The Platinum Card® from American Express
American Express
Intro Offer
As High As 175,000 Points
Annual Fee
$895
Recommended Credit
670 to 850
Excellent
Rewards & Earn Rates
5X
Travel
1X
Dining
1X
Grocery
1X
Gas
1X
Other
$120
TSA Pre✓ · every 4 years
5x per $1 on up to $500,000 per calendar year on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel | 5x per $1 on eligible prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel | 1x per $1 on other purchases
Why We Choose It
I love this card, and I don't care who knows. While the high annual fee can seem scary at first, it's really not something to be afraid of. Between the credits and lounge access, the card can return more than its fee each year if the credits cover things you already pay for.
More About the The Platinum Card® from American Express
A premium travel card with access to 1,550+ airport lounges and a long list of statement credits, from a $600 hotel credit to a $400 Resy credit. Best for frequent travelers who can use the specific lifestyle and travel credits to justify the high annual fee.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Statement Credits Including $600 Hotel, $400 Resy And $300 lululemon
- Access To 1,550+ Airport Lounges Including Centurion Lounges
- Global Entry Or TSA PreCheck Credit
- Hotel Elite Status With Marriott And Hilton
- Strong Membership Rewards Transfer Partners
Cons
- $895 Annual Fee (Increased September 2025)
- Credits Require Specific Spending And Enrollment
- Only 1X Points On Dining And Everyday Purchases
- Complex Benefit Structure With Multiple Quarterly Limits
See Rates & Fees (Terms Apply)
Lounge access
Quoted from the issuer's own benefit terms. Guest rules and enrollment requirements differ by network and change without notice, so nothing here is reworded.
- Unlimited
Guests: $50 fee for each guest (or $30 for children aged 2 through 17, with proof of age) per location unless they have qualified for Complimentary Guest Access. Up to two guests complimentary after spending $75,000 or more on eligible purchases on the Platinum Account in a calendar year.
What The Platinum Card® from American Express's terms say
U.S. Platinum Card Members have unlimited complimentary access to all locations of The Centurion Lounge. Companion Platinum Cards on Consumer Platinum Accounts and Employee Business Expense Cards on Business Platinum Accounts are not eligible for access to The Centurion Lounge. All access to The Centurion Lounge is subject to space availability. To access The Centurion Lounge, Platinum Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight and present The Centurion Lounge agent with the following upon each visit: their valid Card and boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation with a seat/boarding zone assignment for a departing flight on the same day on any carrier.
- Limited
What The Platinum Card® from American Express's terms say
10 Delta Sky Club visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight
- Unlimited
What The Platinum Card® from American Express's terms say
To receive complimentary access to a Priority Pass™ lounge, eligible Card Members must first select the button below to enroll in Priority Pass™ online. Once enrolled, Priority Pass will send the Card Member's Priority Pass™ Card in the mail within 10–14 business days. To receive access to Priority Pass™ lounges, Card Members must present their Priority Pass™ Physical or Digital Membership Card and same-day boarding pass. Companion Platinum Cards on Consumer Platinum Accounts and Employee Business Expense Cards on Business Platinum Accounts are not eligible for the Global Lounge Collection benefit.
- Unlimited
What The Platinum Card® from American Express's terms say
To receive access to Plaza Premium Lounges, Card Members must present their U.S. Platinum Card®, a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for same-day travel on any carrier and a government-issued ID. Companion Platinum Cards on Consumer Platinum Accounts and Employee Business Expense Cards on Business Platinum Accounts are not eligible for the Global Lounge Collection benefit.
- Unlimited
Guests: Up to two guests, complimentary.
What The Platinum Card® from American Express's terms say
American Express Centurion®️, Platinum Card®️, Business Platinum Card®️ and Corporate Platinum Card®️ Members - Receive complimentary entry for themselves and up to two guests. Card Members must present their valid Card, a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for same-day travel on any carrier, and government-issued ID. During a layover, Card Members may use the Escape Lounge in the connecting airport at any time.
