8 Benefits and Travel Perks of The Platinum Card from American Express

In 2024, American Express reported that the number of cards in circulation surpassed 140 million, driven in part by premium cards like the American Express Platinum. This card is particularly appealing to frequent travelers thanks to its wide range of travel perks. If you’re curious about the Amex Platinum benefits, read on for more details.

American Express Platinum Card: Main Benefits and Perks

1. Membership Rewards Program

The Platinum Card from American Express has a rewards program that offers cardholders bonus points. Customers can earn 1 Membership Rewards point for each US dollar of eligible purchases charged to their accounts. Upon enrolling, members can also earn 80,000 Membership Rewards bonuses after spending $8,000 during the first six months. When redeemed at participating merchants, the points are worth $70 for every 10,000 points, or 0.7 cents each. This includes shopping at Amazon, Grubhub, Best Buy, Rite Aid, and more.

Non-corporate American Express members can also use their points as statement credits for previously charged purchases, though at a lower rate of 0.6 cents per point, equal to $60 for every 10,000 points. Yet, the lowest redemption value is offered when points are spent on gift cards through American Express retailers. Then, 10,000 points will be worth $50, or 0.5 cents per point.

2. Travel Benefits

Among other benefits of the American Express platinum card, you can also enjoy generous travel bonuses: 5 points for every dollar spent on hotels and flights booked through American Express Travel, and 1 point per dollar spent on other purchases. Points can be redeemed for a variety of purchases and Platinum card benefits, with the best value typically found in vacation bookings through Amex Travel. For example, when you book a hotel through Amex Travel, points can be redeemed at a rate of $100 for every 10,000 points, or 0.01 cent per point.

Additionally, points can also be transferred to airline and hotel partners, including the Fine Hotels & Resorts program. This program's American Express Platinum benefits include accommodation upgrades, daily breakfast for two, early check-in, late checkout, and special amenities like dining or spa credit. When you book a hotel included in the program, you can also earn up to $200 in statement credits annually. On top of that, the card also provides 24/7 travel concierge service to assist with bookings, recommendations, and special requests.

3. Shopping Benefits

Aside from earning points, Amex Platinum card benefits include many other advantages for daily shopping. For instance, Extended Warranty Protection extends the manufacturer’s warranty on eligible purchases, while Purchase Protection covers eligible items against damage or theft for a certain period after purchase.

Sometimes a merchant won't accept a return, and here you can use Return Protection, which may offer refunds for qualified items. Moreover, the Amex Platinum Card provides access to exclusive sales, presale tickets, and special offers at select retailers.

Additionally, purchases made at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com with the Amex Platinum Card are eligible for two $50 statement credits annually—one from January to June and another from July to December.

Travel Benefits of Amex Platinum Card

4. Complimentary Global Entry/TSA PreCheck

If you’re tired of standing in long lines at the security checkpoint, the Amex Platinum also covers the application fees for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. Global Entry speeds up customs processing when returning from abroad, while TSA PreCheck allows for quicker security screenings at domestic airports. Thus, members simply pass their luggage through an X-ray machine, empty their pockets, and go through a metal detector, which eases airport screenings at checkpoints. To use this program, you must pay an application fee for TSA PreCheck or an additional fee to apply for Global Entry, which includes PreCheck. When traveling from overseas, Global Entry allows you to utilize self-service kiosks at border checkpoints, avoiding long lineups.

The members receive American Express platinum perks like a statement credit for the Global Entry enrollment fee (every 4 years) or up to an $85 credit for TSA PreCheck (every 4.5 years). Pay with your American Express Platinum Card for the service and complete the online program application to receive the credit. For more information, visit the official website of AmEx.

5. Travel Insurance

One of many other Amex Platinum perks is the travel insurance that guarantees peace of mind during your travels. For instance, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance reimburses non-refundable expenses if your trip is canceled or cut short due to illness, severe weather, or other emergencies. Trip Delay Insurance covers expenses like meals and lodging if your trip is delayed by a certain duration (typically six hours or more). Baggage Insurance protects your luggage and personal items against loss, damage, or theft with additional coverage for checked and carry-on baggage.

6. Car Rental Privileges

American Express Platinum card benefits also imply certain car rental privileges and Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance. This insurance offers secondary coverage up to $75,000 for damage or theft of rental vehicles when the rental is paid for with the Amex Platinum Card. This can help cover repair or replacement costs.

Additionally, you can acquire elite status with major rental companies such as National Car Rental Emerald Club, Avis Preferred, and Hertz Gold Plus Rewards. This gives you car upgrades, assured availability, and fee waivers for extra drivers. For access to the rental car elite status advantages, log into the Amex card account, then add your Avis, Hertz, or National accounts through the benefits page to elevate your status.

7. Global Lounge Collection Access

Instead of tiring waiting in crowded terminals, you can have a rest in a luxurious airport lounge. This Platinum card gives you an opportunity to enter airport lounges like no other. With this card, you can unwind in more than 1,400 lounges spread throughout 140 countries. This includes Priority Pass, Amex's Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Club lounges, Airspace Lounges, and Lufthansa lounges. Priority Pass membership also allows you to bring one guest for free, though additional guests will incur a charge.

8. Global Dining Access

Traveling can make finding a good restaurant tricky, and even if you do, all the tables might be already booked. Enjoy the benefits of Global Dining Access by Resy to keep this from happening again. A Priority Notify feature informs owners of Amex Platinum cards about available tables earlier than other app users. Open a Resy account, link your Platinum card to it, and gain access to exclusive events and reservations, along with early notice of open tables.

Conclusion

While the Amex Platinum has one of the highest annual fees on the market, frequent users can easily recoup the cost through its extensive benefits and perks. It can result in advantages and statement credits worth hundreds of dollars every year. However, you have to enable some perks to use them, while others need you to use the Platinum Card to unlock the credits. Overall, this card is perfect for enhancing your travel experience with access to exclusive airport lounges, comprehensive insurance protections, and elite status with major hotel chains. Whether you're a globe-trotter or just enjoy occasional getaways, the Amex Platinum can make your trips more comfortable and enjoyable, earning its spot as a top-tier travel card.