Amex Platinum Card Entertainment and Event Perks [Deep Dive]

There’s little doubt that The Platinum Card^® from American Express is one of the most impressive travel rewards cards available. The card is known for its generous welcome bonus, earning and redemption options for valuable Membership Rewards points, and a long list of premium travel benefits.

While we could go on and on about the travel attributes and value-added benefits of the card, today we’re focused on some of the Amex Platinum card’s entertainment benefits.

These benefits may not be in your highest priorities when choosing a card, but a closer look at the entertainment benefits offered on the Amex Platinum card unveils some interesting and unique perks for cardmembers.

Join us as we dig deep into the event and entertainment perks you can expect to find on your Amex Platinum card.

Note that some benefits of the Amex Platinum card require enrollment through your American Express account.

Amex Platinum Card Snapshot

BEST LOUNGE ACCESS

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome OfferEarn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
80,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$1,760

Annual Fee

$695

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros

The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
Annual and monthly statement credits upon enrollment (airline credit, Uber Cash credit, Saks Fifth Avenue credit, streaming credit, prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, Walmart+ credit, CLEAR credit, and Equinox credit)
TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts
Access to Amex International Airline Program
No foreign transaction fees (rates and fees)

Cons

$695 annual fee (rates and fees)
Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card^®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
$200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
$240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card^® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
$155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card^®. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card^®.
$200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
$300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card^®. Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
$189 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card^®. Learn more.
$100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck^® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card^®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card^®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card^®. An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Resy profile.
$695 annual fee.
Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

APR: See Pay Over Time APR
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 125k (or 150k) points with the Amex Platinum. The current public offer is 80,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

What Are Amex Platinum Entertainment and Event Perks?

Amex US Open Suite Inside Stool Seating — As an Amex Platinum cardmember, you’ll receive unprecedented access to all sorts of events. Image Credit: James Larounis

The Amex Platinum card, The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, the Centurion^® Card from American Express*, and the Business Centurion^® Card from American Express* all offer an expanded collection of entertainment-related benefits above and beyond what is offered on Amex’s non-premium cards.

*All information about these cards has been collected independently by Upgraded Points.

These perks grant VIP access to unique experiences and allow the cardholder to receive priority seating, concierge assistance, and access to ticket presales and invitation-only events.

Let’s take a look at some of the proprietary entertainment and event perks you can expect as a cardholder.

Amex Invitation-only Events

With Amex’s “By Invitation Only” benefit, cardmembers enjoy unique access to one-of-a-kind experiences. Past events have included celebrity chef dinners and cooking classes, VIP access at the Monaco Grand Prix, a U.S. Open Tennis Championship experience, and backstage meet-and-greets with performers at top concerts. VIP access to sporting events, fashion events, and theater performances are also examples of invitation-only event offerings.

The events are not free, but offer access you’re not likely to experience on your own accord. You may also be able to share the experience with a guest.

Platinum Houses, Amex Lounges, and Centurion Suites

These pop-up lounges are temporary retreats for the Amex cardholder to grab a drink, a gourmet bite to eat, listen to music, get shopping advice, and even access an on-site concierge.

Platinum Houses, Amex Lounges, and Centurion Suites are set up at events that Amex Platinum cardholders might attend, such as Coachella, or high-profile sporting events such as the U.S. Open. Lounges may also be used to encourage Amex Platinum cardholders to attend cultural events.

You could even find a Platinum House set up in a major airport.

Log in to your Amex Platinum card account to access your benefits and find out where the next Platinum House is scheduled to pop up.

The Centurion Suite — Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles

The Centurion Suite at Crypto.com Arena (formerly the STAPLES Center) in Los Angeles is a VIP benefit option open during most Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Los Angeles Kings home games. The space offers a premium view of the game and can be accessed with an Amex Platinum card, Amex Business Platinum card, and Centurion cards. Up to 3 additional guests per cardmember can also enter.

The suite opens 90 minutes before game time and is first come, first served. Once the allotted capacity is reached, access is closed. Drinks and food are not complimentary, but the view is spectacular.

If you’re attending a game at the Crypto.com Arena and have an Amex Platinum card, be sure to take advantage of this perk, as well as the American Express Card Member Entrance.

Amex Global Dining Collection Partners

Resy Global Dining Access Amex Platinum Card — Image Credit: Resy

With a collection of hundreds of the top restaurants throughout the world to choose from, you’ll always dine in style as an Amex Platinum cardmember.

For access to priority reservations, you can utilize the Amex app on your phone, call the number on the back of your card, or contact your Amex Concierge. There is no cost for the service.

Additionally, you’ll be invited to Amex Global Dining Collection events where you can meet some of your favorite chefs and receive access to special dining experiences. You may even find Amex Global Dining Collection chefs at a Platinum House pop-up event.

Amex Premium Concierge Services

If you’ve never utilized a concierge, you may wonder why you would need one. A concierge can save you time, provide exclusive access, and assist you in emergencies. Concierges can help you with a wide variety of services including, but not limited to:

Arranging transportation
Assistance finding medical care and medicines
Helping you find senior, child, or pet care
Pre-trip planning and assistance during travel
Recommendations
Secure difficult-to-obtain dining reservations, theater, and event tickets
Services such as gift shopping, grocery shopping and delivery, and laundry service

Your Personal Platinum concierge is available 24/7 and will attempt to assist you with just about any request. It’s as simple as calling the number on the back of your card, your direct access line (800-525-3355 domestic, 617-622-6756 internationally).

To learn more about the Amex Platinum Concierge, read all the details in our guide.

Bottom Line: “By Invitation Only” events, Platinum House access, the Centurion Suite access, Global Dining Collection events, and the Platinum Concierge are proprietary benefits exclusive to Amex Platinum and Centurion cardmembers.

Additional Entertainment Benefits

Some of the entertainment perks and benefits found on the Amex Platinum card can also be found on additional American Express-issued cards. Here is a sampling of those benefits.

Virtual Events and Experiences

Amex Virtual Experiences — Log in to your Amex online account for a list of unique virtual experiences. Image Credit: American Express

Amex Platinum cardholders, as well as other Amex cardmembers, can access a curated collection of experiences from which to choose by logging in to their online card account.

The creative list of virtual entertainment options is compiled with cardholders in mind. Find free subscription offers, virtual classes, museum tours, theater performances, and so much more.

American Express Preferred Seating

The Amex Platinum card, as well as more than a dozen American Express-issued cards, comes with a preferred seating benefit that gives cardmembers access to priority seat selection for specific events. You’ll access this preferred seating when purchasing your tickets via Ticketmaster.

American Express Presales

Eligible cardmembers, including Amex Platinum card members, have access to ticket presales for a specified window of time before public access. Typical events include sports, theater performances, concerts, and cultural events. Presale tickets for cardholders are also offered via Ticketmaster.

Cardmember Performances

All American Express cardmembers can enjoy priority ticket access to special Cardmember Performances. You’ll find these events posted in the benefits section of your online card account or an announcement via email.

Tickets for these events must be purchased with an eligible American Express card. All sales are final and other terms and conditions may apply.

Bottom Line: Every Amex-issued card has some level of entertainment or event perks. Log in to your online card account and click on “benefits” to find out which perks are offered on your Amex card.

Additional Benefits of the Amex Platinum Card

We’ve written extensively on the benefits of the Amex Platinum card, but here’s a quick overview of several key value-added benefits that are offered on the card.

Worldwide Airport Lounge Access

The Amex Platinum card and Amex Business Platinum card offer second-to-none complimentary worldwide airport lounge access to more than 1,400 lounge properties.

Most lounges allow the cardholder to bring 2 additional guests at no charge. Authorized users added to the card ($195 per card, see rates & fees) also receive worldwide lounge access (upon enrollment).

Enjoy access to several lounge networks:

The Centurion Lounge Network
Delta Sky Club (when flying on a same-day Delta flight)
Escape Lounges — The Centurion Studio Partner
Select Lufthansa Lounges (when flying on a same-day Delta flight)
Plaza Premium Lounges
Priority Pass Lounges
Select Virgin Clubhouses

Statement Credits

The Amex Platinum offers several annual statement credits when you make qualifying purchases. Note that enrollment may be required, so be sure to explore your account benefits to get the most out of your card:

Up to $200 prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays
Up to $240 digital entertainment credit
Up to $189 CLEAR Plus credit
Up to $300 Equinox credit
Up to $100 at Saks Fifth Avenue
Up to $200 in Uber Cash
Up to $200 for airline incidentals
Up to $100 Global Entry or up to $85 TSA PreCheck application fee reimbursement
Up to $155 Walmart+ credit

Elite Status

The Amex Platinum card comes with hotel loyalty program Gold elite status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy (upon enrollment).

Cardholders also receive Emerald Club Executive membership with National, President’s Circle status with Hertz, and booking perks and discounts with Avis (upon enrollment).

Bottom Line: In addition to VIP entertainment perks and benefits, the Amex Platinum card offers value-added premium travel rewards benefits that can more than justify the card’s annual fee.

Amex Business Platinum Card

If you’re a business owner, you may find the Amex Business Platinum card a better fit for your situation.

150K OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Welcome OfferEarn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
150,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$3,300

Annual Fee

$695

APR

19.49% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card tailored toward business owners who are frequent travelers with a high number of annual expenses.

When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers like the best airport lounge access at over 1,400 lounges, along with tons of annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card can is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a huge welcome bonus offer of up to 170,000 points with the Amex Business Platinum. The current public offer is 150,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

Pros

5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels at Amex Travel
Up to $200 annual airline fee credit on your selected qualifying airline
Statement credits on select purchases with your card
35% airline bonus when using Pay With Points (up to 1,000,000 bonus points per calendar year)
Access to over 1,400 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
Get 50% more Membership Rewards points (1.5 points per $1) on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (cap applies)
Access to Amex’s Fine Hotels & Resorts program

Cons

High annual fee of $695 (rates & fees)
Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags

Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
5X Membership Rewards^® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card^®. Enrollment required. See how you can unlock over $1,000 annually in credits on select purchases with the Business Platinum Card^®, here.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to the Card.
$189 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR^® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card^®.
The American Express Global Lounge Collection^® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
$695 Annual Fee.
Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

APR: 19.49% - 28.49% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

While many of the benefits that come with the Amex Business Platinum card are similar to the personal version, you’ll find some business-specific benefits, including Dell statement credits, that differ.

Final Thoughts

Premium travel rewards cards come with higher fees than other types of cards, so you should expect a higher level of benefits.

The Amex Platinum card delivers by offering cardmember-only entertainment, one-of-a-kind experiences, events, and priority access that may be difficult, even impossible, to duplicate on your own.

The information regarding the Centurion^® Card from American Express was independently collected by Upgraded Points and was not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Business Centurion^® Card from American Express was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, click here.

Featured Image Credit: American Express

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Amex invitation-only events?

Amex Platinum cardholders will receive periodic invitations to events that are not available to the public or have special amenities at a public event that elevate the experience. Dozens of these events are held each year.

You’ll also receive invitations to one-of-a-kind experiences such as meeting concert performers backstage or elusive box seats at a premier sporting event.

Do authorized users on the Amex Platinum card get entertainment benefits?

Yes, authorized users qualify to access entertainment benefits and event perks.

Is the Amex Concierge free?

Yes, any services performed by the Amex Concierge are free. However, you are responsible for any subsequent purchases you make based on the referral. Charges incurred will be added to your Amex Platinum card or Centurion card.

How do I get presale event tickets with my Amex card?

Amex Presale event tickets are available via Ticketmaster. After accessing the Ticketmaster site, select “American Express Cardmember Presale” as the type of ticket. Select your tickets and checkout.

You must have a Ticketmaster account and pay with your American Express card or Membership Rewards points.

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About Christine Krzyszton

Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.

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