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Amex Platinum Cards: Marriott Bonvoy Hotel Elite Status Benefits [2023]

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Christine Krzyszton

Christine Krzyszton

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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, deta...
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Edited by: Chris Dong

Chris Dong

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Chris is a freelance writer and editor with a focus on timely travel trends, points and miles, hot new hotels, and all things that go (he’s a proud aviation geek and transit nerd). Formerly full time ...
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Amex Platinum Cards: Marriott Bonvoy Hotel Elite Status Benefits [2023]

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

It’s no secret that signing up for a hotel loyalty program can deliver tangible benefits that can make your hotel stays more comfortable, save you money, and help you earn free hotel nights faster. Entry-level benefits can include complimentary Wi-Fi, elevated rewards earning, discounts, and more.

Elite status in a hotel loyalty program expands the list of benefits even further but normally requires staying frequently at a specific hotel brand.

Fortunately, you can secure complimentary hotel program elite status with The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express.

Both cards come with complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status and Hilton Honors Gold status.

Today we’re going to focus on Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status and what you can expect with this card benefit.

Amex Platinum Card and Amex Business Platinum Card Overview

BEST LOUNGE ACCESS
The Platinum Card® from American ExpressTerms 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

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

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.
Earn 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
$1,760
$695
See Pay Over Time APR
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)

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 $1 spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 per year)
  • 5x points per $1 spent on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
  • 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, SiriusXM, 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.
  • $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

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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.)
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The Business Platinum Card® from American ExpressTerms 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 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.

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!
Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
120,000 points
$2,640
$695
19.49% - 27.49% Variable
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)

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 120,000 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 and fees)
  • Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags
  • Welcome Offer: Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your 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 annual statement credits on a curation of business purchases, including select purchases made with Dell Technologies, Indeed, Adobe, and U.S. wireless service providers.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees charged by your one selected, qualifying airline to your 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 your 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% - 27.49% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

How Does the Amex Platinum Card Marriott Elite Status Benefit Work?

When you hold either the Amex Platinum card or the Amex Business Platinum card, you can receive complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status.

Having Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status comes with several benefits:

  • 25% More Bonus Points — Gold Elite members receive 25% more points for staying at Marriott properties than base members.
  • Complimentary Enhanced Wi-Fi — You will not be charged for fast Wi-Fi.
  • A Welcome Gift of Points — The number of welcome points varies by brand, but you will receive between 250 and 500 points.
  • Enhanced Room Upgrades — When available, you’ll receive an upgraded room with a better view, higher floor, or larger space.
  • Late Checkout — Request a checkout as late as 2 p.m. and, when available, enjoy those additional hours in your room.

Both primary and additional Amex Platinum card and Amex Business Platinum card authorized users are also eligible for the elite status benefit.

You will need to register each card to receive the benefit, whether for the primary cardholder or authorized user.

To earn Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status, you would normally need to stay 25 nights in a calendar year.

Bottom Line:

Both the Amex Platinum card and the Amex Business Platinum card come with complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status for the cardholder and additional card members. Each card must be enrolled to receive the benefit.

How To Activate the Benefit

You will not receive the Marriott Bonvoy elite status benefit automatically. You must enroll via your online card account.

Log in to your online Amex card account and select Benefits under the Rewards and Benefits section. Scroll down the page until you see the Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status benefit section, as shown below. Click on Enroll Now.

Enrolling for Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status is quick and easy. Image Credit: American Express

Once you’ve added your Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program number and enrolled, you can expect to see the status reflected in your account within 3 to 5 days. If, after 10 days, you have not received a confirmation of your elite status, you should call the number on the back of your card.

Add your Marriott Bonovy loyalty number to receive the status benefit. Image Credit: American Express

If you do not have a Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program number, you can leave the box empty, click on Enroll Now, and you will be prompted to enroll in the program.

Once enrolled, you’ll continue to receive Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status, with no further stay requirements, as long as your associated American Express card is active.

Combine Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status With Fine Hotels + Resorts Program Benefits

The W Hotel Bogota is a Marriott property that can be booked via FHR for as little as $204 per night. Image Credit: Fine Hotels + Resorts

While not all Marriott-branded properties participate in American Express’ Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) program, those that do can allow you to receive both programs’ benefits.

Expressly stated in the terms and conditions of complimentary Marriott Bonvoy elite status is this statement: “Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status benefits may be combined with the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts program.”

Let’s look at the benefits you can expect when booking FHR properties via American Express for a stay of just 1 night or more.

Fine Hotels + Resorts Benefits

The Amex Platinum card and the Amex Business Platinum card offer these elite-style benefits at FHR properties booked using your card and/or associated Membership Rewards points for a prepaid stay:

  • Room Upgrade — Receive a room upgrade on arrival, when available.
  • Early Check-In — Check in as early as noon, when available.
  • Daily Breakfast — Receive complimentary daily breakfast for 2 people, a minimum value of at least $60.
  • Experience Credit — During each stay, you’ll receive a credit for an experience unique to that property, which could include spa services, dining, on-site activities, and more. This benefit is guaranteed to be worth at least $100.
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi — Enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the property.
  • Late Checkout — Your checkout can be extended to 4 p.m. and is guaranteed.

Additionally, you’ll be earning 5x Membership Rewards points on either card when your prepaid hotel stay is booked via Amex Travel.

Hot Tip:

Watch for Membership Rewards points transfer bonuses when you can transfer Membership Rewards points to your Marriott Bonvoy account and receive an increased bonus percentage. While not normally the best value for your Membership Rewards points, there can be value in topping off your Marriott Bonvoy account for a specific redemption.

Take Advantage of the $200 Statement Credit

The Amex Platinum card comes with another valuable FHR benefit. You can receive a $200 prepaid hotel statement credit each calendar year. Pay for your stay in full with your card, use Membership Rewards points, or a combination of the 2, to receive the credit shortly after booking.

A stay of just 1 night or more qualifies for the statement credit.

Bottom Line:

The complimentary Marriott Bonvoy elite status that comes with the Amex Platinum card and Amex Business Platinum card can be combined with the benefits of the Fine Hotels + Resorts program. Booking a prepaid stay of 1 night or more with your card, Membership Rewards points, or a combination of the 2 activates the benefits.

How To Find Marriott FHR Properties

Marriott has more than 36 brands, many of which are included in the FHR collection. Image Credit: Marriott

When booking a Fine Hotel + Resort property within your Amex Platinum card or Amex Business Platinum card account, you can filter properties by brand.

On the FHR booking page, select Explore More Properties by Region, Collection, or Brand. The Brand section sorts properties by brand and then by region. Participating Marriott Bonvoy brands include Autograph Collection, Design Hotels, EDITION, JW Marriott, The Luxury Collection, Marriott, Renaissance, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, W Hotels, and Westin.

Hot Tip:

You can combine the benefits of Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status with American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts program benefits to maximize the perks of both programs.

Provide your Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program number when booking the FHR property to receive elite night credits and earn Marriott Bonvoy points for qualifying on-site purchases.

The Amex Platinum card and the Amex Business Platinum card also include hotel program benefits with The Hotel Collection. While it may be possible to receive Marriott Bonvoy elite benefits when booking Marriott-branded hotels in this program, such benefits are not guaranteed in the terms and conditions. The Hotel Collection also requires a stay of 2 nights or more to receive benefits.

Additional Cards With Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status

While the Amex Platinum card and the Amex Business Platinum card are some of the best cards available that come with Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status, there are additional cards to consider as a Marriott loyalist.

Elite status levels with Marriott Bonvoy from entry-level to the highest level are Silver Elite, Gold Elite, Platinum Elite, Titanium Elite, and Ambassador Elite. You’ll find Marriott Bonvoy elite status on these popular cards:

SCROLL FOR MORE
Silver EliteGold ElitePlatinum Elite
» Related: The 12 Best Credit Cards for Marriott Bonvoy Loyalists [2023]

Final Thoughts

Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status alone offers several useful benefits. Combining those benefits with the Fine Hotels + Resorts perks offered on the Amex Platinum card and the Amex Business Platinum card can create an enhanced experience.

If you occasionally stay at Marriott properties but travel frequently, you’ll find tremendous value in the premium travel benefits of either card.

If you stay at Marriott frequently, you may also want to consider a Marriott-branded card. Marriott-branded cards can provide a faster path to Marriott Bonvoy elite status with bonus earning rates and elite night credits that count toward higher status levels.

The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card 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.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® card, click here.

Featured Image Credit: Fine Hotels + Resorts

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Amex Platinum card get Marriott Bonvoy elite status automatically?

The Amex Platinum card and Amex Business Platinum card come with complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status. The status is not automatically applied to your Marriott Bonvoy loyalty account. You must activate the status by logging into your Amex Platinum card account, enrolling in the benefit, and adding your Marriott Bonvoy account number. You can also call the number on the back of your card to enroll.

Does the Amex Platinum card earn bonus points on hotel bookings?

The Amex Platinum card and Amex Business Platinum card earn 5x points on prepaid hotel bookings made via Amex Travel. All other hotel purchases earn 1x points.

Will I receive Marriott elite night credits when booking with The Hotel Collection?

American Express is considered a third-party booking agency which is excluded by most hotel loyalty programs for receiving benefits. You would not normally receive any Marriott Bonvoy benefits when booking your stay through The Hotel Collection via Amex Travel. It is possible if you add your Marriott Bonvoy loyalty number, you could receive benefits, but it is not guaranteed.

Which card gives you Marriott Gold status?

The following cards come with Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status:

  • Amex Platinum card
  • Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card
  • Marriott Bonvoy Business card
  • Marriott Bountiful card
  • Ritz-Carlton card (not available to new applicants)

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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