A Guide to The Platinum Card® from American Express for 2025 Travel

Extensive airport lounge access

One of the most valuable features of The Platinum Card® from American Express is its unparalleled airport lounge access. The American Express Global Lounge Collection includes more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries. This collection includes:

• Centurion Lounges - American Express's exclusive high-end lounges featuring complimentary gourmet food, premium beverages, and amenities like shower suites

• Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta) - Cardholders receive 10 visits per year, with unlimited visits available for those who spend more than $75,000 on the card in the previous calendar year

• Priority Pass Select lounges (enrollment required)

• Plaza Premium lounges

• Escape Lounges

• Select Lufthansa lounges (when flying Lufthansa)

Comprehensive statement credits

The card offers over $1,500 in statement credits each year, which can offset the annual fee if used strategically:

• $200 airline fee credit for incidental fees charged by one qualifying airline of your choice (enrollment required)[62]

• $200 in Uber Cash ($15 monthly, plus a $20 bonus in December) for U.S. rides or Uber Eats orders

• $200 hotel credit for prepaid bookings at Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection properties (two-night minimum for The Hotel Collection)

• $240 digital entertainment credit ($20 monthly) for eligible purchases of Disney+, Disney+ Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal (enrollment required)

• $199 CLEAR® Plus membership credit to help expedite airport security

• $100 Saks Fifth Avenue credit ($50 January-June, $50 July-December, enrollment required)[91]

• $155 Walmart+ monthly membership credit

Hotel elite status and benefits

The card automatically grants you elite status with major hotel chains without meeting any stay requirements:

• Hilton Honors Gold status (enrollment required)

• Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status (enrollment required)

These status levels provide benefits such as room upgrades when available, late checkout, enhanced Wi-Fi, and bonus points on stays.

Moreover, when booking through Fine Hotels + Resorts, you'll receive benefits like daily breakfast for two, guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout, room upgrades when available, and unique property amenities valued at around $100.

Travel protections and insurance

As I've discussed in my article on credit cards with travel insurance, comprehensive travel protection is essential for frequent travelers. The Platinum Card® from American Express offers several valuable protections:

• Trip delay insurance

• Baggage insurance

• Car rental loss and damage insurance

• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee credit (up to $100)[82]

• Cell phone protection (up to $800 per claim, maximum of two claims per 12-month period, $50 deductible)

Additional lifestyle benefits

Beyond travel, the card offers several lifestyle enhancements:

• Global Dining Access by Resy for exclusive restaurant reservations

• Platinum Card Concierge service for 24/7 assistance with dining, travel, or shopping needs

• International Airline Program discounts on premium cabin international flights

The Platinum Card® from American Express pros and cons

Pros:

1. Exceptional lounge access

The American Express Global Lounge Collection offers the most comprehensive airport lounge access of any credit card on the market. For frequent travelers, this benefit alone can justify the annual fee, particularly if you value the premium Centurion Lounges. As someone who travels regularly, I've found that having a quiet, comfortable space with complimentary food and drinks significantly enhances the airport experience.

2. Valuable statement credits

The combined value of the statement credits exceeds $1,500 annually. Even if you only use a portion of these credits, they can substantially offset the annual fee. At first glance, some credits might seem niche, but many apply to everyday spending categories like streaming services, Uber rides, and online shopping.

3. Premium travel experiences

The Fine Hotels + Resorts program delivers genuine luxury value. When booking through this program, the benefits (including breakfast, late checkout, and property credits) are worth approximately $550 per stay. For those who enjoy luxury travel, these perks elevate each hotel stay into a premium experience.

4. Elite status without the effort

Automatic Gold status with both Hilton and Marriott[83] gives you valuable benefits without having to meet any stay requirements. Based on my experience writing about travel credit card perks, this automatic elite status can make every hotel stay more comfortable and rewarding.

5. Comprehensive travel protections

The travel insurance benefits provide peace of mind when unexpected issues arise. These protections can save you thousands of dollars in the event of travel disruptions, as I discussed in my article on maximizing travel credit card benefits.

Cons:

1. High annual fee

The $695 annual fee[71] is undeniably steep. Despite the potential to recoup this cost through benefits, you'll need to pay this fee upfront each year, which may not be feasible for all budgets.

2. Credits require effort to maximize

Many of the statement credits come with specific restrictions or are distributed in monthly installments. For instance, the $240 digital entertainment credit is divided into $20 monthly increments, and the airline fee credit only applies to one selected airline. This structure means you'll need to be organized and strategic to capture the full value.

3. Limited rewards earning outside of travel

The card only earns 1X points on purchases outside of flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel. Consequently, this may not be the best card for everyday spending beyond travel-related expenses.

4. Some benefits have limited applicability

Benefits like Equinox credits or Saks Fifth Avenue credits may not align with everyone's lifestyle or spending patterns. If you don't already use these services, you might not get the full value from these specific perks.

The Platinum Card® from American Express pricing

Annual fee

The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with an annual fee of $695[71][62]. This fee is significantly higher than many other premium travel cards on the market. Nevertheless, for those who can utilize even a portion of the card's benefits, the value received can far exceed this cost.

Additional card fees

If you want to add authorized users to your account, there are two options:

1. Additional Platinum Cards: $195 per card for up to three additional cards

2. Additional Gold Cards: No fee mentioned in the factual keypoints

   
   

Additional Platinum cardmembers receive many of the same benefits as the primary cardholder, including:

• Access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection

• Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status (enrollment required)

• Hilton Honors Gold status (enrollment required)

• Access to the Fine Hotels & Resorts program

APR for Pay Over Time feature

The Platinum Card offers a Pay Over Time feature with a variable APR of 20.24% to 29.24% on eligible charges. However, it's worth noting that this is primarily a charge card, meaning you're typically expected to pay your balance in full each month.

Foreign transaction fees

One significant advantage for international travelers is that the Platinum Card does not charge foreign transaction fees. This benefit can save you approximately 3% on all purchases made abroad compared to cards that do charge these fees, as I explained in my article about choosing the right travel credit card.

Other fees and charges

The card may have additional fees for specific services, such as late payment fees or returned payment fees, though specific amounts weren't mentioned in the factual keypoints provided.

The Platinum Card® from American Express best for

After years of analyzing various travel rewards cards, I've identified several types of travelers who would benefit most from The Platinum Card® from American Express. In my article about why travel credit cards are worth the annual fee, I emphasize that premium cards provide the most value when aligned with your travel habits and lifestyle. Here's who stands to gain the most from this card:

Frequent airport travelers

If you find yourself in airports at least once a month, the lounge access alone can justify the annual fee. With access to over 1,400 lounges across 140 countries[83], including the exclusive Centurion Lounges, you'll enjoy complimentary food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and a comfortable space to relax or work before flights.

Frequent flyers who travel through airports with Centurion Lounges will especially benefit, as these lounges offer superior amenities compared to standard airport lounges. Currently, Centurion Lounges can be found in major hubs like New York (JFK and LGA), San Francisco, Dallas, Miami, Seattle, Houston, Philadelphia, and several international locations.

Luxury hotel enthusiasts

The card truly shines for those who appreciate premium hotel experiences. With automatic Gold status at Hilton and Marriott[83] plus the $200 annual hotel credit for Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings[82], luxury hotel stays become more accessible and rewarding.

The Fine Hotels + Resorts program in particular offers exceptional value with benefits worth approximately $550 per stay, including room upgrades, daily breakfast for two, guaranteed late checkout, and property credits for dining or spa services.

Urban commuters and food delivery users

The $200 annual Uber Cash benefit[82] ($15 monthly plus $20 in December) makes this card valuable for city dwellers who regularly use Uber for transportation or Uber Eats for food delivery. If you spend at least $15 monthly on these services, you'll effortlessly maximize this benefit.

Digital content subscribers

With the $240 annual digital entertainment credit[91] ($20 monthly) applicable to popular services like Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal, the card is ideal for those who already subscribe to these platforms or have been considering doing so.

Travelers seeking expedited security

The card's $199 CLEAR® Plus credit[82] and the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee credit[82] help streamline your airport experience by reducing wait times at security checkpoints. These benefits are particularly valuable for frequent domestic travelers, as I detailed in my article about Global Entry benefits.

Shoppers who value premium retail experiences

The $100 annual Saks Fifth Avenue credit[91] ($50 semi-annually) presents a nice opportunity for those who appreciate high-quality retail items. Even if you're not a regular Saks shopper, this credit can be used for smaller items like beauty products or accessories.

Business travelers who can expense the annual fee

For business travelers whose employers allow them to use and keep the rewards from personal cards for business expenses, the Platinum Card can be particularly lucrative. The 5X points on flights[62] can accumulate quickly when booking business travel, and if your company reimburses your travel expenses, you're essentially earning rewards on spending that costs you nothing out of pocket.

Point maximizers who value transfer partners

If you're someone who enjoys maximizing the value of points through strategic transfers to airline and hotel partners, the Membership Rewards points earned with this card offer excellent flexibility. With over 20 airline and hotel transfer partners, most transferring at a 1:1 ratio, savvy travelers can often get 2 cents or more per point in value through strategic redemptions.

Not ideal for:

The card is less suitable for those who:

• Rarely travel or don't value airport lounge access

• Primarily seek cash back rewards

• Need a card with strong earning rates on everyday spending categories like groceries and gas

• Can't comfortably afford the $695 annual fee or wouldn't use enough benefits to offset it

• Prefer simplicity in their credit card benefits without needing to track multiple credits

As I explained in my article about whether travel credit cards are right for you, premium travel cards like the Platinum deliver the best value when they align with your existing spending patterns and travel preferences.

The Platinum Card's value proposition centers on its premium travel benefits

Best for Luxury Travelers: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Among all luxury travel cards available right now, The Platinum Card® from American Express stands out as a premiere choice for those seeking truly elevated travel experiences. Unlike standard travel rewards cards, this card transforms ordinary journeys into memorable luxury adventures through its extensive suite of high-end benefits.

The Platinum Card® from American Express luxury perks

Luxury travel involves more than just flying business class or staying at upscale hotels—it's about experiencing seamless, personalized service at every touchpoint. The Platinum Card® from American Express excels precisely in this area.

Fine Hotels + Resorts Program

The Fine Hotels + Resorts program represents one of the card's most valuable luxury benefits. As a cardmember, you gain access to over 1,600 extraordinary properties worldwide, each offering a comprehensive suite of premium benefits that substantially enhance your stay:

• Room upgrades upon arrival (when available)

• Early 12pm check-in (when available)

• Daily breakfast for two

• Guaranteed 4pm late checkout

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

• Unique property amenity valued at $100

What makes this program truly exceptional is its actual value—these benefits are worth approximately $550 per stay. After researching numerous hotel loyalty programs in my article about travel credit card perks you shouldn't overlook, I've found that few other credit cards offer such substantive on-property benefits.

The Hotel Collection

For stays of two nights or more, The Hotel Collection offers another layer of luxury at over 1,000 high-quality, upscale hotels globally. Benefits include:

• Room upgrades when available

• $100 experience credit for eligible on-property charges

This experience credit can be applied toward various amenities based on the property, including:

• Food and beverage at on-site restaurants

• Spa services and treatments

• Golf rounds for two

• Private transfers

Automatic Elite Hotel Status

As I explained in my guide about how to maximize your benefits with travel credit cards, elite status often takes dozens of nights to earn through traditional loyalty programs. Yet The Platinum Card® from American Express grants this valuable status automatically:

• Hilton Honors Gold status (enrollment required)

• Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status (enrollment required)

Marriott Gold Elite status includes valuable benefits like 25% bonus points on stays, priority late checkout, and enhanced room upgrades when available. Similarly, Hilton Honors Gold status delivers expedited check-in, bonus points, and potential room upgrades.

Premium Hotel Earnings

Beyond status, the card rewards luxury hotel bookings generously:

• 5X Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com

• Option to "Pay with Points" for prepaid stays while still earning hotel loyalty points

Platinum Concierge Service

Although not explicitly detailed in the factual keypoints, the Platinum Concierge service is a cornerstone luxury benefit that assists with restaurant reservations, travel planning, and special purchases—adding another layer of convenience to the cardholder experience.

The Platinum Card® from American Express lounge access

Airport experiences typically represent the most stressful part of travel. However, The Platinum Card® from American Express transforms this experience through its unparalleled lounge access program.

Global Lounge Collection Overview

The American Express Global Lounge Collection provides cardholders with access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting. This represents the most comprehensive airport lounge access offered by any credit card issuer on the market, a claim verified as of October 2024.

After analyzing lounge benefits for my article on why a travel credit card is worth the annual fee, I've concluded that lounge access alone can justify premium card fees for frequent travelers, particularly considering the estimated value of over $500 annually for the Global Lounge Collection.

Centurion Lounges

The crown jewels of the Amex lounge network are the exclusive Centurion Lounges, which offer amenities far exceeding standard airport lounges:

• Staffed bars with custom cocktails

• Full meals prepared by renowned chefs

• High-speed Wi-Fi

• Various seating options

• Family rooms in select locations

Currently, 15 Centurion Lounges operate in major U.S. hubs:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)

• Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

• Denver International Airport (DEN)

• George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston

• Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas

• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

• Miami International Airport (MIA)

• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City

• LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York City

• Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

• Ronald Reagan Washington International Airport (DCA)

• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

Furthermore, American Express has announced plans to expand the network with upcoming Centurion Lounges at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC).

Access Requirements and Guest Policies

To access Centurion Lounges, cardholders must present:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express

• Government-issued identification

• Same-day, confirmed boarding pass

One significant restriction is that access is limited to within three hours of scheduled departure. Regarding guests, U.S. Platinum Card members must pay $50 per guest age 18 or older and $30 per guest age 2 through 17 (guests under 2 are complimentary with proof of age).

Notably, cardmembers can qualify for complimentary guest access for up to two guests per visit after spending $75,000 on eligible purchases within a calendar year.

Delta Sky Club Access

For Delta flyers, The Platinum Card® from American Express provides access to Delta Sky Club lounges when flying on Delta-operated flights or Delta-marketed flights operated by WestJet.

The policy grants Platinum Card members up to 10 Sky Club visits per program year, with authorized users with additional Platinum cards receiving their own 10-visit allotment each program year.

Priority Pass Select Membership

Cardmembers also receive complimentary membership in Priority Pass Select, which provides access to more than 1,700 lounges worldwide. This membership must be activated through Amex's website or by calling Platinum Travel Services. Importantly, this Priority Pass Select membership doesn't include access to Priority Pass restaurants.

Additional Lounge Networks

Beyond the major networks mentioned above, cardholders can access:

• U.S. Escape Lounges by showing their Platinum Card, government-issued identification, and confirmed same-day boarding pass

• Select Plaza Premium lounge locations worldwide

• Select Lufthansa lounges when flying Lufthansa Group airlines (Lufthansa, Swiss, and Austrian Airlines; excludes Brussels Airlines)

As I detailed in my article about how to choose the right travel credit card, comprehensive lounge access significantly enhances the travel experience, making it a key consideration when evaluating premium travel cards.

The Platinum Card® from American Express travel credits

What truly distinguishes The Platinum Card® from American Express from competitors is its extensive array of travel-related statement credits. In my research for what expenses can you earn points on with your travel credit card, I found that these credits substantially offset the card's annual fee when utilized strategically.

Airline Fee Credit

Each calendar year, cardmembers receive up to $200 in statement credits toward eligible incidental fees charged by one qualifying airline of their choice. These incidental fees typically include:

• Checked baggage fees

• In-flight refreshments

• Seat selection fees

• Change fees

The key restriction is that this credit applies only to the airline you select, and changing your selection is generally permitted only once annually in January.

Hotel Credit

Cardmembers receive up to $200 in statement credits each year on prepaid bookings at over 2,600 hand-selected hotels that are part of the Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection programs.

For The Hotel Collection, a minimum two-night stay is required. This credit effectively provides a 33% discount on a $600 luxury hotel booking each year.

Uber Cash Benefit

For urban travelers and food delivery enthusiasts, The Platinum Card® from American Express provides up to $200 in Uber Cash annually:

• $15 in Uber Cash monthly for U.S. rides or Uber Eats orders

• Bonus $20 in December

• Delivered through an exclusive Uber app experience

To activate this benefit, cardholders must add their Platinum Card to their Uber account.

Clear Plus Credit

A relatively new addition to the card's benefits package is the $199 CLEAR Plus credit. CLEAR Plus expedites the security verification process at over 50 airports nationwide by using biometric data to confirm your identity.

As I explained in my article about getting Global Entry for free, expedited security programs significantly reduce travel stress and save valuable time.

Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit

Speaking of expedited security, Platinum cardmembers are eligible for:

• $120 statement credit every 4 years after applying for Global Entry, or

• Up to $85 statement credit every 4.5 years after applying for TSA PreCheck

This benefit stacks excellently with the CLEAR Plus credit, creating a comprehensive solution for bypassing both identity verification and physical screening lines at security checkpoints.

Digital Entertainment Credit

Although not directly travel-related, the Digital Entertainment Credit provides value during both travel and at home:

• Up to $240 in statement credits annually ($20 monthly)

• Applicable to subscriptions from Disney+, Disney+ Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal

• Requires enrollment

This credit is particularly useful for accessing entertainment during flights or hotel stays, further enhancing the travel experience.

Saks Fifth Avenue Credit

The card offers up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com:

• Up to $50 from January through June

• Up to $50 from July through December

Although primarily a shopping benefit, this credit can be useful for acquiring travel accessories or clothing for upcoming trips.

Walmart+ Credit

The card provides a $155 Walmart+ Credit ($12.95 monthly plus applicable taxes). Walmart+ includes benefits like free shipping with no minimum order requirement, which can be useful for securing travel essentials before a trip.

Equinox Credit

For fitness-minded travelers, the card offers up to $300 in Equinox statement credits per calendar year (enrollment required). This can maintain workout routines while traveling in cities with Equinox locations.

Comprehensive Value Proposition

Combined, these credits offer over $1,500 in potential value annually. As I noted in my article about credit cards with travel insurance, beyond the direct monetary benefits, these credits provide peace of mind by covering common travel expenses that might otherwise add stress to your journey.

Conclusion

After thoroughly examining The Platinum Card® from American Express and its extensive benefits package, this premium travel card clearly stands as the top contender for luxury travelers in 2025. Despite the substantial $695 annual fee, cardholders who leverage even a portion of the card's benefits can extract value far exceeding this initial investment. The combination of over $1,500 in annual statement credits, unparalleled airport lounge access across 1,400+ locations worldwide, and automatic elite status with both Marriott and Hilton creates a compelling proposition for frequent travelers.

This card particularly shines for travelers who regularly fly through airports with Centurion Lounges, appreciate luxury hotel experiences, and can maximize the various credits throughout the year. Nevertheless, as I explained in my article about choosing the right travel credit card, premium cards require strategic use to justify their cost. The key to maximizing value lies in aligning the card's benefits with your existing travel patterns and spending habits rather than changing your behavior to fit the card.

The 5X points earning rate on flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel provides exceptional returns for regular travelers. Additionally, the comprehensive travel insurance benefits offer peace of mind during your journeys. Undoubtedly, this card transforms ordinary travel into premium experiences through perks like Fine Hotels + Resorts benefits, which alone can be worth approximately $550 per stay.

Though certainly not for everyone, The Platinum Card® from American Express represents an excellent investment for 2025 travel plans if you value premium experiences and travel frequently enough to utilize its core benefits. As I've outlined in my guide on travel credit card perks you shouldn't overlook, the true value of premium cards extends beyond the obvious benefits to include intangible improvements in your overall travel experience. Before applying, honestly assess your travel frequency, spending patterns, and whether the specific benefits align with your lifestyle.

FAQs

Q1. What are the key benefits of The Platinum Card® from American Express? The Platinum Card offers extensive airport lounge access, up to $1,500 in annual statement credits, automatic hotel elite status, comprehensive travel insurance, and 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel.

Q2. How can I offset the $695 annual fee? You can offset the fee by utilizing the card's various credits, including $200 for airline fees, $200 for hotel bookings, $200 in Uber Cash, $240 for digital entertainment, and more. Frequent use of airport lounges and hotel elite status benefits can also provide significant value.

Q3. Is The Platinum Card worth it if I don't travel frequently? The card is best suited for frequent travelers who can take advantage of its premium travel benefits. If you travel infrequently, you may struggle to justify the high annual fee and might want to consider a card with lower fees and more everyday spending rewards.

Q4. What types of airport lounges can I access with the Platinum Card? Cardholders have access to over 1,400 lounges worldwide, including exclusive Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), Priority Pass Select lounges, Plaza Premium lounges, and select Lufthansa lounges.

Q5. How does the Fine Hotels + Resorts program work? When booking through Fine Hotels + Resorts, you receive benefits like room upgrades, daily breakfast for two, guaranteed late checkout, and a unique property amenity valued at around $100. These benefits are worth approximately $550 per stay at over 1,600 luxury properties worldwide.