21 American Express Platinum Card Benefits For Travelers
American Express Platinum card with an annual fee of jaw-dropping $550, worth it or not? This is a million-dollar question. Are there enough American Express Platinum benefits for you to consider it?
Honestly, there are a lot of advantages of using this card be it for Amex platinum travel credit or getting access to airport lounges worldwide or bonus of 60000 reward points, of course after qualifying for the minimum requirement of spending $5000 on purchases in first three months.
To know if you qualify or not check out the tool .
Lets review American Express Platinum
Amex Platinum Benefits
1.Access To All Premium Airport Lounges Worldwide
Amex Platinum lounge access is one of the most important benefits of using the card. You can have access to
Priority Pass Select
Delta Sky Club(if you are traveling the same day with Delta)
Lufthansa Lounges
Escape Lounges
Plaza Premium Lounges
International American Express Lounges
The cardholder has access to up to two more guests. The lounge offers exotic food and high-end drinks, wifi and luxurious space to rest. But each lounge has its own sets of rules and regulations so you have to go with the rules.
You are supposed to show your American Express Platinum card along with a government-issued identity card and boarding pass before entering the lounge.
My favorite is Centurion Lounge as everything there is first rate.
2.Credit For Global Entry/TSA PreCheck
Amex Platinum card comes with statement credit every 5 years for Global Entry($100) or TSA PreCheck($85). More about TSA PreCheck and Global Entry here.
Related:
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ?
3. Saks Fifth Avenue Credit Up To $100
The other statement credits include up to $100 annually at Saks Fifth Avenue. Credits are available in $50 increments:$50 from Jan-Jun and other $50 from Jul-Dec.To get this you have to get yourself enrolled to the American Express website.
There is no minimum purchase required for this so you can make a purchase of even less than $50.You can make a purchase from Saks and $50 will be credited back to your account.
Read
Credit card Tips For Overseas Travel-For maximum utility
How To Avoid Common Credit card Fees
4. Uber Credit Up To $200
You will be part of the Uber VIP group and will be credited $15 per month and $20 bonus in December as Uber cash. You have to link your Uber account to Amex and select Amex Platinum as a payment method.
Another advantage is you can not only use it for Uber rides but for Uber Eats also.
Related:
American Express Reserve Card Benefits
Benefits of American Express Platinum card
5.Credit Up To $200 For Incidental Fee
For seat selection or checked bags or lounge passes you can use incidental fee but it should be used in a calendar year from January to December.
Read: American Express FX International Payment Review
6.Benefits Through Amex Fine Hotels And Resorts
One of the most important American Express Platinum benefits is a hotel program called Fine Hotels and Resorts (FHR).
There are lot of benefits attached to it
Daily breakfast for two people
Wifi
Noon check in (if available)
Amenity valued at $100
Guranteed 4pm late checkout
Room upgrades when available
I would like to mention it is valid only if you pay for your stay not for an award stay. Some Amex program offers free fourth or fifth stay at select hotels.
Also, you will earn 5 membership reward points per dollar spent through FHR booking.
Related: Amex FHR Vs Chase Luxury Hotel
7.Hilton And Marriott Elite Status
By enrolling you will be eligible for 25% Marriott Bonvoy points. Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite benefits include 2 pm late checkout, room upgrades if available, a welcome gift when check-in, complimentary premium wifi.
Hilton Gold Elite status benefits include 80% bonus points, room upgraded if available, complimentary fifth reward night on standard room, continental breakfast. I enjoyed the continental breakfast with my friend.
Since both the hotels give a lot of benefits you can choose either of the two.
Read:Amex Gold card Benefits and Perks
8. Travel Rewards
5X membership reward points on airfare when booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel.
If the hotel is prebooked through amextravel you get 5 points per dollar
9. Credit For Streaming Services
The cardholders are given $20 per month credit towards streaming services like Netflix and Spotify.
Read more about Amex Platinum card offers
10.Phone Services Credit
$20 per month credit is given for telephone service like Verizon,AT&T.
Read:Best Travel Credit Cards To Look For
11.Car Rental Program Status
You have to enroll on the Amex website and then you will get the status with car rental programs like Avis Preferred. National Emerald Club Executive Status offers any car size of your choice but you have to pay only for a mid-size car.
Also See–Things To Do In Big Bear
12.Purchase Protection
Purchases made through the card are eligible for purchase protection for up to 90 days from the purchase date. The protection covers theft or accidents.
13. Return Protection
If the merchant refuses to take the product bought within 90 days of purchase Amex will refund $300 per item. The benefit excludes the cost of shipping and handling though.
14. Extended Warranty
You get an extended warranty of one more year apart from the manufacturer’s warranty if the purchase is made through the card.
15. Baggage Insurance
In case the bag is stolen the baggage insurance plan covers up to $3000 for checked and carry-on baggage.
Related: American Express Platinum Business Credit Card Benefits
16. International Airline Program
The cardholders get a special discount if they book through Amex Travel. You will get the most out of this program if you book premium airfare.
Read:How to upgrade American Express
17.Global Assist Hotline
If you are beyond 100 miles from home you are eligible for medical, legal, and financial emergencies.
18.Car Rental Loss And Damage Insurance
One of the most important American Express Platinum benefits is secondary rental car coverage of rental car that is stolen or damaged but make sure you decline damage waiver.
Read: Guide – American Express Platinum Edge
19.American Express Concierge
Amex Platinum travel card comes with a lot of luxury as well. If you are busy your favorite restaurant or events can be booked through American Express Concierge special phone service.
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20.Cruise Privileges Program
It is available for cruise booking for 5 nights or more. You get $100-$300 per stateroom shipboard credit that can be used for amenities like spa or dining.
Read:Is Amex Platinum Prestigious-Find out
21. ShopRunner Membership
If you sign for ShopRunner through your card you will get unlimited free two-day shipping and free return shipping on eligible items.
With so many benefits it is certainly recommended to go for Amex Platinum. For travelers, it is a must-have for sure. You will end up saving a lot of money if you properly make use of the American Express Platinum benefits.
If you have a good credit card score and high income you should definitely have it. Find out how to apply
What do you think of the benefits? I would love to know from you and your experience with the card.
Read:Platinum Amex Latest Review
Travel Essentials
I buy things for my travel need from amazon.com as it has everything on one platform.
Accommodation
I book my accommodation through Agoda.com, a part of world leader Booking Holdings, and always get good hotel options.
Flights
I always book through Trip.com as it always gives the best deal for flights.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance gives complete coverage from all mishaps like illness, accidents or thefts or anything so I prefer Worlds Nomad
Tour
You can book your tour through Get Your Guide or Viator both give a number of good options.