26 Benefits and Perks of the Amex Platinum Card [$7,500 or More in Value]

The Platinum Card^® from American Express is a premium consumer travel and lifestyle card with an $895 annual fee (rates & fees).

This page lists every benefit and assigns each one an independent Upgraded Points dollar valuation, so the total can be weighed against that fee. The benefits span airport lounge access, annual statement credits, hotel and rental car elite status, and elevated points earning.

Quick Overview: Amex Platinum Card Benefits

The Amex Platinum card charges an $895 annual fee and currently features a solid welcome bonus: Apply and find out if you're eligible for as high as 175,000 points after spending $12,000 in eligible purchases in the first 6 months. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. (Source: American Express).

Cardholders get lounge access through the American Express Global Lounge Collection, which spans over 1,550 airport lounges as of 2026 (Source: American Express). The card also carries 13 recurring statement credits worth up to about $3,324 per year (with the Global Entry or TSA credit counted at its prorated annual value), complimentary hotel elite status with 3 chains, rental car status, and 5 points per $1 spent on flights (up to $500,000 annually) and prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com.

We value the card’s recurring benefits at $3,650 or more, based on its analysis of each perk’s cash value excluding the first-year welcome offer bonus. Several credits require enrollment and are use it or lose it, so the actual value you receive depends on your spending and travel patterns.

Benefits Summary

Earning

*The bonus value of the welcome offer as well as the value of benefits are an estimated valuation calculated by Upgraded Points. These numbers were not provided by the card issuer.

Statement Credits

Note: some benefits require enrollment through your American Express account. Terms Apply.

Travel and Protection

Recurring benefit value: $3,650 or more (excludes the welcome offer in the first year). Annual fee: $895 (Source: American Express).

Statement Credits: Full Breakdown

The Amex Platinum card includes 13 recurring statement credits worth up to about $3,324 per year.

Hot Tip:

Consult our guide to Amex Platinum card applications, including requirements, recommended credit scores, approval tips.

Amex Platinum Card Benefit Changes in 2026

Several Amex Platinum card benefits changed in 2026. The table below states each change and its date; the details follow in the sections beneath.

What Happened to the Amex Platinum Card Saks Credit?

American Express retired the Saks Fifth Avenue credit on July 1, 2026. The credit was worth up to $100 per year, available as up to $50 in the first half of the year and up to $50 in the second half. The final day to use it was June 30, 2026. The removal followed Saks Global, the parent company of Saks Fifth Avenue, filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in early 2026.

American Express has offered limited-time Amex Offers at certain retailers in the credit’s place. Unlike the Saks credit, those offers require enrollment and a spending minimum, so the value is not guaranteed. On the current card, the retail and lifestyle slot is now covered by the lululemon credit (up to $300 annually, up to $75 per quarter) and the Resy credit (up to $400 annually, up to $100 per quarter).

Is Amex Platinum Card Lufthansa Lounge Access Ending?

Yes. Starting October 1, 2026, the Amex Platinum card will no longer grant access to Lufthansa Lounges, including when flying the carrier on the same day. All other lounge networks in the Global Lounge Collection remain available.

Earning Potential

1. Welcome Bonus Offer (First Year, up to $3,850 in Value)

The Amex Platinum card comes with a very solid welcome bonus: Apply and find out if you're eligible for as high as 175,000 points after spending $12,000 in eligible purchases in the first 6 months. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer. We value Membership Rewards points at 2.2 cents apiece, which makes the bonus worth up to $3,850.

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).

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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.

2. Earning Rates (Value $100 or More)

The Amex Platinum card earns 5 points per $1 spent on flights booked directly with airlines or through AmexTravel.com (on up to $500,000 per calendar year) and on prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com. All other purchases earn 1 point per $1. A $500 flight earns 2,500 points, or about $55 based on the 2.2-cent valuation, which is an 11% return.

Because the value depends on annual airfare spending, this benefit is assigned a conservative $100 valuation.

Travel Advantages

3. Fine Hotels + Resorts Access ($150 or More Value)

Fine Hotels + Resorts is American Express’ in-house luxury hotel program. When you book through it, you receive complimentary Wi-Fi, daily breakfast for 2 people, a guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout, noon check-in (subject to availability), a room upgrade on arrival (subject to availability), and a property amenity valued at $100. Bookings also earn 5 points per $1 spent. In many cases, you cannot use hotel elite status perks or earn hotel points on these stays, so compare the 2 options. Even a single stay yields at least $150 in value.

Hot Tip:

Wondering how the Amex Platinum card compares to The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express? Look at our head-to-head comparison: “Amex Business Platinum card vs. the Amex Platinum card.” 

4. Airline Incidental Fee Credit ($200 Benefit)

The card includes a $200 airline incidental fee credit toward fees on 1 airline of your choice, such as seat selection, lounge passes, and checked bags. Pick an airline on the card’s benefits page and charge the eligible purchase to the card; the credit posts within about 4 weeks. In early 2026, American Express closed several workarounds: United TravelBank loads and Delta gift-card splits no longer trigger the credit.

For travelers who incur standard incidental fees, the benefit is valued at its $200 face value.

5. Prepaid Hotel Credit ($600 Value)

Cardholders receive up to $600 per year in statement credits on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings made through AmexTravel.com and paid for with the card. The credit is split into 2 halves: up to $300 from January through June and up to $300 from July through December. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum 2-night stay; Fine Hotels + Resorts has no minimum. The cardholder must travel on the booked itinerary to receive the benefits.

6. TSA PreCheck or Global Entry Application Fee Credit (Up to $120)

The card provides up to a $120 statement credit for Global Entry application fees or up to $85 for TSA PreCheck every 4 years. Charge the application fee to the card for automatic reimbursement. For TSA PreCheck, apply through an official enrollment provider.

Approval for Global Entry also includes TSA PreCheck at no additional charge.

7. Annual CLEAR+ Credit (Up to $219)

CLEAR+ is an expedited security program at some U.S. airports and stadiums. Cardholders receive an annual statement credit of up to $219 when a CLEAR+ membership is charged to the card. The membership is subject to automatic renewal.

8. Hotel Elite Status: Marriott, Hilton, and Leading Hotels of the World ($200 or More)

The Amex Platinum card includes 3 complimentary hotel statuses upon enrollment: Hilton Honors Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite, and Leading Hotels of the World Leaders Club Sterling.

Hilton Honors Gold includes an 80% points bonus, room upgrades (subject to availability), and continental breakfast at most full-service properties.

Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite includes a 25% points bonus, a welcome gift at check-in, room upgrades (subject to availability), complimentary in-room internet, and priority 2 p.m. late checkout.

Leaders Club Sterling includes a 5% stay bonus on points, 5 prearrival upgrades annually, upgrade priority on arrival, daily continental breakfast for 2 people, and early check-in and late checkout consideration.

All 3 statuses remove the need to meet stay requirements, so you can spread stays across the chains. This benefit is valued at $200 for moderate use.

9. Rental Car Status: Avis, Hertz, National ($200 or More)

Cardholders receive rental car benefits with Avis, Hertz, and National after enrollment.

National Emerald Club Executive status includes Executive area access (choose any car full-size and above for the midsize rate), guaranteed upgrades on midsize rentals in the U.S. and Canada, no second-driver fees, 1-class upgrades at participating European locations, special pricing on Premier Selection cars, and a free rental credit after 6 rentals.

Avis Preferred benefits include a complimentary 1-class upgrade when available and a discount on base rates when booking directly with Avis.

Hertz President’s Circle status includes discounts on standard and Premier rates, a 4-hour grace period for returns in most countries (2 hours in some, such as the United Arab Emirates and China), and a 1-class upgrade based on availability.

Discounts require the applicable Avis Worldwide Discount and Hertz discount codes, which appear on the card’s benefits page. Codes change periodically, so confirm the current code before booking. These perks are valued at $200.

10. Worldwide Airport Lounge Access

Lounge access is one of the card’s main features. Through the American Express Global Lounge Collection, cardholders have access to over 1,550 airport lounges as of 2026 (Source: American Express), across 7 types of lounges (dropping to 6 after Lufthansa Lounge access ends October 1, 2026):

• The Centurion Lounge network (U.S. and international locations)
• 10 visits to Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), with the ability to unlock unlimited visits by spending $75,000 on the card annually
• Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner
• Plaza Premium Lounges
• Priority Pass (upon enrollment)
• Some Lufthansa Lounges (access ends October 1, 2026)
• Certain Virgin Clubhouses

Each network has its own entry rules, and their value depends on how often you travel and which routes you fly.

The Centurion Lounge network offers chef-curated food, cocktails, and design that reflects each lounge’s city. Entry requires the Amex Platinum card, a government-issued ID, and a valid boarding pass. You can arrive up to 3 hours before departure or up to 5 hours before a connecting flight (as of July 8, 2026).

Delta Sky Club access provides 10 visits from February 1 through January 31, with unlimited access after $75,000 in eligible annual spend. Guests are charged $29 per person. There are more than 50 Sky Clubs worldwide.

Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner offers unlimited access at U.S. locations, typically in smaller airports. Entry requires the card, a boarding pass for any carrier, and a government-issued ID.

Plaza Premium Lounges provide upgraded food and drinks. Entry requires a boarding pass and the card, and you can bring 1 guest.

Priority Pass is the largest lounge network, with over 1,550 locations. Access requires enrollment and a same-day boarding pass. Restaurant access is not included.

Lufthansa Lounges are available to cardholders flying the Lufthansa group (Austrian, Lufthansa, SWISS) until October 1, 2026, after which the benefit ends.

Virgin Clubhouses are available in New York (JFK) and Washington, D.C. (IAD). The JFK Clubhouse is accessible to eligible cardholders from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m.

11. Access Platinum Member Airfares

Cardholders can book Platinum Member Airfares, which offer discounted fares on international premium economy, business, and first class tickets on certain carriers through AmexTravel.com, as well as some domestic economy tickets. In a sample round-trip premium economy search from Boston (BOS) to Frankfurt (FRA), the nonstop Lufthansa fare was $1,998 through Google Flights and $1,937 through Platinum Member Airfares, a 3% savings, though searches can yield larger discounts.

Participating airlines include: Aeroméxico, Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air China, Air Europa, Air France, Air India, Air New Zealand, Alaska Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Delta, Discover Airlines, El Al, Emirates, Etihad, Finnair, Hawaiian Airlines, Iberia, Icelandair, Japan Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM, Korean Air, La Compagnie, LATAM, Lufthansa, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Singapore Airlines, SWISS, and Virgin Atlantic.

The value depends on how often you book premium airfare through the program.

Shopping and Lifestyle Perks

12. Resy Credit (Up to $400 Value)

Cardholders can enroll to receive up to $400 per year in statement credits, up to $100 per quarter, at U.S. restaurants on the Resy platform. A reservation is not required. Pay with the card at any participating restaurant.

13. Uber Cash (Up to $200 Value)

The card provides up to $200 per year in Uber Cash, issued as $15 per month plus a bonus $20 in December. Link the card in the Uber app and select an Amex card at checkout. Uber Cash applies to rides and Uber Eats orders in the U.S. and does not roll over month to month.

14. Uber One Credit ($120 Value)

Cardholders receive up to $120 per year in statement credits toward an automatically renewing Uber One membership charged to the card. Uber One benefits include $0 delivery fees on eligible orders, up to 10% off eligible delivery and pickup orders, and 6% Uber One credits on eligible rides.

15. Equinox+ Credits (Up to $300 Value)

Cardholders receive up to $300 per year in statement credits on an Equinox club membership or Equinox+ digital subscription. Enroll and pay with the card. The membership is subject to automatic renewal.

16. Digital Entertainment Credits (Up to $300 Value)

Eligible subscriptions to Disney+, the Disney+ Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV can earn up to $300 per year in statement credits ($25 per month). Enrollment is required, and you must pay with the card.

17. SoulCycle Bike Credit ($300 Value)

Cardholders can receive up to a $300 statement credit each calendar year after purchasing a SoulCycle at-home bike with the card. The credit applies only to a full-price purchase, not a financed one, and an Equinox+ membership is required to buy the bike and access SoulCycle content.

18. Walmart+ Credits (Up to $155 Benefit)

Pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership with the card and receive up to $12.95 plus applicable tax per month, up to about $155 per year. The membership includes discounted gas and free shipping and is subject to automatic renewal.

19. Credits for lululemon (Up to $300 Value)

Cardholders receive up to $300 per year in statement credits toward lululemon purchases, up to $75 per quarter, at U.S. lululemon stores and lululemon.com (excluding outlets). Enrollment is required.

20. Oura Ring Credit ($200 Value)

Cardholders receive up to $200 per year in statement credits toward an Oura Ring purchased at ouraring.com. The credit applies to the ring only, not the subscription. Enrollment is required.

21. Global Dining Access by Resy

Add the card to your Resy profile to unlock access to premium dining experiences, exclusive reservations at some restaurants, and features such as Priority Notify.

Protection and Insurance Benefits

22. Extended Warranty

Purchases with the card are eligible for an extended warranty. For products with a standard warranty of 5 years or less, American Express adds up to 1 year of coverage. Coverage is up to $10,000 per item and up to $50,000 per account per calendar year.

23. Return Protection

Purchases made in the U.S. or its territories are eligible for return within 90 days if the merchant will not accept them. American Express covers up to $300 per item and up to $1,000 per calendar year, excluding shipping and handling.

24. Purchase Protection

The card protects eligible purchases from theft and accidental damage for 90 days from the purchase date for up to $10,000 per incident and up to $50,000 per calendar year.

25. Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance

The card provides secondary rental car coverage for theft and damage up to $75,000 when you charge the rental to the card and decline the collision damage waiver. Because the coverage is secondary, it applies after your own insurance, so you may still owe your deductible.

26. Cell Phone Protection

Cardholders receive coverage for a stolen or damaged eligible cell phone, up to $800 per claim, subject to a $50 deductible and limited to 2 claims per account per 12-month period. The monthly phone bill must be paid with the card.

Final Thoughts

The Amex Platinum card carries an $895 annual fee against recurring benefits we value at $3,650 or more, excluding the welcome offer bonus. Cardholders who use the travel credits, lounge access, and statement credits can exceed the fee, but realized value depends on usage and enrollment, and several credits are use it or lose it.

For the annual CLEAR+ membership benefit of the Platinum Card^® from American Express, your CLEAR+ membership is automatically renewing or subject to automatic renewal.