Does the Amex Platinum Really Offer Over $3,500 in Annual Benefits? Here’s My Real Valuation.

When a card charges an $895 annual fee (rates & fees), it naturally raises one question: Is it actually worth it?

American Express firmly believes the answer is yes, advertising more than $3,500 in annual value on the Platinum Card^® from American Express through 11 key benefits (many require prior enrollment).

But where does that number come from, and should the average cardholder take these benefits at face value? I found out during my first full year with the Amex Platinum card by intentionally using every major benefit exactly as advertised and tracking what those perks were worth to me in real life, and not just on paper.

After 12 months of airport lounge visits, hotel stays, shopping trips, and more, here’s how the numbers stacked up and whether the card delivered enough value to justify its hefty $895 annual fee.

1. Global Lounge Collection (up to $850)

The single most valuable benefit tied to the Amex Platinum card is its Global Lounge Collection, which is worth more than $850 annually, according to American Express marketing materials:

The issuer states that Amex Platinum cardholders get access to “over 1,550 airport lounges — more than any other credit card company on the market” and “enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 Delta Sky Club visits when flying on same-day Delta flight, Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges.”

In practice, accessing most locations in the Global Lounge Collection is pretty seamless. In most cases, you simply present your eligible card and boarding pass to enter. The only major setup required is to enroll in Priority Pass Select, which grants access for the cardholder and up to 2 guests.

However, as guest privileges have been scaled back at most lounges, Amex’s $850 annual value for this perk feels somewhat far-fetched, even for someone like me, who averages 40 flights per year. Realistically, I don’t stop at a lounge every time, whether because of early departures, tight connections, or flying through airports without lounges.

That said, I still use lounge access regularly, on more than half of my trips. Most of my visits are to Centurion Lounges or during my allotted 10 annual Delta Sky Club visits, since I consider those among the best offerings in the Global Lounge Collection. Each visit eliminates the need to buy a meal in the airport, and though I don’t drink alcohol, travelers who do would surely extract even more value.

Even at a conservative estimate of around 20 lounge visits annually, the $850 valuation still feels inflated. That would effectively value each visit at roughly $43 apiece.

Personally, I peg the value closer to about $30 per visit, which is roughly what I’d otherwise spend on an airport meal. For my travel habits, this benefit is realistically worth closer to $600 annually.

2. Prepaid Hotel Credit (up to $600)

This is a benefit I value at face value, since I stay in hotels at least a dozen times each year.

Cardholders of the Amex Platinum card can receive up to $600 in statement credits each year toward prepaid bookings made through AmexTravel.com at participating properties in Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection, though the latter requires a minimum 2-night stay. It’s divided into 2 semiannual credits, each worth up to $300, from January to June and from July to December.

Over the years, I’ve booked many reservations through both programs. The biggest strength of the Fine Hotels + Resorts program is that there’s no minimum stay, meaning you can receive $300 off a 1-night stay. While these luxury hotels come with higher nightly rates, the program benefits, such as daily breakfast for 2, a $100 property credit, and 4 p.m. late checkout, make it worth it.

Meanwhile, properties within The Hotel Collection tend to be more reasonably priced, making it easier to stretch the credit across a 2-night reservation.

Bottom Line:

Although the credit requires prepaid reservations, most hotels offer flexible cancellation policies that allow a full refund up to a few days before check-in. If my travel plans change, I’ve had no issue getting my money back as long as I cancel within the allowed window — and not at the last minute.

3. Uber Cash ($200)

The third major perk is Uber Cash. By adding your Amex Platinum card to your Uber account, you automatically receive $15 in Uber Cash on the first of each month, plus a bonus $20 in December.

The Uber Cash can then be used toward eligible Uber rides and Uber Eats orders in the U.S. as long as an eligible Amex card is selected as the payment method.

Whether it’s a single ride-hailing trip to the airport or a food delivery order through Uber Eats, my monthly Uber Cash gets used with almost no effort. Similar to the hotel credit, I value this benefit at face value because it always gets used. However, note that unused amounts don’t roll over from month to month.

4. Uber One Credit (up to $120)

To complement the card’s existing Uber Cash benefit, the Amex Platinum card also offers statement credits toward an automatically renewing Uber One subscription. Cardmembers can receive up to $120 in annual statement credits, covering the full cost of the membership, as Uber One costs $9.99 per month.

Uber One includes perks such as $0 delivery fees, up to 10% off eligible orders, and 6% Uber One credits on qualifying rides. Those ride credits can add up fairly quickly, especially when paired with the monthly Uber Cash benefit.

That said, this is a benefit where my personal valuation differs quite a bit. While the issuer values the perk at the full $120 annually, I realistically wouldn’t pay for Uber One out of pocket if it weren’t included. The extra savings and ride credits are certainly nice to have, but I don’t get anywhere close to the full face value.

Personally, I’d estimate this benefit is worth closer to $50 per year, but those without a car may feel differently.

5. Airline Incidental Fee Credit (up to $200)

Every calendar year, cardholders can receive up to $200 in airline fee statement credits with 1 preselected airline. However, the credit applies only to incidental airline charges, not to airfare itself. Purchases include things like checked bag fees, seat selection charges, upgrades, and lounge passes.

The list of eligible airlines mainly includes major domestic carriers, and I chose Delta Air Lines this year. However, I rarely spend much money on incidental airline fees in the first place. In fact, I nearly forgot to use the credit entirely before it expired until I decided to splurge on a last-minute first-class upgrade.

While it was nice having the charge reimbursed, it wasn’t exactly a necessary purchase, especially on a domestic route. That’s why I don’t personally assign much real-world value to this benefit despite being a frequent traveler. If the credit applied directly toward airfare purchases, my opinion would be completely different.

6. Fine Hotels + Resorts Access ($550)

You need the Amex Platinum card or The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express to book Fine Hotels + Resorts properties, available on AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel app.

NEW OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

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

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

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

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

Welcome Offer

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

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

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $6,600

Annual Fee

$895

APR

17.74% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

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

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

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

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

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Earn 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on eligible travel purchases like flights, prepaid hotels, and prepaid short-term rentals booked through AmexTravel.com
• Access to over 1,550 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
• Earn 2x Membership Rewards points on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (on up to $2 million per calendar year)
• Up to $200 annual airline fee credit on your selected qualifying airline
• Generous statement credits on select purchases with your card (including credits for airline incidentals, prepaid hotels, CLEAR, ChatGPT Business, Dell, and Hilton)
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
• Access to Amex’s Fine Hotels & Resorts program
• Hotel elite status with Hilton, Marriott, and Leading Hotels of the World upon enrollment

 

Cons

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

 

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

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

Financial Snapshot

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

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

 

For me, the Fine Hotels + Resorts access goes hand in hand with the prepaid hotel credit. However, American Express derives a valuation of $550 annually just for having access to the program because of the included program benefits. Here’s a full rundown of what you get as a Fine Hotels + Resorts guest:

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

The tangible perks alone, like the daily breakfast for 2 guests and a property amenity valued at $100, add at least $150 in value to my hotel reservation. I often use the property credit for another meal at the hotel restaurant, making sure I make full use of the $100 value.

The value of this benefit depends on how often you stay at luxury hotels. I definitely use my $300 prepaid hotel credit semiannually and stay at 1 to 2 more properties each year on top of that. Therefore, the $550 estimated value seems accurate for my travel style, as Fine Hotels + Resorts delivers elite-like benefits for staying at the participating properties.

Plus, if a Fine Hotels + Resorts property participates in a hotel loyalty program, you can add your membership number to the reservation and still earn elite night credit and hotel points. I’ve done this with several major programs, including Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and World of Hyatt, and have received loyalty credit.

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.

7. CLEAR+ Credit (up to $209)

CLEAR+ is one of those benefits that feels more like a luxury than a necessity. That is, at least until you’re staring at an impossibly long airport security line wishing you had it.

The Amex Platinum card includes an annual CLEAR+ statement credit of up to $209, which fully covers the annual membership fee (enrollment required).

Over the past year, CLEAR+ has saved me from missing my flight on at least 10 different trips. Before, I didn’t realize how valuable it could be, since I already had TSA PreCheck (another included benefit of the Amex Platinum card). But being able to bypass the ID-check line entirely has made travel noticeably less stressful with staffing shortages and government shutdowns.

Personally, on those especially hectic travel days, I would’ve paid around $20 each time just to skip the line. Of course, the value depends heavily on where and how often you travel, but after flying through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) just once this year, the CLEAR+ benefit alone immediately felt worth the full $209 to me. (If you know, you know).

8. Resy Credit (up to $400)

Every quarter, cardholders receive up to $100 in statement credits at U.S. Resy restaurants after enrollment, for a total of up to $400 in annual value. This is another credit where I wholeheartedly agree with Amex’s full valuation.

Resy is huge in major cities like New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami, but even outside those markets, there are usually participating restaurants worth trying. I’ve discovered several spots that I keep going back to, including Rouser and Handosake in Salt Lake City.

Whether I’m treating myself to a nicer dinner locally or dining out while traveling, using the benefit is straightforward: Dine at an eligible Resy-affiliated restaurant and pay with the Amex Platinum card to trigger the statement credit. You don’t even need to make the reservation through Resy itself, though booking a table in advance makes my life much easier.

Like the other credits, the value doesn’t roll over from quarter to quarter. However, if you don’t use the full credit in a single visit, the remaining amount can still be applied to additional eligible dining purchases later in the same quarter — until the full credit is exhausted.

9. Digital Entertainment Credit (up to $300)

You can get up to $25 in statement credits per month with eligible digital entertainment providers for an annual value of up to $300 (enrollment required). The list includes Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV.

Most households should have no problem maximizing this credit, as you can mix and match services. I’ve paid for some of these services for years before I even had the Amex Platinum card, and I completely use my monthly allotment for YouTube Premium and Hulu.

10. Credit for lululemon (up to $300)

Every quarter, cardholders of the Amex Platinum card receive up to $75 in statement credits to use at eligible U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and on lululemon.com. When this benefit launched in September 2025, I was thrilled, since I shop at lululemon far more often than I’d like to admit.

Because of that, I personally value this perk at the full $300 annually. But I can also understand why someone who never shops with the brand might place little to no value on it. Sure, the credit could be useful for gifts, but maximizing a premium rewards card ultimately comes down to whether the perks align with your existing spending habits and lifestyle.

If lululemon isn’t a brand you’d naturally spend money with, it makes complete sense to leave this benefit out of your own valuation.

11. Walmart+ Credit (up to $155)

Finally, cardholders receive up to a $12.95 monthly statement credit toward an automatically renewing Walmart+ membership, plus taxes, depending on where you live. This credit completely covers my Walmart+ membership each year.

This has turned out to be a far more useful benefit than I’d originally expected. Walmart+ saves me both time and money through complimentary unlimited grocery delivery from local stores and complimentary nationwide shipping on eligible items.

I’ve also gotten massive value from the fuel discounts at participating Exxon, Mobil, Walmart, Murphy USA, and even Sam’s Club stations, which offer some of the cheapest gas prices around.

At this point, I’ve found enough value from Walmart+ that I’m planning to cancel my Amazon Prime membership. Avoiding duplicate subscriptions while still covering most of my household needs through Walmart+ has been a great way to save on everyday costs.

Amex Platinum Card: Welcome Offer as High as 175,000

These benefits are in addition to the welcome offer available for new applicants:

• 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.

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

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

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

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

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, 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)

 

 

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards^® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel^®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts^® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel^® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
• With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection^®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 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.

Financial Snapshot

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

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

 

 

If you’re targeted for the highest available welcome offer — as high as 175,000 points — the redemption potential can be enormous. Membership Rewards points transfer to more than 20 airline and hotel loyalty programs, which is why we value them at roughly 2.2 cents apiece toward travel.

At that valuation, a welcome offer worth up to $3,850 delivers value that’s roughly 4 times the card’s annual fee. Combined with the benefits I use and value throughout the year — which add up to just under the advertised $3,500 figure — the math works in the card’s favor for me.

Final Thoughts

Officially, the Amex Platinum card advertises more than $3,500 in annual value, and that’s more realistic than I thought it would be. There are other benefits that didn’t even make the cut on Amex’s list that I actually use, including important travel and purchase protections, earning 5x points on flights directly with airlines or via AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year, then 1x), and other, more niche statement credits (enrollment required).