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American Express Platinum Card review: An elite travel card with first-class benefits

If you’re a frequent traveler who wants to level up your luxury, the Platinum Card® from American Express could help you accomplish this goal. This premium travel card offers a number of travel perks, including annual credits, airport lounge access, and exclusive hotel benefits.

But unfortunately, luxury isn’t cheap and the card comes with a pricey annual fee. Despite this, the Amex Platinum may still be worth it if you can maximize its many benefits.

Here’s everything you need to know about the card’s features, perks, and drawbacks to help you decide if it’s right for your wallet.

The Platinum Card from American Express

Annual fee : $695 (See rates and fees .)

Welcome offer : Earn 80,000 points after spending $8,000 in the first six months

5x points on prepaid hotels booked via American Express Travel

5x on flights booked through Amex Travel or directly with airlines (up to $500,000 per calendar year)

1x on other qualifying purchases

More details : Over $1,500 worth of statement credits available, offering added perks for travel, entertainment, and dining purchases

The Amex Platinum’s variable APR is 21.24% to 29.24%, depending on your credit and other factors.

This card has a steep $695 annual fee . While this may seem like a large upfront cost, frequent travelers can easily offset it by earning this card’s welcome offer and taking advantage of its many credits.

Welcome offer

As a new cardholder, you can earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 in the first six months.

If you were to use those bonus points to book a flight via Amex Travel, the welcome offer would have a value of $800. However, redemption values vary based on how you use your points; you could potentially squeeze even more from your Amex points by transferring them to one of the issuer’s 20+ airline or hotel partners.

Intro offer

Unfortunately, there’s no promotional 0% APR with this card. Its regular APR applies immediately.

Rewards rate

5x points on prepaid hotels booked via Amex Travel

How to earn rewards

The Amex Platinum is a true travel rewards card in the sense that you’ll earn the highest reward rate on qualifying travel purchases. You can maximize your rewards by booking your hotels and flights through the Amex portal or purchasing tickets directly from airlines. These purchases will net you 5x points.

Other qualifying purchases made with your card will earn 1x points. As with other cards, you won’t earn rewards on statement credits, balance transfers, or cash advances.

How to redeem rewards

You can redeem your Membership Rewards points for trips booked through Amex Travel or transfer them to one of over 20 American Express travel partners. Popular partner programs include British Airways Executive Club, Delta SkyMiles , JetBlue TrueBlue, Emirates Skywards, Hilton Honors, and Marriott Bonvoy.

Besides that, you can also redeem your rewards for gift cards, statement credits, deposits to an eligible American Express checking account, or merchandise.

Additional benefits

You can earn over $1,500 in credits* at popular brands with the Amex Platinum :

Up to $300 in annual Equinox membership credits

Up to $300 in statement credits when you purchase a SoulCycle bike

Up to $240 in annual digital entertainment credits for select streaming services and online media subscriptions ($20 per month)

Up to $200 in statement credits for incidental fees on an airline of your choosing

Up to $200 in annual Uber Cash credits ($15 per month, plus $20 extra in December)

Up to $200 in annual hotel credits at properties in the Fine Hotels + Resorts and Hotel Collection programs (for prepaid bookings made through Amex Travel)

Up to $189 in annual CLEAR Plus credits

Up to $155 in annual Walmart+ credit ($12.95 per month, plus tax)

Up to $100 in annual credits for Saks Fifth Avenue purchases ($50 from Jan.-June, $50 from July-Dec.)

Up to $100 in Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credits every four years

*Terms apply and enrollment may be required for certain offers and benefits listed above.

Airport lounge access

With this card, you can also make your airport experience more relaxing. You’ll get free access to over 1,400 American Express Global Lounge locations in over 40 countries.

Hotel and car rental perks

Get complimentary elite hotel status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors . Cardholders can also enroll in Avis Preferred, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, or National Car Rental Emerald Club to access exclusive car rental perks.

Special perks are also available when you book with Fine Hotels + Resorts or Hotel Collection properties through Amex Travel. Benefits may include things like free breakfast for two, free room upgrades, guaranteed late checkout, and early check-in (when available).

Insurance and protections

This card offers several insurance benefits, including trip delay and interruption insurance, car rental damage and loss coverage (secondary), and trip cancellation insurance. You can also access the Premium Global Assist hotline for help if you encounter a medical, legal, or financial emergency while traveling over 100 miles from home.**

Cardmembers also get extended warranty and purchase protection. Your card’s extended warranty coverage will extend eligible manufacturers’ warranties of 5 years or less by a year. Coverage limits are $10,000 per item or $50,000 per calendar year. Likewise, if you make a purchase with your card and that item is damaged, lost, or stolen, you could get reimbursed up to $10,000 per item or $50,000 per calendar year.

**Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

Dining and other perks

As a card member, you can access special dining experiences and reservations through Global Dining Access by Resy. You’ll also get access to exclusive experiences, including sporting events, art exhibits, and more, through the American Express By Invitation Only program.

Who is the Platinum Card from American Express best for?

In general, it only makes sense to apply for the Amex Platinum card if you travel often. Its perks are mostly travel-focused, so those who don’t venture away from home frequently probably won’t get much value from this card.

Jetsetters who travel regularly for business or pleasure likely won’t have to strategize much to offset the pricey annual fee. But to really maximize your points, you should be comfortable booking travel through the American Express portal, as those purchases earn the highest rewards.

Cardholders who frequently shop at the brands offering credits could also get good value from this card, though it may take more deliberate planning. For example, cardholders that max out the annual credits from Walmart, Uber, Equinox, and the eligible streaming and online media subscriptions would come out ahead.

Learn more: Amex Platinum vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve

Platinum Card from American Express pros

Generous welcome offer

Valuable statement credits

High earning rate on qualifying travel bookings

Exclusive hotel benefits

Complimentary lounge access

No foreign transaction fee

Platinum Card from American Express cons

High annual fee

Rewards are mostly travel-focused

Requires good or excellent credit

Where can you use the Platinum Card from American Express?

You can use the Amex Platinum anywhere American Express cards are accepted. Amex is widely accepted in the U.S., though it’s not as commonly accepted globally. It’s also worth noting that you cannot use Amex cards at Costco .

Review your card agreement before traveling abroad if you have questions about acceptance, and consider bringing along a Visa or Mastercard as backup.

How to make an Amex Platinum payment

Online via your Amex credit card account

Through the American Express mobile app

By mail: American Express P.O. Box 96001 Los Angeles, CA 90096 – 8000

By phone: 1-800-472-9297

Platinum Card from American Express customer service info

If you have questions about your card, you can reach the American Express customer service team by calling 1-800-528-4800 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also get help by logging into your Amex Platinum account .

Alternative cards to consider

While the Platinum Card from American Express could be great for frequent travelers, its annual fee can make it cost-prohibitive for occasional travelers who can’t access all its benefits. Here are some alternative travel cards to consider if you feel it isn’t right for your wallet.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Why we like it : The Chase Sapphire Reserve has a slightly lower annual fee of $550, and cardholders can get a $300 annual travel credit. This card offers fewer credits than the Amex Platinum, but it still holds a lot of value.

After spending $4,000 in the first three months, you can earn a 60,000-point welcome bonus. These points are valued at up to $900, depending on your redemption. As a cardholder, you’ll get a free Priority Pass Select membership, which lets you access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Why we like it : The Venture X Rewards Credit Card from Capital One has a $395 annual fee, but you can also get a $300 travel credit when booking through the Capital One portal. Cardmembers can earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months. Between the travel credit and welcome bonus, you could easily offset your annual fee for the first couple of years.

Besides that, you’ll also get complimentary access to Capital One airport lounges, Priority Pass lounges, and Plaza Premium lounges.

American Express® Gold Card

Why we like it : If you only travel occasionally and prefer to earn rewards elsewhere, the American Express Gold Card could be a good option. This card offers 4x points at restaurants, 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 a year), 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, and 1x points on everything else.

You can also earn 60,000 Amex Membership Rewards points if you spend $6,000 within three months of card opening. This card has a $250 annual fee. (See rates and fees .)

Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers.

Here are the best credit card welcome offers for April

W ith summer travel approaching, now may be a great time to evaluate your credit card portfolio . Credit card sign-up bonuses and welcome offers are the quickest and easiest way to rake in lots of points and miles, so we regularly update the roundup of our favorite current offers in our best credit cards guide.

But to help you keep up with an ever-changing list of bonuses, we've also compiled a list of the best card offers currently available — especially the ones that are worth an extra look right now because they are at all-time highs or may end soon.

Since many issuers have restrictions on how often you can earn a bonus on a card, it's important to time your application for when there's a good offer. Also, higher bonuses don't always stick around for long, so if you're considering one of these offers, you'll want to hop on it sooner rather than later.

Finally, if you're not ready to jump on a higher-end card, consider these great starter cards or even one with a 0% introductory annual percentage rate offer .

The best credit card offers of April 2024

*Welcome offer value is determined using TPG valuations and is not provided by nor reviewed by the issuer.

Capital One Venture X Business

The Capital One Venture X Business is the business version of the popular Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. Like its personal counterpart, the Venture X Business offers luxurious perks at a reasonable annual fee. It has a simple earning structure of at least 2 miles per dollar on all purchases.

This card is an excellent choice for small-business owners who prioritize simplicity, offering benefits such as airport lounge access and a valuable travel credit at a relatively affordable annual fee.

Read our review of the Venture X Business for more information.

Apply here: Capital One Venture X Business with 150,000 miles once you spend $30,000 in the first three months.

The Business Platinum Card from American Express

This business card stands out not only for its 120,000-point welcome offer but thanks to travel perks that can easily cover the card's $695 annual fee (see rates and fees ). Cardholders enjoy automatic Gold status in both the Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalty programs, along with access to a wide variety of airport lounges — including Amex Centurion , Priority Pass and Delta Sky Club (when traveling on same-day Delta flights; limited to 10 annual visits from Feb. 1, 2025)*. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Cardholders also enjoy 5 points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked at amextravel.com, along with 1.5 points per dollar on eligible purchases in select business categories and eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year).

Related: Amex refreshes Business Platinum Card with new perks, higher annual fee and a 120,000-point bonus

On top of that, the card comes with up to $200 in annual airline fee statement credits and a 35% points rebate for flights booked through amextravel.com in first or business class on any airline (up to 1 million points back per calendar year), or in any class on the U.S. airline of your choice each year. Non-travel benefits include up to $400 in annual statement credits toward U.S. Dell purchases (up to $200 semi-annually), up to $360 in credits toward Indeed (up to $90 quarterly), up to $150 toward select auto-renewing Adobe subscription purchases and up to $120 toward wireless telephone services (the first three credits are slated to end on Dec. 31, 2024.)

Enrollment is required for select benefits.

*Visits are non-transferable and may only be used by the Eligible Platinum Card Member.

Read our review of the American Express Business Platinum Card for more information.

Apply here: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express with 120,000 points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the card within the first three months of card membership.

Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

Then there's the Ink Business Preferred. According to TPG's valuations, this card's welcome bonus alone is worth over $2,000 since you can take advantage of Chase's excellent collection of airline and hotel transfer partners . Points redeemed through the Chase travel portal are worth 1.25 cents each, which isn't bad, either. And the card also now has a lower spending threshold to earn the bonus.

Another factor in this card's favor? Its tremendous earning rates. You'll earn 3 points per dollar across the following categories on up to $150,000 in combined purchases (1 point per dollar thereafter):

• Shipping purchases
• Internet, cable and phone services
• Advertising on social media sites and search engines

Depending on which categories you spend in, you could earn a whopping 450,000 bonus points per year if you maxed out that $150,000 cap.

Among the Ink Business Preferred's unsung benefits are cellphone protection , primary rental car coverage (when renting for business purposes) and other travel and purchase protections. You can also add employee cards to your account for free.

Read our full review of the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card for more information.

Apply here: Ink Business Preferred Credit Card with 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases with the card within the first three months of account opening.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant is Marriott's most premium card offering, with automatic Platinum elite status, an annual free-night award, up to $300 in restaurant credits and much more.

The card earns 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, 3 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines as well as 2 points per dollar on other purchases eligible purchases.

Your points can then be used to book at more than 7,500 properties across 30 brands in over 130 countries.

Read our full review of the Bonvoy Brilliant for more information.

Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card with 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your card within the first six months. Offer ends May 1.

The Platinum Card from American Express

Often referred to as the king of the premium travel rewards cards , the Amex Platinum offers a slew of benefits — along with a $695 annual fee (see rates and fees ). Cardholders enjoy perks such as automatic Gold status with both Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy , plus access to a wide range of airport lounges, including Amex Centurion , Priority Pass and Delta Sky Club (on same-day Delta flights; limited to 10 annual visits from Feb. 1, 2025)*.

On top of that, you'll get up to $200 in annual airline fee statement credits , an up-to-$200 hotel statement credit to use toward prepaid Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings (the latter of which requires a minimum two-night stay) via AmexTravel.com, and an up-to-$189 Clear Plus membership statement credit — along with numerous other perks . Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Related: It's a 'lifestyle' card now: A closer look at the Amex Platinum's 6 new benefits

Non-travel benefits include an up-to-$240 digital entertainment statement credit (split into monthly up to $20 credits) for The New York Times, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal and services under the Disney umbrella — including Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu.

Cardholders also receive an up-to-$155 Walmart+ credit (subject to auto-renewal; Plus Ups are excluded), an up-to-$300 SoulCycle bike credit and an up-to-$300 Equinox statement credit for eligible Equinox memberships , which are subject to auto-renewal. You also receive Uber VIP status and up to $200 in annual Uber Cash (split into monthly $15 credits for U.S. rides and Uber Eats orders plus a $20 bonus in December).

Finally, cardholders will enjoy enhanced earning rates on many travel purchases:

• 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel ® (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar)
• 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel ®
• 1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases

And while the current welcome offer provides solid value, check the CardMatch Tool to see if you can receive an even higher one (offers are targeted and subject to change at any time).

Read our review of the American Express Platinum Card for more information.

Apply here: The Platinum Card® from American Express with 80,000 points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Venture X card is Capital One's premium rewards card, offering great earning rates and incredible perks.

Aside from a hefty welcome bonus of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months — worth about $1,388 according to our valuations thanks to Capital One's excellent airline and hotel transfer partners — the card gives members $300 in credits annually for bookings made through Capital One Travel and 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary, starting on their first anniversary (worth $100 toward travel, or $185 by our valuations).

As for earning rates, the Venture X racks up 10 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked via Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights booked via Capital One Travel, and an unlimited 2 miles per dollar on everything else.

Frequent travelers will also enjoy taking advantage of access to Capital One's developing network of airport lounges as well as the ability to enroll for Priority Pass membership for entry into more than 1,300 lounge locations worldwide. It also added the ability to access Plaza Premium lounges worldwide in 2022 and launched the Premier Collection in 2023, giving cardholders on-property perks at a curated set of luxury hotels.

Read our review of the Capital One Venture X card for more information.

Apply here: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card with 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The Venture Rewards packs a pretty good punch for a mid-tier credit card. It earns a flat 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases worldwide, but you can earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel. The miles you earn with this card can be transferred to Capital One's 15-plus airline and hotel partners or redeemed through the Capital One Travel portal.

The card stands out for offering an application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ; many other cards that offer this benefit have annual fees of $400 or more. This TSA PreCheck/Global Entry application fee credit alone is worth up to $100. You may also get Warranty Manager Service when making everyday purchases, which can be used for extended warranty protection. The Venture Rewards card doesn't impose foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees ), so you can use the card overseas without accumulating extra charges.

Read our review of the Capital One Venture Rewards Card for more information.

Apply here: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card with 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy comes with complimentary Marriott Gold status plus an annual free night award for cardholders who make at least $15,000 in eligible purchases during a calendar year, among other perks.

The card earns 6 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar on purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, 4 points per dollar on the first $15,000 per year in combined purchases at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (then 2 points per dollar after reaching this limit) and 2 points per dollar on other eligible purchases.

There are a number of valuable ways to redeem your Marriott Bonvoy points , the easiest and most valuable of which is to redeem them toward free stays at Marriott properties.

Read our review of the Bonvoy Bevy for more information.

Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Bevy with 155,000 points after spending $5,000 in eligible purchases on your card within the first six months. Offer ends May 1.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

This is, put simply, one of the best premium credit cards available.

It earns a whopping 10 points per dollar on Lyft (through March 2025), Chase Dining booked through Ultimate Rewards, and hotel and car rental purchases through the Ultimate Rewards Travel portal. Cardholders also earn 5 points per dollar on airline travel booked through the Ultimate Rewards Travel portal, 3 points per dollar on travel (after using the $300 travel credit) and dining , and 1 point per dollar on everything else.

Chase defines travel and dining broadly, from parking fees to Airbnb stays and food delivery orders . Perks of the card include a $300 annual travel credit , Priority Pass membership , a $5 monthly DoorDash in-app credit (through December 2024), a complimentary DashPass membership and an impressive array of travel protections .

Read our review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve for more information.

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve with 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

If you can't justify a high annual fee or want a solid card with an appealing set of perks, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is an ideal fit.

It earns 5 points per dollar on all travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards; 3 points per dollar on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out; 3 points per dollar on select streaming services; 3 points per dollar on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs); 2 points per dollar on all other travel; and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

The points you earn with this card can be transferred to Chase's airline and hotel partners or redeemed for 1.25 cents each through the Chase Travel portal . Benefits include a $50 annual credit on hotel stays purchased through Chase Travel, at least 12 months of DashPass membership (when activated by Dec. 31, 2024), primary rental car coverage, up to $500 in trip delay reimbursement if you're delayed more than 12 hours or overnight, up to $10,000 in trip cancellation and interruption insurance and up to $100 per day for up to five days in baggage delay reimbursement if your bag is delayed more than six hours.

Read our review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred for more information.

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred with 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

American Express Gold Card

The Amex Gold card is a favorite of many TPG staffers thanks (in large part) to its terrific earning rates:

• 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.)
• 4 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year (1 point per dollar after that)
• 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through amextravel.com
• 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases

The card also offers up to $120 in Uber Cash (up to $10 per month) that can be used for Uber rides and Uber Eats purchases in the U.S. You'll also receive up to $120 in statement credits (up to $10 per month) for select dining purchases (enrollment is required for select benefits). All of this is available for a manageable annual fee of $250 (see rates and fees )

And while it's not providing a limited-time bonus for new cardmembers, you can often find elevated welcome offers through the CardMatch tool . The card currently features a public welcome offer of 60,000 points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership. However, some new customers can earn a 75,000-point welcome offer via the CardMatch tool after meeting the same minimum spending requirements. Note that these elevated offers are targeted and subject to change at any time.

Alternatively, you can refer a friend through the Amex referral program .

Read our review of the American Express Gold Card for more information.

Apply here: American Express® Gold Card with 60,000 points after you spend $6,000 in the first six months of card membership.

Alaska Airlines Visa

The Alaska Airlines Visa credit card is one of the best — and only — cards to earn Alaska miles. Regardless of your location, these miles hold exceptional value as they can be used to book flights with esteemed Oneworld partner airlines like Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Qantas and American Airlines.

Additionally, when you pay for your flight with the card, you'll enjoy benefits such as a complimentary checked bag and priority boarding. This extends to up to six other passengers on the same reservation, saving $30 per person each way on checked bags. Moreover, the card offers discounts related to Alaska Airlines, including a 20% rebate on inflight purchases.

For those who travel with a companion at least once a year on paid fares with Alaska Airlines, this card's most advantageous ongoing benefit is the annual companion fare. You'll earn this benefit every year on your account anniversary if you spent $6,000 or more within the previous anniversary year. This feature adds substantial value and makes the Alaska Airlines Visa a compelling choice for frequent flyers seeking exceptional rewards and travel perks.

Read our review of the Alaska Airlines Visa for more information.

Apply here: Alaska Airlines Visa with 70,000 bonus miles plus Alaska's Famous Companion Fare ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) after you make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.

Hilton Honors American Express Business

The just-refreshed Hilton Honors Amex Business card has undergone some big changes — most of them negative — but at least there is a new elevated welcome offer to take advantage of.

A few other positives are the addition of up to $60 in quarterly statement credits on eligible Hilton purchases and complimentary National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® status — both helping a bit to offset an uptick in annual fee, changed earnings rates, and the removal of Priority Pass lounge passes and free night certificates. Enrollment is required

Still, the card might make sense for you if you're a business owner who stays at Hilton at least once per quarter.

Read our review of the Hilton Amex Business for more information.

Apply here: Hilton Amex Business with 175,000 bonus points when you spend $8,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership.

Bottom line

The quickest way to earn points and miles is by signing up for a new credit card. If any of these offers interest you, act sooner rather than later, as limited-time offers may disappear.

Remember that Chase's 5/24 rule means that it's often best to apply for Chase cards before other issuers' products. And here's some help on how to choose the best credit card for you .

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum card, click here .

For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum card, click here .

For rates and fees of the Amex Gold card, click here .

For rates and fees of the Bonvoy Brilliant, click here .

For rates and fees of the Bonvoy Bevy, click here .

For rates and fees of the Hilton Amex Business, click here .

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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TakeOff 15: Delta SkyMiles® American Express Card Member Benefit

TakeOff 15 is an exciting Card benefit exclusively for Delta SkyMiles Gold, Gold Business, Platinum, Platinum Business, Reserve and Reserve Business American Express Card Members. Card Members save 15% when booking Award Travel with miles on Delta flights when using delta.com or the Fly Delta app.* Anytime. Terms apply , Go to footer note .

*Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.

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Beach Getaway: 33,000 28,000 Miles + taxes & fees = 5,000 Miles saved with TakeOff 15.

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*Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees

Terms and Conditions

Eligibility: Basic Delta SkyMiles Gold, Platinum and Reserve American Express Card Members, as well as Basic Delta SkyMiles Gold, Platinum and Reserve Business American Express Card Members (each, an “Eligible Card”), can get at least a fifteen percent (15%) discount off the mileage portion of an Award Ticket (the “TakeOff 15” benefit). Additional Card Members are not eligible. 

Available only if entire itinerary is on Delta and Delta Connection® carrier-operated and ticketed flights booked at delta.com or the FlyDelta app. Not available on flights operated by other carriers. Not available for Pay with Miles, Miles + Cash, seat upgrades purchased after the initial flight booking, or other Delta products or services. Discount only applies to the mileage portion of the Award Ticket fare and does not apply to applicable taxes and fees which must be paid using the Eligible Card. Card Member must be logged-in to a SkyMiles account linked to an Eligible Card to receive the TakeOff 15 benefit discount.  Mileage discount will be greater than or equal to 15% of the overall miles portion for the Award Ticket. An Award Ticket is a ticket issued by Delta pursuant to the SkyMiles Program Rules, by which SkyMiles members may redeem miles and pay applicable government-imposed taxes and fees in exchange for air transportation. All Award Ticket rules apply, as set forth on delta.com and in the specific terms incorporated into your Award Ticket. Award Travel is defined as travel using an Award Ticket. Award Travel seats are limited and may not be available on all flights or in all markets.

SkyMiles account balance must have sufficient miles for the entire Award Ticket(s) being purchased. TakeOff 15 benefit is not combinable with certificates, Delta eCredits, Delta Gift Cards, vouchers, or with any other discounts or promotional offers.

Award Ticket Taxes/Fees:  Award Ticket taxes and fees include only U.S. excise and departure/arrival taxes, airport charges, segment fees, the September 11th Security Fee, and international taxes and fees normally included in the Award Ticket.

Award Ticket Cancellations and Changes: In the event of a voluntary cancellation of the Award Ticket to which the TakeOff 15 benefit was applied, redeemed miles will be redeposited into the Card Member’s SkyMiles account, except for Basic Economy tickets. Current Award Ticket redeposit fees apply. Basic Economy cancellations will result in cancellation charge assessed in miles, as outlined in fare rules. Remaining miles after deduction of the cancellation charge will be redeposited to Card Member’s SkyMiles account. There is no discount applicable to the cancellation charge.    

If changing an Award Ticket after ticketing, discount is applied to the new Award Ticket (if eligible), and the difference in miles will be deducted from the Card Member’s SkyMiles account (if the new Award Ticket mileage amount is higher) or redeposited into the Card Member’s SkyMiles account (if the new Award Ticket mileage amount is lower).  Basic Economy tickets are not eligible for voluntary changes. SkyMiles Member must be an active Basic Delta SkyMiles, Gold, Platinum or Reserve American Express Card Member or Basic Delta SkyMiles Gold, Platinum or Reserve Business American Express Card Member at time that the Award Ticket is changed to be eligible for the TakeOff 15 benefit on the changed Award Ticket.

Miscellaneous: All SkyMiles Program rules apply to SkyMiles Program membership, miles, offers, mile accrual, mile redemption, and travel benefits. To review the rules, please visit Program Rules. SkyMiles Program and offers are void where prohibited by law, and terms are subject to change without notice. Other restrictions apply.

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4 reasons why the Amex Platinum may be the ideal card for Delta flyers

The Platinum Card® from American Express is one of the top earners on airfare purchases .

Beyond earning, though, there are various other reasons why the Amex Platinum Card is a great option for all sorts of air travelers. And it's an especially good option for Delta flyers .

Thanks to Delta's close partnership with Amex , semi-regular travelers on the carrier have more reasons than most to consider adding this card to their wallets. Here's what to know.

Maximize your airfare purchases

As mentioned above, most other cards can't beat the Amex Platinum when it comes to the return you'll get on airfare spending.

The card earns 5 points per dollar on airfare purchases made directly with the airline or through Amex Travel on up to $500,000 spent on these purchases per calendar year (then 1 point per dollar spent). TPG values American Express Membership Rewards at 2 cents apiece, so that's like getting 10% back on your spending.

In the case of Delta specifically, remember that Amex points transfer to Delta SkyMiles instantly on a 1:1 basis. So, earning 5 Membership Rewards points per dollar is like earning 5 Delta SkyMiles per dollar on airfare spending.

That beats what you can earn on Delta purchases with a cobranded Delta credit card .

Related: Why this TPG staffer is chasing Delta elite status

Earn valuable points

Speaking of transfers, the Amex Platinum earns Membership Rewards points that can be converted into miles or points with several different airline frequent flyer and hotel points partner programs.

While you could transfer your Membership Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio to Delta SkyMiles , you don't necessarily have to focus on the program like you would if you were simply earning Delta SkyMiles with one of the airline's cobranded credit cards.

Basically, it's like the best of both worlds — you can still use your Amex points toward Delta awards, but you have many options beyond that.

While Delta might be your preferred airline, having transferable points helps you for a few reasons:

• It gives you numerous options to book airlines and hotels you normally might not have on your radar.
• It protects you from loyalty program devaluations .
• It minimizes the risk against bankruptcies and program suspensions.

Transferable points such as Membership Rewards points could even be a financial safety net for unplanned expenses and emergencies.

As long as you have Membership Rewards, you have Delta miles whenever you need them. But if a different opportunity arises, you're ready for that, too.

Related: Travel is back. Now, points and miles devaluations are (likely) coming

Transfer to Delta and partners

As mentioned, you can instantly transfer the Amex Membership Rewards points you earn with the Amex Platinum (and other eligible cards) to Delta at a 1:1 ratio. This is a great way to top off your Delta SkyMiles balance if you need extra miles for a particular redemption.

American Express is also Delta's exclusive partner for its lineup of cobranded credit cards , so it's a good bet you'll be able to leverage this benefit for years to come.

However, one of the main reasons to accumulate points with Amex rather than just directly with Delta is that you can leverage the power of airline partnerships beyond Delta's SkyMiles program. For instance, you can transfer Membership Rewards points not only to Delta but also to Virgin Atlantic .

As with any transferable currency, you should only transfer when you are confident that there is available award inventory. Transfers only go one way: You can't convert Delta miles back into Amex Membership Rewards points if you change your mind.

Related: 6 Delta SkyMiles sweet spots worth saving up for

Lounge access

Aside from earning, the Amex Platinum has several day-of-travel perks that can save you time and money.

Many Delta loyalists will opt for the airline's top-tier personal card, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card , to access Sky Clubs when flying Delta. The Delta Reserve gets you unlimited Delta Sky Club access when you fly Delta through Jan. 31, 2025; this will be limited to 15 visits per year from Feb. 1, 2025, unless you spend $75,000 on your card in a calendar year.

Conversely, the Amex Platinum still gets you unlimited access to Sky Clubs when flying Delta through Jan. 31, 2025; although, you'll get five fewer visits (10 in total) per year from Feb. 1, 2025, unless you spend $75,000 on your card in a calendar year.

You can also access Centurion Lounges with both cards. The difference is that you'll only get access to them with the Delta Reserve if you are flying Delta and you purchased your ticket with a U.S. Amex-issued card. The Amex Platinum gets you access, regardless of the carrier you fly with.

Finally, there is an up-to- $200 airline fee statement credit per calendar year on the Amex Platinum, which can cover checked bag fees on the airline you select each calendar year.

If you're flying Delta (or another U.S.-based airline) and don't want to shell out for the airline's cobranded card with a checked bag fee perk, you can offset the cost through your Platinum Card. Enrollment is required.

Related: Best credit cards for airport lounge access

A reason to still consider Delta cobranded cards

While the Amex Platinum is an excellent all-around choice for Delta flyers, there's one area where four Delta cobranded cards have the advantage.

If you're working toward Delta Medallion elite status , you can accrue Medallion Qualification Dollars by spending on one of the following cards:

• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card : Earn 1 MQD per $20 spent.
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card : Earn 1 MQD per $10 spent.

You'll also receive an annual MQD Headstart that gives you 2,500 MQDs automatically deposited each year on all these cards.

Those are benefits that the Amex Platinum can't provide, so if you're dead-set on earning Delta elite status, you might want to consider one of its cobranded offerings.

Bottom line

The Amex Platinum has a hefty $695 annual fee (see rates and fees ), but the cost can be easily justified if you take advantage of the many perks available. The Platinum Card earns our top spot as the best luxury card for Delta flyers thanks to benefits including Sky Club access when flying Delta, earning points that can be transferred to SkyMiles and a useful airline fee credit.

However, if you specifically want to earn MQMs toward elite status through spending and a welcome offer, you'll still want to consider the other Delta cobranded options .

Apply here: The Platinum Card from American Express , or check the CardMatch Tool to see if you've been selected for an elevated welcome offer.

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum card, click here .

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How AmEx Platinum Members Can Maximize Their Hotel Credit at Orlando Theme Parks

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

The Platinum Card® from American Express offers cardholders an annual $200 statement credit on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) or The Hotel Collection (THC) bookings through the American Express Travel Portal . While the credit helps justify the card’s $ 695 annual fee , it can be annoying to use given the limited list of hotels. Terms apply.

But for theme park fans, there are some good options, especially in Orlando, Florida. About a half-dozen hotels bookable through either FHR or The Hotel Collection are located within five miles of one of Orlando’s Disney World or Universal Resort parks. Those hotels include:

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort.

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando.

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando.

JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa.

Waldorf Astoria Orlando.

Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort.

Walt Disney World Swan.

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve.

Most of the above properties also offer early theme park entry. One even includes a free Universal Express Unlimited Pass to skip the lines at attractions.

The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando's Harbor Piazza. (Photo by Sally French)

» Learn more: Is Universal Express Pass worth it?

Booking these hotels through AmEx can double up as a good use of the The Platinum Card® from American Express 's annual credit and a way to save on a Disney World or Universal vacation. Terms apply.

For Disney fans

With Disney’s version of early entry, guests at certain Orlando hotels can enter the four Walt Disney World theme parks 30 minutes before everyone else. THC and FHR properties that allow early Disney park entry include:

If you prioritize walking distance to the parks , choose the Walt Disney World Dolphin, Swan and Swan Reserve. The sibling properties are walkable to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

If you value VIP hotel treatment, consider the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort or Waldorf Astoria Orlando. Both are FHR properties, which entail extra benefits, including complimentary daily breakfast for two and guaranteed late checkout.

The other option in the Disney resort area, the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort, doesn’t offer early theme park entry. Though perhaps that’s a moot point if you’re sleeping in or noshing on the complimentary breakfast anyway.

For Universal fans

The plaza of the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando. (Photo by Sally French)

Among the hotels available through FHR and THC, there are usually two that offer early Universal theme park entry:

Loews Sapphire Falls at Universal Orlando.

The lobby of the Loews Sapphire Falls at Universal Orlando. (Photo by Sally French)

As one of the Premier tier Universal-owned hotels , the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel stands out for an additional benefit when booked through AmEx — a complimentary Universal Express Unlimited Pass for all guests. Holding a Universal Express Unlimited Pass grants you access to a separate (typically shorter) line for some attractions.

Otherwise, it’s sold as an add-on to park tickets. Prices vary by day but typically range from $110 to $350 per person (not including taxes). If you use The Platinum Card® from American Express to book, you’ll get the $200 statement credit back, a $100 property credit and a $110+ Express Unlimited Pass per person in your party. This means you could save at least $400 in total and save time waiting in line at the parks. Terms apply.

Is it worth booking using The Platinum Card® from American Express ?

The porte-cochere leading to the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando. (Photo by Sally French)

Despite all the benefits of booking through the American Express Travel portal, there’s a catch. Room rates are sometimes higher than when booked through other third parties or directly through the hotel.

Even with the extra benefits (and the opportunity to use up the $200 annual statement credit when paid with The Platinum Card® from American Express ), you might prefer to pay a lower sticker price and forgo those extras. Terms apply.

But at certain hotels, the top benefits aren’t just about saving money — they're about saving time. Early entry at Disney and Universal can mean the difference between getting on the top attractions versus potentially wasting time in line for lackluster rides.

Particularly if you’d otherwise purchase Universal Express Unlimited out of pocket, using The Platinum Card® from American Express to fund a night at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is a no-brainer. Terms apply.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

On a similar note...

Is the Delta Platinum Amex worth it? For many, yes. Here’s how to be sure it’s right for you

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.  

Delta recently revamped their credit card offering and made their Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card a lot more attractive to both casual and power users alike. Whether you’re a Delta frequent flyer or casual user, the card has a good value proposition for many different kinds of people. The card doesn’t have a terribly strong earning rate for rewards, but the ancillary benefits more than make up for that. This card could make sense to have and to hold, but not for necessarily everyday use.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

See Rates and Fees

Intro Bonus

Reward rates.

• 3x Earn 3 miles per dollar at hotels
• 2x Earn 2 miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets.
• 1x Earn 1 mile per dollar of eligible purchases.
• Benefits for Delta flyers, like first checked bag free, MQD Boost and MQD earned through spending
• Companion certificate good for a round trip domestic, Caribbean or Central American Main Cabin flight each year upon renewal of your card
• 15% Discount on Award Tickets on Delta Flights
• High annual fee
• Limited travel insurance options
• Companion pass comes with limitations
• Statement credits toward Delta Stays, Resy and rideshare purchases
• Consumer protections including cell phone insurance, extended warranty, and purchase protection

For whom is the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card worth it?

One of the main reasons people consider an airline credit card is the perks that you can get by flying with the airline or rewards for using your card in everyday spending. This card shines with Delta Air Lines related benefits including checked bag waivers, priority boarding, achieving elite status, a companion pass for free travel, access to the upgrade list and more. 

The rewards earned aren’t great, but they’re also not subpar. Overall, it’s a good card for someone who wants to increase their relationship with one of the world’s largest airlines.

Someone pursuing elite status with Delta

Chances are that if you’re flying enough to take advantage of all the benefits of the Delta Platinum American Express card, you’re going to be knocking on the door of elite status soon. Simply holding the card will get you a $2,500 MQD (Medallion Qualifying Dollars) boost each year, enough to get you halfway to Silver Medallion status. 

If you’re racking up spend through purchases, you can also add $1 MQD for every $20 spent on the card. While it may not be a ton of MQDs, for every $10,000 spent on the card you’ll net $500 MQD.

People who can make use of the monthly rebates

Every month you’ll earn $10 in credit for rideshare services and $10 for Resy purchases in the U.S. There’s also a $150 credit that comes after booking a prepaid hotel or vacation package via the Delta Stays website. 

While the $150 comes in one fell swoop, the $120 for rideshare and Resy restaurants come in $10 monthly chunks, and if you don’t use them each month, you’ll lose them. If there are restaurants that participate in the Resy network nearby where you live, then this could be an easy redemption. Otherwise, make sure to not forget to use them every month.

People who are on Delta planes fairly often

If you’re a casual Delta flyer then you’re probably not considering applying for this card anyway, but it goes without saying that the person getting the most benefits from this card is someone who flies with Delta on the regular.

The companion pass that comes with the card is good for a round trip flight in the Main Cabin to the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America, so you can take a trip with a friend or loved one each year. You’ll earn miles and MQD for the trip as the primary cardholder but the guest will not be eligible to earn any miles.

The other fringe benefits of the card such as the TakeOff15 discount, free checked bags, priority boarding, complimentary Medallion upgrades and elite status boost will all benefit you only when you’re flying on Delta.

For whom is the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card not worth it?

If you don’t think that you’ll be able to achieve elite status and you’re just looking for some basic flight benefits, the card might be a little too expensive and too powerful for the general user. Also, if you value using airport lounges when you travel, know that the card offers zero ability to enter the Sky Clubs in airports worldwide. In the past you had the ability to purchase day passes at a reduced rate, but that benefit has been discontinued.

Big Spenders

For those looking to spend multiples of tens of thousands of dollars a year, there are other personal cards that could provide more value. Apart from the 3 miles per dollar at hotels and the 2 miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets, 1 mile per dollar of eligible purchases.

There are many cards on the market that offer multipliers for all purchases no matter the source. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card earns 2x miles on everyday purchases and 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. The American Express® Gold Card earns 4X Membership Rewards® Points at restaurants (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x), along with 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, giving you the chance to earn potentially thousands more rewards each and every year.

To view rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card , see this page . 

Travelers who value flexibility in your reward choices

All Delta credit cards from American Express earn only one type of reward, Delta SkyMiles. Those miles can be used on Delta flights and flights with the Delta partners, but offer poor redemption values elsewhere.

If you enjoy the flexibility of using your rewards on multiple airlines, hotels , or even just for cash back , you’ll want to consider a card that earns a flexible reward currency. Look for cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou points, or Capital One Venture X Miles. All of these will allow you the flexibility to redeem however you like.

How to Maximize Rewards with the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

Since this card earns bonuses of 3 miles per dollar at hotels and 2X miles on dining, make sure that you’re pulling out this card to pay at all your hotels and restaurants. This will make sure that you’re earning as many SkyMiles as possible. Don’t forget that this card also works to earn 2X miles on supermarkets in the U.S., offering you the ability to earn even more.

Another pro tip is to set up alerts to remind you about using your monthly credits. You could set a reminder every 15th of the month telling you to “use my Delta Amex credits,” that way not a single one goes to waste.

Finally, don’t miss out on the welcome bonus. Currently there is a limited time offer of 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. If you don’t hit this number, you will have missed out on a huge number of miles for your future travel. If you’re worried you are getting close but you don’t know how much more you have to spend, call the number on the back of the card or contact Amex via chat. They’ll be able to give you the amount you need to achieve your bonus.

The takeaway

While the annual fee might be a turn-off for many applicants, the benefits have the ability to strongly outweigh the price. Between the rideshare, restaurant, hotel, and Global Entry credits you’re earning well over the annual fee, a total of $490 back every year. Those credits don’t even take into account the money you’ll save by taking a friend or loved one with you on a vacation somewhere nice with the annual companion pass. Overall this card makes a solid choice for those looking to increase their flight benefits with Delta Air Lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the companion pass difficult to use.

While there are certain restrictions on where and when you can use the pass, using it is quite simple. When you log into your Delta account the certificate will be automatically loaded for you in the “certificates and eCredits” section of the website. 

Simply make your booking like you would as normal, and the computer will automatically apply the certificate discount for you. Make sure to give yourself plenty of advance notice to get the best pricing and availability for flights.

How do I apply the Take Off15 discount?

There are no special promotion codes or special code to enter to use the 15% discount on Delta flights. When you are logged into your SkyMiles account, the system will automatically detect that you have a Delta SkyMiles Platinum credit card and the 15% will come off the top. If you’re not seeing the discount, make sure that you’re redeeming for Delta flights and not for one of their partners.

Do the miles I earn with the credit card expire?

There’s no rush to use the miles you earn since Delta got rid of their expiration of their SkyMiles quite some time back. This gives you the chance to build up a balance to save for the flight of your dreams without feeling the FOMO of having to use your miles before a certain date.

Please note that card details are accurate as of the publish date, but are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the issuer. Please contact the card issuer to verify rates, fees, and benefits before applying.  

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefits guide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.  

EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE : The advice, opinions, or rankings contained in this article are solely those of the Fortune Recommends ™ editorial team. This content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of our affiliate partners or other third parties.

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Snag the Amex Platinum Card 125K or 150K Welcome Bonus Offer [Current Public Offer Is 80K]

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Option 1: Check Amex’s Website Directly ( Try This First )

[new] option 2: do a test application, option 3: check on cardmatch, option 4: targeted email offers, option 5: personal referral offer, benefits of the amex platinum card, fly round-trip to europe 6 times, fly around the world in business class, stay 72 nights at a hilton, final thoughts.

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The Platinum Card ® from American Express is easily one of the best rewards credit cards on the market thanks to its combination of rewards, perks, and credits. It’s no wonder why so many travelers are eager to add this card to their wallet — but when you do, you want to make sure you’re getting the best welcome bonus offer possible.

In this post, we’ll show you the steps you can take to track down the Amex Platinum card welcome bonus offer of 125,000 points or even 150,000 points.

Let’s take a look.

Targeted offers are discussed in the article below. Please note that these offers are not available to all applicants. Any information related to targeted offers has been collected independently and has not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Amex Platinum Card Welcome Bonus Offer

The welcome bonus offers for the Amex Platinum card can vary — depending on your personal information, you may see 1 of several different available offers.

The current public offer is: Earn 80,000 points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first 6 months.

However, just because there’s a current offer below 100,000 points doesn’t mean you can’t find a better offer elsewhere.

We generally value Membership Rewards points at about 2.2 cents per point, which means that a 100,000-point Amex Platinum welcome offer is worth ~$2,200, a 125,000-point bonus is worth ~$2,750, and a 150,000-point bonus is worth $3,300.

If you’re looking to add the Amex Platinum card to your wallet , we recommend checking directly on the American Express website as a first step .

As mentioned above, the current public welcome bonus offer for the Amex Platinum is: Earn 80,000 points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first 6 months.

Our team has noticed that American Express has provided an elevated welcome offer to select, targeted applicants. Like all targeted offers, these offers aren’t available to all applicants, but below you’ll find an example of a targeted offer directly from American Express through our research:

Our team has also noticed a 125,000-point offer showing for some visitors on the American Express website. Please see below:

There are a few different ways to try and score the higher offer. If you’re not automatically targeted for the elevated bonus, it’s also possible to apply and see for which bonus you’re approved without impacting your credit score . Our team captured this screenshot when navigating the Amex website on mobile.

If you strike out on the American Express website, then the second option we recommend is checking through the CardMatch tool .

This tool completes a “ soft credit check ” to see if you’re eligible for any elevated offers. Since it’s not a hard pull, this won’t count against your credit .

You can also look for targeted email offers so long as you are opted-in to receive New Card and Credit Offers in your Amex account’s General Marketing Email Preferences .

Friends or family members with an American Express card can refer you to the Amex Platinum card using the Amex  refer-a-friend program . Better yet, your friend or family member doesn’t have to have the Amex Platinum card to refer you! You can be referred to any card that American Express offers from any other card type.

Further, personal referral offers can also include increased welcome bonus offers . In the past, we’ve seen Amex Platinum card referral offers including 80,000 points, 100,000 points, 125,000 points, and even 150,000 points. Given that, if you happen to be targeted for one of these offers, we recommend jumping on it!

Along with a massive welcome offer, the Amex Platinum card features a number of enticing benefits , including great statement credits.

These credits and benefits include:

• Access to 1,400+ Lounges Worldwide : Receive access to Centurion Lounges ( U.S.  and  international locations ),  Priority Pass  upon enrollment,  Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner ,  Plaza Premium Lounges , select Virgin Clubhouses , select  Lufthansa Lounges  when flying with Lufthansa Group the same day, and  Delta Sky Clubs when flying with Delta the same day.
• Hotel and rental car elite status and benefits upon enrollment
• $189 CLEAR Plus Credit : Use your card and get up to $189 back per year on your CLEAR Plus membership (subject to auto-renewal).
• Up to $300 Equinox Credit: Upon enrollment, get up to $300 back each year on eligible Equinox memberships when you pay with your card.
• Up to $240 Digital Entertainment Credit : Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your card on one or more of the following: Disney+, The Disney Bundle , ESPN+, Hulu , The New York Times, Peacock , and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• Up to $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings through AmexTravel.com when you pay with your card. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum 2-night stay.
• Up to $155 Walmart+ Credit : Receive a $12.95 monthly credit toward a Walmart+ membership.
• Global Dining Access by Resy

Combined with statement credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck enrollment fees, up to $200 for airline incidentals , up to $200 in Uber Cash , and up to $100 for Saks Fifth Avenue (enrollment required), you get a lot of value back by having this card in your wallet even considering the annual fee is $695 ( rates & fees ).

Maximizing Your Membership Rewards Points

What would you do with 100,000, 125,000, or even 150,000 Amex Membership Rewards points ? If you qualify for the 150,000-point welcome offer and maximize your minimum spend with 5x purchases, you’ll be sitting on a stockpile of 180,000 points. So, what can you do?

An economy class ticket to the U.K. is just 13,000 Avios one-way on British Airways from select U.S. cities. British Airways is an American Express transfer partner  at a 1:1 ratio, which means your 180,000 points can become 13 one-way or 6 round-trip flights to the U.K.

ANA’s round-the-world ticket prices out its flight costs according to distance. With a maximum stopover limit of 12, you can spend as few as 120,000 miles to fly around the whole world — in business class. That means you can have the time of your life sipping Champagne as you see the sights. Amex points also transfer to ANA at a 1:1 ratio.

Did you know that Hilton hotels start at just 5,000 points per night? And thanks to Amex’s transfer ratio of 1:2, those 180,000 Amex points become 360,000 Hilton points. That’s enough for 72 full nights at some pretty far-flung Hilton properties.

For more inspiration, check out the best ways to redeem your Amex Membership Rewards points (we also have guides for redeeming 60,000 and 100,000 points ) and how to upgrade your flight using Membership Rewards points .

If you don’t already have an Amex Platinum card, now is a very good time to consider it. Although the annual fee is steep, taking advantage of elevated welcome bonus offers and increased earnings — along with a suite of statement credits — can make this card a very good deal.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here .

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth earning american express membership rewards.

Amex points can be very valuable, especially if you use them for transfers to hotel and airline partners. However, not all partners are the same. Some, such as ANA , can score you business class redemptions to Europe for an incredible 88,000 points round-trip. Others, such as Marriott Bonvoy , will charge you upwards of 70,000 points per night for a hotel stay.

Why is the Amex Platinum card so popular?

There are a few reasons why the Amex Platinum card is so popular, including the large welcome offer that it can provide. Aside from this, however, cardholders can take advantage of the many benefits it includes, such as hotel elite status, statement credits, and points that are transferable.

What is the highest-ever Amex Platinum card sign-up bonus?

The highest welcome offer we have ever seen for the Amex Platinum card was 150,000 points.

How much are 150,000 Amex points worth?

We value Amex Membership Rewards points at 2.2 cents per point thanks to the value you can receive by using the Amex transfer partners. This would make 150,000 points worth $3,300 based on that valuation. That said, the value you get from your points will depend on how you redeem them.

How do I get a higher Amex Platinum card welcome offer?

To get a higher Amex Platinum card welcome offer, we recommend checking the American Express website for targeted offers, checking for targeted offers through CardMatch, and opting in to targeted email offers in your Amex marketing preferences.

What is the credit limit on the Amex Platinum card?

The Amex Platinum Card is a charge card, not a credit card. This means that you have no preset limit on how much you can spend. Instead, your spending power is determined by a variety of factors, including how often you use the card.

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About Carissa Rawson

Carissa served in the U.S. Air Force where she developed her love for travel and new cultures. She started her own blog and eventually joined The Points Guy. Since then, she’s contributed to Business Insider, Forbes, and more.

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UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.