American Express Platinum — Full Review & How to Apply

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Most Prestigious Card
American Express Platinum
The ultimate luxury travel card
✈️ 1,400+ Lounges 💵 $200 Hotel Credit 🎁 100K+ Welcome Bonus
$695
Annual Fee
100K+
Bonus Points
5x
On Flights
1,400+
Lounges

💳 Why This Card Stands Out

The American Express Platinum is the most prestigious consumer credit card available. With access to 1,400+ airport lounges (including the exclusive Centurion Lounges), elite hotel status, and over $1,500 in annual credits, it’s designed for luxury travelers.

Yes, the $695 annual fee is high — but for frequent travelers who maximize the benefits, the value far exceeds the cost.

✨ Key Benefits

✈️
1,400+ Airport Lounges
Access Centurion Lounges (Amex exclusive), Priority Pass, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), Escape Lounges, Plaza Premium, and more.
🏨
$200 Hotel Credit
Annual statement credit for prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings through Amex Travel. Plus complimentary room upgrades and late checkout.
💵
$200 Airline Fee Credit
Annual credit for incidental fees (baggage, seat selection, in-flight purchases) with one selected airline. Resets every calendar year.
🚗
$200 Uber Credit
$15/month in Uber Cash, plus a bonus $20 in December ($200 total annually). Use for Uber rides or Uber Eats.
⭐
Elite Hotel Status
Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold and Hilton Honors Gold status. Room upgrades, late checkout, bonus points, and more.
🛡️
Global Entry / TSA PreCheck
Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or $85 for TSA PreCheck every 4.5 years. CLEAR Plus membership credit also included ($189 value).

💰 Additional Annual Credits

Digital Entertainment $240/year
Walmart+ Membership $155/year
Equinox Credit $300/year
Saks Fifth Avenue $100/year
CLEAR Plus $189/year
Global Entry/PreCheck $100 (every 4 years)

⭐ Rewards Structure

5x
Flights
Booked directly or Amex Travel
5x
Hotels
via Amex Travel
1x
Everything Else
All other purchases

💰 Is the Annual Fee Worth It?

Let’s do the math (if you use all credits):
$200 Airline Fee Credit + $200
$200 Hotel Credit + $200
$200 Uber Credit + $200
$240 Digital Entertainment + $240
$100 Saks Fifth Avenue + $100
Lounge Access (est. 8 visits) + $320
Total Value $1,260+
Annual Fee – $695
Net Value + $565 / year

⚠️ Only worth it if you’ll actually use the credits!

Interested in this card?
See your personalized offer — no impact on your credit score.
Check Your Eligibility →

🎁 Current Welcome Offer

Welcome Bonus
150,000
Membership Rewards Points
After spending $8,000 in the first 6 months
= $1,500+ in travel value

📋 Who Qualifies?

✅ Recommended Profile:
  • ✓ Excellent credit (720+)
  • ✓ 2+ years credit history
  • ✓ Higher income (~$75K+)
  • ✓ No bankruptcy in past 7 years
⚠️ Good to Know:
  • • Amex’s “once per lifetime” bonus rule
  • • This is a charge card (pay in full monthly)
  • • Can check pre-approval without hard pull
  • • Metal card (heavy and premium feel)

⚖️ Pros & Cons

✅ PROS
  • Best lounge access (Centurion Lounges)
  • Over $1,500 in annual credits
  • Huge welcome bonus (150K points)
  • Elite hotel status (Marriott, Hilton)
  • 20+ transfer partners
  • Premium metal card
  • Excellent travel protections
❌ CONS
  • Highest annual fee ($695)
  • Only 1x on non-bonus spending
  • Credits require effort to use
  • Charge card (pay in full)
  • Amex not accepted everywhere
  • Centurion Lounges getting crowded

🎯 Best For

This card is perfect for you if:

👉 You travel frequently (6+ trips per year)
👉 You want the best lounge access available
👉 You’ll use the credits (Uber, hotels, airline fees)
👉 You want elite hotel status without earning it
👉 You have excellent credit (720+)
👉 You value status and premium experiences
Ready to Get Started?
See your personalized offer — check eligibility without affecting your credit score.
Get This Card →
🔒 Secure application on Amex’s official site
Want to compare before you decide?
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📌 This content is for educational purposes only. Credit card approval depends on individual factors including credit score, income, and credit history. We may receive compensation if you apply through links on this page. All information is believed accurate as of December 2025 but is subject to change. Please review the official terms and conditions on the issuer’s website before applying.

Sources: American Express, The Points Guy, NerdWallet. Last updated: December 2025.

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