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9 Awesome Ways To Spend 100,000 Amex Platinum Card Points

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Andrew Kunesh,Jessica Merritt
Edited by: Michael Y. Park
& Ben Neighbors-Giles
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A 100,000-point welcome offer from the Platinum Card® from American Express is valuable — $2,200 toward travel based on Upgraded Points’ valuation of 2.2 cents per point for Membership Rewards. You can get the most value by using the best ways to redeem Membership Rewards points, including premium cabin flights and nights at luxury hotels.

This article covers the 9 best ways to redeem 100,000 Amex Platinum card points. Read the redemption list and transfer partner table to see what you can book.

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Quick Overview: Best Ways To Use 100,000 Amex Points

American Express Membership Rewards points transfer to more than 20 airline and hotel partners, typically at a 1:1 ratio. Business and first class flights are usually the highest-value redemptions. With 100,000 points, you could have enough to book a round-trip business flight to Japan with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.

However, redemption value varies significantly by program, and award space should be confirmed before you transfer points.

Best Ways To Use 100,000 Amex Points

1. ANA Business Class to Tokyo

ANA The Room business class 777 300er
Hop across the Pacific in ANA’s The Room business class. Image Credit: Ehsan Haque

You can book ANA business class with Membership Rewards transfer partner Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, for flights between the U.S. and Japan.

Here’s a look at Virgin Atlantic Flying Club’s award chart for ANA flights (one-way):

SCROLL FOR MORE

Route

Economy Class

Business Class

First Class

Domestic Japan

7,500

Japan to or From South Korea

9,000

17,500

25,000

Japan to or From China, Guam, Hong Kong, Philippines, Taiwan

11,500

22,500

30,000

Japan to or From Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam

20,000

35,000

52,500

Japan to or From Hawaii, India, Indonesia

22,500

37,500

57,500

Japan to or From Australia, Canada, Western U.S.

30,000

52,500

72,500

Japan to or From Europe, Central and Eastern U.S., Mexico

32,500

60,000

85,000

One of the best sweet spots is 60,000 points for one-way business class tickets from the East Coast of the U.S. to Japan and 52,500 points from the West Coast to Japan (Source: Virgin Atlantic).

For 120,000 points or fewer round-trip, you can book a ticket from Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK), or another ANA U.S. gateway to the airline’s hubs in Tokyo (HND, NRT). Taxes and fees are less than $300 round-trip. Cash prices can exceed $6,000.

You can’t book ANA flights on the Virgin Atlantic website, so you need to find Saver Award space on United.com before you book. Look for tickets with Saver Award space that are operated wholly by ANA, as connecting legs on United and other Star Alliance carriers cannot be booked with Virgin Atlantic miles.

Once you’ve found the flights you want, call Virgin Atlantic Flying Club at 800-862-8621 to put the flights you found on hold. Then transfer your Amex points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and have the representative book the ticket for you.

This is the best way to get to Japan on miles and points and one of the best Membership Rewards redemptions.

2. Fly Singapore Business Class to Europe

Singapore BUSINESS CLASS SEAT 777 300er
Fly Singapore business class from New York (JFK) to Frankfurt (FRA) for just over 100,000 Membership Rewards points. Image Credit: Ehsan Haque

While 100,000 Membership Rewards points aren’t enough to fly from the U.S. to Singapore (SIN) in Suites, it is enough for business class on the airline’s fifth-freedom route from New York (JFK) to Frankfurt (FRA). Though it’s a shorter flight, it still gives you enough time to enjoy Singapore business class at 105,000 Singapore Airlines miles one-way.

Book by searching for award space on the Singapore Airlines website. Once you’ve found a flight, call Singapore Airlines (312-843-5333) and ask them to place a hold on the ticket for you. Then transfer the required Membership Rewards points to Singapore Airlines and call the airline to finalize the ticket.

Hot Tip: Membership Rewards transfers to Singapore Airlines take 24 to 48 hours to process, so always make sure that you get the ticket on hold first. 

3. Try Lufthansa First Class

Lufthansa First Class Juan Ruiz
Aboard Lufthansa first class. Image Credit: Juan Ruiz

You can fly from the U.S. to Europe in Lufthansa first class one-way for 87,000 Membership Rewards points transferred to Avianca Lifemiles (Source: Avianca).

The airline flies its first class product from many U.S. gateways to its hubs at Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC). Expect an excellent seat and top-notch service, with Champagne and caviar.

Lufthansa Porsche Transfer
Take a Porsche to your plane if you fly Lufthansa’s first class from Frankfurt. Image Credit: Andrew Kunesh

Flights out of Frankfurt include access to the airline’s dedicated first class terminal, with an upgraded lounge experience, private security lines, and a private car transfer.

Search for a flight on the Lifemiles website. You can book as soon as you find award space and transfer the miles needed. These transfers are usually instant.

You can book connecting flights in business class to other destinations in Europe. A first class flight from New York (JFK) to Frankfurt (FRA) to Prague (PRG) is 3,480 Lifemiles lower than the segment from JFK to FRA.

Hot Tip: Lufthansa’s first class award space usually opens to partner bookings (like Avianca Lifemiles) 2 weeks before departure, so it’s perfect for last-minute bookings.

4. Book Delta’s Business Class Suites

Delta One Suites A350-900 rear view
Delta One Suites are an excellent way to fly from the U.S. to Asia and Europe. Image Credit: Stephen Au

Delta One Suites, these lie-flat seats have a door for privacy and a good selection of inflight food and entertainment.

The best way to book Delta One with Membership Rewards points is to transfer your points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. Delta One award tickets to Europe cost 47,500 to 67,500 points during off-peak dates and 57,500 to 77,500 points during peak travel dates. It’s much cheaper to book Delta One with Flying Club than Delta SkyMiles (which have dynamic pricing).

You can book most Delta tickets by searching for them on the Virgin Atlantic website, but not all routes are searchable. You can text Virgin Atlantic Flying Club within the U.S. at 97634 and request Delta award space on a flight of your choice. Call Virgin Atlantic at 800-862-8621 to put the ticket on hold. Then transfer the Membership Rewards points needed to Virgin Atlantic and finalize your award ticket over the phone.

Hot Tip: Not all of Delta’s international flights offer the new Suites. Make sure to check which plane operates your route on Delta’s website before you book your flight.

5. Rest in a Lie-Flat Seat From New York to California

United Polaris 787-10 rear cabin view
Cross the U.S. in United Airlines’ 787-10 aircraft. Image Credit: Stephen Au

You can transfer 25,000 Membership Rewards points to the Air Canada Aeroplan program and fly on a United transcontinental route in lie-flat business class (Source: Air Canada). Search for the flights on the Aeroplan website, transfer the miles, and complete your booking online.

These flights are operated by a combination of Boeing 777-200, 757, and 787-10 aircraft, but the 787-10 is best because it features Polaris business class seats with direct aisle access from all seats and bedding from Saks Fifth Avenue.

6. Fly to Hawaii in Style

Maui Hawaii - Katie Seemann
Escape from reality by taking a quick (or not so quick) trip to Hawaii. Image Credit: Katie Seemann

The best way to use your Membership Rewards points to fly to Hawaii is to transfer them to Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer program and then use them to book United Airlines award tickets.

You’d pay 10,500 Singapore miles for a one-way ticket to Hawaii in economy class or 43,000 miles one-way in business class.

Looking For Hawaii Award Space with United
Look for award space operated by United with Saver availability. Image Credit: United

Booking this ticket is similar to booking the ANA business class ticket. You have to find award space on United.com and then call Singapore Airlines (312-843-5333) to book the ticket. Look for flights with Saver availability and operated by United Airlines.

7. Take 10 Domestic Trips on American Airlines

American Airlines A321neo Banking
Domestic can also be nice. Image Credit: Alberto Riva

British Airways and American Airlines are both in the Oneworld alliance, so you can use your British Airways Avios to book any American Airlines flight with award space. In many cases, it’s a better deal to book these tickets with Avios than with American AAdvantage miles, since British Airways employs a distance-based award chart.

Domestic U.S. award flights under 650 miles cost 13,500 Avios in economy class. Flights between 61 and 1,151 miles cost 18,000 Avios, and flights between 1,152 and 2,000 miles cost 20,000 Avios. All domestic awards charge $5.60 in taxes and fees.

For example, you can book a flight from Minneapolis (MSP) to New York (LGA) for 9,000 Membership Rewards points and minimal taxes and fees. This flight can be well over $300 one-way when you book at the last minute, giving you over 3.3 cents per point in value.

Find American Airlines award tickets by searching on British Airways’ website.

8. Take Advantage of Flying Blue and Delta Award Sales

Delta One Suites A350-900
Get excellent deals on domestic and international award tickets with Flying Blue Promo Rewards and Delta SkyMiles Deals. Image Credit: Stephen Au

American Express transfer partners Air France-KLM Flying Blue and Delta SkyMiles both run limited-time sales for their loyalty programs each month. These sales offer flights at a fraction of their usual cost, such as 40,000-point redemptions to Europe in business class or 40,000-point redemptions to Asia round-trip in economy.

Flying Blue often has deals in international business class, premium economy, and economy. For example, on might be Toronto (YYZ) to Prague (PRG) via Amsterdam (AMS) for 39,750 Flying Blue points one-way in business class. See the Flying Blue Promo Rewards website for an up-to-date list of sales.

Delta offers SkyMiles Flash Deals, which may include domestic and international awards, often in economy. Past rewards include 5,000-mile domestic rewards, 22,000-mile tickets to Europe, and 40,000-mile round trips to Asia.

9. Book Expensive Event Hotel Rooms

Hilton Times Square Points Options on New Years Eve
Book high-cost hotel rooms during special events for excellent redemption value. Image Credit: Hilton

Hotel rooms can get expensive during sporting events, large trade shows, party holidays, and other major events — especially at nicer properties. You can transfer your Membership Rewards points to Choice Privileges, Hilton Honors, and Marriott Bonvoy to book with points. This usually isn’t the best use of rewards, but it can be a solid deal when hotel rooms are extremely expensive.

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Amex Platinum Card Overview

The Amex Platinum card is a premium travel card with extensive airport lounge access, travel and lifestyle statement credits, elite status at Marriott and Hilton (upon enrollment), and more.

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

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The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.
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 to $3,850
$895
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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 1,550 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
    • 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
    • 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
    • Annual and monthly statement credits upon enrollment (airline credit, Uber Cash and Uber One, Resy, lululemon 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 and Amex International Airline Program
    • Access to Amex transfer partners
    • No foreign transaction fees (rates and fees)

     

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

     

     

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 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges.* As of 07/2025.
  • $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 make eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you.
  • $209 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 $209 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 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: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®.* Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
  • 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.
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  • 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.

Final Thoughts

Redeeming 100,000 Amex Platinum card points offers meaningful value across business class flights, domestic routes, and hotels, depending on the transfer partner. Typically, airline transfers offer the highest value compared to hotel or cash redemptions — and you should always confirm award space before transferring points.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many points does the Amex Platinum card earn per dollar spent?

The Amex Platinum card earns 5 points per $1 on airfare purchases (up to $500,000 per year) and 1 point per $1 on everything else.

Can I combine points earned with my Amex Platinum card with points earned with other Amex cards?

Yes, points earned with American Express cards are combined within the same online account.

How much are 100,000 Amex Membership Rewards worth?

Upgraded Points values Amex Membership rewards at 2.2 cents per point, so 100,000 points are worth about $2,200.

How do I find award space before transferring points?

You can search on airline websites or call to find award space, then transfer points. With some partners, you should ask the program to put the award on hold while you make the transfer.

How long do Amex point transfers take?

Most Amex point transfers are almost instant, but some can take 1 to 3 days, and it’s up to 12 days for Aeromexico.

What is the best way to redeem 100,000 Amex Platinum card points?

Transferring points to Amex airline partners is typically the best way to redeem Membership Rewards points.

Andrew Kunesh's image

About Andrew Kunesh

Andrew was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs but now lives in Queens, New York.

He’s a lifelong traveler and took his first solo trip to San Francisco at the age of 16. Fast forward a few years, and Andrew now travels just over 100,000 miles a year, with over 40 countries, 20 travel credit cards and 3 airline statuses under his belt. Andrew was formerly a Senior Editor at The Points Guy and CNN Underscored.

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We Recommend

Platinum Card® from American Express

  • 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.
Show more
  • 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 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges.* As of 07/2025.
  • $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 make eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you.
  • $209 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 $209 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 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: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®.* Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
  • 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.
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