The Platinum Card from American Express

The Platinum Card from American Express offers many travel benefits and perks, making it an ideal choice for frequent travelers. With a high annual fee of $695, this card is designed for jetsetters who can quickly recoup the cost with just a few trips. Card members can earn 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year.

Additionally, card members can earn 5X points on eligible prepaid hotel bookings made through American Express Travel. For all other purchases, card members earn 1X points. Along with these generous point-earning opportunities, The Platinum Card offers an impressive welcome bonus of 80,000 points if you spend $8,000 within the first six months. Keep reading to discover even more benefits and perks this elite travel card offers.

Quick Highlights

• Earn 5X points for flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel (up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year)
• Earn 5X points for eligible prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
• Earn 1X points for all other purchases.
• Get 80,000 points if you spend $8,000 in the first six months.
• Priority Pass Select membership included
• APR for Pay Over Time feature: 21.24% to 29.24% variable APR on eligible charges
• Get a statement credit of up to $100 every four years for Global Entry or TSA Precheck application fees.
• Enjoy a yearly Uber Cash credit of up to $200 for rides and meals in the U.S.

The Platinum Card Rewards

• Card members earn 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel (up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year) and 5X points on eligible hotels booked through American Express Travel. All other eligible purchases earn 1X points.
• Receive 80,000 points if you spend $8,000 in the first six months.
• Receive up to $200 hotel credit on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings with a minimum two-night stay.
• Enjoy Priority Pass Select membership for access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide.
• In addition to the generous rewards program, Card members also have access to various valuable credits. This includes up to $200 in hotel credits for select prepaid bookings through American Express Travel, up to $240 in digital entertainment credits (up to $20 per month), and up to $155 in monthly Walmart+ membership credits when using the Platinum Card as a form of payment.

The Platinum Card benefits

• The Hotel Collection: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express gives you access to an exclusive offer when you book a two-night minimum stay through American Express Travel. With this offer, you can receive a $100 experience credit during your stay, providing added value and enhancing your overall travel experience.
• International Airline Program: When you use The Business Platinum Card® from American Express to book your flights through American Express Travel, you can use the International Airline Program. This program offers lower fares on International First, Business, and Premium Economy seats on over 20 world-class airlines. With up to 8 tickets per booking, there’s no need to shop for the best deals—it’s all right here.
• $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: As a cardholder of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, you can enjoy faster security clearance at select airports nationwide with CLEAR®. Using unique attributes like eyes or fingerprints, CLEAR® digitally verifies your identity and helps you move through security faster. And the best part? You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus membership with up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for it with your Platinum Card®.
• $200 Hotel Credit: As a card member, you can receive up to $200 in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel. These handpicked hotels offer high standards and complimentary benefits such as room upgrades and a $100 experience credit for select activities.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Entertainment is always at your fingertips with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card. Get up to $20 in statement credits each month when you use your card to pay for eligible purchases on popular streaming services like Disney+, Hulu, and The New York Times. This adds up to an annual savings of $240, plus exclusive access to special perks.
• $200 Uber Cash: Traveling doesn’t have to be a hassle with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card You’ll receive $15 in Uber Cash each month for rides and Uber Eats orders in the US, with an additional $20 bonus in December. This adds up to $200 annually and includes VIP access and top-rated drivers.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: For those who enjoy indulging in luxury goods, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card offers credits from January through June and another $50 from July through December, with no minimum purchase required. Up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or Saks.com. This includes up to $50 in statement
• Global Dining Access by Resy: To add even more value to your travels, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card provides access to exclusive reservations and dining experiences through Global Dining Access by Resy. Add your card to your Resy profile and enjoy special perks when booking partner restaurants.

Rate and Fee

• Intro Offer: Earn 120,000 points upon spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months of account opening.
• Annual Fee: $695
• Regular APR: 19.49% – 27.49% variable
• Recommended Credit Score: 670-850 (Good to Excellent)
• Annual Membership Fee: $695
• Transaction Fees: Foreign Transaction: None
• Late Payment:$39 or 99% of any past due Pay in Full amount, whichever is greater.
• Returned Payment:$39 ̶or̶ ̶2̶.̶9̶9̶% of any past due Pay in Full amount, whichever is greater.

Application and Approvals

• Eligibility: The Platinum Card® has stricter requirements than standard cards, including a good to excellent credit score and sufficient income.
• Application process: You can apply online or through the American Express app. Be prepared to provide basic information, income details, and employment history.
• Annual fee: The card comes with a hefty annual fee, so ensure you can comfortably justify the cost based on your spending habits and the value you’ll derive from the benefits.
• Age Requirements: Applicants must be at least 21 years old to apply for the Platinum Card from American Express. If you are under 21, you may still be able to use it if you have a co-signer or proof of independent income.
• Income Requirements: The Platinum Card® from American Express is designed for individuals with a higher income level. While there is no specific income requirement listed, it is recommended that applicants have an annual income of at least $50,000 to be considered.
• Existing American Express Cardholders: If you currently have another American Express credit card, you may still be eligible for the Platinum Card®. However, eligibility will depend on your current credit standing and account history with American Express.
• Credit History: Besides having a good credit score, applicants should have a solid credit history. This means a history of responsible credit use and timely payments. American Express will review your credit report as part of the application process.

Customer Care/Support

• Helpline Number: 1800 419 2122, 1800 392 1177
• Official Website: American Express

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Platinum Card® from American Express offers a variety of benefits and perks for cardholders. From access to exclusive events and lounges to travel insurance and purchase protection, this card is designed to provide valuable experiences and peace of mind. Additionally, cardholders can access their Year-End Summary online in January to review charges from the previous year. Information on policy terms for benefits such as baggage insurance, car rental loss and damage insurance, extended warranty, and purchase protection can be found on the American Express website.

WhatCard recommended Credit Cards

• Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express Review
• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card Review