The American Express Platinum Card® is the kind of card that requires a little homework before you apply.
At $895 a year (see rates and fees), it’s one of the priciest cards on the market — but it comes loaded with perks that, if you actually use them, can cover the annual fee several times over.
And whether you want to save on travel, dining, streaming, or something else, there’s probably a Platinum Card® perk for that. Here are seven of my favorites worth knowing about before you apply.
1. Global Lounge Collection access
This is one of the card’s biggest selling points. Amex’s lounge network is the largest of any card issuer, covering Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Delta Sky Club, and more. Terms apply; enrollment may be required. If you fly often and love the airport lounge experience, you probably can’t do better than the Platinum Card®.
This perk’s a bit harder to quantify than some others — Amex values it at more than $850 annually — but if you enjoy traveling in style, it can go a long way.
2. $600 in annual hotel credits
The Platinum Card® also offers up to $600 per year in credits toward stays at Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection. (The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.) Terms apply.
This perk has a narrow use case, but it’s also one of the most valuable. For travel rewards lovers who’d be booking luxury hotels anyway, this credit alone can cover two thirds of the Platinum Card®’s annual fee.
3. $400 Resy dining credit
The Platinum Card® offers up to $400 per year ($100 per quarter) in dining credits on Resy purchases. Terms apply; enrollment required. That’s one of the card’s more usable credits for cardholders in big cities who eat out regularly.
The credit applies at over 10,000 U.S. Resy restaurants, which tend to be high-end spots in major markets. This one’s great for a night on the town at home or a big getaway to another city.
4. 5X points on flights and prepaid Amex Travel hotels
The Platinum Card® doesn’t skimp on earning rates, either. You’ll earn 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel® up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, and 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel®.
That’s one of the best earning rates on airfare you’ll find on a consumer card. Also keep in mind that your Membership Rewards® points can be transferred to a total of 20 airline and hotel partners, making them extra valuable.
5. $300 in digital entertainment credits
This one has to be my favorite. The Platinum Card® offers up to $300 per year ($25 per month) in credits to save on “digital entertainment,” including popular streaming services and news publications. Partners here include Disney+, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV. Terms apply; enrollment required.
That makes for one of the more flexible, everyday credits on this top luxury card. And for anyone already paying for a handful of subscriptions, you’ll barely have to change a thing to save.
6. Marriott Bonvoy Gold and Hilton Honors Gold status
Amex Platinum Card® members also receive complimentary Gold status with both Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors. Terms apply; enrollment required.
Neither is top-tier status, but both come with useful perks: bonus points on stays, potential room upgrades, and late checkout when available. For occasional hotel travelers, this is an easy value that, again, costs nothing extra.
7. $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One credit
Finally, add the card to your Uber account, and Platinum Card® members get $15 in Uber Cash per month (plus a bonus $20 in December) for a total of $200 per year, usable on U.S. Uber rides and Uber Eats orders. Terms apply. That’s basically free money every month to use on rideshares and food delivery.
On top of that, the card covers up to $120 per year toward an Uber One membership when you use the Platinum Card® to pay. Benefits of Uber One include $0 delivery fees, 6% back on rides, 10% back on orders, and more.
For frequent Uber users, that’s $320 in combined annual value.
We’re just scratching the surface here. Want to see how else the Platinum Card® can help you save? Check out our full American Express Platinum Card® review to learn if the card’s right for you today.
