Points can also be redeemed at a fixed rate toward travel purchases through American Express Travel. You can get up to $0.01 per point this way, with the value depending on the type of travel purchase. Terms apply.
It's usually better to transfer American Express Membership Rewards points, because you can get much more value. Using them through American Express Travel is a solid alternative if transferring them isn't an option for what you want to book.
No foreign transaction fees
When you use this card internationally, you won't incur any extra fees. (See rates and fees.)
Upgrade with points
Seats on select flights booked with participating airlines may be eligible to be upgraded using your Membership Rewards points. Terms apply.
Airport lounge access
The Platinum Card® from American Express offers unrivaled airport lounge access. It provides complimentary access to over 1,300 lounges across 140 countries. Terms apply and select enrollment required. Here are some of the types of lounges you'll be able to access:
- The Centurion Lounge
- The International American Express Lounges
- Priority Pass
- Escape Lounges
- Delta Sky Club®
- Plaza Premium
- Air Space
- Lufthansa (at select airports)
Other travel cards provide airport lounge access, but none get you into so many different lounges. American Express also has some of the most luxurious lounges. The Centurion Lounges, in particular, are extremely popular among frequent flyers.
Hilton and Marriott elite status
This card gets you complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status. Enrollment required. Terms apply. Elite hotel status can unlock perks like extra rewards, room upgrades, and a late checkout.
$200 in annual Uber Cash and Uber VIP status
After you add The Platinum Card® from American Express to your enrolled Uber account, you get up to $200 in annual Uber statement credits ($15 per month, plus an extra $20 in December). You'll also become an Uber VIP where available. Terms apply.
$200 annual hotel credit
You get $200 back in statement credits per calendar year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel. You must pay with your The Platinum Card® from American Express and book for at least two nights. Terms apply.
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
You receive a statement credit every four years for the Global Entry membership fee ($120) or every four and a half years for the TSA PreCheck membership fee ($85). Terms apply. These expedited security programs help you get through airport security more quickly.
Global Entry is the better option because it also gets you a TSA PreCheck membership.
CLEAR® credit
This card provides a statement credit of up to $199 per calendar year to cover the cost of a CLEAR® membership you're enrolled in. Terms apply. CLEAR® is an expedited security program that gets you to the front of airport security lines.
Avis, Hertz, and National Car Rental elite status
You're eligible to enroll in the Avis Preferred®, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards®, and National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive programs through your The Platinum Card® from American Express account. Membership can unlock benefits like discounts, car upgrades, and priority service. Terms apply.
Car rental loss and damage insurance
When you use The Platinum Card® from American Express to reserve and pay for an eligible car rental, you'll get secondary rental car insurance coverage for damage or theft*****. Just make sure to decline the rental agency's insurance. Vehicle type restrictions and coverage limits apply. Terms apply.
Trip delay insurance
If a round-trip paid for entirely with your eligible Card is delayed by a covered reason for more than six hours, trip delay insurance****** can help reimburse eligible additional expenses you incur. Purchases must be made with the same eligible Card to qualify. Coverage limits are up to $500 per trip and a maximum of two claims per 12 consecutive month period. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply.
Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
If a round-trip paid for entirely with your eligible Card is canceled or interrupted by a covered reason, trip cancellation and interruption insurance******* can help reimburse nonrefundable expenses purchased with the same eligible Card. Coverage limits are up to $10,000 per trip and up to $20,000 per eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Terms apply.
Baggage insurance plan
If your baggage is lost, damaged, or stolen while traveling on a common carrier, this card's baggage insurance plan******** could reimburse you. You must pay the entire fare with your eligible Card for this protection to apply. Coverage limits are up to $2,000 per covered person for checked-in baggage and up to $3,000 per covered person for carried-on baggage. Terms apply.
$200 annual airline fee credit
You can enroll with one eligible airline to receive up to $200 in annual statement credits towards incidental fees. This includes checked bag fees and in-flight purchases paid for with The Platinum Card® from American Express. It doesn't cover airfare. Terms apply.
International Airline Program
This program offers discounted tickets for premium seats (first class, business, and premium economy) with qualifying airlines. You must book through American Express Travel and use The Platinum Card® from American Express to pay for the tickets. The Card Member must be part of the booking, and there's a limit of eight tickets per booking. Terms apply.
Premium Private Jet Program with Wheels Up
With The Platinum Card® from American Express, you receive 20% off a Wheels Up Connect membership or 40% off a Wheels Up Core membership you're enrolled in. Additional benefits include a $500 or $2,000 flight credit, depending on which membership you choose. Terms apply.
Premium Global Assist® Hotline
When you travel more than 100 miles from home, American Express provides a 24/7 hotline for medical, legal, financial, and emergency coordination and assistance. You may be responsible for costs charged by third-party service providers. Emergency medical transportation may be provided at no cost only if approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline*********. Terms apply.
The bottom line on Amex Platinum Card benefits
You could save thousands of dollars every year and upgrade your travels with The Platinum Card® from American Express benefits. That's assuming you can use at least a portion of them.
Since The Platinum Card® from American Express has a hefty annual fee, it's especially important to make sure it's a good fit before applying. Review the benefits and see if you like them. If you can take advantage of its dozens of perks, this card packs substantial value.
