Exploring the Benefits of the American Express Platinum Card

A few years back, I finally decided to add a premium lifestyle card to my wallet. After opting for the American Express Platinum Card®, I realized it was a solid choice.

From the outset, the Platinum Card has offered incredible value, making my life as a wife, mother, and frequent traveler significantly easier both at home and while on the move.

Recently, Amex revamped the Platinum Card, introducing a variety of new benefits while enhancing many of the existing ones. It’s reassuring to see that none of the features I loved before have disappeared, and the card feels more valuable than ever. If you really utilize these perks, the value can exceed $3,500 annually. I can share some tips on how to maximize these benefits.

As part of these changes, Amex raised the annual fee from $695 to $895. This increase is immediate for new cardholders and takes effect for existing members on January 2, 2026.

Having just over two months to explore these new features, I’m excited about how I’ve already begun to take full advantage of the refreshed Amex Platinum Card.

Travel Benefits That I’m Already Loving

I travel frequently for work and leisure, so I was eager to test out the updated Platinum Card as soon as possible.

Recently, I took my husband and kids to Universal Orlando Resort—it’s a place we visit multiple times each year, so we knew exactly where we wanted to stay.

We chose the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, part of the Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts program, which includes over 1,800 properties worldwide.

Booking through American Express Travel grants various benefits averaging about $550, such as room upgrades (when available), a $100 credit towards hotel rates (depending on the property), complimentary breakfast for two, and guaranteed late check-out at 4 pm.

Upon our arrival, we were pleased to find we had been upgraded to a room with a lovely water view. Plus, we received a welcome amenity of fruit, chocolate, and water. We enjoyed a sit-down buffet breakfast using the $100 credit and the complimentary breakfast perk, which provided a nice refuel before we tackled the theme park.

When we unexpectedly decided to extend our park visit by an extra day, the late check-out feature allowed us to enjoy the rides without the stress of rushing out of our room in the morning. We played to our heart’s content and packed at our leisure.

The upgraded accommodation and complimentary breakfast made our vacation feel even more enjoyable and special.

By booking through American Express Travel and utilizing the Fine Hotels + Resorts, future trips to Universal Orlando are sure to offer memorable experiences, especially since the card provides up to $300 in statement credits twice a year.

During another recent trip to Orlando, we opted not to rent a car, relying instead on my $200 Uber Cash benefit for transportation from the hotel to Universal. With the Platinum Card linked to my Uber account, I get $15 in Uber Cash monthly, plus a $20 bonus in December.

Additionally, Amex has introduced a $120 annual Uber One credit, which auto-renews memberships and lets cardholders earn 6% in Uber One credits for eligible rides.

My family also had a great time at Zion National Park, utilizing the Clear Plus benefit to breeze through airport security. With the Platinum Card, you can get up to $209 in statement credits each year for a Clear Plus membership, helping skip long lines—always a win with kids in tow.

For travel with Southwest Airlines, I made use of my $200 airline fee credit to cover checked bag fees, especially since they now charge for luggage. It’s great knowing I can get reimbursed through statement credits. Of course, it’s possible we could have just brought carry-ons, but having those extra bags just made things easier.

Delays happen, right? My return flight was delayed by three hours, but thanks to Amex’s Global Lounge Collection, waiting at the airport felt less like a burden. I enjoyed access to a variety of lounges, providing over $850 in annual value, including Centurion Lounges and Delta Sky Club visits.

Expanding Lifestyle Benefits

Beyond travel, the Platinum Card offers substantial lifestyle benefits like dining, shopping, and wellness perks that enrich both home life and travel.

The 10,000-plus Resy restaurants in the U.S. are eligible for up to $400 in credits. You can earn $100 quarterly for eligible dining purchases made with your enrolled card. I often find new favorite spots while traveling, which is a nice bonus.

This past quarter, while at Universal Orlando, we utilized the Resy credits for dinner at Trattoria del Porto right at our hotel, making for a relaxing meal together.

I also make good use of my $300 digital entertainment credit, applying it to my family’s Disney+ subscription. This benefit allows for up to $25 in monthly statement credits on qualifying subscriptions, which keeps everyone entertained—especially during long flights.

Comfort is key for me, so I was thrilled to take advantage of the new $300 Lululemon credit, allowing for $75 in statement credits every quarter on eligible purchases. I found some great clothes just in time for our trip.

The Platinum Card also offers a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ credit that I use for grocery shopping at home and for snacks when traveling—super handy!

Additionally, there’s a $100 annual credit for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue, which is a nice perk for holiday shopping or special occasions.

Conclusion

Getting value from the Platinum Card has always been straightforward, but the recent updates truly enhance its appeal. Not only do you get to keep all the advantages you already love, but you also gain a host of new benefits to enrich your everyday life and travel experiences.

The value isn’t just in the tangible perks; it also lies in the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have access to a wide range of luxurious benefits—be it smooth airport transit or high-end hotel amenities. Whether it’s grocery shopping or planning a vacation, having the American Express Platinum Card just feels reassuring.