Few credit cards symbolize style like The Platinum Card^® from American Express.  Other credit card issuers attempt to generate buzz with the word platinum attached to some of their credit card products, but unless it’s American Express, it doesn’t mean much.  The Platinum Card^® from American Express is a one-of-a-kind charge card that offers consumers perks that most issuers can’t match. In this review we cover all of the pros and cons of the card.

Learn More: Compare this and other rewards cards, and apply online HERE.

Usually, I like to start reviews with positives but let’s get this one out of the way.: the annual fee on this card is $450, and that is not waived during the first year.  Many consumers consider a $50 annual fee to be too much, so $450 will turn off many applicants.  This card, however, is not designed for most applicants.  If the $450 fee doesn’t scare you — and it won’t, as the perks and rewards are worth it — please read on. (UPDATE: The annual fee for this card will be going to $550 starting March 30th)

New Benefits

Beginning March 30th, American Express will be adding onto their already very populated amount of perks and benefits (for an additional $100 added to the annual fee).

• Uber Rides with Platinum: Through an exclusive Uber in-app experience, Card Members will receive up to $200 in annual credits for rides within the U.S., as well as VIP status where available.
• 5X Membership Rewards: In addition to the recently unveiled 5X points for flights when booked directly with airlines or American Express Travel, Card Members will receive 5X Membership Rewards points for eligible hotel bookings.
• Expansion of the Global Lounge Collection: Card Members will have access to the growing Global Lounge Collection — over 1,000 airport lounges, located in 500 cities, across 120 countries.
• Complimentary Additional Gold Cards: Card Members will be able to add additional Gold Cards on their Platinum Card Account for no annual fee.
• Access to a new Global Dining Collection: American Express is partnering with world-renowned chefs to provide one-of-a-kind dining experiences around the world.
• More Global Events: American Express is expanding its By Invitation Only^® program to include more experiences in top destinations around the world, such as the Grand Prix de Monaco, French wine country and fashion tours with Harper’s Bazaar to celebrate the magazine’s 150th Anniversary.
• Continued value at Fine Hotels and Resorts: Card Members will receive benefits such as complimentary daily breakfast for two and guaranteed 4PM late checkout.
• New Card Design: American Express is introducing a new, sleek metal card design.

Rewards

Rewards points never expire and there is no limit to the amount of points that can be earned. Membership rewards points are earned with every purchase and can be earned in the following two increments:

• 2 points for booking your next trip online
• 1 point for every dollar spent on all other purchases

Rewards points can be used for just about everything. You can of course use them for travel, including booking travel with the points. Rewards can also be used for shopping. You can use the points to shop on Amazon. And you can use the points to pay your Amex bill.

Travel Perks

Here’s where this card gets really interesting. American Express is known for the extras they provide cardholders and the The Platinum Card^® from American Express does not disappoint. It offers travel perks for both air travel and hotels:

Air Travel

$200 To Cover Airline Fees
This perk is what convinced me to get the card. Each year American Express will reimburse you for up to $200 in airline fees from any airline of your choice. This feature covers incidental fees such as checked bags, in-flight snacks, and even change fees. I use the credit for checking bags, and this one benefit covers 40% of the annual fee.

Free Airport Lounge Access

If you’ve never spent time in an airport lounge, you don’t know what you’re missing. For those long layovers, nothing is better than having a comfortable place to relax or work. With the The Platinum Card® from American Express, you get complimentary access to over 900 airport lounges.

You can also enroll in Priority Pass™ Select for free and gain access to over 600 participating airport lounges worldwide. It literally took me 30 seconds to enroll.

Breeze Through Airport Security
American Express will reimburse you for the cost of the Global Entry program, which allows for expedited travel for pre-approved passengers during international travel. Global Entry enables you to bypass arrival lines at most major U.S. airports when returning from international travel. Just use the card to apply, and Amex will credit the application fee. Once approved, membership in the Global Entry program is valid for 5 years.

Learn More: Compare this and other rewards cards and apply online HERE.

Travel and Baggage Insurance
The card offers to types of insurance that any traveler would want. First, and most important, you get lost or damage baggage insurance. If you pay for your entire fare with the card, you’ll be eligible for coverage. The insurance covers lost, stolen or damaged carry-on or checked baggage.

On top of baggage insurance, you also get up to $500,000 in Travel Accident Insurance. This insurance provides coverage for accidental death and dismemberment. Not a pleasant thought, but an unfortunate reality from time to time.

Hotels Benefits

Free Perks
American Express has partnered with over 700 luxurious hotels around the world when you book through Platinum Travel Service. The perks include:

• Noon check-in upon arrival, when available
• Room upgrade upon arrival, when available
• Daily breakfast for two people
• 4pm late checkout
• Additional special amenity unique to each property, such as a $100 food and beverage credit or a massage for two people

Starwood Perks
I’m a big fan of the Starwood program, which is arguably the best rewards network available. With this card you also receive Gold Preferred Membership without meeting frequent-stay minimums. This status nets you room upgrades when available, late checkouts, and the opportunity to earn free nights and award flights.

Gold Hotel Collection
Book your hotel with Amex’s Gold Hotel Collection and stay a minimum of 2 consecutive nights and you’ll receive a $75 hotel credit. You can also earn free upgrades where available.

No Foreign Transactions Fees
The card is one of the few credit cards that doesn’t charge a transaction fee when you make purchases in other countries.

Transfer Points

This feature gives the card loads of flexibility. Rather than being locked into one airline or hotel program, you can transfer points from the card to several airlines or hotel programs.

Generally, the transfer rate is 1-to-1, although they do run specials from time to time that can result in even better deals.

Car Rental Perks

Amex makes it easy to enroll with Avis®, Hertz®, and National Car Rental®. Once enrolled, you can bypass lines and get free upgrades when available. For example, I enrolled with Avis, which provided me the following benefits:

• You won’t have to tell Avis your rental preferences every time you reserve because they will be on file.
• When you arrive at Avis, you can skip the lines and the paperwork and go straight to your car at over 1,400 locations worldwide.
• The Avis courtesy bus will drop you off by one of our newest cars, or you’ll find it in a convenient parking space.
• When you enroll in Preferred Service online, you will also enjoy automatic enrollment in My Avis — the personal service dedicated to enhancing your online Avis experience.
• Save up to 25% when using code AWDA756900 and an upgrade when using code UUNA007.
• Plus, receive a Free Weekend Rental Certificate when you use code AWD# A756900 and rent twice within a 6 month period of time.

You receive similar benefits when you enroll with Hertz and National.

Related: We rank the best car rental rewards programs

In addition, the Platinum Card^® from American Express provides car rental loss and damage insurance. According to the Amex website–

• You can have access to theft or damage coverage on eligible vehicles when you reserve and pay for a car rental with your eligible Card
• You can receive up to $75,000 for damage to or theft of a rental vehicle, and your personal property can be covered for up to $1,000 per person and up to $2,000 per vehicle. Coverage is in EXCESS of other sources of indemnity.
• Can provide coverage for medical payments up to $5,000 per person. Coverage is in EXCESS of other sources of indemnity.

Shopping Benefits

The card offers several benefits when you use it for shopping.

Purchase Protection
When you use the card to make purchases, eligible purchases are automatically protected against accidental damage or theft for up to 90 days from the date of purchase. You can even be protected when you lose a new purchase. This protect applies worldwide.

Extended Warranty
With purchases that comes with a valid U.S. manufacturer’s warranty of 5 years or less, the card will extend the warranty for up to one additional year. This feature can make purchasing an extended warranty unnecessary.

Return Protection
This is the coolest of the shopping protections. If you make a purchase with your card in the U.S., the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands and the merchant won’t accept returns within 90 days of purchase, Amex will refund the purchase price. There is a limit, however, of $300 per purchase and $1,000 annually per card.

Car Assistance

This benefit can save you money instantly. With roadside assistance, when your car breaks down, Amex can send help your way for “towing, winching, flat tires, battery boost, fuel delivery or emergency lock-out.” This service is available in the United States, the District of Columbia, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. As a result, you don’t need to add this feature to your car insurance or pay for AAA.

Learn More: Compare this and other rewards cards and apply online HERE.

Topics: Credit Cards

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