gotchas: | Merchandise only; subscriptions/memberships may not qualify. Check terms. |
| Who Actually Benefits: | Anyone already planning to buy an Oura ring/accessories. |
| Practical Value: | Great $200 if you want it; $0 otherwise. |
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Uber One Membership
| What It Is: | Up to $120/year back for an auto-renewing U.S. Uber One membership. |
| How It Works: | Enroll and set Platinum as the payment method; membership fees are reimbursed. |
| Gotchas: | U.S. only; separate from the $200 Uber Cash benefit. |
| Who Actually Benefits: | Riders/eaters who already use Uber frequently. |
| Practical Value: | Easy $120 if you keep an active membership. |
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Walmart+ Credit
| What It Is: | Up to $12.95 + tax per month back on a monthly Walmart+ membership. |
| How It Works: | Pay for monthly (not annual) Walmart+ with your Platinum; statement credit appears after the charge. |
| Gotchas: | One membership per account; annual plans don't qualify (switch to monthly). |
| Who Actually Benefits: | Shoppers who use Walmart delivery, fuel discounts, or free shipping. |
| Practical Value: | Basically free Walmart+ if you want it. |
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CLEAR® Plus Credit
| What It Is: | Up to $209/year back on CLEAR Plus membership. |
| How It Works: | Pay for CLEAR Plus with your card; credit posts (auto-renewal applies). |
| Gotchas: | Taxes/fees excluded; only useful at airports with CLEAR lanes you use. |
| Who Actually Benefits: | Frequent flyers at CLEAR airports or stadiums. |
| Practical Value: | Can cover CLEAR entirely if you want it. |
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Saks Fifth Avenue Credit
| What It Is: | $50 Jan–Jun + $50 Jul–Dec at Saks (in-store or online). |
| How It Works: | Enroll; pay with your card; credits post after eligible purchases. |
| Gotchas: | Split into two halves; unused half doesn't carry. |
| Who Actually Benefits: | People who already buy at Saks (or can snag small essentials/gifts). |
| Practical Value: | I mean it's there but unless you shop at Saks already we'd say pretty low. |
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Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Fee Credit
| What It Is: | Reimbursement for Global Entry ($100) every 4 years (or TSA PreCheck fee on its cadence). |
| How It Works: | Pay the fee with your card; the statement credit posts. |
| Gotchas: | Timers vary (4 years vs. 4.5 years); pick Global Entry if you qualify—it includes TSA Pre. |
| Who Actually Benefits: | Anyone without GE/Pre who travels by air. |
| Practical Value: | One-and-done value; then forget about it for years. |
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Annual Fee:
$895
Your Credits:
$0
YOUR Annual Fee:
$895
This is effectively what you are paying for this card. It is now up to you if the perks, protections, and earning rates are worth this fee to you over other cards.
Perks
- 5x on Airfare & Prepaid Hotels – Earn 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel, and on prepaid hotels via Amex Travel. Everything else earns 1x—so this is a specialist card, not a daily driver.
- Centurion Lounges – Access before most flights (typically within 3 hours of departure). Great food/drink and a calm space. No free guests unless you spent $75k in the prior calendar year; otherwise you can pay per guest. Check locations first. - See lounge list
- Delta Sky Club (when flying Delta) – Enter Sky Clubs the day you fly Delta. As of the new rules, 10 visits per program year for Platinum; guest access is paid if allowed by Delta. This is excellent if you're a Delta flyer; useless if you never touch Delta. - See access rules
- Priority Pass (lounges only) – Enroll to access Priority Pass lounges (no restaurants). Good backup when there's no Centurion or Sky Club. Up to two guests free at most lounges, then a fee. - See lounge list
- Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner – Walk-in access at U.S. Escape Lounges, typically with two guests included. Nice when flying non-Delta and no Centurion is nearby. - See locations
- Lufthansa Lounges (FRA/MUC) – When flying Lufthansa Group same day, Platinum can access certain Lufthansa Business or Senator lounges depending on cabin. Handy on Europe trips routed via Frankfurt/Munich. Guesting rules vary; always check specifics. - See details
- Hilton Gold & Marriott Gold Status (enrollment required) – Useful for breakfast/room upgrade potential (property-dependent). Nice cherry on top if you stay with these chains a few times a year.
Protections
- Trip Delay Insurance – If your trip is delayed (e.g., 6+ hours), coverage can reimburse meals/hotel/essentials up to policy limits. This turns airport purgatory into something survivable.
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption – Non-refundable expenses can be covered if you need to cancel or cut a trip short for covered reasons. Book flights/hotels on the card to be eligible.
- Baggage Insurance – Coverage for lost/damaged baggage up to plan limits when you buy the fare with the card. Good backup when the carousel keeps spinning and your bag doesn't.
- Rental Car Insurance (Secondary CDW) – Coverage for theft/damage on rentals when you pay with the card and decline the agency's collision waiver. For primary coverage, consider Amex's Premium Car Rental Protection add-on.
- Purchase Protection – Covers new purchases for theft/accidental damage up to plan limits for a set time window. Can save you from buying extra store warranties on gadgets.
- Extended Warranty – Adds extra warranty time on eligible items purchased with the card, matching the manufacturer's terms up to plan caps. Handy for electronics and appliances.
- Cell Phone Protection – Pay your monthly wireless bill with the Platinum and you're covered (subject to deductible and caps) if your phone is stolen or damaged. A quiet money-saver.
Centurion Lounges
A big perk of American Express (think Platinum) is lounge access—Centurion Lounges plus select partners. If one lives at your home airport, it's a real quality-of-life upgrade. The spaces are generally excellent (good food, solid drinks, quiet work spots). Crowds happen; use the Amex app to check capacity and join the mobile check-in/waitlist as soon as you clear security to cut the wait.
Guest Access
- Centurion Lounges – Platinum cardholders (primary and additional Platinum) get in 3 hours before departure (connections excepted). Guests are not free unless you've spent $75,000 in a calendar year on the Platinum account; otherwise it's $50 per adult and $30 for ages 2–17 (with proof of age); under 2 free. Spend unlock gives 2 complimentary guests through the following year and until Jan 31 of the next.
- Delta Sky Club (effective Feb 1, 2025 rules) – Platinum includes 10 visits per Medallion Year (Feb 1–Jan 31) while flying Delta (or Delta-marketed WestJet). Unlimited visits unlock with $75,000 calendar-year spend. Guesting costs $50 per person (or $25 for Grab & Go), up to 2 guests or immediate family; under 2 free. Basic Economy passengers are not eligible. One "Visit" covers 24 hours of entries on the same trip.
- Escape Lounges — The Centurion Studio Partner (U.S.) – Show your Platinum card, ID, and same-day boarding pass. You may bring 2 guests free; under 2 free; access is capacity-controlled.
- Priority Pass – Platinum includes Priority Pass Select (enrollment required) with lounge access only (no airport restaurants/experiences). Up to 2 guests complimentary at lounges that allow guests; policies can vary by lounge.
- Lufthansa lounges (FRA/MUC only) – Platinum cardholders can access select Lufthansa Business Lounges (any cabin) and Senator Lounges (when flying business class) only in Frankfurt and Munich on same-day Lufthansa Group flights; no complimentary guests (some locations may sell guest access).
American Express Centurion Lounges (U.S.)
- Atlanta (ATL) – Concourse E, near gate E11. ATL's Plane Train links all concourses airside. — Official page
- Charlotte (CLT) – Concourse D–E connector (mezzanine level). CLT's concourses interconnect behind security. — Official page
- Washington National (DCA) – Terminal 2, level 2, just past the South Security Checkpoint (National Hall by B-gates). Within Terminal 2 (B/C/D/E are inside one secure hall); Terminal 1 requires exiting and re-screening. — Official page
- Denver (DEN) – Concourse C, near C46 (mezzanine). The underground "Train to the Gates" connects A/B/C airside after security. — Official page
- Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) – Terminal D (opposite D12, upstairs). Skylink connects all DFW terminals airside. — Official page
- Houston Intercontinental (IAH) – Terminal D, near D6 (mezzanine). Generally accessible via the airside Skyway between terminals (allow time). — Official page
- Las Vegas (LAS) – Concourse D, near D1. The D Gates sit between Terminals 1 & 3 and are reachable airside by tram from either terminal. — Official page
- Los Angeles (LAX) – Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT). Accessible from TBIT, T4–T8 via airside walkways; airside buses cover certain remote/other links. — Official page
- Miami (MIA) – Concourse D, 4th-floor above D12. D↔E have an airside connector; most other concourses require exiting and re-screening. — Official page
- New York–JFK (JFK) – Terminal 4 (near B39, mezzanine). No airside links between terminals; use the landside AirTrain if switching terminals. — Official page
- New York–LaGuardia (LGA) – Terminal B, level 4, by the Eastern Concourse pedestrian bridge. LGA terminals are not connected airside; B↔C requires leaving security. — Official page
- Philadelphia (PHL) – Terminal A-West, near A14 (level 2). PHL's terminals connect airside; courtesy shuttles help with Terminal F. — Official page
- Phoenix (PHX) – Terminal 4, level 3, across from B22. Within T4 you can walk between A/B/C/D airside; T3 requires exiting and using PHX Sky Train. — Official page
- Seattle (SEA) – Concourse B (near B3). SEA's concourses and satellites connect airside via the SEA Underground trains and walkways. — Official page
- San Francisco (SFO) – Temporary Centurion Lounge in Terminal 2, Concourse D (near D12) while the T3 lounge is closed for a multi-year project (reopening slated 2027). Best for T2; you can walk airside to T3 and International G; other areas may require re-screening depending on gate. — Official page