Should I Keep or Cancel My Amex Platinum Card? The $695 Question

The Platinum Card^® from American Express is one of the most premium cards on the market. But premium benefits come along with a premium price — and the whopping $695 annual fee (rates & fees) is no joke.

Maximizing all of the benefits of this card is essential when it comes to offsetting the annual fee, and it does take a little organization. Evaluating card membership each year is always a solid idea, so I’m about to ask the big question: Should I keep my Amex Platinum card?

Follow along to see my card analysis and find out the answer.

A Must: Annual Credit Card Evaluations

Keeping or canceling a credit card is a largely personal decision. This is why understanding how others utilize perks and reap card benefits may make it easier to assess your unique personal and financial situation. Plus, many credit cards on the market are also getting refreshes, and it may not make sense to keep a card that offers a specific perk if other cards you possess also offer that same perk (or the offered benefits don’t fit your lifestyle).

Even though the cards in my wallet renew at different times of the year, I prefer to do an annual evaluation each December, with a general spending plan and idea of what cards I’ll keep, cancel, and apply for in the coming year. As 2023 ends, I encourage you to do similar evaluations of each and every card in your wallet so you have a solid spend and credit card plan in place for 2024.

Hot Tip:

Do you have the Amex Platinum card? Consider applying to earn the welcome bonus offer: Earn 80,000 points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first 6 months.

Amex Platinum Card Overview

BEST LOUNGE ACCESS

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's 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 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)

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Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

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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 Offer

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible 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

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 cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

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 & Cons

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

Cons

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

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, 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 through American Express Travel using 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.
• 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.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card^® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $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.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• 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.
• 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

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

My Amex Platinum Card Evaluation

Read on to understand more about the Amex Platinum card benefits I find the most and least useful, how I maximize the card’s points currency (American Express Membership Rewards), some important things to consider when deciding to keep the card, and my final decision on whether I’m keeping, canceling, or downgrading the card.

My Credit Card Situation

Follow along as I analyze my own personal situation before digging into keeping Amex Platinum card.

Location

Since I live in Spain, I don’t benefit from certain card perks useful to many U.S.-based cardholders, such as the card’s monthly Uber Cash credits or the Walmart+ credit. Although I’m in the U.S. once or twice yearly, those benefits aren’t worthwhile for me.

Membership Length

I originally signed up for the Amex Platinum card about 5 years ago, and I’ve been a cardmember ever since. Amex lured me in with a hefty welcome bonus offer, the flexibility to transfer points to many partners, and the hotel elite status for both Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors upon enrollment.

Several years ago, fewer cards offered lounge access as a perk (the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card*×Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One. didn’t exist yet), and the annual fee was slightly more reasonable.

Since Amex raised the annual fee in 2021, I’ve taken an even closer look each year to confirm I’m still gaining enough value from the Amex Platinum card to keep it. I’ve also called each year to see if there were any retention offers available, and have either managed to get a reduced annual fee or a points bonus each year, which has enticed me to stick with the card despite its sky-high annual cost.

Upcoming Spend in 2024

I bought an apartment in Spain this year, which I’ve entirely gutted. Very few cards offer bonus points for purchases like furniture, construction costs, or decoration, especially at home improvement or home goods stores outside of the U.S.

I put some of this renovation spend on a new card I applied for in 2023, The World of Hyatt Credit Card. I may use Amex Platinum card at big box home stores or shops like Zara Home and IKEA, just to name a few, for other home purchases. Christmas shopping is another expense; I’ll do most of that at department stores, toy stores, and clothing stores.

Besides that timely cost, I often order from Uber Eats/food delivery services, spend at restaurants, and purchase travel — especially on hotels not part of points programs or flights when I don’t pay with points. Because I live in Europe, my airfare spending isn’t quite as cut-and-dried as a flyer in the U.S. loyal to a particular U.S.-based airline. Although I often fly with Iberia, British Airways, or Qatar Airways as a Oneworld flyer, I also end up on airlines like Air Europa, Lufthansa, TAP, and Air France, as well as more obscure or low-cost airlines like Vueling, Binter Canarias, Transavia, easyJet, or Ryanair.

I don’t love that the Amex Platinum card doesn’t have much in the way of bonus categories relevant to my lifestyle, so I’ll carefully consider whether the lack of bonus categories can outweigh the card’s perks during my evaluation.

My Credit Score

I checked my credit score to make sure it wouldn’t be too affected if I were to cancel this card. Luckily, I have a very good credit/excellent score, which makes the possibility of canceling a card and the impending ding on my credit score, albeit temporary, less stressful.

Cards in My Wallet

Evaluating cards means comparing them to other cards — this is what I have in my wallet today:

• Amex Platinum card
• Capital One Venture X card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve^®
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express^® Card
• World of Hyatt card

My husband, a Spanish citizen, also has two main cards he uses: the Iberia Plus Icon Visa that earns Iberia Avios, where he can earn Iberia Silver status (Oneworld Ruby) for meeting a spend threshold of €9,000 ($9,500) annually, and a Tarjeta Gold American Express (the American Express^® Gold Card in Spain, but with different benefits than the U.S. version), where points also transfer to Iberia. I’m an authorized user of both, but they’re only for Spanish citizens and residents.

The Amex Platinum Card Benefits I Value the Most

These are some of the top reasons to keep an Amex Platinum card — the benefits I value and use most often. I’ll weigh them primarily against the annual fee to see if keeping the Amex Platinum card is worth it next year.

Up to $200 Prepaid Hotel Credit and Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts

The Amex Platinum card offers a $200 prepaid hotel statement credit for Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection (these require a 2-night stay) bookings.

The benefits of American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts are much more robust than those of The Hotel Collection. When you book a FHR property, expect perks like:

• Room upgrade upon arrival (subject to availability)
• Daily breakfast for 2 people
• Noon check-in (subject to availability)
• Guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• A unique property amenity valued at $100 (spa or food and beverage credit)

While the credit is only $200 (and these hotels can often have expensive nightly rates), when you consider the additional advantages of booking a Fine Hotels + Resorts property, which apply even on just a 1-night stay, you can get an immense amount of value out of it, especially if you’re able to get a room upgrade. As someone who also takes a lot of red-eye flights, I also highly value the guaranteed 4 p.m. checkout, which allows me to enjoy the room as long as possible before heading to the airport.

Up to $200 Airline Credit

Cardholders can charge any airline incidental fees to the Amex Platinum card and receive up to $200 in airline incidental statement credits per calendar year (on 1 qualifying airline, which you must enroll in and select within your cardholder profile).

While I only fly U.S. airlines selectively since I’m based in Europe, I find this benefit enormously helpful, especially since I’m not sure I’ll be able to maintain AAdvantage elite status for 2024. If I can’t swing it, I’ll need to pay for my family of 3 to check bags during a trip I have planned around the U.S. next summer. I may also use it to buy day passes to certain lounges like the American Airlines Admirals Club.

You can also use the credit for change fees, inflight amenities fees, seat selection fees, and phone booking fees.

Up to $240 Digital Entertainment Credit

Get up to $20 in digital entertainment statement credits each month when you use your Amex Platinum card for eligible purchases on Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal, upon enrollment.

As an avid NYT reader who’s subscribed for years and has a toddler who’s just starting to enjoy Disney+, I can fully take advantage of this yearly credit. Additionally, I would make these purchases even if this credit didn’t exist, making it even more valuable. Although I think it would be nice if the credit included more options (especially when it comes to streaming, like Netflix or HBO), I still think it’s a valuable benefit.

I love that Amex makes it easy to keep track of using your credits, so you don’t forget to use them. To see your annual breakout, navigate to your Rewards and Benefits tab, then scroll down to Track Your Progress, and click Show All:

Up to $100 Saks Credit

Upon enrollment, get 2 credits of up to $50 each year for shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue. I actually love this credit because, as a working mom, I often forget to shop for myself as I’m always buying items for my kid. When I realize I need to use the credit, I can sit down and decide what I’d like to spend it on, allowing me to shop for myself.

While many things at Saks are high-priced, the store has excellent sales, and I love putting the credit towards a larger purchase. In past years, I’ve used it for some UGG slippers, swimsuits, and a S’Well water bottle, and I’ve got my eye on some earrings for my remaining 2023 credit.

Bottom Line:

At this point, I’ve already offset the annual fee: $200 in airline credits + $200 in hotel credits + $240 in digital entertainment credits + $100 in Saks credits for $740 in value. In fact, I’ve already gained $45 in value from the card — but is that enough for me to keep it open? Read on to find out.

Global Lounge Collection

Cardmembers get access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, which includes more than 1,400 airport lounges in 140 countries worldwide. Lounges include the Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Club, Lufthansa Lounge, Plaza Premium Lounge, and Priority Pass Select (upon enrollment).

While I value Priority Pass Select membership as my home airport (Madrid Barajas, MAD) and other airports in Spain and around Europe have some comfortable lounges that are part of this program, I get access via other credit cards in my wallet. However, as there are Centurion Lounges in U.S. cities I frequently travel through, I think this is a useful benefit.

Unfortunately, it’s true that Centurion Lounges no longer allow cardholders to bring in guests for free (yet are still often overcrowded). Still, I enjoy taking advantage of these lounges when I’m traveling solo — the food is usually fresh and delicious, and the spaces are modern and comfortable for resting or working.

5x Points on Airfare Booked Directly Through Airlines

Cardholders can earn 5x points on airfare purchased directly through the airline, up to $500,000 per year (then 1x points).

The Amex Platinum card doesn’t offer many bonus categories, but I find the 5x points on airfare booked directly through airlines an easy way to bulk up on points when paying for plane tickets in cash. I often use the card to pay for cash tickets I purchase on airlines like Iberia or even quick flights around Europe on Ryanair.

Easy Transfer to High-Value Transfer Partners

Amex Platinum cardmembers can transfer Membership Rewards points to 20+ airline and hotel partners. While the card doesn’t partner with Hyatt, one of my preferred loyalty programs, it does offer transfers to Marriott and Iberia, two partners I frequently utilize.

Even better? Amex often offers 20% or 30% transfer bonuses when transferring to these particular partners and others. While Upgraded Points values Amex Membership Rewards points at about 2.2 cents per point, I’m able to consistently gain more value from them, mainly due to transferring these points to Iberia Avios during the 30% bonus periods and redeeming them on off-peak dates for business class or economy class travel.

Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status

You can get complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status if you have the Amex Platinum card (upon enrollment), which includes benefits such as:

• 25% more points on hotel stays and incidentals
• Priority late checkout at 2 p.m.
• Enhanced room upgrades
• Welcome gift of points
• Free Wi-Fi

Although I also get this benefit through my Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card, I think I’ll get rid of that particular card this year as I’m slowly moving away from Marriott and more toward Hyatt. However, if I stick with the Amex Platinum card, I’ll still benefit from the status. While Gold Elite status doesn’t always offer excessive benefits, I tend to find value in this status, as a few of my favorite hotels in Europe happen to be part of Marriott.

While I’m not the biggest fan of the Sheraton brand in the U.S., one of my most preferred hotels in Spain is the Sheraton Fuerteventura Beach, Golf & Spa Resort, a beachfront property in the Canary Islands where the staff tends to treat Gold Elite members very well. It was designed by Melvin Villaroel, the same architect as the Ritz-Carlton Abama in Tenerife (another of my favorite Marriott properties in Spain). The hotels have a similar style and feel, but the Sheraton boasts a more affordable price point in both points and cash.

Hilton Honors Gold Elite Status

The Amex Platinum card offers all its cardmembers complimentary Hilton Honors Gold elite status (upon enrollment). Hilton Gold elite status includes perks such as:

• Discounted rates
• 80% bonus points earned on stays
• Space-available room upgrades
• Daily food and beverage credit or continental breakfast (varies by brand and region)

Before COVID-19, I frequented Hilton properties more often, but now, they seem to have increased quite a bit in price (both cash and points). That said, I still find that Gold status offers value, especially regarding the food and beverage credit or breakfast, and I hope to utilize this benefit more in 2024 and onward if I hang onto the card.

Hot Tip:

Learn more about the Amex Platinum card’s hotel and car rental elite status benefits in our detailed guide.

Travel and Purchase Protections

The Amex Platinum card offers a slew of travel and purchase protections, insurance, and benefits. Here are some of them:

• Car rental loss and damage insurance
• Purchase protection
• Extended warranty
• Return protection
• Baggage insurance plan
• Trip delay reimbursement
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance

While I haven’t needed to use these protections (and I hope I won’t need to), having them offers me additional peace of mind, especially when it comes to travel. I also find the purchase, warranty, and return protection useful, as this type of coverage doesn’t come with just any card.

No Foreign Transaction Fees

The Amex Platinum card has no foreign transaction fees (rates & fees). Living abroad, I don’t have any cards with foreign transaction fees — I only have cards I can use everywhere.

Amex Offers

Amex Platinum cardholders can access statement credits and discounts called Amex Offers (upon enrollment). I find Amex Offers valuable, especially ones valid for online purchases for subscriptions like Kindle Unlimited or Dropbox. While they don’t save me endless amounts of money, I think the small returns I get from them are worthwhile, so I frequently check these offers and attempt to use them whenever possible.

Global Entry and PreCheck Credit

Amex Platinum card members get 1 application fee credit for Global Entry (every 4 years) or TSA PreCheck (every 4.5 years).

While I have a few other cards that offer this perk, I enjoy utilizing it to get Global Entry memberships for friends and family. I used this credit a few years ago to get Global Entry for my best friend, and I look forward to being able to renew her membership in another year or 2, assuming I stick with the card.

Hot Tip:

If you already are a member of a Trusted Traveler Program, consider gifting this membership to a loved one, as many credit cards come with a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit. There’s no better stocking stuffer than the gift of not having to take your shoes off at TSA checkpoints, right? And with the upcoming holidays, one of the best ways to survive holiday travel is by getting Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

The Amex Platinum Card Benefits I Value the Least

Living abroad, there are a few benefits that I can’t utilize. While most readers probably live in the U.S., it’s still important to carefully examine which benefits you don’t value or know you won’t use when doing card analysis.

Car Rental Privileges: Avis, Hertz, National

Amex Platinum cardholders get complimentary premium status for car rental programs and additional benefits and discounts with Avis Preferred, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, and National Car Rental Emerald Club (upon enrollment).

I live in Madrid and don’t drive frequently. When I do, I usually rent with local European car companies. If I need to rent a car while on vacation, my partner, who drives more often, is part of Hertz’s top-tier President Circle, so I don’t utilize this benefit at all.

Other Bonus Categories

Besides earning 5x points on airline purchases bought directly from airlines or through AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year), Amex Platinum cardholders also get:

• 5x points on prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com
• 1x points on all other purchases

I cannot get as much value out of these categories. I usually purchase clothing, accessories, and furniture using my Amex Platinum card, mainly thanks to the purchase protection and the fact that most other cards don’t offer bonuses on those services. I try to split these purchases between this particular card and my Capital One Venture X card, which gives me 2x Capital One miles on all eligible purchases.

However, I don’t get as much value out of Capital One’s travel partners. Hyatt isn’t a partner, nor is Iberia (although British Airways is, and there are transfer options between the 2 Oneworld carrier loyalty programs), so I have to think carefully about which points currency gives me the most bang for my buck when shopping.

I also only make purchases using AmexTravel.com if it’s through the Fine Hotels + Resorts program, as I prefer to book most airfare and hotels directly.

Platinum Travel Service

Amex Platinum card’s travel consultants specialize in providing custom itineraries and tailored recommendations.

Travel writing is my job, and as an avid organizer, I thrive on booking my own trips, getting recommendations from friends and family, discovering local restaurants and cultural activities, and getting off the beaten path when I travel. While these travel consultants may be able to help me further, it’s not something I see myself using anytime soon, as I find way too much joy in doing it all myself.

Up to $200 Uber Cash

Amex Platinum cardmembers receive $15 in Uber Cash to use on eligible orders with Uber Eats and rides with Uber in the U.S. every month, plus a bonus of $20 in December (upon enrollment). You’ll also become an Uber VIP (where available) without meeting minimum ride requirements, and be matched with top-rated drivers.

The fact that I can’t take advantage of this benefit makes me a little salty. I wish Amex would remove the “only in the U.S.” clause. If so, I could take advantage of $200 worth of additional credits each year, as I frequently ride with Uber and order from Uber Eats — but not within the U.S.

Extraneous Statement Credits (Equinox, CLEAR Plus, Walmart+, SoulCycle)

Amex Platinum cardholders have additional opportunities for statement credits (upon enrollment):

• $12.95 monthly statement credit monthly for a Walmart+ membership
• Up to $300 statement credit for a SoulCycle at-home bike
• Up to $300 in statement credits each year on a digital subscription or club membership at Equinox
• $199 CLEAR Plus credit

While I technically could sign up for a digital Equinox subscription or consider joining CLEAR, I don’t feel like I need either one — I also have a local gym membership and an annual subscription to Glo.com, as well as Global Entry and TSA PreCheck.

Cell Phone Protection

When you use your Amex Platinum card to pay your cell phone bill, you’ll be reimbursed for replacing or repairing your damaged or stolen phone (a maximum of $800 per claim with a limit of 2 claims in a 12-month period).

Since I’m unable to pay for my Spain cell phone with my Amex Platinum card, I can’t use this benefit, though I would find it a very valuable benefit if I were able to.

Limitations of Using American Express Abroad

While it seems like I can use my Amex Platinum card in Spain and the rest of Europe at more and more businesses each year, the main grocery store I shop at (Mercadona) and several smaller businesses I frequent don’t accept American Express cards.

This is limiting. Even if you don’t live outside of the U.S., frequent travelers will likely face this issue when traveling abroad — while Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, Amex is not. I’ve had local vendors tell me it’s simply too expensive on their end to accept American Express cards, which is frustrating for myself — and other cardholders, I’m sure.

Hot Tip:

Check out our guide to the best credit cards for expats, including tips for using credit abroad.

Should I Cancel My Amex Platinum Card or Keep It?

There are many good reasons to keep this card and also several reasons another card may better serve me. But in the end, I can offset the annual fee by just using the card’s main statement credits, so I’ll probably keep the Amex Platinum card in my wallet for at least 1 more year.

I’ll be honest — although I’ve offset the annual fee and will still obtain value from the card by transferring Membership Rewards points to Iberia, I don’t think I’ll be able to earn lots and lots of points using this card as it’s not as widely accepted in Spain. I get better category bonuses on things like dining and most travel (besides direct airline ticket purchases) on other cards, so I won’t be putting too much spend on the card. However, I can use it at IKEA for home purchases and for upcoming Christmas shopping at local and online department stores.

The deciding factor in my decision to keep the card will probably be a retention offer.

The Deciding Factor: Retention Offers

As my renewal date approaches, I’ll call American Express to see if any retention offers are available. In the past, I’ve been offered a statement credit for a portion of the annual fee and additional points, which I’d prefer.

Depending on what they offer, I’ll make my final choice — but right now, I’m leaning toward keeping the card, especially if I’m offered additional points to stick with the card for another year.

Bottom Line:

You may be considering whether or not to cancel your Amex Platinum card (or any other credit card) or keep it. If this sounds like a familiar dilemma, a retention offer may swing you. Use these best strategies for getting credit card retention offers, and you may end up with a really amazing deal.

How To Evaluate Your Credit Cards Annually

I highly recommend annual evaluations of every card you have in your wallet. While you can do this sporadically as the renewal dates approach, I prefer to look at the bigger picture and evaluate all my cards at once to consider overlapping benefits and ensure my credit and financial situation are squared away as I enter each new year.

Canceling a card can be detrimental to your credit score — at least temporarily. In order to avoid these dings, consider a downgrade to a no-annual-fee card. By doing so, your credit score won’t be affected, and you won’t have to stick with a credit card you don’t use that incurs a hefty annual fee. Don’t forget to look into what happens to any rewards you may have accrued with the card.

Follow these steps when conducting your evaluation:

1. Take out all of your credit cards and decide which ones to start evaluating.
2. Note exactly what you plan to spend money on in the next year — things like big purchases, a new baby or pet, a wedding, a home renovation, college or childcare, or even a family vacation. If you plan to take out a loan or mortgage, keeping your score in the excellent or good range is key, so it may not be the right moment for card cancellations.
3. Think about the advantages and disadvantages of each card, taking the annual fees into consideration.
4. Compare your chosen card to the other cards you hold to see if you have any overlapping benefits.
5. Note all renewals in your calendar. If you have a renewal coming up, call the issuer and ask for a retention offer.
6. The final decision looms: It’s time to decide whether to keep, cancel, or downgrade your credit card.

How To Downgrade Your Amex Platinum Card

If you’ve decided to cancel your Amex Platinum card, you might want to opt to downgrade the card instead, as canceling a credit card can have negative implications for your credit score. In contrast, if you decide to downgrade, there shouldn’t be any change to your credit score.

We suggest downgrading your card to either the Amex Gold card or American Express^® Green Card*. However, we recommend keeping your Amex Platinum card for at least 12 months before downgrading.

Call the number on the back of your card to downgrade, cancel, or see if there’s an available retention offer. You can also downgrade via the chat in your online Amex account.

If you decide to cancel the card, we recommend transferring your Membership Reward points beforehand so you don’t lose them.

*All information about American Express^® Green Card has been collected independently by Upgraded Points.

Which Card Should You Get If You Cancel Your Amex Platinum Card?

If you’ve decided that the Amex Platinum card’s hefty renewal fee isn’t worth it and want to cancel it, we get it. But you may want to get another card instead.

Card Comparisons: See How the Amex Platinum Card Measures Up Against Its Competitors

We’ve done the heavy lifting comparing the Amex Platinum card to several other popular cards so you don’t have to:

• Amex Platinum card vs. Amex Gold card
• Amex Platinum card vs. Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express
• Amex Platinum card vs. The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express
• Amex Platinum card vs. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card*×Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One.
• Amex Platinum card vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card
• Amex Platinum card vs. Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card
• Amex Platinum card vs. Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card
• Amex Platinum card vs. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card
• The Best Credit Card Combinations

If you currently own the Amex Gold card but are interested in the Amex Platinum card, we recommend you take a look at this Amex Platinum card upgrade offer.

Hot Tip:

Wondering how we decide which credit cards offer the most value? Learn more about how Upgraded Points reviews and rates credit cards.

Should You Keep Both the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card and the Amex Platinum Card?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card and the Amex Platinum card are 2 of the most premium cards out there. But should you keep both? Is one better than the other?

The answer largely depends on your personal, travel, and financial situation. But these 2 articles can help — and don’t forget to do those annual card evaluations.

• Chase Sapphire Reserve card vs. Amex Platinum card
• Should I Keep or Cancel My Chase Sapphire Reserve? The $550 Question

Final Thoughts

This year, I’m fairly certain I’ll be hanging on to my Amex Platinum card, as I can easily offset the annual fee by maximizing statement credits and will definitely benefit from Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status. However, a retention offer would likely solidify my decision, whether that be an annual fee reduction or additional bonus points.

I’ll continue evaluating each year to see if I find this card worth its high annual fee and if it’s still a fit for my lifestyle and financial situation. For now, though, I’ll happily enjoy this card’s benefits as I head over to Saks.com to finish my holiday shopping and then book a Fine Hotels + Resorts property for an upcoming trip to Dublin.

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For the cell phone protection benefit of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For the car rental loss and damage insurance benefit of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

For the purchase protection benefit of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by Card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the extended warranty benefit of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the return protection benefit of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

For the baggage insurance plan benefit of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the trip delay insurance benefit of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For the trip cancellation and interruption insurance benefit of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.