Amex Platinum Gold Card: Benefits and Features Compared

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Posted Dec 15, 2024

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The American Express Platinum and Gold cards are two popular options for those seeking luxury travel and rewards benefits. The Amex Platinum card offers a $200 airline fee credit, which can be redeemed towards incidental fees such as checked bags and in-flight meals.

One key difference between the two cards is the annual fee. The Amex Platinum card comes with a $550 annual fee, while the Amex Gold card has a $250 annual fee. This is a significant difference to consider when deciding which card is right for you.

The Amex Platinum card also offers a $100 credit towards Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, which can save you time and hassle at the airport. This credit can be a valuable perk for frequent travelers.

Card Benefits

The American Express Platinum and Gold Cards offer a range of benefits that can enhance your travel and shopping experiences.

The Platinum Card comes with automatic status boosts, including Marriott Gold Elite, Hilton Honors Gold, Avis Preferred Plus, Hertz President's Circle, and National Executive Elite. This means you'll enjoy perks like room upgrades, VIP treatment, and the ability to skip the line.

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You can also take advantage of Return Protection, which allows you to return eligible purchases to American Express if the seller won't take them back, up to 90 days from the date of purchase. This can give you peace of mind when making online purchases.

Some benefits have stipulations, such as the Uber and dining credits on the American Express Gold Card, which are awarded in up to $10 monthly allotments. This means you must be a frequent Uber user and dine frequently with the limited list of qualifying restaurants to get the full value from the credits.

Here's a summary of the benefits:

Card BenefitDescription
Automatic Status BoostsMarriott Gold Elite, Hilton Honors Gold, Avis Preferred Plus, Hertz President's Circle, and National Executive Elite
Return ProtectionReturn eligible purchases to American Express up to 90 days from the date of purchase
Uber and Dining CreditsAwarded in up to $10 monthly allotments on the American Express Gold Card

Baggage Insurance Plan

The Baggage Insurance Plan is a valuable benefit offered by some credit cards. It can provide coverage for lost, damaged, or stolen baggage when traveling on a Common Carrier Vehicle, such as a plane, train, ship, or bus.

To be eligible, the entire fare must be charged to your Eligible Card. Coverage limits do apply, so it's essential to review the terms and conditions.

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This benefit can be particularly useful for frequent travelers who often encounter issues with their luggage. I've seen friends struggle with lost or damaged bags, and having this coverage can provide peace of mind.

Here's a quick rundown of what's covered:

  • Lost, damaged, or stolen baggage
  • Travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g., plane, train, ship, or bus)

Keep in mind that some exclusions and restrictions may apply, so be sure to read the fine print.

As an example, the American Express Gold Card offers solid travel insurance, including baggage insurance, car rental, and trip delay coverage. This card is a great option for those who want a reliable travel card in their wallet.

Return Protection

Return Protection is a valuable benefit that can save you time and money when you need to return an item. You can return eligible purchases to American Express if the seller won't take them back.

The Return Protection benefit is available on eligible purchases made in the U.S. or its territories. You can return the item up to 90 days from the date of purchase.

American Express will refund the full purchase price, excluding shipping and handling, up to $300 per item. The maximum refund per calendar year per Card account is $1,000.

To take advantage of this benefit, you'll need to have purchased the item entirely with your eligible American Express Card.

Airport Lounge Access

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Airport lounge access is a game-changer for travelers. The Platinum Card from American Express offers access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, including exclusive Centurion lounges.

You can enjoy complimentary snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, and even a hot shower in these lounges, making your travel experience much more comfortable. The Platinum Card's lounge access is a major perk for frequent flyers.

The Platinum Card also grants cell phone protection up to $800 per claim, or $1,600 for two claims within a 12-month period, with a $50 deductible. This added protection can give you peace of mind when traveling.

Concierge Services

The American Express Platinum Card offers a range of concierge services that can make your life easier and more enjoyable.

You can score tickets to world-class sporting events with the help of the Platinum Concierge. They can also help with reservations at posh restaurants and seats at the hottest concerts.

The Platinum Concierge can take care of everything from sending flowers to navigating travel disruptions. Just call the number on the back of your card to connect with them.

With the Platinum Card, you also get access to the Platinum Travel Service, which can create custom trip itineraries for you.

Which Offers More Statement Credits?

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You can earn over $900 in statement credits with the Platinum Card in your first year, but the actual amount depends on when you opened your card and your ability to use some of these benefits.

The Platinum Card's welcome offer is a big draw, but it's essential to remember that credit cards are serious business and you should only spend what you can afford to pay off in full.

To put the Platinum Card's statement credits into perspective, consider that the annual fee is $695, but you can easily come out ahead with the right benefits.

Travel

Traveling with the Amex Platinum and Gold Cards offers a range of benefits that can enhance your trips.

The American Express Gold Card provides $120 in Uber Cash per year, which can be used for rides or eats, and a $100 experience credit at The Hotel Collection with American Express, but only after a minimum two-night stay.

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You can also rely on the Global Assist Hotline when traveling over 100 miles from home with the Gold Card, although third-party fees may apply.

If you're looking for hotel or car rental elite status, the Amex Platinum Card is the way to go.

With the Platinum Card, you'll receive complimentary Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors Gold status, which comes with free breakfast when traveling abroad or a daily food and beverage credit at U.S. hotels.

Additionally, you'll get elite recognition in rental car programs, including National Emerald Club Executive status and Hertz President's Circle status.

As a National Emerald Club Executive member, you can enjoy benefits such as access to the Executive Area, skipping the rental car counter, and a free upgrade in the U.S. and Canada when booking a midsized car.

Similar benefits are available through Hertz, so be sure to price shop with your next rental.

Booking The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com offers elevated benefits with an average total value of $150* during your stay, based on 2023 bookings for stays of two nights.

Credit: youtube.com, THIS Is Why The Amex Platinum Card Is The SUPERIOR Travel Card

*Average value based on The Hotel Collection bookings in 2023 for stays of two nights. Actual value will vary based on property, room rate, upgrade availability, and use of benefits.

Here's a summary of the travel benefits offered by the Amex Platinum and Gold Cards:

  • Amex Gold Card: $120 in Uber Cash, $100 experience credit at The Hotel Collection, Global Assist Hotline (third-party fees apply)
  • Amex Platinum Card: Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors Gold status, National Emerald Club Executive status, Hertz President's Circle status
  • The Hotel Collection: Average total value of $150* during your stay (minimum two-night stay required)

Rewards and Earnings

The Amex Platinum and Gold Cards offer some of the most rewarding earning structures out there. You'll earn 4x Membership Rewards Points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide, and 4x at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 in purchases per year.

The American Express Gold Card is a great option for foodies, as it offers a high earning rate on dining and grocery purchases. You'll earn 4x points on restaurant purchases worldwide, and 4x points on U.S. supermarket purchases up to $25,000 per year.

Earning points with the Amex Gold and Platinum Cards is a straightforward process. You'll earn 4x points on restaurant purchases worldwide, and 4x points on U.S. supermarket purchases up to $25,000 per year. You'll also earn 3x points on flights booked directly with the airline or through amextravel.com.

A fresh viewpoint: Amex Platinum Card Points

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The Amex Platinum Card offers a higher earning rate on travel purchases, with 5x points on flights booked directly with the airline or through amextravel.com. However, this bonus rate is limited to $500,000 in purchases per year.

Here's a breakdown of the earning rates for the Amex Gold and Platinum Cards:

CategoryAmex GoldAmex Platinum
Restaurants worldwide4x points1x point
U.S. supermarkets4x points (up to $25,000/year)1x point
Flights booked directly with the airline or through amextravel.com3x points5x points (up to $500,000/year)

Overall, the Amex Gold Card is a great option for those who want to earn high rewards on dining and grocery purchases, while the Amex Platinum Card is better suited for frequent travelers who want to earn high rewards on travel purchases.

Elite Status and Perks

The American Express Platinum Card is a game-changer when it comes to hotel and car rental status. With it, you'll receive complimentary Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors Gold status, which comes with benefits like free breakfast when traveling abroad or a daily food and beverage credit at U.S. hotels.

Holding the Platinum Card also gets you elite recognition in rental car programs, including National Emerald Club Executive status and Hertz President's Circle status. This means you can skip the rental car counter and enjoy access to the Executive Area, where you can choose your car without any hassle.

Credit: youtube.com, 7 Reasons to Get American Express Cards 🤫 Elite Status Benefits & Underrated Perks

One of the standout benefits of National Emerald Club Executive status is the ability to skip the lines at the counter and mountains of paperwork. You can simply walk off the plane, head to the car rental area, select your car, and go.

Here are the automatic status boosts you can expect with the Platinum Card:

  • Marriott Gold Elite: 25% more points, potential room upgrades and late checkout.
  • Hilton Honors Gold: 80% more points, daily food and beverage credit and possible room upgrades.
  • Avis Preferred Plus: Free one-class car upgrades, expedited service.
  • Hertz President's Circle: Guaranteed upgrades, dedicated customer service.
  • National Executive Elite: Guaranteed free upgrade when you rent at the midsize rate, guaranteed car within 24-hour notice and private airport delivery.

Overall, the Platinum Card offers a level of luxury and convenience that's hard to match with other credit cards.

Card Features

The American Express Gold Card is a great option for those who want to travel abroad without worrying about extra fees. No Foreign Transaction Fees means you can use your card to make purchases abroad without incurring any additional charges.

One of the standout features of the card is its generous welcome offer. However, some benefits, like the Uber and dining credits, have stipulations that require you to be a frequent user to get the full value.

The card also offers solid travel and shopping protections, including baggage insurance, car rental, and trip delay coverage. This makes it a great option for those who want a reliable travel card in their wallet.

A fresh viewpoint: Platinum Travel Credit Card

No Foreign Fees

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The American Express Gold Card is a great option for international travel, and one of its standout features is the elimination of foreign transaction fees.

This means you can enjoy every trip abroad without worrying about extra charges on your bill.

The card offers solid travel insurance, including baggage insurance, car rental, and trip delay coverage, making it a reliable choice for frequent travelers.

You'll also get purchase protection and extended warranty, giving you extra peace of mind when making purchases.

Here are the benefits you can expect from the American Express Gold Card's no foreign transaction fees feature:

  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Solid travel insurance (baggage insurance, car rental, trip delay coverage)
  • Purchase protection and extended warranty

Designs

The American Express Gold Card is available in two designs: traditional gold and rose gold.

You can choose from three designs for the Platinum card: Classic Platinum or one of two colorful designs created by Kehinde Wiley or Julie Mehretu.

All these cards are made of metal, regardless of the design you pick.

Both the Gold and Platinum cards have a premium feel to them, making them stand out from the usual plastic cards.

Return the revised heading

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Return Protection is a valuable feature offered by American Express. You can return eligible purchases to American Express if the seller won't take them back, up to 90 days from the date of purchase.

The purchase must be made entirely with your eligible American Express Card, and the return is limited to $300 per item, up to a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year per Card account. Purchases must be made in the U.S. or its territories.

This feature can be a lifesaver if you're not satisfied with a purchase and the seller is unwilling to accept it back.

Here are the details of the Return Protection feature:

FeatureDetails
Return periodUp to 90 days from the date of purchase
Purchase limit$300 per item, up to $1,000 per calendar year per Card account
Eligible purchasesMade entirely with your eligible American Express Card
Geographic limitU.S. or its territories

The American Express Gold Card offers a range of benefits, including Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty. This means you can have peace of mind when making purchases, knowing you're protected in case something goes wrong.

The Gold Card also offers solid travel insurance, including baggage insurance, car rental, and trip delay coverage. This can be a huge advantage if you travel frequently.

Card Details

Credit: youtube.com, American Express Gold Card vs Platinum Card | 2024 Review

The American Express Platinum Gold Card is a premium rewards card with some amazing benefits. It's a great option for those who want to earn rewards and enjoy exclusive perks.

The card has a $550 annual fee, which may seem steep, but it offers a wide range of benefits that can offset the cost. Many users have reported saving money on travel expenses.

The card offers 5x points on air travel booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, which can add up quickly. For example, a $1,000 airfare would earn 5,000 points.

You can also earn 1x point on all other purchases, which can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, or cash back. The points system is straightforward and easy to understand.

The card also comes with a generous sign-up bonus of 60,000 points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months. This can be a great way to boost your rewards earnings.

The card offers a range of travel benefits, including airport lounge access and a $200 airline fee credit. This can be a huge time-saver and money-saver for frequent travelers.

Comparison and Review

Credit: youtube.com, American Express: Gold vs Platinum

The Amex Platinum and Gold cards have their own strengths and weaknesses. The Platinum Card from American Express delivers high-level travel perks, such as airport lounge access, and a high rewards earning rate on flights booked with airlines or Amex Travel and hotels booked with Amex Travel.

However, the American Express Gold Card offers elevated rewards on restaurants and U.S. supermarkets plus dining and Uber Cash credits (enrollment required). If you dine out regularly and spend a lot on groceries, you may earn more points with the Amex Gold card.

In fact, if most of your spending is on dining and groceries, the Amex Gold Card can earn you more points despite its lower earning rates. The Amex Gold earns up to 4x on dining and groceries, plus up to 3x on most flight bookings.

On the other hand, if you're a frequent traveler, the Platinum Card from American Express is a better choice. It offers airport lounge access and a high rewards earning rate on flights and hotels.

Credit: youtube.com, Amex Platinum Card vs Amex Gold Card (Full Comparison 2021)

Here's a quick comparison of the two cards:

CardAnnual FeeRewards Earning Rate
Amex Gold$250Up to 4x on dining and groceries, up to 3x on most flight bookings
Amex Platinum$550Up to 5x on flights and hotels

Ultimately, it's worth considering whether you'll use all the benefits of each card. If you can make the most of the Platinum Card's travel perks and the Gold Card's dining rewards, you may want to consider getting both cards.

Rewards Redemption

When redeeming your American Express Membership Rewards points, you have a few options. You can book award flights through American Express Travel, which will give you a value of 1 cent per point. Alternatively, you can transfer your points to one of the many airline or hotel transfer partners, which can help you get a higher redemption value.

The transfer ratio is usually 1:1, and the transfer time varies depending on the partner. For example, transferring points to Aer Lingus or Air Canada Aeroplan is instant, while transferring to AeroMexico may take 3-5 days.

You can also redeem your points for cash back or gift cards, but the redemption value is lower, ranging from 0.5 to 0.8 cents per point. This is still a decent option if you need cash or a gift card.

Here's a list of American Express Membership Rewards transfer partners:

ProgramTypeTransfer RatioTransfer Time
Aer LingusAirline1:1Instant
AeroMexicoAirline1:1.63-5 days
Air Canada AeroplanAirline1:1Instant
Air France/KLMAirline1:1Instant
ANAAirline1:11-2 days
AviancaAirline1:1Instant
British AirwaysAirline1:1Instant
Cathay PacificAirline1:1Instant
DeltaAirline1:1Instant
EmiratesAirline1:1Instant
EtihadAirline1:1Instant
HawaiianAirline1:1Instant
IberiaAirline1:1Up to 24 hours
JetBlueAirline1.25:1Instant
QantasAirline1:1Instant
Qatar AirwaysAirline1:1Instant
SingaporeAirline1:1Instant
Virgin AtlanticAirline

Welcome Offers

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The welcome offers on the Amex Platinum and Gold cards are a major draw. The Amex Gold card offers 60,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months, worth up to $600 in award flights and select gift cards.

You can earn a welcome offer on every Amex card once per lifetime. However, after recent changes, you'll need to do it in the right order. If you go straight to the Amex Platinum, you'll be ineligible for a welcome offer on the Amex Gold later on.

The Amex Platinum's welcome offer is bigger, worth more points, but it might make more sense to start with the Amex Gold. You can earn a welcome offer on every Amex card once per lifetime, but after some recent changes, you'll need to do it in the right order.

Here's a comparison of the welcome offers on the two cards:

CardWelcome Offer
Amex Gold60,000 Membership Rewards Points
Amex PlatinumBigger bonus, but exact amount not specified

The Amex Platinum's welcome offer is definitely bigger, but it's essential to consider your individual needs and spending habits before choosing a card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a gold card with Amex Platinum?

You can add a Gold Supplementary Card to your Amex Platinum account, but it will only offer insurance benefits, Amex Offers, and Membership Rewards points earning. This is in addition to your primary Platinum Card benefits.

Can you combine Amex Platinum and Gold benefits?

Yes, you can combine Amex Platinum and Gold benefits, with points automatically linking into a single account. This allows for seamless accumulation of rewards across both cards.

What is the highest limit on Amex Gold card?

The Amex Gold card doesn't have a fixed credit limit, but it's determined by your individual payment history, income, credit history, and spending habits on a month-to-month basis. This means your spending limit can vary each month.

Felicia Koss

Felicia Koss

Junior Writer

Felicia Koss is a rising star in the world of finance writing, with a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics into accessible, engaging pieces. Her articles have covered a range of topics, from retirement account loans to other financial matters that affect everyday people. With a focus on clarity and concision, Felicia's writing has helped readers make informed decisions about their financial futures.

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