The Platinum Card® from American Express Review | Is it Worth $695?

card_name is a premium travel rewards card designed for those with excellent credit. The card boasts a unique experience with exceptional services and rewards. It has a welcome offer and also pays up to 5x points per dollar spent on select travel purchases. The card also comes with a wide range of travel and other benefits. We’ll break it down and to help determine if these benefits are worth the hefty annual fee in this detailed review of the card.

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

Our Rating

4.5/5.0

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points

Annual Fee

$695

0% Intro on Purchases

N/A

Reward Rate

1x – 5x points

0% Intro on Balance Transfers

N/A

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Editorial Review

The Platinum Card® from American Express boasts a unique experience with exceptional services and rewards. It has an intro offer and also pays up to 5x points per dollar spent on select travel purchases. Add to that no foreign transaction fees and a slew of credits, and this card is ideal for those who love to travel. We’ll break it down and help determine if these benefits are worth the hefty $695 annual fee in this detailed card review.

Rates & Fees

Earning Rewards

The Platinum Card® from American Express offers several ways to earn rewards:

Intro Offer: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. The value of these Membership Rewards points depends on how you choose to redeem them.

For example, 100,000 Membership Rewards points is worth the following:

  • $1,000 gift card from Pottery Barn
  • $600 statement credit
  • $1,000 flight through American Express Travel
  • 100,000 Delta Skymiles

Note that these values can and do change over time.

Everyday Spending: With the Platinum Card you earn Membership Rewards points with every purchase:

  • 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or American Express Travel (up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year)
  • 5x points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com
  • 1x for every dollar you spend on eligible purchases

Redeeming Rewards

There are many ways you can redeem your points for rewards. Keep in mind that the value of the points varies based on how they are redeemed.

Transferring Points

Transfer points to eligible airline and hotel loyalty programs. Here is a list of some of the different loyalty programs and point conversion rates:

Air & Lodging
  • Air France KLM: 1,000 points = 1,000 Flying Blue Award Miles
  • British Airways: 1,000 = 1,000 Avios
  • Delta Air Lines: 1,000 = 1,000 miles
  • Emirates: 1,000 = 1,000 Skywards Miles
  • Hawaiian Miles = 1,000 Hawaiian Miles
  • Jetblue Airways: 250 = 200 TrueBlue points
  • Virgin Atlantic Airways: 1,000 = 1,000 Flying Club miles
Hotels
  • Choice Privileges: 1,000 = 1,000 Choice Privileges
  • Hilton Honors: 1,000 = 2,000 Hilton Honors Points
  • Marriott Bonvoy: 1,000 = 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points

Each loyalty program is subject to change without notice.

There are three steps to transfer the points. First, link your loyalty account to your Membership Rewards, which you can do through the Amex website. This gives access to your points.

Second, choose the amount of points to transfer. Here you will want to make sure you check availability and points needed for your planned travel before completing a transfer, especially for booking a flight or hotel room. All transfers are final so researching beforehand can be very helpful and save you frustration in the end.

Third, redeem the points or miles with the provider. You will need to check your loyalty program account to confirm the points have been successfully transferred, then redeem directly with the loyalty program. 

Certificates and Gift Cards

Vouchers are also available for redemption, however, they are partner dependent. This means that the voucher reward partners determine the value their vouchers provide. You will need to check with the voucher partner to find out specific details and exemptions. For AMC Theaters, for example, 9,188 points could get you 4 AMC tickets and a $25 gift card. It comes as a certificate and the point value given could change at any time based on the partner. 

Pay With Points

You can use points to shop at various retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, Dell, Grubhub, Newegg, NYC Taxi, PayPal, Rite Aid, Saks Fifth Avenue, Seamless, and Staples. To use Pay With Points at Best Buy, for example, enter your eligible American Express Platinum card when checking out on BestBuy.com. You will need to click on “See Points Balance” to see your available points and the dollar value equivalency. Enter the dollar amount of points you want to use and place your order.

Use your membership rewards points to shop at Amazon.com and have everything shipped to your door. First, you’ll need to create or sign into your Amazon.com account.

Second, link your Membership rewards account to your Amazon.com account. There are instructions to guide you through how to link your account. Lastly, use your points to shop. Using your points can cover all or part of your purchases.

You have total control over how many rewards points you use. The points that are applied to your order will be deducted from your order total and displayed as Rewards Points in the Order Summer according to Amazon.com. 

Taxi Fares

NYC Taxi lets you use pay with points so you can get around the city faster. You must have enough membership rewards points in your account to cover both total fare and tip. The payment option “Use Points” will not appear unless you have enough points. All you do is swipe your eligible Platinum card and you will see the point balance and what is needed for the ride. If you have enough you will select the option “Use Points”. NYC Taxi pay with points is only available in New York City. 

Cover Your Card Charges

If you have a Corporate Card account or additional card members, this option is not available. “You must have at least 1,000 available points in your account and points will only go towards the entire amount of an eligible charge,” according to American Express. You will need to look over your current online statement to view your eligible charges. When you select an eligible charge a checkmark will appear. By clicking on “Redeem Now” you will see a credit appear on your statement within 48 hours. You cannot use your points to cover a past due charge or have a returned payment outstanding. According to Amex, “the charge must have occurred in the U.S or in a U.S. territory. You cannot use a disputed charge with your points. All charges must be at least $1 to cover your charges.” 

While paying your card charges with points is convenient, it doesn’t offer the best value. A statement credit is worth just 0.6 cents per point. Redeeming points for travel or transferring points to an airline offer much higher values.

American Express Benefits

The Platinum Card® from American Express offers an abundance of benefits. These benefits include, but are not limited to, the following:

Purchase Protection: This protection covers you if a product you purchased using The Platinum Card® from American Express is damaged, stolen–even lost. The coverage is up to $10,000 for any one covered incident and up to $50,000 for all covered incidents per card member during a calendar year for the lesser of the cost to repair, replace or reimburse the item. Yes, that’s a lot of lawyer-speak, which means it’s important to read the coverage terms and conditions carefully.

For example, a covered incident because of a natural disaster will have a maximum per occurrence limit of $500 for any one covered incident. The purchase will be covered for 120 days from the date of purchase. For more information you can go here to see the list of states where the terms and conditions are different. 

$155 Walmart+ Membership Credit: A Walmart+ membership gets you free same-day delivery of groceries from the store (where available), free shipping on purchases, and a Paramount+ subscription. The credit is $12.95 a month (plus applicable taxes), which covers the full cost of a Walmart+ membership.

$200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 per calendar year to cover incidental fees such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments. Airline selection required.

$199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card.

Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit: Get either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. If approved for Global Entry, you’ll receive TSA PreCheck at no additional charge.

$240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum card. Options include Disney+, the Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.

$200 Uber Cash: $15 in Uber Cash for U.S. rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings when you download the Uber app and add your card. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.

The Global Lounge Collection: Traveling becomes luxurious with The Platinum Card® from American Express as it features access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries. Featuring worldwide coverage due to American Express’ own networks such as The Centurion Lounge and The International American Express lounges. The Centurion Lounge has unlimited complimentary drinks and snacks at all locations. Card members are allowed to bring up to two people with them; however, there is a fee of $50 per person ($30 for children under 17).

You must present your valid card, a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for same day travel, and a government-issued ID. Without these three items you could be denied access to the luxurious experience. One must be 18 years old to enter without a parent or legal guardian. Those locations with a self service bar, the card member must be of legal drinking age to consume alcoholic beverages. 

Fine Hotels & Resorts: Receive complimentary benefits with an average total value of $600 with fine hotels and resorts. There is a three room limit per card member per stay; back to back stays within 24 hours at the same property would be considered one stay. The amount is averaged for 2022 bookings for stays of two nights. Benefits would include daily breakfast for two, room upgrade when available, property amenities valued at $100, guaranteed 4PM late checkout, noon check-in when available, and complimentary Wi-Fi.   

Hotel Collection: Receive a $100 hotel credit to spend on qualifying dining, spa and other resort activities when staying for at least two consecutive nights. Payment must be made in full to be eligible. The eligible card member will receive hotel credit upon checkout equal to $1 for each eligible dollar spent, up to $100. It does not include taxes, gratuities, fees, or the cost of the room. This credit expires at check out. 

Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status: Enroll in the complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status. With this elite status, you will receive 25% bonus points on eligible hotel purchases, a welcome gift of points and complimentary in-room Wi-Fi, upgrades to enhanced rooms upon check-in when available, and 2pm late checkout when available. Marriott Bonvoy amenities may not be combined with the Fine Hotels & Resorts program. Any reservations made through third parties and online booking sources are not eligible. 

Hilton Honors Gold Status: Enroll to receive complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status.

No Forgein Transaction Fees: While American Express will not charge any foreign transaction fees, ATMs or merchants could charge a fee on foreign transactions.

Car Rental Privileges: Receive complimentary premium status for a number of car rental programs. Once enrolled in a program, receive upgrades when available, discounts, and priority service for your next car rental. Benefits are subject to each car companies terms and conditions including age restriction and requires enrollment to receive benefits. 

Premium Global Assist Hotline: If you are traveling more than 100 miles from home, Premium Global Assist Hotline gives you access to 24/7 medical, legal, financial or other select emergency coordination and assistance services. Emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost with authorization and arrangements by Premium global assist hotline.

$100 Saks Credit: You could get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue when you use your Platinum card. According to Amex, “each card account is only eligible for up to $50 statement credit from January to June and up to a $50 statement credit from July to December”. No minimum purchase required, but you must enroll to receive the credit.

Platinum Concierge: Receive complementary assistance 24/7 making arrangements such as for dinner, tickets to events or finding a gift for friends or family. There is no cost for services performed on your behalf. You are responsible for any purchases, fees or shipping charges you authorize to be charged to your account. The service is not responsible for notifying a restaurant of food allergies when suggesting or making reservations at restaurants. 

Premium Events Collection: Get RSVP events tailored for you, such as sporting events, fashion forward runways, and fine dining experiences.

Amex Experiences: Gain access to tickets and presales for sports, music, theatre, and more events.

How Much Are American Express Membership Rewards Points Worth?

The value of Membership Rewards points varies based on how you spend them. For some retailers they offer more dollar value for the same amount of points than another retailer. For some retailers, 20,000 points will get you $140 in a gift card, but to cover your charge it could only be up to $120. Generally, points are most valuable when used to book travel through American Express or transferred to one of Amex’s travel partners.

Is Amex Platinum or Gold better?

It depends on if you’d like more benefits for dining or travel. The platinum is beneficial to those who are on the go and travel a lot. The American Express® Gold Card is more in sync with those who prefer fine arts and dining experiences.

A noticeable difference is cost. The Gold Card has an annual membership fee of $325, while the Platinum card’s annual fee is $695.

Rates & Fees

Final Thoughts

The Platinum Card® from American Express is ideal for those who travel, whether for leisure or business. Based on the benefits and rewards for travel, you could travel in style by utilizing the Global Lounge Collection and earn points booking with amextravel.com. The card provides a unique experience with exceptional service and rewards.

Below is a recap of the features, fees, credit score requirements, and alternatives.


Features & Benefits

SecurityEMV Chip Enabled, Fraud Monitoring, Zero Liability, Alerts
Contactless PaymentsTap to Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay
BenefitsCell Phone Protection, Extended Warranty Coverage, Purchase Protection, Return Guarantees, 24/7 customer service
Travel PerksAccess to Special Events and Concerts, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Concierge Services, Emergency Travel Assistance, Airport Lounge Access, Luggage Protection, Trip Delay Reimbursement, Trip Cancellation Insurance, TSA PreCheck & Global Entry credit

Rewards

1x points
On all other eligible purchases
1x points on other eligible purchases
5x points
Airfare
5x Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year
5x points
Hotels
5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

Interest Rates & Fees

Annual Fee$695
Foreign Transaction FeeNone
Regular APRSee Pay Over Time APR (V) APR

Insurance

Trip Delay Insurance

Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. 
  • Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. 
  • Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. 
  • Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance

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. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Cell Phone Insurance

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.

  • Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. 
  • Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. 
  • Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Extended Warranty

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.

  • Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. 
  • Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. 
  • Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Return Protection

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.

  • Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. 
  • Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

Purchase Protection

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. 

  • Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. 
  • Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
  • Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Lost Baggage Insurance

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.

  • Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. 
  • Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. 
  • Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance

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. 

  • Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. 
  • Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. 
  • Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

What Credit Score Is Required to Get the The Platinum Card® from American Express

The following credit score data are based on publicly available information we have collected from various forums. We have no way to confirm the accuracy of this data. In addition, keep in mind that credit card issuers use numerous factors in their underwriting process, and these factors can change at any time.

Lowest Approved Credit Score: 649

Average Approved Credit Score: 726

App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved04/25/2024
649
Not Provided
---
Approved03/20/2024
800
Not Provided
---
Approved04/28/2023
812
Equifax
---
Approved04/28/2023
820
TransUnion
---
Approved04/28/2023
825
Experian
---
Approved08/16/2023
698
Equifax
$25,000
Approved08/16/2023
709
Experian
$25,000
Approved08/16/2023
728
TransUnion
$25,000
Approved12/11/2023
695
TransUnion
---
Approved12/11/2023
713
Experian
---
Approved12/11/2023
714
Equifax
---
Approved01/04/2023
696
Not Provided
---
Approved06/21/2023
700
Not Provided
---
Approved01/23/2023
675
Not Provided
$6,000
Approved11/01/2023
683
Experian
---
Approved11/01/2023
703
TransUnion
---
Approved11/01/2023
718
Equifax
---
Approved08/17/2023
737
TransUnion
---
Approved08/17/2023
742
Equifax
---
Approved08/17/2023
758
Experian
---
Approved05/29/2024
680
Experian
---

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Welcome offer
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Excellent annual credits
  • Lounge access
  • Up to 5x points
Cons
  • Annual fee
  • Requires good credit

What Are the Best Alternatives?

Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Rating

4.9

Rewards Range

1x - 10x

Annual Fee

$550

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Rating

4.9

Rewards Range

2x - 10x

Annual Fee

$395

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

Rating

4.4

Rewards Range

2x - 6x points

Annual Fee

$650

Related Articles

To view rates and fees of the The Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page.