Why the Amex Platinum Is a Must-Have for Serious Points Travelers

3 hours ago

4 min read

The U.S. personal American Express Platinum Card® is a must-have for frequent travelers who buy airfare, redeem transferable points for premium flights, and already spend enough to use its credits. The annual fee is $895. If you rarely fly or would have to change your spending to use the credits, a lower-fee card can be a better fit. See my referral link for getting this or any of my recommended cards.

Amex Platinum at a glance

Annual Fee: $895 for the basic card.
Airfare: 5 Membership Rewards points per dollar on eligible flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel,
Hotels: 5 points per dollar on eligible prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel. Most other purchases earn 1 point per dollar.
Best fit: Frequent flyers who can use the travel benefits and redeem points with airline or hotel partners.
Biggest drawback: A high annual fee and credits that reset on different schedules.

1. Earn 5X on airfare without booking through a portal

The ability to book directly with an airline and still earn 5X points is a big reason to use the Platinum Card for all airfare purchases. A $1,200 eligible ticket earns 6,000 Membership Rewards points and double dip with additional miles earned for flying on that specific airline.

For hotels, the 5X rate generally requires an eligible prepaid booking through Amex Travel which unlocks another plethora of perks when booking hotels direct with Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection.

2. Transfer Membership Rewards points when you find an award

AMEX Membership Rewards points give you the best value when you transfer those points to participating airline and hotel partners. That flexibility lets you search across programs before committing your balance. Keep a lookout for transfer bonuses to partner airlines and hotels.

I used a past 30% transfer bonus to move Amex points to Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer to book business class from Los Angeles to Singapore and onward to Thailand at a discount! A great use of points.

Graphic comparing the benefits of Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection

3. Use the hotel and lounge benefits on trips you already take

The lodging credit and Fine Hotels + Resorts

Amex offers up to $600 per calendar year in lodging statement credits, split into up to $300 from January through June and up to $300 from July through December. The credit applies to eligible prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts, The Hotel Collection, and Airbnb Luxe bookings through qualifying Amex Travel channels.

The Hotel Collection and Airbnb Luxe require at least two nights. Amex says that starting January 1, 2027, Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings also need at least two nights to qualify for the lodging credit. Check the current lodging credit terms before booking.

A qualifying Fine Hotels + Resorts stay can include daily breakfast for two, guaranteed 4 p.m. checkout, and a property credit which can save you hundreds on a booked trip!

Airport lounge access

The Global Lounge Collection includes Centurion Lounges, participating Priority Pass lounges after enrollment, and 10 Delta Sky Club visits per year on eligible trips. Check the airport, terminal, hours, and access rules before counting on a lounge. Traveling with someone?

4. Decide whether the $895 annual fee is worth it

Build your own renewal math. The card comes with tons of annual, monthly, and quarterly credits that can easily offset the high value of the card before you even get to the perks!

$600 Hotel Credits
$200 Uber Cash (Also includes Uber Eats)
$120 Uber One Credit
$200 Airline Fee Credit
$319 CLEAR+ Credit
$400 RESY Credit
$300 Digital Entertainment Credit (Youtube Premium, Sirius XM, etc)
$300 Lululemon Credit
$155 Walmart+ Credit

I utilize well over $1,000 in credit every year so this card becomes a no brainer for me.

Plus, American Express comes with additional credit card offers and has great warrantry and purchase protection as a consumer.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Amex Platinum good for everyday spending?

Usually, no. Most purchases outside the eligible travel categories earn 1X. The Platinum makes more sense as the card you reach for when booking eligible flights and using its travel benefits.

Pro Tip: Pair This Card with the AMEX Gold Card. Both cards will earn points to one account and you can earn additional 3x points for dining and food shopping on the Gold Card in which the Platinum card lack. Together, these two cards because one of the best every day cards.

Is it better to transfer Amex points or book through Amex Travel?

Booking on Amex Travel with points typically earns 1 point / $0.01 which is not a good value. When transferring points to airline or hotel programs, your points can become 100% or 200% more valuable! Plus, if you're using points for premium airfaire you will save even more.

Does the $200 airline fee credit cover flights?

No. The benefit is designed for eligible incidental fees, such as checked bags, charged by one selected qualifying airline. It is not a general airfare credit.

Pro Tip: Book a $0 Seat Selection seat. Then, use the card to upgrade after and you will trigger the credit! A great way to save money and utilize the credit.

Who should get the Amex Platinum for points travel?

It’s strongest for frequent flyers who regularly book eligible airfare, can use the lounge network on their routes, and have a clear plan to use enough credits and transfer points. The Rental Car Status upgrades also make this card a strong choice for travel bookings.

Plan your next points trip

New to transfers? Read the Ultimate Guide to Points Travel. To compare how the Platinum fits alongside other cards, in addition to My Complete List of Recommended Travel Cards.

Be sure to check out my Rakuten Blog to see how can start earning tons of more AMEX Membership Rewards points from everyday shopping!