When paying $695 by credit card (“ Rates and fees), expect to get a lot of perks in exchange for shelling out all that cash. Fans will be happy to know that the Platinum Card® from American Express offers plenty of perks for its price.
Many of this travel card's best perks center around air travel, so if you fly frequently, you'll be able to take full advantage of its perks. Still, you'll find that you're getting much more value from some perks than others.
Here's how I rate the best travel benefits of the Platinum Card® from American Express.
1. Use of airport lounge
If you listen to the naysayers, airport lounges are always crowded, so this perk is as good as non-existent. All I can say is that this is not my experience.
I flew frequently last summer and rarely had any problems getting into the lounge. I visited at least 12 lounges and estimate that I paid most of the card's annual fee for that year on this perk alone.
At the end of the day, a lot of using this perk depends on when and where you fly. I think most experienced frequent flyers travel during off-peak hours to be safe. This makes lounge benefits easier to use.
2. FHR Program and $200 Hotel Credit
When you book a hotel through the Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR) program, you have access to many benefits that I have greatly appreciated over the years. Some of my favorites:
- Guaranteed late checkout until 4pm: This is almost the same as getting your second night for free. You can cram a lot of sightseeing into your free time.
- $100 (or more in some cases) credits: Specific credits vary by property, but are typically eligible for food.
- Free breakfast: I always had delicious food. (Coffee quality varies.)
- Terms and conditions apply.
These benefits apply every time you book an eligible stay. However, there is also a $200 annual statement credit that you can earn on FHR reservations once a year (conditions apply).
Some of my favorite facilities are part of the FHR program, so I usually use them several times a year. This makes it easier to use hotel credits.
3. Amex Membership Rewards Points: 5x points on flights
We can get so caught up in status and access that we forget about one of the most basic perks of a travel card: points. (If it weren't for travel points, we'd all just stick with cash back cards.)
Amex Membership Rewards points are versatile and valuable, especially when you transfer them for travel.
The Amex Platinum Card's welcome bonus is very competitive, and you can earn a ton of points early on. Frequent travelers don't have to be greedy for points, though, thanks to 5x points per dollar spent on tickets purchased directly from the airline (or Amex Travel). Terms and conditions apply.
4. Travel insurance
I highly value travel insurance on my credit card, but I also don't travel all that often. But I've had trips turned upside down because a member of my group had a medical emergency, so I understand that it does happen, and yes, it really can happen to anyone. .
Depending on the nature of your trip, you may need additional insurance beyond what your AmEx card provides. However, the built-in insurance is very good and covers things like trip cancellations, delays, and even various types of emergencies during your trip (conditions apply).
(Pro tip: Check whether your health insurance covers international travel before you leave. If not, consider purchasing travel health insurance. It's not very expensive, so you can get it regardless of the length of your trip. )
5. Telephone insurance
This isn't a particularly perk of travel, but for most of us, we also need a phone wherever we go. Therefore, our mobile phones travel long distances. This means that the chances of it being stolen or damaged are very high.
When you pay your cell phone bill with the Amex Platinum Card, you get up to $800 in cell phone coverage per charge (2 charges every 12 months, terms apply). There's a $50 deductible, but it's a pittance compared to the cost of a new phone.
Special Award: Hotel Elite Status
This perk is really effective, so I was hesitant about this one. sound Very good — on paper. But you actually don't get much value from your Marriott or Hilton status (conditions apply).
Sometimes there are upgrades, but I haven't had much luck. The breakfast credit with Hilton Gold status isn't that great domestically, but I've heard the perks are better overseas.
Overall, I don't think the stat boosts from this card saved me any money. However, your mileage may vary, so it's worth signing up if you're going to get the card anyway. These five other perks will make your next trip easier and more enjoyable while saving you money.
