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Amex Platinum Card Review: Updated With New Perks -- and a Bigger Price Tag

Review Updated
Brooklyn Sprunger
Author: Brooklyn Sprunger
Brooklyn Sprunger
Brooklyn Sprunger
Content Manager

Brooklyn Sprunger is a full-time Content Manager and Personal Finance Writer at Motley Fool Money, where she oversees product reviews and ratings while also writing about credit cards, bank accounts, investing, auto insurance, and other personal finance topics. She has worked in financial content since 2018, including more than four years at The Motley Fool. When she’s not writing or editing, Brooklyn is likely hiking and watching the Tennessee Vols.

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Nathan Alderman
Fact Checked: Nathan Alderman
Nathan Alderman
Nathan Alderman
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Nathan Alderman has been a full-time Motley Fool employee since 2005, making errors his arch-enemies in a variety of roles including a six-year stint as the dedicated fact-checker for The Motley Fool's premium newsletter services. As Motley Fool Money's Compliance Lead, he makes sure that all the site's information is accurate and up to date, which ensures we always steer readers right and keeps various financial partners happy. A graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Nathan spends his spare time volunteering for civic causes, writing and podcasting for fun, adoring his wife, and wrangling his two very large young children.

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Offer Status

The information related to Chase Sapphire Reserve® was collected by Motley Fool Money and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this product. Motley Fool Money does not receive commission for this product/card.

The Platinum Card® from American Express is built for those who want the VIP travel and lifestyle experience -- and are willing to pay for it. Just carrying the card unlocks over $3,500 in annual value across travel, dining, fitness, and lifestyle perks. But the flip side is one of the largest annual fees I've seen ($895, see rates and fees), and the challenge of keeping up with all the credits.

Amex is known for premium perks, and this card is packed with them. But is it worth it for you? I'll walk through the pros and cons.

The Platinum Card® from American Express
Apply Now for The Platinum Card® from American Express

On American Express' Secure Website.

Terms apply

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Featured Offer

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Apply Now for The Platinum Card® from American Express

On American Express' Secure Website.

Terms apply

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

The Platinum Card® from American Express
4.90/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
4.90/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Credit Score: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent
Apply Now for The Platinum Card® from American Express

On American Express' Secure Website.

Terms apply

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Credit Score Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Good/Excellent

Intro APR

Purchases: N/A

Balance Transfers: N/A

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn 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 and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel®. 1X Membership Rewards® Points on other purchases. Terms apply.

1X-5X Membership Rewards® Points

Annual Fee

$895

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

As High As 175,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • The Platinum Card® from American Express isn’t just a credit card — it’s a status symbol. With over $3,500 in annual credits like $400 for dining with Resy, $600 in luxury hotel stays, and $300 in digital entertainment, plus VIP access to 1,550 airport lounges and automatic Hilton and Marriott Bonvoy elite status (enrollment required), it delivers prestige few cards can match. The fee is steep, but for those who want the best, the Platinum can more than pay for itself — starting with a powerful welcome offer. Terms apply.

    • Big welcome offer
    • Substantial spending credits
    • Airport lounge access
    • Hotel benefits
    • Flexible travel points
    • Annual fee
    • Limited bonus categories
    • Spending credits can be complicated to manage
    • You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
    • Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
    • More Value! With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. * As of 07/2025.
    • More Value! $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
    • More Value! $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $25 in statement credits each month after you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at participating partners. Enrollment required.
    • More Value! $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
    • New! $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: When you use the Platinum Card® to pay at U.S. Resy restaurants and to make other eligible purchases through Resy, you can get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter with the $400 Resy Credit benefit. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you, enrollment required.
    • More Value! $209 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with the Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
    • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account*. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
    • Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in upon arrival, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
    • New! $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
    • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®. *Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
    • $100 Saks Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com on the Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December. No minimum purchase required. Enrollment required.
    • Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
    • $895 annual fee.
    • Terms Apply.

At Motley Fool Money, every credit card we review is rated on a 5-star scale, scored to a tenth of a point. Our ratings weigh the features that matter most: rewards rates, 0% intro APR offers, welcome bonuses, fees, and perks like travel credits and purchase protections.

We score cards within four primary categories:

  • 0% intro APR cards for paying down balances or financing purchases
  • Travel cards for maximizing points, miles, and perks on the road
  • Cash back and rewards cards for everyday spending value
  • Business cards designed to fit company expenses and growth

Top-rated cards typically combine strong long-term value, attainable bonuses, low fees, and standout protections or perks.

We combine these factors with an evaluation of brand reputation and customer satisfaction to ensure you're getting the best credit card recommendations. Our aim is to maintain a balanced best-of list featuring top-scoring credit cards from reputable brands. 'Best for' category selections on this page are determined by our editors, and a single card may be recognized in multiple categories.

Ordering within lists is influenced by advertiser compensation, including featured placements at the top of a given list, but our product recommendations are NEVER influenced by advertisers. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates credit cards.

At Motley Fool Money, every credit card we review is rated on a 5-star scale, scored to a tenth of a point. Our ratings weigh the features that matter most: rewards rates, 0% intro APR offers, welcome bonuses, fees, and perks like travel credits and purchase protections.

We score cards within four primary categories:

  • 0% intro APR cards for paying down balances or financing purchases
  • Travel cards for maximizing points, miles, and perks on the road
  • Cash back and rewards cards for everyday spending value
  • Business cards designed to fit company expenses and growth

Top-rated cards typically combine strong long-term value, attainable bonuses, low fees, and standout protections or perks.

We combine these factors with an evaluation of brand reputation and customer satisfaction to ensure you're getting the best credit card recommendations. Our aim is to maintain a balanced best-of list featuring top-scoring credit cards from reputable brands. 'Best for' category selections on this page are determined by our editors, and a single card may be recognized in multiple categories.

Ordering within lists is influenced by advertiser compensation, including featured placements at the top of a given list, but our product recommendations are NEVER influenced by advertisers. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates credit cards.

What I like about the Amex Platinum Card

New and expanded credits

As of Sept. 18, 2025, the Amex Platinum Card has a refreshed credit lineup. Key highlights now include:

  • $400 Resy Credit -- Up to $100 back quarterly on eligible Resy dining purchases (enrollment required).
  • $300 Digital Entertainment Credit -- More than before, covering services like Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times (enrollment required).
  • $600 Hotel Credit -- Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings (two-night minimum on THC).
  • $300 lululemon Credit -- Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter for eligible lululemon purchases (enrollment required).
  • $200 Oura Ring credit -- Up to $200 back each year when you use the Amex Platinum Card to purchase an Oura ring through Oura.
  • Platinum Nights by Resy -- Exclusive dining access and experiences.
  • Leaders Club Sterling Status from The Leading Hotels of the World®.
  • Existing favorites remain: $200 Uber Cash, Airline Fee Credit, Walmart+ monthly credit, CLEAR® Plus, Saks Fifth Avenue ($100 split across halves of the year), Equinox, TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit, and more.
  • Terms apply; enrollment may be required

These perks can be a goldmine, if you use them. The question is, do they fit your lifestyle, or are they more hassle than they're worth? Only you can decide that.

More than 20 hotel and airline transfer partners

Amex Membership Rewards points are incredibly valuable, especially when used strategically. In most cases, you'll get the best value by transferring them to one of Amex's 20-plus airline and hotel partners instead of redeeming them directly for travel.

For example, instead of booking a hotel through Amex Travel, you could transfer points to a partner like Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors to unlock free nights at high-end properties. Depending on the redemption, you could get $0.02 to $0.03 per point or more -- meaning, for example, an 80,000-point bonus could be worth $1,600 - $2,400 in hotel stays. Terms apply.

Airport lounge access

The Amex Platinum Card offers among the top airport lounge access benefits of any personal travel card. Think: access to over 1,550 airport lounges, including:

  • American Express® Centurion Lounges
  • Priority Pass™ lounges (enrollment required)
  • Escape Lounges -- The Centurion® Studio Partner
  • Delta Sky Club® (when flying Delta; 10 visits per year or unlimited when you spend $75,000 annually)
  • Lufthansa lounges (select airports)
  • Plaza Premium lounges
  • Terms apply; enrollment may be required

Amex estimates the value of lounge access at up to $850 or more per year, assuming you visit Centurion Lounges and airline-specific lounges at least a few times annually. If you travel often and enjoy a more comfortable airport experience, this perk alone can help justify the card's high annual fee. Terms apply; enrollment may be required.

Welcome offer

Apply and find out if you are eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Terms apply.

Credit card comparison

We recommend comparing options to ensure the card you're selecting is the best fit for you. To make your search easier, here's a short list of standout credit cards.

Offer Our Rating Welcome Offer Rewards Program APR Learn More
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Best for cash back on rotating categories 		Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. Circle with letter I in it. INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300. 1% - 5% Cashback Circle with letter I in it. Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Intro:

Purchases: 0%, 15 months

Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 months

Regular: 18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR

Apply Now for Discover it® Cash Back

On Discover's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Best for long 0% intro APR 		N/A N/A

Intro: Circle with letter I in it. 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers

Purchases: 0% intro APR on purchases for 21 months from account opening

Balance Transfers: 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers

Regular: 16.99%, 23.49%, or 28.74% Variable APR

Apply Now for Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

On Wells Fargo's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

4.70/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Best for unlimited rewards on purchases 		25,000 points (worth $250) Circle with letter I in it. 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases 1.5-3 points per dollar Circle with letter I in it. Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center.

Intro: Circle with letter I in it. 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases. 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers will apply. A 3% fee for 60 days from account opening, then 4% fee applies to all balance transfers. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.

Purchases: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases

Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days

Regular: 18.24% - 28.24% (Variable)

Apply Now for Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

On Bank of America's Secure Website.

Downsides you should consider

Very high annual fee

Amex has upped the Amex Platinum Card's annual fee to $895 per year (see rates and fees), making it one of the priciest personal cards on the market -- higher than both the Chase Sapphire Reserve® ($795) and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card ($395).

Several luxury cards have bumped up their annual fees in the past year, so the increase isn't shocking. Still, $895 is unusually steep, and it sets a new bar in the premium travel space.

Managing all the extra perks can be overwhelming

Maximizing this card's value means keeping track of multiple credits, which can feel like a full-time job. With so many perks, it's easy to get overwhelmed, especially since some have different redemption schedules.

For example, the $100 Saks Fifth Avenue credit is split into two $50 chunks (one from January to June, the other from July to December), so you have to keep this on a calendar in order to make sure you get the full value. (One of my friends told me she goes the first of January and July and gets a $50 gift card, and then stock piles them for a big purchase. Good hack.)

If you prefer simplicity, this card might not be the best fit. But if you're willing to manage the details, the perks can be well worth it.

Best for flyers who prefer premium seats and airlines

The Amex Platinum Card is designed for travelers who enjoy luxury, and its travel benefits reflect that. The Amex Travel portal primarily features premium seats, first-class fares, and higher-end airlines, making it a great option for those who prioritize comfort. However, if you're looking for basic economy fares or budget airlines, you won't find many options here.

Is it worth the annual fee?

At $895, the Amex Platinum Card is a serious investment, but it can still be worth it if you're the right kind of cardholder. The key is how much of the $3,500+ in annual credits and premium perks you'll actually use.

For example, the $400 Resy dining credit, $600 hotel credit, $200 Uber Cash, and $209 CLEAR® Plus membership already get you well past the fee. Add in lounge access, elite hotel status, and travel protections, and frequent travelers can come out thousands ahead.

But if you'd rather not juggle monthly or quarterly credits -- or don't fly and book hotels often -- the math gets harder to justify. This card is best suited for people who not only travel frequently, but also enjoy leaning into the luxury side of it.

What credit score do you need?

To qualify for the Amex Platinum Card, you'll typically need a good to excellent credit score to qualify. A strong credit history and high income can also improve your chances of approval. Learn more about the credit score needed for the Amex Platinum Card.

Final thoughts

The Platinum Card® from American Express isn't for everyone, and that's the point. At $895 a year, it's aimed squarely at people who want the very best travel and lifestyle perks and don't mind paying for them. For those who fit that profile, the card can feel less like an expense and more like a passport to upgrades and access. If that's not you, the fee will likely overshadow the flash.

Apply now for The Platinum Card® from American Express and turn your everyday spending into premium travel, exclusive perks, and over $3,500 in annual value.

FAQs

  • No, Amex Membership Rewards points are best used for travel redemptions, especially by transferring them to airline and hotel partners. However, you can redeem them for statement credits, though at a lower value. Terms apply.

  • Yes, but it comes at a cost: $195 per additional cardholder, and they must be age 13 or older (see rates and fees). However, authorized users get access to major perks like lounge entry and hotel status, making it a great deal for frequent travelers. Terms apply.