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The American Express Platinum Metal Card is a premium credit card that offers a range of benefits and rewards to its users.
You can earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $5,000 in the first three months, which can be redeemed for travel, dining, or other experiences.
This card is designed for travelers, with a $200 airline fee credit and a $100 credit towards Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
Benefits
The American Express Platinum Card offers an impressive array of benefits that make it a valuable addition to any traveler's wallet.
Cardholders earn 5x Membership Rewards Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
You can also earn 5x Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
For Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings, you can get up to $200 back in statement credits each year when you pay with the Platinum Card.
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Rewards and Earning
The Amex Platinum Card offers a range of rewards and earning opportunities that can help you maximize your spending. You can earn 5x Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel, but this isn't always the best option due to the opportunity cost of not earning loyalty points with your preferred hotel program.
Booking through Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts is an exception, as you'll still earn points with your preferred hotel loyalty program and get to enjoy the perks that come with it. You can also combine this with the card's $200 annual hotel credit for even more benefits.
Earning 5x points on airfare is one of the best bonus categories on the Amex Platinum Card, with a return on airfare spending of up to 8.5% when valued at ~1.7 cents per point. This makes it the best card for airfare purchases, especially when booking directly with airlines or through Amex Travel.
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Exclusive Events
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Exclusive events are a perk of being a rewards cardholder. American Express books events for cardholders with celebrity chefs and other celebrities, often at a high cost but with a unique experience.
These events are typically small and intimate, making them a great option for those who prefer a more low-key atmosphere. American Express has a history of hosting exclusive events that are truly one-of-a-kind.
The Platinum Card from American Express offers an 80,000 Points Bonus Offer, which can be redeemed for exclusive experiences like these events.
5x on Flights
Earning 5x points on flights is a game-changer, especially if you value Membership Rewards points at ~1.7 cents each, which is equivalent to an 8.5% return on airfare spending.
The Amex Platinum Card offers this incredible bonus category, earning 5x points on airfare purchased directly from airlines or through Amex Travel, up to $500,000 of flight purchases per calendar year, and then 1x.
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Booking flights through online travel agencies, except amextravel.com, won't earn you bonus points, but in practice, it may still sometimes code for 5x points, as airlines often bill you directly when you book through them.
To maximize your earnings, make sure to book flights directly with airlines or through Amex Travel.
Here are the 18 airline partners you can transfer your points to for even more value:
By transferring your points to these airline partners, you can get outsized value toward premium airfare, especially for travel in first and business class.
5X Rewards on Prepaid Hotels
The Amex Platinum card offers a unique benefit for hotel enthusiasts - 5x Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel. This can be a great way to earn points, but there's a catch: you usually won't earn loyalty points with your preferred hotel program.
The exception is Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts, where prepaid reservations earn 5x points. This can be a good deal because you still earn points with your preferred hotel loyalty program, and you get to enjoy the perks that come with booking through Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts.
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You can combine this benefit with the card's $200 annual hotel credit, which can be used on a single stay through Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts or The Hotel Collection. To use this credit, simply book a prepaid hotel through one of these programs, and the credit will be applied.
Here's a quick rundown of the Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts and The Hotel Collection programs:
Keep in mind that you can use the $200 annual hotel credit on a single stay, so it's worth considering booking a longer stay to maximize your credit.
One X on Other Purchases
The Amex Platinum card offers 1x points per dollar spent on most purchases, which isn't particularly impressive.
Other cards offer better earning rates, with 1.5x-2x points per dollar spent, making them a better choice for everyday spending.
How to Misuse Membership Rewards
You can misuse Membership Rewards points by redeeming them towards the cost of merchandise or gift cards, which typically gets you less than one cent of value per point. This is a poor use of your points.
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Redeeming points to pay off your statement is another suboptimal strategy, as you'll still get less than one cent of value per point.
Chase Ultimate Rewards points offer a better redemption option when used to pay for a paid travel purchase, but this good rate isn't typically available with Amex Membership Rewards.
It's worth noting that you can earn Membership Rewards points if your primary interest is transferring points to partner programs, but that's not the focus of this section.
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Income
Your income plays a significant role in determining your approval odds for an Amex Platinum card, and it's recommended to have an annual income of at least $50,000 or higher.
Having a high income is not a requirement, but it's a common trait among those who get approved for the Amex Platinum card.
Boost Your Score
A business credit score of 75 or higher is recommended for the Amex Business Platinum card, but you don't need a perfect score to get approved for premium credit cards.
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Your credit score is just one factor that Amex considers, so don't stress if it's not where you want it to be. There are ways to improve your credit score, and it's not a permanent state.
You can improve your credit score by following these steps: paying bills on time, keeping credit utilization low, maintaining a long credit history, avoiding new credit inquiries, and having a good mix of credit types.
Here are the 5 factors that make up your credit score, and their relative importance:
By understanding these factors, you can take steps to improve your credit score and increase your chances of getting approved for the Amex Platinum card or the Amex Business Platinum card.
Redemption and Partners
Redeeming your Membership Rewards points with the American Express Platinum Card can be a great way to get value out of your rewards. You can transfer points to one of the 21 airline or hotel partners.
The best way to redeem your points is to transfer them to one of the Membership Rewards airline or hotel partners, which include 18 airline partners and three hotel partners. You can transfer points to partners like Aer Lingus AerClub, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, and Marriott Bonvoy.
To redeem your points, simply log in to your Membership Rewards account and access the limited complimentary version of point.me, which will show you available reward flight options and provide step-by-step booking instructions.
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Redeeming
Redeeming your Membership Rewards points can be a great way to get outsized value, especially for premium airfare. You can transfer your points to one of the 21 airline or hotel partners, including 18 airline partners and three hotel partners.
The best option is to transfer your points to an airline partner, as you can get a better deal on premium airfare. For example, if you're traveling in first or business class, you can often get a good deal with points that would cost a lot in cash.
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There are 18 airline partners to choose from, including Aer Lingus AerClub, Air Canada Aeroplan, and British Airways Executive Club. You can also transfer your points to three hotel partners: Choice Privileges, Hilton Honors, and Marriott Bonvoy.
To get the best value, look out for transfer bonuses from American Express. These can give you even better value when redeeming your points.
Here are the 21 airline and hotel partners where you can transfer your Membership Rewards points:
Airline & Hotel Partners
The Amex Platinum Card offers a wide range of airline and hotel partners that you can redeem your points with. With over 21 partners, including 18 airline partners and three hotel partners, you have plenty of options to choose from.
One of the best ways to redeem your points is to transfer them to one of the Membership Rewards airline or hotel partners. This can get you outsized value towards premium airfare, especially for travel in first and business class.
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You can transfer points to partners like Aer Lingus AerClub, Aeromexico Club Premier, Air Canada Aeroplan, and many more. Here's a list of the airline partners:
Keep in mind that you can also earn extra points by booking paid international premium cabin travel with the Amex International Airline Program. This can provide discounts even on already discounted tickets.
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$695 Fee
The Amex Platinum Card comes with a hefty annual fee of $695, which is one of the highest among premium cards. This fee is charged on your first monthly billing cycle, so it's essential to have the funds available.
If you want to add authorized users to the card, you'll need to pay an additional $195 upfront for each additional card. This can add up quickly, so it's crucial to consider the total cost before applying.
The high annual fee may seem daunting at first, but the benefits and perks offered by the Amex Platinum Card can make it worth the cost. To determine if the card is worth it for you, let's break down the costs and benefits.
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Here's a breakdown of the annual fees associated with the Amex Platinum Card:
- $695 annual fee
- $195 fee for each authorized user
Keep in mind that the benefits offered by the Amex Platinum Card can vary depending on your individual needs and spending habits. By weighing the costs and benefits, you can determine if the card is worth the annual fee for you.
Eligibility and Approval
The American Express Platinum card has a "once in a lifetime" rule, meaning that if you've had the card in the past, you won't be eligible for the welcome bonus, but you can still be approved.
To increase your chances of approval, it's recommended to be 21 years old or older when applying, as this is the minimum age for approval. However, if you're under 21, you can still submit an application, but you might need to provide additional documentation to verify your income.
Your credit score is just one factor that American Express considers when approving you for the card. A business credit score of 75 or higher is recommended when applying for the Amex Business Platinum card using an EIN, but there is no minimum required score, and some applicants have been approved with scores in the 600s.
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Eligibility Restrictions
To be eligible for the American Express Platinum Card, you must be 21 years old or older, unless you're applying to be an authorized user, in which case you must be 18 years old.
You can still submit an application if you're under 21, but you might have to provide additional documentation to verify your income.
If you've had the Amex Platinum Card in the past, you're still eligible to be approved, but you won't receive the welcome bonus.
Having the Amex Platinum Card won't count toward Amex's limit of five cards per person, making it a great option for those who want to have multiple American Express cards.
Check Approval Odds
You can check your odds for Amex Platinum card approval without impacting your credit score. Using the Check With Confidence tool takes just 30 seconds and requires only your name, address, last 4 digits of your SSN, and income.
The tool provides prequalified offers, giving you a good idea of whether you'd be approved before you even submit the application. It's a win-win scenario, with no obligation to apply for a card.
Amex will perform a check of your business credit score if you're applying for the Amex Business Platinum card using an EIN. Your business credit score is publicly available and can be viewed by anyone, on a scale of 1 to 100.
A business credit score of 75 or higher is recommended for the Amex Business Platinum card. However, there's no minimum required score for the card, and some applicants have been approved with scores in the 600s.
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Card Details and Features
The American Express Platinum Metal Card is a premium travel rewards card designed for business travelers who value luxury and convenience. This card offers an impressive array of benefits, making it a top choice for frequent flyers.
The card earns 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels at Amex Travel, which can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or other rewards. You'll also get access to over 1,400 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection.
One of the standout features of this card is its 50% more Membership Rewards points on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (cap applies). This can add up to significant savings over time.
The card's annual fee is $695 (rates & fees), which may seem steep, but the benefits and rewards can make up for it. Keep in mind that the airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags.
Here's a summary of the card's key features:
The card also offers a welcome offer of 150,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
Travel Perks and Privileges
The Amex Platinum Card offers an impressive array of travel perks and privileges. You can get up to $20 in statement credits each month for digital entertainment purchases, making it one of the best cards for streaming services.
Cardholders can enjoy TSA PreCheck or Global Entry access and CLEAR perks, with up to $199 back per calendar year on CLEAR Membership, and a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee. Plus, receive a $155 Walmart+ credit, which covers the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership.
Booking a cruise through Amex Cruises gets you up to $100- $300 in onboard credit for each stateroom, plus additional amenities that vary by cruise line. This is definitely one of the better benefits of the Platinum card if you like to travel by air, land, and sea.
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Presale Tickets
With the Amex Platinum card, you'll have access to presale tickets to concerts and events from Ticketmaster, making it easier to score those hard-to-get seats.
Cardholders can also get early or exclusive access to other events, such as theater productions, giving you a head start on snagging tickets.
You can book these special tables through the Amex Platinum Concierge and enjoy access to exclusive events and experiences at some restaurants, like kitchen tours.
With the Global Dining Access program by Resy, cardholders get priority notify and VIP status, making your dining experiences even more special.
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Cruise Privileges
The Amex Platinum Card offers some amazing cruise privileges, especially if you're a travel enthusiast. You'll get up to $100- $300 in onboard credit for each stateroom when you book a cruise through Amex Cruises.
This credit can be a huge perk, especially if you're booking a luxury cruise. You'll also be eligible for additional amenities that vary by cruise line, which can enhance your overall travel experience.
The Platinum Card from American Express is definitely one of the best rewards credit cards out there, and its cruise privileges are just one reason why.
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Other Travel Perks
The Amex Platinum Card offers a range of travel perks that can enhance your travel experience.
You'll get status with two hotel loyalty programs and two rental car loyalty programs, which can lead to more rewards and benefits when you stay at hotels or rent cars.
Enrollment is required for select benefits, so make sure to sign up for the ones that interest you.
With the Amex Platinum Card, you'll have access to a program that gets you valuable hotel perks, such as free breakfast or room upgrades.
You'll also get discounts on many premium cabin airline tickets, which can be a significant cost savings.
The Amex Platinum Card offers a Priority Pass membership, which gives you access to over 1,300+ lounges around the world.
This is a game-changer if you're a frequent traveler, as you'll have a comfortable and peaceful place to relax before your flight.
You can also access Delta Sky Clubs within three hours of departure of your flight, or upon arrival, with your Amex Platinum Card.
This is a great perk if you're a Delta frequent flyer, as you'll have access to one of the best membership lounges in the US.
Additionally, you'll get a digital entertainment credit, making this card one of the best for streaming services, with up to $20 in statement credits each month.
This can be a significant cost savings if you use streaming services regularly.
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Authorized Users and Comparisons
Authorized users of the American Express Platinum card receive most of the benefits that primary cardmembers enjoy. This includes lounge access perks, access to Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts, and Hilton and Marriott Gold status.
Authorized users don't get all the credits, however, such as the Equinox credit, digital entertainment credit, and hotel credit. They also miss out on the airline fee credit, Uber credit, and CLEAR credit.
One thing to note is that authorized users do get additional Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credits, which is a nice perk.
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Authorized User
Authorized users get most of the card benefits that the primary cardmember receives, including lounge access perks and access to Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts.
Authorized users also get Hilton and Marriott Gold status, access to the Amex International Airline Program, and additional Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credits.
One thing authorized users don't get is the Equinox credit, which is an additional credit that primary cardmembers receive.
Authorized users also miss out on the digital entertainment credit, hotel credit, airline fee credit, Uber credit, CLEAR credit, Walmart+ credit, and Saks credit.
Chase Sapphire Reserve Comparison
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a premium credit card that offers a lot of perks, but it's not the only game in town.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve has a $450 annual fee, which is one of the highest among credit cards.
One of the best things about the Chase Sapphire Reserve is its 3X points on travel and dining purchases, which can really add up.
In contrast, the Chase Sapphire Preferred has a $95 annual fee and offers 2X points on travel and dining purchases.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve also offers a $300 travel credit each year, which can help offset the annual fee.
If you're a frequent traveler, the Chase Sapphire Reserve's airport lounge access may be a valuable perk.
You can also add authorized users to your Chase Sapphire Reserve account, but each additional user will be charged $75 per year.
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The Bottom Line
The American Express Platinum Card is a card that's worth considering, but only for the right person. It's not a card for everyday spending, but rather for those who can maximize its perks.
The card's $695 annual fee is steep, but it can be offset by the credits and other benefits it offers. The 5x points on airfare are a great perk, especially for frequent travelers.
For a frequent traveler or someone who buys international premium cabin tickets regularly, this card is well worth it. The lounge access benefit alone is a game-changer.
However, for those who don't travel frequently, the card's value is harder to justify. The $200 airline credit, for example, can be tricky to use without breaking the rules.
To decide if the card is right for you, subtract the annual fee from the value you'd get from the credits and other perks. Then, consider whether you value the other benefits, like lounge access.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are American Express Platinum cards metal?
Yes, American Express Platinum cards are made of metal, specifically stainless steel, which gives them a distinct weight of 18.5 grams. This durable material sets them apart from traditional plastic cards.
Is there a limit on AmEx metal Platinum card?
The American Express Platinum Card has no pre-set credit limit, allowing for flexible spending. This means you can enjoy the card's premium benefits without worrying about a specific spending limit.
Is AmEx Platinum a rich card?
The American Express Platinum card is a high-end credit card typically reserved for those who receive an invitation, often targeting millionaires and high-net-worth individuals. It's considered a premium card with exclusive benefits, making it a great option for those who can qualify.
How much is the Amex Platinum metal Card?
The annual fee for the Amex Platinum Card is $695. This premium fee includes a range of exclusive benefits and rewards.
What are the changes to AmEx Platinum 2024?
Starting October 8, 2024, the AmEx Platinum Credit Card will have higher renewal fees and new benefits, including elite hotel memberships and discounts on Apple products
Sources
- https://www.cnbc.com/select/is-the-amex-platinum-worth-it/
- https://www.thepointspassport.com/credit-cards/the-platinum-card-american-express
- https://johnnyjet.com/how-hard-is-it-to-get-the-american-express-platinum-card/
- https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/reviews/american-express-platinum-card/credit-score-requirements/
- https://onemileatatime.com/reviews/credit-cards/american-express/amex-platinum-card/
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