For frequent travelers, finding the right credit card can be a game-changer, unlocking luxury perks, free travel, and elite benefits. One of the most well-known premium travel cards is the American Express Platinum Card—but with a hefty $695 annual fee, is it really worth it?

In this in-depth review, we’ll break down the benefits, perks, and real-world value of the AMEX Platinum card, helping you decide if it’s the right fit for your travel style.

1. Overview of the AMEX Platinum Card

The American Express Platinum Card is a high-end travel rewards card designed for those who love luxury perks, airport lounges, and earning rewards for travel spending.

Quick Facts About the Card:

✅ Annual Fee: $695 ✅ Welcome Bonus: Up to 150,000 Membership Rewards Points (varies by offer) ✅ Best for: Frequent travelers who want luxury perks and high-value rewards ✅ Credit Score Required: 690+ (Good to Excellent) ✅ Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Now, let’s dive into the perks that make this card stand out.

2. What You Get with the AMEX Platinum Card ($1,500+ in Value)

Although the $695 annual fee may seem steep, the AMEX Platinum card provides a huge amount of value in statement credits, travel perks, and exclusive benefits. Here’s a breakdown of what you get:

💳 1. Statement Credits ($1,500+ in Value)

1️⃣ $240 Digital Entertainment Credit ($20/month)

  • Works for Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, Audible, SiriusXM, Peacock, and The New York Times
  • Must enroll and pay with your AMEX Platinum

2️⃣ $200 Hotel Credit (Fine Hotels & Resorts / The Hotel Collection)

  • Get $200 in credits when booking through AMEX Travel
  • Perks include room upgrades, free breakfast, and late checkout

3️⃣ $200 Airline Fee Credit

  • Covers baggage fees, seat upgrades, and in-flight purchases
  • Must select one qualifying airline per year

4️⃣ $200 Uber Cash ($15/month + $35 in December)

  • Works for Uber rides and Uber Eats
  • Must add your AMEX Platinum to the Uber app

5️⃣ $100 Saks Fifth Avenue Credit ($50 every 6 months)

  • Can be used in-store or online for luxury shopping

6️⃣ $189 CLEAR Plus Credit

  • Skip long security lines at select U.S. airports and stadiums
  • Pairs well with TSA PreCheck & Global Entry

7️⃣ Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit ($100 value)

  • Covers the full Global Entry ($100) or TSA PreCheck ($85) fee
  • Makes airport security faster and easier

Total Value from Credits: $1,500+ 🎉

3. Travel Perks & Benefits That Make It Worth It

✈️ 1. Access to 1,400+ Airport Lounges Worldwide

The AMEX Platinum card offers the best airport lounge access of any travel card, including:

  • The Centurion Lounge (AMEX’s exclusive high-end lounges)
  • Priority Pass Membership (1,300+ lounges worldwide)
  • Delta Sky Club Access (when flying Delta)
  • Plaza Premium Lounges & Escape Lounges

💡 Value: If you visit lounges often, this easily offsets the annual fee!

🏨 2. Complimentary Elite Status at Hotels

  • Hilton Honors Gold Status (free breakfast & upgrades at Hilton properties)
  • Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status (room upgrades & late checkout)
  • Fine Hotels & Resorts perks (room upgrades, $100 dining credits, free breakfast)

🚗 3. Rental Car Perks & Discounts

  • Hertz President’s Circle Status (free car upgrades & VIP service)
  • Avis & National Car Rental Benefits
  • Rental Car Insurance Coverage

🎉 4. Purchase Protection & Travel Insurance

  • Cell Phone Protection: Get reimbursed if your phone is lost or stolen (deductible applies)
  • Trip Delay Insurance: Up to $500 per person if your flight is delayed 6+ hours
  • Lost Baggage Insurance: Get up to $3,000 per bag for lost or stolen luggage
  • Return Protection: AMEX may refund you for items a store won’t take back

4. Earning & Redeeming AMEX Membership Rewards Points

One of the biggest advantages of the AMEX Platinum is earning Membership Rewards Points, which can be used for flights, hotels, and more.

How to Earn Points Faster:

✅ 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or AMEX Travel ✅ 5X points on prepaid hotels booked through AMEX Travel ✅ 1X points on everything else

Best Ways to Redeem Points:

  • Transfer points to airlines like Delta, Emirates, or British Airways for maximum value
  • Use points for free flights & upgrades
  • Redeem for hotel stays or travel expenses
  • Use the “Pay with Points” feature for AMEX Travel bookings

💡 Insider Tip: The best value comes from transferring points to airline partners, where you can get 2-5X more value per point!

5. Is the AMEX Platinum Worth the $695 Annual Fee?

The AMEX Platinum is not for everyone—it’s designed for frequent travelers who will take advantage of its perks. If you don’t travel often, the high annual fee may not be worth it.

✅ The AMEX Platinum is Worth It If:

✔️ You fly frequently and want airport lounge access ✔️ You stay at high-end hotels and want VIP perks ✔️ You spend on travel & dining and want to earn maximum points ✔️ You can use the $1,500+ in annual credits to offset the annual fee

❌ The AMEX Platinum is NOT Worth It If:

❌ You rarely travel or prefer budget hotels ❌ You won’t use the statement credits ❌ You want a simple travel card with a lower annual fee

6. Final Thoughts: Should You Get the AMEX Platinum Card?

The AMEX Platinum Card is a powerful travel card packed with luxury perks, elite status, and premium benefits. If you travel frequently and want access to airport lounges, hotel upgrades, and valuable rewards, this card could be a game-changer for your trips.

💡 Final Tip: If you’re considering the card, check for high welcome bonus offers (100k-150k points) to maximize your value!

Would you get the AMEX Platinum Card? Let us know in the comments! ✈️💳