Benefits of the American Express Platinum Card

Benefits of the American Express Platinum Card

The Platinum Card® from American Express resembles an opulent travel suitcase brimming with top-tier benefits to elevate your travel journey.

Here's a step-by-step overview of the benefits offered by the Amex Platinum card:

Airline Benefits:

• Up to $200 Airline Fee Credit: Annual credit for incidental fees with a chosen airline.
• $189 CLEAR® Plus membership: Fee statement credit for CLEAR Plus enrollment.
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit: Up to $100 statement credit for application fees.

International Airline Program:

• Exclusive lower fares for premium class tickets via the International Airline Program.

Lounge Access:

• Centurion Lounge Access.
• Plaza Premium Lounge Access for cardholder and two guests.
• Priority Pass Lounge Access with enrollment.
• Lufthansa Lounge Access (select lounges).

Hotel Benefits:

• Up to $200 Hotel Credit: Annual credit for prepaid stays via Fine Hotels or The Hotel Collection.
• Gold Elite Status: Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy enrollment.
• The Hotel Collection Benefit: Up to $100 hotel credit and room upgrade for two-night stays.
• Lowest Hotel Rates Guarantee: Refund of the difference if a cheaper rate is found.
• Fine Hotels + Resorts Benefits: Credits and welcome gifts at participating properties.

Other Benefits:

• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Monthly statement credits for purchases/subscriptions with partners.
• $300 Equinox Credit: Annual credit for Equinox club memberships.
• Exclusive Global Dining Access by Resy: Access to top restaurants and premium events.
• $200 Uber Cash: Annual Uber Cash for rides and Uber Eats.
• $100 Saks Fifth Avenue Credit: Semi-annual statement credits for purchases.
• Platinum Card Concierge: 24/7 access to concierge services.
• Cellphone Protection: Coverage for damaged/stolen phones (terms apply).

Authorized User Benefits:

• Centurion Lounge Access (Platinum cardholders only).
• Priority Pass Lounge Access (Platinum cardholders only).
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit (for authorized users).
• The Hotel Collection Benefit (for authorized users).

These benefits collectively make the Amex Platinum card an enticing choice for those seeking a range of travel, hotel, and lifestyle perks.

What is American Express Platinum Card?

The Platinum Card® from American Express, once heralded as the quintessential premium travel card, has now redefined itself as a luxurious lifestyle card, offering an opulent array of benefits tailor-made for those unswayed by its substantial annual fee of $695.

For avid travelers, the card bestows a lavish rewards rate on travel-related expenses: 5 Membership Rewards Points per dollar spent on flights directly booked with airlines or via American Express Travel, up to a cap of $500,000 per calendar year.

An additional 5 points per dollar are earned on prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel, while other eligible purchases garner 1 point per dollar. Moreover, the card grants access to the expansive Global Lounge Collection at airports, boasting an unparalleled count of lounges over 1,400 in excess of 650 cities and spanning 140 countries globally.

In the realm of premium travel cards, competitors also offer substantial rewards for travel expenditures. However, the Amex Platinum sets itself apart with an array of amplified perks meticulously designed for a specific demographic a discerning individual who relishes streamlined airport experiences, prioritizes lounge access, resides in major urban centers, frequents upscale fitness establishments like Equinox, indulges in Saks Fifth Avenue shopping sprees, and makes regular use of ride-hailing services like Uber. These offerings cater to a distinct segment of consumers.

Yet, it's crucial to note the card's $695 annual fee. While the provided statement credits may exude sophistication, the card fundamentally functions as an elite coupon booklet. Essentially, the fee grants entry to an array of discounts that have the potential to surpass the ownership cost, but this holds true only if these benefits are fully leveraged.

How to Use Amex Platinum Benefits?

How to effectively utilize the benefits offered by the Amex Platinum Card:

1. Lounge Access:

• Access Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Club lounges, Priority Pass Lounges, and special sports lounges.
• Enjoy complimentary snacks, drinks, and comfortable spaces while waiting for flights or events.

2. Special Relationships:

• Make the most of hotel benefits such as Fine Hotels + Resorts program, Luxury Hotel and Resorts Collection, and potential upgrades, breakfast, and credits.
• Use the Platinum Card to secure reservations at exclusive restaurants even if they are fully booked.

3. Purchase Protection:

• Benefit from Return Protection by returning eligible items within 90 to 120 days for a refund.
• Take advantage of Purchase Protection, covering theft, loss, or accidental damage for purchased items within 90 to 120 days.
• Extend the warranty of your purchases, offering peace of mind for expensive items like electronics or equipment.

4. Miscellaneous Perks:

• Utilize the annual $200 Uber Cash for rides or Uber Eats.
• Enjoy up to $100 Saks Fifth Avenue credit twice a year.
• Access Centurion Lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and Priority Pass Lounges for authorized users (Platinum cardholders only).
• Get up to $100 hotel credit and potential room upgrades with The Hotel Collection for authorized users.

By strategically utilizing these benefits based on your preferences and needs, you can maximize the value of your Amex Platinum Card and make the most of its luxury offerings.

How to Maximize Amex Platinum Benefits?

The Platinum Card® from American Express is renowned for its extensive range of benefits, making it a top choice among frequent travelers. While its annual fee may be substantial at $695 (Terms apply, see rates & fees), the card's perks are designed to justify the cost. Whether you're a new cardholder or a long-standing member, understanding and utilizing these benefits can significantly enhance your travel experience. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to maximize the benefits of the American Express Platinum Card:

1. Choose Your Qualifying Airline Carefully: The card offers up to $200 in airline fee credits annually for expenses like checked bags and in-flight purchases. However, you must select a qualifying airline at the beginning of the year. Choose wisely as this selection cannot be changed until the next year.

2. Link Your Platinum Card to Uber: The Uber Cash benefit provides $15 per month (and $35 in December) for rides and meal deliveries via Uber. To access this benefit, link your Platinum Card to your Uber account and use it as your payment method.

3. Enjoy Digital Entertainment Credits: Cardmembers can receive up to $20 per month in statement credits for select digital entertainment services such as Disney+, Hulu, and more. Simply pay with your Amex Platinum card to trigger the credits.

4. Expedited Security Screening with CLEAR: The card offers an annual $189 statement credit for CLEAR, a service that provides expedited security screening at certain locations. If you have Delta SkyMiles elite status, you can potentially get this benefit at a reduced cost.

5. Hotel Discounts and Upgrades: Utilize the $200 annual statement credit for prepaid bookings at Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection properties when booked through American Express Travel. These bookings come with added benefits like room upgrades and late check-out.

6. Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status: Cardmembers can enjoy complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status, offering perks like room upgrades and bonus points. Enroll online to link your accounts.

7. Hilton Honors Gold Elite Status: Similarly, you can claim Hilton Honors Gold elite status, which comes with benefits like room upgrades, bonus points, and more. Enroll using your Hilton Honors account information.

8. Shop with Saks Fifth Avenue: Receive up to $100 in statement credits each year for shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue, split into $50 for January-June and $50 for July-December.

9. Priority Pass Membership: Gain access to over 1,400 lounges worldwide through the American Express Global Lounge Collection. Enroll to receive a Priority Pass Select card, which is required for lounge access.

10. Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit: Get reimbursed for the application fees for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck when charged to your Platinum Card.

11. Car Rental Benefits: Enjoy benefits with rental car companies like National Car Rental, Avis, and Hertz, including upgrades and discounts.

12. Cell Phone Protection Coverage: Receive coverage for repair or replacement costs following theft or damage to your cell phone when you pay your wireless bill with your Platinum Card.

13. International Airline Program: Access discounts on premium economy, business, or first-class tickets with over two dozen airlines departing from the U.S. and select Canadian airports.

Maximizing the benefits of the Amex Platinum Card requires strategic planning and careful consideration of your travel habits. By taking advantage of these perks, you can significantly enhance your travel experience while offsetting the annual fee. Always remember to review the terms and conditions associated with each benefit to ensure you're making the most of them.

Amex Platinum Hotel Benefits

The American Express Platinum card offers a range of valuable hotel benefits:

1. Gold Elite Status in Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors: Cardholders can enjoy Gold elite status in both the Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors hotel loyalty programs when they enroll. This status upgrade brings perks like bonus points for hotel stays, late checkout, and room upgrades (subject to availability).

2. $200 Credit on Prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection Bookings: When you use your American Express Platinum card to pay for prepaid bookings at Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel, you receive an annual $200 credit. For The Hotel Collection, a minimum two-night stay is required to qualify for this benefit.

3. 5 Points / $1 on Prepaid Hotel Bookings at AmexTravel.com: Cardholders can earn 5 Membership Rewards points for every dollar spent on prepaid hotel bookings made through amextravel.com using their American Express Platinum card.

4. Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts Program: This program provides enhanced benefits at over 1,100 luxury hotels worldwide. Perks include complimentary amenities valued at $100, daily breakfast for two, guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout, and free Wi-Fi. Additionally, you can enjoy benefits like noon check-in and room upgrades, when available.

5. Utilize Elite Status Perks: With Gold elite status in Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy, cardholders can enjoy a variety of benefits such as room upgrades, late checkout, and bonus points for eligible stays.

6. Exclusive Bookings for Bonus Points: It's important to note that to earn bonus points from the respective hotel loyalty programs, you should book directly through Hilton or Marriott properties. Bookings made through third-party platforms like Amex Travel might not qualify for these additional points.

By taking advantage of these hotel benefits, American Express Platinum cardholders can elevate their travel experiences and enjoy added value during their stays. It's recommended to review the terms and conditions of each benefit to fully understand how to maximize their usage.

Amex Platinum Car Rental Benefits

The American Express Platinum card offers exclusive car rental benefits, including elite status with major rental car providers and secondary insurance coverage for rental vehicles. Here's a breakdown of these benefits:

Amex Platinum Rental Car Loss and Damage Insurance:

• The card includes secondary car rental insurance at no extra cost.
• This coverage becomes effective after you file a claim with your personal auto insurance provider.
• To be eligible, you must reserve and pay for the rental using your Amex Platinum card and decline the rental company's insurance coverage.
• Some vehicle types (e.g., cargo vans) and rentals from rideshare or peer-to-peer companies are not covered.
• Primary coverage is available for a fee through Amex's Premium Car Rental Protection, offering a flat rate for the entire rental period (up to 42 days). However, it doesn't include liability coverage.

Amex Platinum Car Rental Status:

• The card provides complimentary elite status with Avis, Hertz, and National car rental companies.
• Enrollment in the respective loyalty programs and meeting age requirements is necessary to access benefits.

Avis Preferred Plus:

• Amex Preferred card members can get up to a 25% discount on Avis car rentals using a designated code (excluding taxes and fees).
• Enjoy free vehicle upgrades (subject to availability) and earn rewards on qualifying rentals.
• Benefits include expedited services, monthly email offers, and the opportunity to earn a free weekend rental after completing two qualifying Avis rentals.

Hertz President’s Circle:

• Amex Platinum card members receive complimentary Hertz President’s Circle status.
• Enjoy a 20% discount on vehicle rentals (excluding taxes and fees) using a designated code.
• Perks include a 4-hour grace period on rental returns, guaranteed upgrades, a free additional driver, and dedicated customer service.

National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive:

• Your Amex Platinum card automatically grants you Emerald Club Executive status with National Car Rental.
• Pay National's Midsize rate when renting any full-size or larger vehicle.
• Benefits also include guaranteed vehicle upgrades, a free rental day after six qualifying rentals, expedited services, and more.

It's important to note that while the Amex Platinum card's rental car insurance is valuable, it is secondary coverage. Additionally, the elite status and discounts provided by the Amex Platinum card enhance the car rental experience, making it more convenient and cost-effective. Always review the terms and conditions of these benefits before utilizing them.

How to Get Amex Platinum Rental Car Offers?

The Amex Platinum cards offer advantageous rental car benefits, but it's essential to follow specific procedures to activate these exclusive privileges. To qualify for Amex's secondary car rental insurance coverage, it's imperative to settle the complete rental fee using your Amex Platinum card and deliberately decline the optional insurance coverage proposed by the rental car agency.

To access enhanced rental company status upgrades, there are two potential routes. If you are already a registered loyalty member with Avis, Hertz, or National Car Rental, your existing membership can make you eligible for these upgrades. Alternatively, during the activation process, you can choose to sign up for membership with the rental company to unlock these status upgrades.

Distinct rental companies might furnish you with a unique code, which can be applied while renting a vehicle. This code facilitates the application of member-exclusive discounts, contributing to a more cost-effective rental experience.

Amex Platinum Business Benefits

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express offers a comprehensive range of benefits tailored for frequent business travelers. This premium card presents an enticing package of advantages, including an attractive welcome bonus, airport lounge access, elevated earning rates for specific travel bookings through American Express Travel, and an array of valuable perks that can greatly enhance its value for business owners on the move.

However, it's important to acknowledge that the Amex Business Platinum Card does come with a substantial annual fee of $695 (terms apply, see rates & fees), which may be a significant consideration for certain small business proprietors. Nonetheless, the card's benefits can easily offset this cost, especially if you capitalize on multiple benefits that align with your needs.

If you're contemplating acquiring a new business card, let's delve into a comprehensive overview of the Business Platinum Card's benefits, enabling you to make an informed decision regarding its suitability for your business.

Amex Business Platinum Card Points and Travel Perks:

Welcome Bonus:

• New cardholders can earn an impressive 120,000 Membership Rewards® points by spending $15,000 on eligible purchases within the initial 3 months of card membership.
• Meeting the spending threshold to earn the welcome bonus might appear substantial, but if you're using the card to manage your business expenses, achieving this target can be more attainable than anticipated.
• By attaining the welcome bonus, you can easily surpass the annual fee during the first year. The value of Membership Rewards points hinges on redemption method. When booking flights through Amex Travel, points are valued at 1 cent each, translating to $1,200 for 120,000 points.
• Points can also be transferred to various airline and hotel partners, offering potential outsized value when redeemed through those loyalty programs.

Earning Rates:

• Beyond the welcome bonus, cardmembers accrue 5 Membership Rewards® points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels via American Express Travel.
• Earnings extend to 1.5 points per dollar on eligible purchases from U.S. construction material and hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, software and cloud system providers, and shipping providers.
• A rate of 1 point per dollar applies to other eligible purchases.
• Booking travel through the Amex portal can lead to significant point accumulation, and utilizing points to book flights via the portal triggers a 35% points rebate, up to 1 million points annually.

Lounge Access:

• Business Platinum cardholders enjoy complimentary access to over 1,400 lounges within The American Express Global Lounge Collection. This includes venues like The Centurion Lounge, The International American Express Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Delta Sky Club, Plaza Premium, Escape Lounges, and Airspace.
• The monetary value of these benefits is noteworthy; purchasing a Priority Pass membership independently ranges from $99 to $469, and individual Delta Sky Club access costs $695 annually.

Travel and Business Credits:

• The card presents multiple travel credits to streamline expenses and save money, encompassing a yearly statement credit of up to $200 for airline incidentals (for one chosen qualifying airline), an annual CLEAR® Plus statement credit of up to $189, and a fee credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
• Business-related credits include an up to $400 Dell statement credit ($200 each for January-June and July-December), up to $360 Indeed statement credit, up to $150 Adobe statement credit, and up to $120 wireless statement credits per year for U.S. wireless provider purchases.
• Enrolling is necessary to access specific benefits.

Elite Status:

• The card confers complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite and Hilton Honors Gold status, along with the associated perks such as late checkout, room upgrades, bonus points within the respective hotel loyalty programs, and more.

Fine Hotels & Resorts:

• Booking a Fine Hotels & Resorts property through Amex Travel using the Business Platinum Card yields additional value.
• Benefits encompass complimentary breakfast for two, late checkout, early check-in, and an up to $100 credit for food, drinks, or spa services.
• With over 2,000 hotels and resorts participating, you can elevate your travel experience irrespective of your destination.

Rental Car Upgrades:

• Beyond hotel elite status, premium status is extended to prominent rental car programs (upon enrollment) including Hertz, Avis, and National Car Rental.
• Premium members enjoy complimentary upgrades whenever available, along with priority access and other perks.

Travel Insurance:

• The card offers comprehensive travel protections, including trip cancellation and interruption insurance¹, trip delay insurance¹, and coverage for lost or damaged baggage².
• These safeguards offer peace of mind if your travel plans encounter unexpected disruptions.

Other Protections:

• Additional safeguards encompass cell phone protection with reimbursement of up to $800 for covered incidents (subject to a $50 deductible).
• Purchase protection coverage provides up to $10,000 worth of protection for eligible purchases within 90 days of the purchase date³.
• Extended warranty protection² is also provided.

Membership Rewards Points Transfer:

• In addition to its plethora of benefits, the Amex Business Platinum enables the flexible transfer of Membership Rewards points to numerous partners, including 17 airlines and three hotel programs.
• Points are typically transferred at a 1:1 ratio, although certain partners like AeroMexico or Hilton Honors might offer extra points.
• The card boasts a diverse set of transfer partners, each with their unique transfer ratio, affording you versatile redemption options.

How to Maximize Amex Business Platinum Benefits?

To make the most of the Amex Business Platinum Card, it's crucial to start by realistically assessing your ability to meet the spending requirement for the generous welcome bonus: a substantial 120,000 Membership Rewards® points, accessible after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases within the initial 3 months of obtaining the card.

Should you find the minimum spend prerequisite daunting, it's worth considering alternative business credit card options that might align better with your spending capacity. For those frequently engaged in business travel, the card's enduring value shines through its assortment of benefits. It boasts a variety of travel credits, elevated statuses within hotel and rental car programs, and a comprehensive selection of travel insurance protections.

For instance, the yearly up to $200 statement credit for airline incidentals, the annual up to $189 CLEAR® Plus statement credit, and the fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck (renewable every four years for the former or every four-and-a-half years for the latter) are worth noting.

When covering travel expenses (as opposed to using points for award travel), it's advisable to leverage Amex Travel whenever feasible. This capitalizes on the Business Platinum's substantial 5 points per dollar spent: comprising 5 Membership Rewards® points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels through American Express Travel, 1.5 points per dollar on eligible purchases at U.S. construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, software and cloud system providers, and shipping providers.

Additionally, it includes purchases of $5,000 or more elsewhere, up to a cap of $2 million in these purchases per calendar year, and 1 point per dollar on other eligible transactions.

In scenarios where you prefer to utilize points for travel bookings, the Membership Rewards program boasts an extensive network of airline and hotel partners. In most instances, points can be transferred at a favorable 1:1 ratio. Vigilance in identifying lucrative award travel opportunities can lead to exceptional value when redeeming your points.

The enduring appeal of the Amex Business Platinum Card is clearly prominent for those immersed in frequent business travel. While the substantial annual fee might give pause, the card's benefits can easily eclipse this cost for those who can capitalize on its array of travel perks, credits, and insurance protections. However, for those with more infrequent travel requirements, exploring alternative cards that cater to more modest needs might be a prudent strategy.