E*Trade Customers Can Now Get the Exclusive Amex Platinum Card for Morgan Stanley

You may be unaware of it, but there are several versions of the Platinum Card^® from American Express. One of them is exclusively available for those with brokerage accounts with Morgan Stanley.

However, The Platinum Card^® from American Express Exclusively for Morgan Stanley has widened its list of eligible customers. Now, those with E*Trade accounts are eligible for this card.

There are unique advantages to the Amex Platinum card for Morgan Stanley, and it also comes with the long list of perks you’re used to on the traditional Amex Platinum card.

Who’s eligible for the Amex Platinum card for Morgan Stanley now, and does it make sense to add this card to your wallet? Let’s take a closer look.

What’s Special About the Amex Platinum Card for Morgan Stanley?

There are a few minor differences between the Amex Platinum card and Amex Platinum card for Morgan Stanley.

The Amex Platinum card, the most common version, has a $895 annual fee (rates & fees) and offers the list of benefits you’re used to:

• Access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection
• Priority Pass lounge membership after enrollment
• Can enroll in Marriott Gold Elite and Hilton Gold status at no additional cost
• Numerous statement credits for things like Oura Ring, Walmart+, shopping, prepaid hotel bookings, and much more (some of which require enrollment)

The Amex Platinum card for Morgan Stanley has the same annual fee and offers the same perks, though with a few differences:

• You can redeem points into your eligible Morgan Stanley brokerage or bank account, including E*Trade accounts.
• Earn an Annual Engagement Bonus of $895 if you maintain a Platinum CashPlus account from Morgan Stanley.
• Your first Additional Platinum Card annual fee is $0, then additional cards cost $195 annually.

The points redemption is certainly interesting — and unique. What many people love about this card is the ability to get an Additional Platinum Card, conferring perks like elite status and lounge access, for authorized users without the $195 annual fee levied for the first and each Additional Platinum Card on the traditional Amex Platinum card (rates & fees).

Eligibility Expands for the Amex Platinum Card for Morgan Stanley

Until recently, you needed an eligible account with Morgan Stanley to qualify for its unique version of the Amex Platinum card. That typically required either a brokerage account or a banking account with a monthly fee — which could be waived if your average balance were at least $25,000 each month.

However, E*Trade is a popular online trading platform that has low-cost and even free plans, and E*Trade customers now qualify for this card, as first reported by Doctor of Credit. That opens the door to qualifying for the Amex Platinum card for Morgan Stanley without a high banking or trading balance in your accounts.

If you qualify for the Amex Platinum card for Morgan Stanley, you could potentially pick up a welcome bonus offer by applying for the card, gain its unique perks, and add someone to your account to give them a benefits-laden Additional Platinum Card without the annual fee this usually carries.

The card’s eligibility terms are as follows:

The Platinum Card^® from American Express exclusively for Morgan Stanley is only available for clients who have an Eligible Account with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (which includes E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley) or Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association.

An Eligible Account is a brokerage or bank account (i) held in your name, (ii) held by a trust where you are both the grantor and trustee of such trust, or (iii) held as a beneficial owner of a personal holding company, a non-operating limited liability company, a non-operating limited partnership, or a similar legal entity. American Express will only issue the Card to (1) a Morgan Stanley client who is an individual; and (2) an individual associated with a Morgan Stanley client (if the Morgan Stanley client itself is not an individual). Eligibility is subject to change. American Express may cancel your Card Account and participation in this program, if you do not maintain an Eligible Account.

There’s no minimum balance requirement listed for your E*Trade account to qualify.

Final Thoughts

The Amex Platinum card for Morgan Stanley is now available for those with E*Trade accounts. The card offers all the typical perks you’re used to on American Express’ premium card. It also offers a few unique perks, and those who are eligible should definitely take a closer look at this card.