Amex Platinum Card Hotel and Car Rental Elite Status Benefits [2026]

The Platinum Card^® from American Express offers premium travel benefits, including hotel and rental car elite status, rental car coverage, and related travel benefits. This guide covers the hotel and rental car programs available with the card, the benefits available with status, and how to enroll to activate your status and coverage.

Quick Overview: Amex Platinum Card Hotel and Rental Car Benefits

Cardholders of the Amex Platinum card get complimentary elite status with National Emerald Club Executive, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards President’s Circle, and Avis Preferred Plus. The card also offers secondary rental car loss and damage insurance, which covers theft or damage up to $75,000. There’s an optional flat-fee Premium Protection service for car rentals with primary coverage for the full rental of up to 42 days.

Hotel status benefits for Amex Platinum cardholders include Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite, Hilton Honors Gold, and Leaders Club Sterling with Leading Hotels of the World.

All status benefits require enrollment and do not apply automatically.

Hot Tip:

The hotel and car rental elite status benefits of the Amex Platinum card also apply to The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Amex Platinum Card Rental Car Status and Codes

Amex Platinum Card Hotel Status

Amex Platinum Card: Overview

Here’s an overview of the Amex Platinum card‘s core benefits.

BEST LOUNGE CARD

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

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

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Platinum Card^® from American Express

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

Welcome Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount — all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.

As High as 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $3,850

Annual Fee

$895

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, the Platinum Card^® from American Express is a top choice.

The card offers premium perks like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and several annual card credits. The Amex Platinum card is easily worth the annual fee for frequent travelers who use the lounges and travel credits, and hard to justify for those who won’t.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far): Get access to over 1,550 worldwide lounges, including Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5 points per $1 spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5 points per $1 spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $895 annual fee (rates & fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags).

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards^® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel^®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts^® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel^® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
• With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 Delta Sky Club visits (subject to visit limitations) when flying on an eligible Delta flight, Priority Pass™ membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. *As of 01/2026
• $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card^® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card^® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
• $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card^® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
• $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel^® using the Platinum Card^®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights™ by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card^® to pay for eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. As a Platinum Card^® Member you have special access to reservations on select nights at participating sought after Resy restaurants in select cities through Platinum Nights™ by Resy. Simply add your Platinum Card^® to your Resy profile to book your reservation.
• $219 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $219 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card^®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card^® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
• Start your vacation sooner and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts^® through American Express Travel^®, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM late check-out.
• $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card^® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Get up to a $12.95* statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Platinum Card^®. *Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.
• Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
• $895 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

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

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Apply and find out if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of as high as 175,000 points with the Amex Platinum. Welcome offers may vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Hotel Program Elite Status

Primary cardmembers of the Amex Platinum card and Additional Platinum Cardholders get elite status with Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and Leaders Club loyalty rewards programs upon enrollment.

Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status

The Amex Platinum card comes with Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status, which normally requires 25 nights at Marriott properties within a calendar year.

Benefits of Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status

• Free premium Wi-Fi
• Enhanced room upgrades when available
• Receive the fifth consecutive award night free
• 2 p.m. late checkout
• 25% additional bonus points
• No blackout dates
• A dedicated reservation line
• Reservation guarantee
• Up to 500 welcome offer bonus points each stay
• Access to PointSavers discounted award nights
• Use a combination of points and cash to pay for your reservation
• Use points for on-site expenses
• Member-only room rates.

Hilton Honors Gold Status

Cardmembers also receive complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status. Normally, you must have completed 15 stays, 25 nights, or $6,000 in eligible annual spending in a calendar year.

Benefits of Hilton Honors Gold Status

• Room upgrades to executive level when available
• Complimentary breakfast
• Late checkout
• Free Wi-Fi
• Waived resort fees on award stays
• Fifth standard award night free
• 2 free bottles of water
• 80% additional bonus points
• Elite rollover nights
• Milestone bonuses

Leaders Club Sterling Status from Leading Hotels of the World

American Express now offers Leaders Club Sterling Status in the Leading Hotels of the World collection (enrollment required). Leaders Club Sterling status is the second tier in the program and offers benefits including:

• 5 prearrival upgrades, subject to availability
• 5% Leaders Club points bonus on qualifying stays
• Daily continental breakfast for 2 guests
• Consideration for early check-in and late checkout

Hot Tip:

Hotel elite status requires enrollment. See our checklist of everything you should do when you receive your new Amex Platinum card. 

Additional Hotel Program Benefits

While technically not an elite status, cardholders can get benefits at luxury hotel properties worldwide.

American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts

Get these benefits when you use your Amex Platinum card to stay at Fine Hotels + Resorts properties.

• Room upgrades, based on availability
• Breakfast for 2 guests each day of your stay
• Early check-in, late checkout
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Special amenity unique to the property location with a value of at least $100

The Hotel Collection

Stay for 2 nights or more at The Hotel Collection properties and receive these valuable benefits.

• Upgraded room, if available
• $100 room credit for on-site amenities, such as dining, spa, etc.
• 5x earnings when booking prepaid hotel nights through AmexTravel.com

Bottom Line:

Cardmembers get additional benefits, including an up to $600 annual statement credit for prepaid stays at American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts and on 2-night stays at The Hotel Collection properties. 

Car Rental Program Elite Status

Using your Amex Platinum card to reserve and pay for your rental car can offer vehicle upgrades, discounted rates, VIP pickup and return, and other Amex Platinum card perks (Source: American Express).

National Emerald Club Executive Status

Complimentary Emerald Club Executive status with National Car Rental includes the following benefits (enrollment required):

• Guaranteed vehicle upgrades
• 1 free rental day after 6 rentals
• Convenient pickup and drop-off with e-receipts
• 20% discount using code
• Dedicated reservation line

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards President’s Circle

When you sign up on the Platinum Hertz Gold Plus Rewards site and add code 211762 to your profile, you unlock several complimentary Amex Platinum card benefits (enrollment required):

• Complimentary Hertz President’s Circle status
• Bypass the counter and go straight to your rental car.
• Complimentary 1-class car upgrade when available
• Free additional driver (spouse or domestic partner)
• Receive special savings or the best available rates.
• Rent luxury cars from the Hertz Prestige Collection and receive special discounted weekend rates.
• 10% Hertz Gold Plus Rewards bonus earnings
• 4-hour grace period for returns
• Terms and conditions apply.

Avis Preferred Plus

Using your Amex Platinum card as an Avis Preferred member, you can expect to receive these benefits (enrollment required):

• Complimentary Avis Preferred Plus Status
• Go right to your car with worldwide expedited service.
• Discounts on published rates, up to 25% (use code 756900)
• 1-car upgrade when available (use code UUNA007)
• Use the Avis app to select your car, extend your rental, or make changes.
• Earn Avis Preferred Points for every $1 you spend.

Amex Platinum Card Car Rental Insurance

The Amex Platinum card includes secondary car rental loss and damage insurance at no additional cost. Premium Protection, which includes primary coverage, is available as a paid upgrade (Source: American Express).

Included vs. Premium Car Rental Coverage

What the Included Coverage Provides

The Amex Platinum card includes secondary coverage for theft or damage to vehicles rented with the card, up to $75,000 (Source: American Express). With secondary coverage, you must file a claim with your automobile or travel insurance first. It doesn’t include liability coverage for damage to other vehicles. You must reserve and pay for the rental with the Amex Platinum card and decline the collision damage waiver at the counter.

Premium Car Rental Protection (Optional Upgrade)

Amex Premium Protection is an optional upgrade that costs $12.25 to $24.95 and covers the entire rental period of up to 42 days (30 for Washington residents). It’s primary coverage, so you don’t need to file with a personal insurer first. You must be enrolled and purchase coverage before picking up the vehicle.

Additional Protections

• Personal property up to $1,000 per person and $2,000 maximum
• Medical expenses of up to $5,000 per person
• Accidental death or dismemberment up to $200,000 for the cardholder and $20,000 per passenger

Exclusions and How To Claim

Countries excluded are Australia, Italy, and New Zealand. Certain vehicle types are excluded, and the insurance does not include liability coverage.

To file a claim, submit it within 30 days and complete the claim forms within 15 days of filing your claim. You must provide proof of loss within 60 days.

Additional Benefits of the Amex Platinum Card

The Amex Platinum card has additional travel benefits beyond hotel and car rental status, including worldwide airline lounge access, Membership Rewards earning, and annual statement credits (enrollment required for some benefits).

Read our Amex Platinum card review to see all of the card’s valuable benefits.

Alternative Card for Business Owners

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

NEW OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

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

Apply Now(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 Offer

As High As 300,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 300,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after spending $20,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

As High As 300,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $6,600

Annual Fee

$895

APR

17.74% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Amex Business Platinum Card is a premium travel rewards card tailored for business owners who are frequent travelers with high annual expenses.

When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers, like the best airport lounge access at over 1,550 lounges and numerous annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Earn 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on eligible travel purchases like flights, prepaid hotels, and prepaid short-term rentals booked through AmexTravel.com
• Access to over 1,550 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
• Earn 2x Membership Rewards points on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (on up to $2 million per calendar year)

Cons

• High annual fee of $895 (rates & fees)
• Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• As High As 300,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 300,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after spending $20,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection^® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,550 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card company on the market as of 07/2025.
• See how you can unlock over $4,000 in business and travel value annually after meeting qualifying spend thresholds on the Business Platinum Card. Terms apply.
• Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually for up to a total of $600 in statement credits per calendar year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using the Business Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• No Preset Spending Limit: The spending limit on the Business Platinum Card is flexible, so unlike a traditional credit card with a set limit, the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment and credit history.
• Make the Business Platinum Card^® work even harder for you. Hilton for Business members get up to $200 back per calendar year when you make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties across the globe. Gift cards are not an eligible purchase. Benefit enrollment required.
• Fly like a pro with a $200 Airline Fee Credit. Select one qualifying airline to receive up to $200 back per year on baggage fees and other incidentals.
• Use the Business Platinum Card and get up to $209 back per calendar year on your CLEAR+ Membership (subject to auto-renewal).
• Maximize your time away with Fine Hotels + Resorts through Amex Travel™.
• Enroll and get up to $150 in statement credits on U.S purchases directly with Dell Technologies on the Business Platinum Card and an additional $1,000 statement credit after you spend $5,000 or more on that same Card per calendar year.
• Enroll and get up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year on U.S. purchases of ChatGPT Business* on the Business Platinum Card. *Subject to auto-renewal.
• Enroll and get a $250 statement credit after you spend $600 or more on U.S. purchases directly with Adobe per calendar year on the Business Platinum Card.
• Get up to $90 in statement credits quarterly for purchases with Indeed on the Business Platinum Card. That’s up to $360 back per year. Enrollment required.
• Get up to $10 in statement credits per month for wireless telephone service purchases made directly with a wireless provider in the U.S. on the Business Platinum Card. That’s up to $120 back per year. Enrollment required.
• 2X points on purchases at U.S. construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more, up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
• 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com
• 1X points on other eligible purchases
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 17.74% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer as high as 300,000 points with the Amex Business Platinum card. Find out your offer. Terms Apply.

The Amex Business Platinum card offers the same hotel and rental car program elite status perks upon enrollment, plus additional benefits for business travelers.

Final Thoughts

The Amex Platinum card offers hotel status with Marriott, Hilton, and Leading Hotels of the World, plus rental car benefits with National, Hertz, and Avis. The included rental car insurance is secondary, while premium coverage adds primary coverage at an additional cost.