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Card reviewAmerican Express
Updated Jul 16, 2026 · research
The Platinum Card® from American Express
American ExpressMembership Rewards

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The benchmark premium travel card offering extensive lounge access, rich statement credits, and premium lifestyle benefits.

PremiumPersonal
American Express
Credit profile: excellent
$895
Annual fee
5x pts flights
Top rate
None
Foreign fee
N/A
Rating

Current Welcome Offer

Earn 175,000 points

Spend $12,000 in 180 days

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Card Offers

public

Earn 175,000 points

Verified

Spend $12,000 in 180 days

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Earning Rates

flights
5xpoints

Booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel®, on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.

prepaid_hotels
5xpoints

Booked on American Express Travel®.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Industry-leading airport lounge access through the Amex Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass, and Delta Sky Clubs
  • Strong 5x Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, and on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel
  • Over $1,400 in potential annual statement credits across airline fees, hotels, Uber Cash, digital entertainment, Walmart+, Equinox, and Saks Fifth Avenue
  • No foreign transaction fees, making it well-suited for international travel
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee credit available every 4 to 4.5 years

Cons

  • Many statement credits are tied to specific merchants or require enrollment, adding complexity to getting full value
  • Earns only 1x points on all non-travel purchases, which is low compared to other cards for everyday spending categories like dining and groceries
  • The $200 airline fee credit applies only to incidental fees at one selected airline, not to airfare purchases
  • Uber Cash credits and some other credits expire monthly if unused, requiring consistent engagement to avoid losing value

Key Takeaways

  • 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel makes this one of the strongest earning cards for those specific travel categories
  • The Amex Global Lounge Collection is among the most expansive lounge access programs available on any personal credit card
  • Most of the card's credits are merchant-specific and require active use; cardholders who do not engage with partners like Equinox, Uber, or Saks will see less value

Fees

Fee TypeAmount
Annual Fee$895
Foreign Transaction Fee0%

APR Information

Purchase APR
19.49% - 28.49%

APRs shown are variable and may change based on the Prime Rate. Your actual APR will be determined based on your creditworthiness.

Card Benefits

8 benefits (6 strong or better)

Travel Insurance

Travel Access & Perks

Travel Credits

Statement Credits

Coverage Tier Legend

Best in ClassIndustry-leading coverage
StrongAbove average
StandardTypical coverage
LimitedBelow average

Hidden Gems

Premium Car Rental Protection Upgrade

Beyond the standard secondary car rental loss and damage coverage, cardholders can opt into a Premium Protection plan for a flat fee per rental, which can simplify coverage without relying on personal auto insurance. This option is easy to overlook but useful for cardholders who rent frequently.

Delta Sky Club Access Without a Delta Card

The Platinum Card® grants access to Delta Sky Clubs when traveling on a same-day Delta flight, even though it is not a co-branded Delta card. This is a meaningful perk for Delta flyers who do not hold a Delta-specific credit card.

Semi-Annual Saks Credit Structure

The $100 Saks Fifth Avenue credit is split into two $50 increments across two semi-annual periods, effectively allowing cardholders to make two separate purchases throughout the year rather than one lump credit. Cardholders who plan purchases around these windows can extract the full $100 in value more easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the $200 airline fee credit work?
Cardholders receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental airline fees such as checked bags and in-flight food and beverages. You must select one qualifying airline each year, and the credit does not apply to airfare purchases themselves.
What airport lounges can I access with the Platinum Card®?
The card provides access to the Amex Global Lounge Collection, which includes American Express Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Delta Sky Clubs when traveling on a same-day Delta flight, Escape Lounges, Plaza Premium, and Airspace Lounges. Guest fees may apply at some locations, and access may be restricted during peak periods at select Centurion Lounges.
Does the Platinum Card® charge foreign transaction fees?
No, the Platinum Card® from American Express has no foreign transaction fees, making it a practical option for international travel.
How does the $200 hotel credit work?
Cardholders can receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year on prepaid hotel bookings made through American Express Travel at Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection properties. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay, and bookings made outside the Amex Travel portal do not qualify.
How is the Uber Cash credit structured?
The Uber Cash credit is added in monthly increments and provides up to $200 in total annual value for Uber rides and Uber Eats orders in the U.S. Credits expire at the end of each month if unused, and you must link your card to your Uber account to receive them.
What credit score do I need to apply for the Platinum Card®?
American Express generally requires excellent credit for approval of the Platinum Card®. Applicants with strong credit histories and responsible payment track records are most likely to qualify.
What is the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit?
The card covers the application fee for Global Entry (up to $120) or TSA PreCheck® (up to $85) once every four to 4.5 years. The credit applies to the application fee only and does not guarantee program approval.
How does the $240 digital entertainment credit work?
Cardholders receive up to $20 per month, totaling up to $240 per year, in statement credits for eligible digital subscriptions including Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, Peacock, and The New York Times. Only those specific providers qualify, and credits do not roll over from month to month.

About This Card

The Platinum Card® from American Express provides up to 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels, comprehensive airport lounge access through the Global Lounge Collection, and substantial travel and lifestyle credits including CLEAR+, Uber Cash, hotel, and airline fee credits.

The Platinum Card® stands out for its unmatched airport lounge access network, combining proprietary Centurion Lounges with Priority Pass, Delta Sky Clubs, and additional partners in a single card benefit that few luxury travel cards can replicate in breadth.

Ready to Decide?

Apply for the The Platinum Card® from American Express

Earn 175,000 points with a $895 annual fee.

Spend $12,000 in 180 days

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Rewards program

Membership Rewards

Earns Points

Card Categories

TravelAirlineHotelLounge accessTransferable points

Sources & Methodology

Data Collection

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  • 8 of 8 benefits rated high confidence
  • 8 source citations across benefits
  • 1 of 1 offer verified
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