American Express Platinum Card Benefits [2021 Guide]
Many of the best credit cards on the market are American Express cards. But even in such good company, the benefits and rewards that come with The Platinum Card® from American Express easily surpass all others. Not only do you get top-tier travel rewards, but The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with a wealth of additional shopping and travel benefits. These perks help make its hefty $550 annual fee seem like a good bargain. Read on to learn more about the American Express Platinum Card benefits.
American Express Platinum Card benefits
Like many travel credit cards, The Platinum Card® from American Express is packed full of travel-related perks — but it’s no slouch when it comes to shopping benefits, either. From rewards to warranties, there’s a lot that makes The Platinum Card® from American Express one of the best card offers around.
Purchase rewards
The purchase rewards are one of the top American Express Platinum Card benefits. You get 5x Membership Rewards points per dollar on flights purchased with the airline or through Amex (capped at $500,000 in purchases per calendar year). Booking your hotel through Amex also scores 5x points per dollar. You’ll get 1x point per dollar on everything else.
Welcome bonus
The welcome bonus that comes with The Platinum Card® from American Express is often worth 60,000 Membership Rewards or more. And bonuses as large as 100,000 points are not uncommon. You’ll need to reach the spending requirement in the specified amount of time to earn the bonus.
Amex Offers
The Amex Offers & Benefits portal is home to a hundred different retailer deals and discounts, including offers for bonus rewards on any eligible purchase.
Saks Fifth Avenue credits
Enroll your credit card to earn up to $50 in Saks Fifth Avenue statement credit every six months. That’s good for a total of $100 in annual credits on your Saks purchases made with The Platinum Card® from American Express.
The Platinum Card® from American Express Concierge
As a The Platinum Card® from American Express cardholder, you’ll get access to a Concierge who can assist you with a number of purchases, including booking event tickets or making dinner reservations.
Global Dining Collection access
Another one of the many American Express Platinum Card benefits is that you can go online or use the Amex app to make reservations at top restaurants around the world (subject to availability).
Purchase protection
Eligible items purchased with your card that are lost, stolen, or damaged within 90 days of purchase can be reimbursed thanks to your American Express Platinum Card benefits. Reimbursements are limited to $10,000 per covered purchase and $50,000 per card per calendar year (and limited to $500 per event in cases of natural disaster).
Return protection
If you try to return an item you purchased with your card and the seller won’t refund your purchase, Amex may offer up to $300 per item to cover the purchase price (excluding shipping and handling). This only applies for the first 90 days after an eligible purchase. The maximum amount per calendar year is $1,000 per account.
Extended warranty coverage
The Platinum Card® from American Express cardholders can add up to one extra year onto their existing manufacturer’s warranty for eligible purchases made with their card. Warranties of five years or less are eligible for this extended coverage. This only covers the amount charged to your card, with a maximum of $10,000 per item and $50,000 per card per calendar year.
Cell phone protection
Get reimbursed for repair or replacement of a damaged or stolen cell phone when you pay your cell phone bill with The Platinum Card® from American Express. This is limited to $800 per claim with a $50 deductible, and a maximum of two approved claims per 12-month period.
ShopRunner membership
American Express Platinum Card benefits include free two-day shipping for online purchases made with more than 100 eligible ShopRunner retailers. Purchases must be made with The Platinum Card® from American Express to qualify.
InCircle membership
Enrolled cardholders can earn a $100 gift card for every 10,000 points earned through InCircle on purchases at Neiman Marcus®, Bergdorf Goodman®, Last Call®, Horchow®, and CUSP®.
By Invitation Only® access
Book customized, specially curated events and experiences, including everything from sporting events to exclusive performances.
Preferred Seating access
Get access to premium seats for eligible events (based on availability). Tickets can be purchased online, through an app, or by phone.
Amex Auto Purchasing program access
Through a partnership with TrueCar, qualifying The Platinum Card® from American Express members can receive a Guaranteed Savings Certificate good at participating dealerships. You can also use your Amex card to pay for at least $2,000 of the purchase amount (and potentially up to the full amount).
American Express Platinum Card travel benefits
When comparing credit cards — well, there’s really no comparison. This isn’t a bare-bones, no-annual-fee travel card. This is a luxury travel card chock full of perks. Enjoy discounts, status, and more with these The Platinum Card® from American Express travel benefits.
Transferrable rewards
One of the best American Express Platinum Card benefits for travelers is its transferable Membership Rewards points. You can turn your points into frequent flyer miles or hotel rewards with more than 20 of Amex’s travel partners:
- Aer Lingus
- Aeromexico
- Air Canada
- Air France/KLM Flying Blue
- Alitalia
- All Nippon Airways
- British Airways
- Cathay Pacific
- Delta Air Lines
- El Al Israel Airlines
- Emirates
- Etihad Airways
- Hawaiian Airlines
- Iberia
- JetBlue Airways
- Qantas
- Singapore Airlines
- Virgin Atlantic Airways
- Choice Hotels
- Hilton
- Marriott Bonvoy
Most transfers are at a 1:1 ratio, though a few partners may offer more or less than one loyalty point per transferred Membership Rewards point.
No foreign transaction fees
Having American Express Platinum Card benefits means paying 0{b530a9af8ec2f2e0d4045baab79c5cfb9bfdc23e498df4d376766a0b44d3f146} foreign transaction fees when you make purchases in a foreign currency with The Platinum Card® from American Express.
Upgrade with points
Seats on select flights booked with participating airlines may be eligible to be upgraded using your Membership Rewards points.
Airport lounge access
If you’re a frequent traveler, enroll in Amex’s Global Lounge Collection to get access to more than 1,300 airport lounges around the world — many of which you won’t get even with airline credit cards. Enjoy access to the prestigious Centurion® Lounge network and Delta Sky Club® locations, as well as Priority Pass Select lounges and more.
Hilton and Marriott elite status
When you enroll, your American Express Platinum Card benefits will get you complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status, as well as Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status. Elite hotel status can unlock perks like extra rewards, room upgrades, and late checkout.
Uber VIP status and monthly credits
Add The Platinum Card® from American Express to your Uber account to get up to $200 in annual Uber credits ($15 per month, plus an extra $20 in December). You’ll also be automatically enrolled in Uber VIP status (where available).
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credits
Enroll your card to get a statement credit reimbursement for Global Entry ($100 every 4 years) or TSA PreCheck® ($85 every 4.5 years) after you apply and pay using The Platinum Card® from American Express.
Avis, Hertz, and National Car Rental elite status
Receive complimentary elite status with Avis, Hertz, and National Car Rental when you enroll through your Amex Platinum account. Status can unlock benefits like discounts, car upgrades, and priority service.
Secondary rental car insurance
When you use The Platinum Card® from American Express to reserve and pay for an eligible car rental, you’ll get secondary insurance coverage for damage or theft. Just make sure to decline the rental agency’s insurance. Vehicle type restrictions and coverage limits apply.
Trip delay reimbursement
If your trip is delayed for more than six hours due to a covered reason, you may be reimbursed up to $500 per trip for eligible expenses. This benefit applies to round-trip purchases made entirely with your card; maximum of two claims per card per 12-month period.
Trip cancellation and interruption coverage
If your trip is cancelled or interrupted for a covered reason, your non-refundable expenses may be reimbursed up to $10,000 per trip (maxed at $20,000 per card per 12-month period). This applies to eligible round-trip travel expenses purchased with The Platinum Card® from American Express.
Baggage insurance
If your baggage is lost, damaged, or stolen while traveling on a common carrier (plane, train, ship, or bus), you could be reimbursed up to $2,000 for checked baggage and up to $3,000 for combined checked and carry-on baggage (with a max of $3,000 per trip). Travel must be paid for entirely with The Platinum Card® from American Express.
$200 airline fee credit
With your American Express Platinum Card benefits, you can select one airline to receive up to $200 in statement credits. This will cover eligible fees, including checked bag fees and in-flight purchases paid for with The Platinum Card® from American Express.
Fine Hotels & Resorts perks
Receive valuable perks at over 1,100 properties around the world when you book a Fine Hotels & Resorts stay through American Express Travel. Benefits can include room upgrades, daily free breakfast, and up to $100 experience credit.
The Hotel Collection credits
Book a stay at an eligible hotel through American Express Travel and The Hotel Collection to earn up to $100 in statement credits toward eligible activities like spa treatments or on-site dining. A minimum stay of two nights is required.
Cruise Privileges Program access
Receive extra amenities on eligible cruise bookings of five nights or more with participating cruise lines. Extras may include $100+ in shipboard credit and extra Membership Rewards points on your purchase. You must book through American Express Travel and use The Platinum Card® from American Express to pay.
Platinum Destinations Vacations
Eligible vacation packages booked through Platinum Travel Service can earn an additional Membership Rewards point per dollar spent. The full package must be paid for with The Platinum Card® from American Express and you (the cardholder) must be traveling on the booked itinerary.
International Airline Program access
Enjoy discounted tickets for premium seats (first class, business, and premium economy) with qualifying airlines. You must book through American Express Travel and use The Platinum Card® from American Express to pay for the tickets. The cardmember must be part of the booking, and you’re limited to eight tickets per booking. Additionally, there is a $39 servicing fee per ticket.
Premium Private Jet program access
Receive exclusive savings when you use the Platinum Travel Services to make an eligible Delta Private Jets purchase. American Express Platinum Card benefits can include a 3{b530a9af8ec2f2e0d4045baab79c5cfb9bfdc23e498df4d376766a0b44d3f146} discount on flight charges, up to $250 in credits for in-flight catering, and up to $200 in credits for car service transfers.
Premium Global Assist® Hotline
Get help in an emergency when you’re 100 miles from home through Premium Global Assist Hotline. This includes round-the-clock access to medical, legal, financial, and emergency coordination and assistance. Services provided by a third party may be subject to fees paid by the cardholder.
Departures™ subscription
As a The Platinum Card® from American Express member, you are automatically eligible for a free subscription to Departures, an online travel magazine and “lifestyle resource” found at departures.com.
Even with a $550 annual fee, the American Express Platinum Card benefits and rewards can offer significant value. Between the retail perks and travel benefits, you can find dozens of ways to get more from The Platinum Card® from American Express.
