Is Amex Platinum Worth It?
The Amex Platinum Card is one of the most premium travel credit cards, offering luxury perks, travel benefits, and high-end rewards. However, with a $695 annual fee, many wonder if it’s worth the cost.
Is the Amex Platinum Worth It?
The answer depends on how much you travel and whether you use the card’s perks. If you maximize the benefits, the card can easily outweigh the fee.
Key Benefits of Amex Platinum
1. Huge Welcome Bonus
- Typically 60,000–150,000 Membership Rewards points for new cardholders.
- Can be redeemed for flights, hotels, or gift cards (worth $600–$1,500).
2. Luxury Airport Lounge Access ✈
- Free access to 1,400+ lounges worldwide, including:
- Centurion Lounges (exclusive to Amex Platinum).
- Priority Pass Lounges.
- Delta Sky Club (when flying Delta).
- Lounge access can save you hundreds of dollars on food, drinks, and comfort.
3. Up to $1,500 in Annual Credits 💰
Amex Platinum comes with multiple statement credits that can offset the annual fee:
- $200 Airline Fee Credit (for baggage, seat selection, etc.).
- $200 Uber Cash ($15/month + $35 in December).
- $200 Hotel Credit (for Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings).
- $189 CLEAR Plus Credit (faster airport security).
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit ($20/month for Netflix, Disney+, etc.).
- $100 Saks Fifth Avenue Credit ($50 every 6 months).
If you fully use these credits, you get back over $1,100, making the $695 fee “free” in practice.
4. Best-in-Class Travel Rewards
- 5X Points on Flights (booked directly or via Amex Travel).
- 5X Points on Hotels (Fine Hotels + Resorts & prepaid bookings).
- 1X Points on Everything Else.
- Transfer Points to Airlines (Delta, Emirates, British Airways, etc.).
5. Elite Hotel Status for Free 🏨
- Hilton Honors Gold Status.
- Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status.
- Upgrades, late checkouts, and bonus points.
6. No Foreign Transaction Fees 🌍
Great for international travel, saving you 3% on purchases abroad.
Who Should Get the Amex Platinum?
✅ Get it if you:
✔ Travel frequently and use airport lounges.
✔ Book flights and hotels often to maximize 5X points.
✔ Can fully use the annual credits ($1,500+ value).
✔ Want elite status with hotels and rental cars.
✔ Prefer a luxury travel experience.
❌ Skip it if you:
✘ Rarely travel (many benefits are travel-focused).
✘ Don’t use the statement credits.
✘ Prefer cash-back cards over points rewards.
✘ Want a low or no-annual-fee card.
Final Verdict: Is Amex Platinum Worth It?
- If you travel often and use the perks, the card pays for itself.
- If you don’t maximize the benefits, the $695 fee is not worth it.
- It’s one of the best travel credit cards, but not great for everyday spending.
Would you like help comparing Amex Platinum to other travel cards? 😊