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The Platinum Card® from American Express has added benefits worth up to $1,400 per year, including CLEAR membership and a hotel credit in the card’s latest refresh. However, the annual fee increased from $550 to $695 (See Rates & Fees). Additionally, you may be eligible for a higher point bonus offer. Plus, if you can use all of the perks, this fee is easily offset.
80k Bonus: The Platinum Card® from American Express
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
American Express Platinum Changes and Benefits
Long-time Amex Platinum cardholders and fans of this premium travel card may remember the card’s last major upgrade from 2017 shortly after the Chase Sapphire Reserve® launched. As luxury travel returns, it’s time for a round of benefit additions to continue being one of the best travel cards.
Travel perks make the total benefits package worth at least $1,400.
And if you want to get more in-depth details, check out our in-depth The Platinum Card from American Express review.
Up to $200 Hotel Credit
Cardholders can get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when they pay with the Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
This perk is in addition to the on-site benefits at Fine Hotels + Resorts including daily breakfast for two and 4 PM checkout. Terms apply.
Annual CLEAR Membership Credit
In addition to enjoying TSA PreCheck or Global Entry access, cardholders can also enjoy CLEAR perks. Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®.
This pre-security program can help flyers get to the TSA security lines sooner on busy travel days. Stadiums and other mass public venues also accept clear to get into events sooner.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express members will also receive the CLEAR credit. Terms apply.
Related: Is TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or CLEAR the Best Way to Skip Airport Security Lines?
Airport Lounge Benefits
The Amex Platinum already has some of the most extensive complimentary airport lounge benefits. Two of the Global Lounge Collection partners are rebranding:
- Escape Lounges are now becoming The Centurion Studios
- American Express International Lounge locations are converting to Centurion Lounges
In addition to the rebranding of these two lounge networks, there are more lounges available in the portfolio.
American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. Now there are even more places your Platinum Card® can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks.
Despite the pandemic and the recent travel slowdown, there are more lounges in the Centurion Network open to Platinum cardholders.
In all, you can visit 1,300 airport lounges in over 500 airports across 140 countries.
With the network name changes, the Global Lounge Collection partners are:
- Centurion Network (now includes the American Express International Lounge network)
- Centurion Studios (currently operates as Escape Lounges)
- Priority Pass (enrollment required)
- Delta Sky Club
- Plaza Premium
- Air Space
Premium Private Jet Program Discounts
You can now get discounts of up to 40% on a Wheels Up private jet membership.
- 40% discount on Wheels Up Core Membership
- 20% discount on Wheels Up Connect
It’s also possible to get either $500 or $2,000 in initial flight credits for private charter flights during your first membership year.
$240 Digital Entertainment Credit
There’s also a digital entertainment credit, making this card one of the best for streaming services. Cardholders can get up to $20 in statement credits each month when they pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card®. Enrollment required.
Related: The Best Credit Card To Pay For Netflix And Streaming Services
$300 Equinox Fitness Club Credit
Another exciting benefit is the ability for cardholders to get up to $300 back each year in the form of statement credits on an Equinox+ subscription or any Equinox club membership when they pay with their Platinum Card. Enrollment required.
Resy Global Dining Access
Resy can make it easier to book restaurant reservations online. The service can also offer exclusive dining slots at elite restaurants, special events, and VIP status.
80k Bonus: The Platinum Card® from American Express
Walmart+ Credit
Plus, get a $155 Walmart+ credit, which covers the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. The cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax.
Existing Amex Platinum Benefits
The American Express Platinum changes can be a welcome bonus for those who will use the benefits. And in other good news, no benefits disappeared to make room for the perks. Here’s why it’s one of the best American Express cards.
Travel Perks
This premium card offers the most travel benefits.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
- 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year
- 1:1 point transfers to airlines and hotel partners
- International flight discounts on up to 8 tickets per booking on first, business, and premium economy seats for 25+ airlines
- Up to annual $200 airline fee credit on incidental charges for a member-selected airline (enrollment required, terms apply)
- Up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
- Hilton Honors Gold loyalty status
- Marriot Bonvoy Gold Elite loyalty status
- Trip cancellation and delay coverage
- Secondary car rental loss and damage waiver
- No foreign transaction fee (See Rates & Fees)
- Terms apply
Cardholders can get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when they pay with their Platinum Card®.
Shopping Perks
There are a few retail and purchase protection benefits to enjoy too.
- $100 Saks Fifth Avenue credit ($50 January-June and $50 July-December; enrollment required, terms apply)
- Cell phone protection of up to $800 per approved claim (can file up to 2 claims per year and a $50 deductible per approved claim applies)
- Purchase protection of up to $10,000 per occurrence (up to $50,000 per calendar year) for new purchases within the first 90 days
- Return protection on qualifying purchases within the first 90 days
- Extended warranty of 1 extra year on qualifying warranties of 5 years or less
Enrollment may be required. Terms apply.
$695 Annual Fee
One downside to these benefits is a higher annual fee. The annual fee is $695 (See Rates & Fees).
The fee remains a flat $195 for additional cards.
The benefits can easily cover the fee hike. For example, the CLEAR application fee credit and the entertainment statement credits can exceed the $145 increase.
80,000 Membership Rewards Welcome Offer
New The Platinum Card® from American Express cardmembers can earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $8,000 on purchases on their new Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Learn more 80k Bonus: The Platinum Card® from American Express
However, this bonus isn’t available to returning Platinum Cardholders that have already earned a welcome offer for this card.
This is one of the best credit card offers.
Is the American Express Platinum Worth It?
The American Express Platinum changes can enhance travel and lifestyle opportunities while continuing to make the Amex Platinum one of the best rewards cards.
Additionally, this card continues to be one of the best cards for frequent flyers. This card earns more travel miles than most travel rewards cards. Plus, the 1:1 point transfers, airline fee credits, and lounge benefits can be extremely valuable.
You should consider this card if you want some luxury hotel benefits and dining perks. However, you will get the most value from this card if you fly regularly and want to redeem your card points for award flights.
Here’s how hard it is to get the Amex Platinum and the credit score you’ll need.
Summary of Amex Platinum Changes
In conclusion, these American Express Platinum changes can be welcome as more people travel. These travel and retail benefits continue to make The Platinum Card from American Express one of the best premium travel cards. Additionally, there are now more incentives to use it for flights, hotels, and everyday spending to maximize living in the lap of luxury.
80k Bonus: The Platinum Card® from American Express
Related:
- The Business Platinum Card from Amex Review
- Amex Gold vs Amex Platinum Review
- Best Credit Cards With Roadside Assistance
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.
