The Platinum Card from American Express
The ultimate luxury travel card with unmatched lounge access and over $3,000 in annual credits
Access Centurion Lounges and 1,550+ airport lounges in the Global Lounge Collection, earn automatic Marriott Gold and Hilton Gold status, and receive over $3,000 in annual credits across travel, dining, entertainment, and wellness. With 5X points on flights and Amex Travel hotels, premium travel insurance, and cardholder perks like Fine Hotels + Resorts, this card redefines luxury travel rewards.
- Annual Fee
- $895
- Welcome Bonus
- As high as 175,000 Membership Rewards points — offers vary
- Highest rate (conditional)
- Up to 5X (Travel portal)
Terms checked against the issuer on October 10, 2026
At a Glance
- Annual Fee
- $895
- Authorized User Fee
- $195
- Foreign Transaction Fee
- $0
- Network
- Amex Platinum
- Rewards Currency
- American Express Membership Rewards
- Point Value (Transfer Estimate)
- 1.3–2 cpp (mid: 1.5)
- Credit Required
- Good to Excellent
Welcome Offer
As high as 175,000 Membership Rewards points — offers vary
Spend $12,000 in the first 6 months
The issuer states this offer only as a maximum. Offers vary by applicant: you may be offered less, or no offer.
Earning Rates
- 5X
Hotels
Prepaid hotels booked via amextravel.com
- 5X
Vacation Rentals
Prepaid short-term rentals booked with Airbnb through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App
- 5X
Flights
5X Membership Rewards® points on up to $500,000 per calendar year on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel via AmexTravel.com (then 1X)
Cap: $500,000/annual
- 1X
Hotels
Hotels booked directly (not through Amex Travel); they fall under the 1X base rate
- 1X
All Other
All other purchases
Earning Scenarios
5X Points on Flights Booked Directly with Airlines
Earn 5X Membership Rewards points on up to $500,000 in annual airfare when booking directly with airlines or via AmexTravel.com. At 2.2 cents per point value, that's 11% back on flights.
Book a $1,000 roundtrip flight and earn 5,000 points worth $110 toward your next redemption
5X Points on Prepaid Hotels via Amex Travel
Maximize your hotel bookings by prepaying through AmexTravel.com and earning 5X points on every stay. Combined with the $600 hotel credit, this amplifies your rewards on travel.
Prepay a $600 hotel stay and earn 3,000 points worth $66, plus potentially use your $600 annual credit
Flexible Membership Rewards for Maximum Redemption Value
Transfer points to 20 airline and hotel partners including Delta, Air France-KLM, British Airways, Hilton, and Marriott. Or redeem for up to 5 cents per point on premium cabin flights through Amex Travel.
Transfer your Membership Rewards welcome bonus to Air France-KLM and book business class to Europe — the issuer states an offer as high as 175,000 points (offers vary), worth $3,850+ at 2.2 cents each
Benefits & Perks
Travel Benefits
16 perksHotel Program
Experiences
Elite Status
General Travel
Concierge
Flights & Airlines
Annual Credits & Statement Credits
13 creditsUp to
$3,251.50
in recurring credits (annual)
$600 lodging credit
$300 every 6 months for prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts, Hotel Collection and Airbnb Luxe stays through Amex Travel
$600
Annual
$400 Resy credit
Up to $100 per quarter in statement credits for dining at 10,000+ US restaurants on the Resy reservation platform
$400
Annual
$300 streaming credit
$25 monthly credit for Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, YouTube Premium, YouTube TV, Peacock, Paramount+, NYT, or WSJ subscriptions
$300
Annual
$300 Lululemon credit
Get up to $300 per year in quarterly statement credits for Lululemon activewear and accessories at stores and online
$300
Annual
$300 Equinox credit
Get up to $300 per year in statement credits toward Equinox+ digital fitness membership or Equinox Club Access at premium gyms
$300
Annual
$250 Airbnb Experiences credit
Up to $250 a year on Airbnb Experiences after you book a prepaid Airbnb Luxe stay through Amex Travel
$250
Annual
Show all 13 creditsShow fewer credits
$219 CLEAR Plus credit
Automatic statement credit covering CLEAR Plus membership at 50+ airports for expedited security screening with biometric identification
$219
Annual
$200 Oura Ring credit
Get up to $200 per year in statement credits toward Oura Ring purchase or monthly membership for sleep and wellness tracking
$200
Annual
$200 airline credit
Up to $200 back annually for checked bags, seat selection, and in-flight purchases at one airline you select each calendar year
$200
Annual
$200 Uber Cash
Get $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a $20 December bonus for Uber rides and Uber Eats orders
$200
Annual
$155 Walmart+ credit
Get monthly Credits covering Walmart+ valued at $155 annually for free delivery, mobile scan and go, and fuel savings at 14,000+ gas stations
$155
Annual
$120 Uber One credit
Get up to $120 per year in statement credits for Uber One membership with auto-renewal for $0 delivery fees and reduced ride prices
$120
Annual
$120 Global Entry or up to $85 TSA PreCheck / 4 years
Every four years: $120 Global Entry or up to $85 TSA PreCheck with an official provider. Pay with an eligible card; first program only, not both.
$120
Every 4 years
Lounge Access
Access 1,550+ airport lounges worldwide
Plaza Premium Lounge access at airports with Global Lounge
Get complimentary access to Plaza Premium Lounges at airports globally as part of the Platinum Card's Global Lounge Collection network
Global Lounge Collection with 1,550+ airport lounges
Get free access to Global Lounge Collection with Centurion, Delta Sky Club, Priority Pass Select, partner lounges in 140 countries
Lufthansa Business Lounge access on Lufthansa Group
Get complimentary access to Lufthansa Business Lounges and sometimes Senator Lounges when flying Lufthansa, SWISS, or Austrian Airlines with one guest
International Amex Lounges at select global airports
Get free access to AMEX-branded lounges separate from Centurion Lounges at select international airports with premium amenities
Priority Pass Select with 1,300+ lounges globally
Complimentary Priority Pass Select membership valued at $469 annually for you and typically 2 guests at 1,300+ airport lounges globally
10 Delta Sky Club visits per year when flying Delta
10 complimentary Delta Sky Club visits annually when flying Delta-operated or marketed flights — unlimited visits after $75,000 annual spend
Escape Lounge access at US airports with food and beverages
Get complimentary access to Escape Lounges at United States airports with free food, drinks, and Wi-Fi during travels
Airspace Lounge access at US airports with 2 guests
Get complimentary access to Airspace Lounges at select US airports with premium amenities like craft cocktails for you and two guests
Centurion Lounges worldwide with premium dining
Access exclusive Amex Centurion Lounges with chef-curated menus, craft cocktails, spa services, and shower suites at 26 locations worldwide
26
Worldwide
Elite Status & Memberships
Fast track to top-tier perks
Elite status with Hertz, National, Avis for upgrades
Get free elite status with Hertz President's Circle, National Emerald Executive, Avis Preferred Plus for free vehicle upgrades
Platinum Travel Service
Platinum Travel counselors specialize in providing custom itineraries and tailored recommendations to help you make the most of your travels.
Insurance & Protections
11 protectionsZero liability protection on fraudulent charges
You're not responsible for unauthorized charges. Amex covers 100% of fraudulent transactions when reported promptly.
$100,000 primary rental car coverage for $20-$25/rental
$100,000
Optional primary collision and theft coverage up to $100,000 without filing through personal insurance — just $19.95-$24.95 per rental period
$75,000 car rental loss and damage insurance
$75,000
Secondary coverage up to $75,000 for theft or damage to rental vehicles when you decline the rental company's CDW
$10,000 purchase Cover against theft and damage for 90 days
$10,000
Get coverage up to $10,000 per item and $50,000 annually for eligible purchases against theft or accidental damage within 90 days
$10,000 trip cancellation coverage per covered trip
$10,000
secondary
Coverage for non-refundable travel expenses up to $10,000 per trip if you cancel due to illness, injury, severe weather, or other covered reasons
Show all 11 protectionsShow fewer protections
$800 cell phone protection with $50 deductible
$800
Up to $800 per claim and $1,600 annually for cell phone damage or theft when paying monthly wireless bill with Platinum Card — just $50 deductible
$500 trip delay Cover for delays exceeding 6 hours
$500
Get reimbursed up to $500 per trip for meals, lodging, and necessities when common carrier delays exceed 6 hours on trips booked with Platinum Card
$300 return Cover when merchants won't accept returns within
$300
Get reimbursed up to $300 per item and $1,000 per year when merchants refuse to accept returns on eligible purchases within 90 days
$3,000 baggage insurance for lost or damaged bags
Get secondary coverage up to $3,000 per person for lost or damaged baggage when traveling on paid common carrier tickets booked with Platinum Card
Global Assist Hotline with 24/7 emergency help traveling
Get 24/7 emergency assistance for medical referrals, legal help, translation services, and lost document support when traveling 100+ miles from home
Extended warranty adds 1 year to warranties under 5 years
Get an additional year of warranty protection on eligible purchases with original manufacturer warranties of 5 years or less at no extra cost
Experiences & Access
Entertainment access with exclusive presales and VIP events
Get exclusive ticket presales, premium seating, invitation-only VIP experiences for concerts, theater, sports, and cultural events worldwide
Dining Out
1x at restaurants
Membership Rewards
≈$1.50 in value on a $100 dinner, at our valuation of 1.5¢ per point
Annual fee: $895
Explore 11,044 restaurants where this card unlocks perksPlatinum Nights by Resy
Reservation access at 642 Global Dining Access by Resy restaurants
Resy Restaurant Credit
At 11,039 Resy restaurants
$400
A year
Stack a dining program
Rakuten Dining
5% back at 20,618 participating restaurants, on top of this card's 1x, once you join and link this card.
+$5
cash back, or ≈$5.50 as points
More on a $100 dinner
Program & Transfers
Membership Rewards
Membership Rewards rewards earned with this card can transfer to 20 loyalty partners.
Amex Membership Rewards offers one of the broadest transfer networks in the industry with 16 airline and 4 hotel partners. The program's strength lies in premium cabin redemptions, with exceptional sweet spots like ANA first class via Virgin Atlantic and Delta One awards through Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. Unlike competitors, Amex frequently runs transfer bonuses (15-40%) to partners like Virgin Atlantic, Avianca, and British Airways, often 3-4 times per year. These bonuses can dramatically improve redemption value, making MR points worth 2-3+ cents per point for savvy users who time their transfers. The program covers all three major alliances with multiple partners in each, providing unmatched redundancy. If one partner has poor availability, you have alternatives. This flexibility, with most transfers estimated at 48 hours, makes Membership Rewards workable for short-notice premium cabin bookings.
Program Ratings
Transfer Partners (20)
Transfer your Membership Rewards points to 20 leading loyalty programs for maximum value.
Airlines
(16)Most partners accept Membership Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio with instant or near-instant transfers.
View detailed transfer ratios
Airlines
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:8 | 1-2 days | — | 0.8 cpp | |
| 1:1 | 3-5 days | — | 1.5 cpp | |
| 5:4 | 1-2 days | — | 1.3 cpp | |
| 5:4 | 1-2 days | — | 1 cpp | |
| 5:4 | 1-2 days | — | 1.35 cpp | |
| 1:1 | 1-2 days | — | — | |
| 1:1 | 1-2 days | 94% | 1.25 cpp | |
| 1:1 | 1-2 days | 88% | 1.3 cpp | |
| 1:1 | 3-5 days | 81% | 1.3 cpp | |
| 1:1 | 1-2 days | 81% | 1 cpp | |
| 1:1 | 1-2 days | 81% | 1.25 cpp | |
| 1:1 | 1-2 days | 75% | 1.2 cpp | |
| 1:1 | 1-2 days | 75% | 1.25 cpp | |
| 1:1 | 1-2 days | 75% | — | |
| 1:1 | 1-2 days | 75% | 1.25 cpp | |
| 1:1 | 1-2 days | 69% | 1.35 cpp |
Hotels
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4:1 | 3-5 days | — | — | |
| 1:2 | 1-2 days | 63% | 0.4 cpp | |
| 1:1 | 1-2 days | 44% | 0.8 cpp | |
| 1:1 | 1-2 days | 44% | 0.7 cpp |
Sweet Spots — Best Redemptions
| Route / Property | Points | Cabin/Type | Value / Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intra-Europe Economy via Iberia | 3,500 | economy | Europe |
| Intra-Europe in Economy on a Partner | 4,000 | economy | Europe |
| US to Europe in Economy | 6,000 | economy | Europe |
| US to South America in Economy | 7,100 | economy | South America |
| Domestic US and Canada in Economy | 7,100 | economy | United States |
| Intra-Europe in Economy | 7,500 | economy | Europe |
| Intra-Europe in Business | 8,000 | business | Europe |
| US to Canada in Economy | 10,300 | economy | United States |
| US to Mexico in Economy on a Partner | 11,500 | economy | Central America |
| Canada to Hawaii in Economy | 11,600 | economy | United States |
| Domestic US in First Class | 12,500 | first | United States |
| US to Mexico in Economy | 14,400 | economy | Central America |
| US to Hawaii in Economy on a Partner | 15,000 | economy | United States |
| US to Iceland in Economy on a Partner | 17,000 | economy | Europe |
| US to Japan in Economy | 20,000 | economy | Asia |
| US to Asia in Economy | 20,000 | economy | Asia |
| US to South America in Business | 22,500 | business | South America |
| US to Northern Africa in Economy | 25,000 | economy | Africa |
| US to Hong Kong in Economy | 27,000 | economy | Asia |
| US to Mexico in Business on a Partner | 30,000 | business | Central America |
Showing top 20 of 45 sweet spots
Reviews & Analysis
Third-Party Rankings & Ratings
5 sourcesCategory Rankings (14 categories)
How It Compares
Dominates premium cards with 9 lounge networks including exclusive Centurion Lounges and automatic Marriott/Hilton Gold. $895 fee offset by $3,000+ in Uber, dining, hotel, and entertainment credits. 5X on flights plus flexible Membership Rewards transfers to 20 partners make this the top choice for luxury travel.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- +Access to 9 lounge networks including exclusive Centurion Lounges with 2 guests free
- +$200/year Uber Cash plus a $120 Uber One membership credit
- +$400/year Resy dining credit at select restaurants
- +Automatic Marriott Gold and Hilton Gold status with room upgrades and breakfast
- +5X points on flights booked direct or via Amex Travel
- +$1,600/year cell phone protection with $50 deductible
- +Delta Sky Club access when flying Delta same day
Cons
- -$895 annual fee requires significant credit utilization to break even
- -Many credits require specific merchants (Resy, Equinox, lululemon, Oura)
- -Only 1X points on non-travel purchases limits everyday earning
- -Secondary car rental coverage unless paying $24.95/rental for primary
- -$195 authorized user fee after first 3 free cards
Who It's Best For
Best For
- Frequent flyers who value lounge access (Centurion, Priority Pass, Delta Sky Club)
- Travelers who can use $3,000+ in annual credits across Uber, Resy, hotels, and entertainment
- Those seeking automatic Marriott Gold and Hilton Gold elite status
- Premium travelers booking through Fine Hotels + Resorts for $100 property credits
- Road warriors who benefit from CLEAR Plus, Global Entry, and TSA PreCheck credits
Not Ideal For
- Budget-conscious travelers who cannot maximize credits to offset $895 annual fee
- Those who prefer Visa/Mastercard acceptance over Amex network
- Cardholders seeking high everyday spending rewards (1X on non-travel purchases)
- Travelers who rarely visit airports with Centurion or Priority Pass lounges
The Math: Is $895 Worth It?
Credit Utilization (60%)
Excludes earning value, lounge access, insurance, and elite status
Total Value Captured
$1,950.90
Annual Fee
-$895
Net Annual Value
+$1,055.90
Details & Terms
Application Rules
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Amex Family | If you have received a signup bonus from a higher tiered card, you are ineligible to receive a bonus from a lower tiered card in that same card family |
| Amex 1/7 | Amex allows only 1 bonus per specific card every 7 years (yours or that version of the card) |
| Amex Popup Jail | After you apply, Amex may show a pop-up saying you're ineligible for the welcome bonus |
Payment Terms
| Purchase APR | 19.74%–28.74% (Variable) |
| Cash Advance APR | 26.74% (Variable) |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 |
| Authorized User Fee | $195 (first 3 free) |
FAQs
Can you cash out Amex Membership Rewards points?
You can redeem Membership Rewards points for a statement credit at only 0.6¢ per point. With an Amex Business Checking account you can reach 1¢ per point, which still isn’t great value. For the best return, transfer points to airline or hotel partners before booking.
Where is the best place to use American Express points?
The best place to use Amex points is with transfer partners. Move points to an airline or hotel program and book award travel for more than 1¢ per point you'll earn from the Amex Travel Portal. Partner sweet spots often yield much higher value once you get more advanced in the hobby.
Can I upgrade Amex Gold to Platinum?
You can upgrade, but it’s usually not recommended. Amex limits welcome offers to roughly once every 7 years per card. Upgrade bonuses are typically much smaller than new-card offers, so applying for a new Platinum card generally provides better long-term value.
How to avoid Amex Platinum annual fee?
There’s no way to avoid the [Amex Platinum](https://pointsnav.com/credit-cards/american-express-platinum-personal) annual fee. The card’s benefits and welcome offer can offset year one, but ongoing value depends on your use of credits and lounges. If the math no longer works, your options are to cancel or downgrade to a lower-fee card.
Can I use Amex points to upgrade to business class?
Yes. Upgrading with points often costs less than paying cash, but you’ll usually get better value by transferring points to the airline and booking business class from the start. Amex partner sweet spots can produce excellent premium-cabin redemptions when available.
Should you transfer points or book with the Amex Travel portal?
Transfer to airline partners when redemption value exceeds 1.5 cents per point (common for business/first class). Use the Amex Travel portal at 1 cpp for economy flights when transfer partners offer poor availability or require fuel surcharges. Portal bookings earn 5x on Platinum for effective 5 cpp value, making them competitive with mediocre transfer redemptions.
How do I transfer Amex Membership Rewards points to airlines?
Log into your Amex account, navigate to the rewards section, click "Transfer Points," link your loyalty account with your chosen airline partner, select the partner and amount, then initiate the transfer. Transfers are irreversible once completed, so verify all details before confirming.
Are there fees when transferring Amex points?
There is a federal excise tax of $0.0006 per point (maximum $99 per transaction) when transferring to US-based airline partners like Delta and JetBlue. No transfer fees apply to other partners, hotel programs, or international airlines. Always check the specific partner's terms before transferring.
Can you pool or share Amex points?
Points from multiple Amex Membership Rewards cards automatically pool under one login for flexible redemptions. You cannot directly transfer points between different Amex accounts or to unauthorized users, but you can transfer pooled points to an authorized user's loyalty account after a 90-day waiting period.
Media & Resources
Video Reviews
8 videosAmex Platinum Card - 20 Things You MUST DO (2026 Guide)
The Best Credit Card Refresh Ever? Amex Platinum 2025
American Express Platinum Review 2024 - Is Amex Platinum really over $1500 in value?
Amex Platinum Card - 17 Things You MUST Do Now
My HONEST Review of The AMEX Platinum Card | Worth The Fee?
Full Review of NEW 2025 American Express Platinum!
American Express Platinum Card 2025 Refresh Review!
Third-Party Articles & Reviews
Is the AmEx Platinum Worth the Annual Fee?
Detailed breakdown of whether the $895 annual fee is justified by the card's benefits, including specific calculations for different traveler profiles.
American Express Platinum Card: Full Review
Comprehensive review covering all benefits, earning rates, credits, and how to maximize the $895 annual fee with over $3,500 in potential value.
Why the refreshed Amex Platinum is 2026's top premium card
The Points Guy names the Amex Platinum as the 2026 Premium Card of the Year and Lounge Access Card of the Year, highlighting the card's comprehensive benefits after the recent refresh.
American Express Platinum & Business Platinum Card Refresh
Detailed coverage of the Platinum Card refresh including the fee increase to $895, new 175K/200K signup bonuses, and analysis of the $600 hotel credit, $400 Resy credit, and $300 Lululemon credit.
Hidden Benefits Of The American Express Platinum Card
Comprehensive guide to lesser-known Platinum Card benefits including ShopRunner, International Airline Program, Leaders Club Titanium status, and various insurance coverages.
American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits
NerdWallet's in-depth analysis of the Platinum Card as "the gold standard" of premium travel cards, detailing the extensive lounge access and annual credits that justify the $895 fee.
American Express Platinum Card® review
Bankrate calls the Amex Platinum "the cream of the crop when it comes to premium card perks," detailing first-class travel benefits and credits worth more than the annual fee.
Is the Amex Platinum worth it?
CNBC Select analyzes whether the $895 annual fee is worth it, with specific breakdowns of credit usage and spending patterns needed to maximize value.
Amex Platinum Card review: A premium travel card with luxury perks
CNBC Select's review highlighting the card's extensive airport lounge access, elite status perks, and annual credits across shopping, travel, and entertainment.
The Amex Platinum Credit Card Review: Is It Worth It? [2026]
Comprehensive 2026 review analyzing the card's refresh, new benefits, and whether the value proposition holds up for different types of travelers.
American Express Platinum Card® Reviews: Worth It for 2026?
User reviews and expert analysis from WalletHub examining whether the Platinum Card delivers value for 2026, with community insights on credit utilization strategies.
The Platinum Card from American Express 2025 Review
U.S. News Money's analysis of the Platinum Card's benefits including the $200 airline credit, Uber credits, streaming credits, and Equinox membership for those who travel and spend enough to justify the fee.
Card Design
Evidence Sources
| Source | Verified | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| American Express | — | American Express |
| American Express | American Express: Multiple card facts | |
| RewardsCC API | — | RewardsCC API |
| Issuer Page | Issuer Page | |
| American Express | American Express: Welcome offer | |
| American Express | American Express | |
| American Express | American Express |
Partner credits at
Merchants this card gives you a statement credit or membership at. Unlike the brands above, this isn't about earn rate — it's money the card hands back when you spend there.
