Why the Amex Platinum Card Is Still a Top Choice in 2025
The Amex Platinum Card continues to be one of the most talked-about credit cards in 2025. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a luxury traveler, or someone who values premium benefits, this card is designed for you.
While the amex platinum annual fee is high, the card offers unmatched travel perks, lifestyle rewards, and elite status upgrades that more than make up for the cost—if you use it right.
In this guide, we’ll take a detailed look at the american express platinum card. We’ll discuss its features, benefits, rewards, and how to get the most value from it in 2025. You’ll also see how it compares with other premium credit cards, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Capital One Venture X.What Is the Amex Platinum Card?
What Is the Amex Platinum Card?
The american express platinum card is a premium credit card from American Express. It’s been around since 1984 and is known for setting the standard in luxury travel.
Unlike regular travel cards, this one is packed with high-end features. It gives access to airport lounges, luxury hotel benefits, concierge service, and so much more.
Whether you’re flying every week or just want a touch of VIP treatment on vacation, the amex platinum card benefits make it worth a closer look.
Annual Fee and Welcome Bonus
Let’s talk numbers first.
Amex Platinum Annual Fee (2025)
The current amex platinum annual fee is $695 per year. That’s not small. But the value you get can be much higher if you use the card wisely.
There are also rumors that American Express may increase this fee in late 2025. Some news sources suggest the fee could rise close to $1,000 due to major feature updates .
Still, with over $1,500 in potential annual credits, many users find that the fee pays for itself.
Welcome Bonus
New users can get a welcome offer of up to 175,000 Membership Rewards (MR) points. The actual offer varies depending on where you apply and if you’re targeted.
- Typical bonus: 80,000–125,000 MR points
- Occasionally: Up to 175,000 MR points (limited-time offers)
- Requirement: Spend $8,000 in the first 6 months
That bonus alone can be worth $1,200–$2,000 when redeemed for travel.
Pro Tip: Use the CardMatch Tool to check if you’re eligible for the 150k+ bonus offer.
Membership Rewards: Earning Points with the Amex Platinum
Earning points with the american express platinum card is straightforward. The rewards structure is heavily geared toward travel spending, especially when booked through Amex Travel.
Earning Categories
- 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel
- 5X points on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel
- 1X point on all other purchases
So, if you spend $1,000 on flights via Delta or United, you’ll earn 5,000 points. Book a hotel via AmexTravel.com, Another 5,000 points.
For everyday purchases like groceries or gas, the rewards aren’t as strong. This card is truly for travel and luxury spending.
What Are Amex Points Worth?
This is where it gets interesting.
The value of your Membership Rewards (MR) points depends on how you use them.
| Redemption Option | Value per Point |
|---|---|
| Transfer to airline partners | 1.5¢ to 2¢ |
| Travel via Amex Travel | 1¢ |
| Gift cards | 0.7¢ to 1¢ |
| Statement credit | 0.6¢ |
Clearly, the best value comes when you transfer points to travel partners like Delta, Emirates, or Singapore Airlines. You can book business-class flights that would normally cost thousands of dollars—for just a fraction of the points.
Amex Transfer Partners
American Express has over 20 airline and hotel partners, including:
- Airlines: Delta, Air Canada, ANA, Emirates, British Airways, Etihad
- Hotels: Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, Choice Privileges
Transferring points to these partners can significantly increase the value of your rewards.
If you use the card mostly for travel and luxury purchases, the amex platinum card benefits will give you high returns. The amex platinum annual fee is justified by lounge access, hotel credits, elite status, and more. And with a welcome bonus worth over $1,000 in travel, this card can pay for itself in the first year alone.
Amex Platinum Benefits – Travel, Lifestyle & 2025 Upgrades
The Amex Platinum Card isn’t just about rewards—it’s packed with exclusive perks. These are the features that make the card feel truly “premium.” If you travel often or enjoy luxury experiences, the amex platinum card benefits can easily outweigh the amex platinum annual fee.
Let’s break them down.
1. Airport Lounge Access: The Ultimate Travel Perk
This is one of the most popular american express platinum benefits. Cardholders get access to a huge network of airport lounges worldwide.
Included Lounge Networks:
- Centurion Lounges – Amex’s own luxury lounges with gourmet food and cocktails.
- Delta Sky Club – When flying Delta.
- Priority Pass Select – Access to 1,300+ lounges globally.
- Escape Lounges – A growing U.S. network now included.
- Plaza Premium Lounges – Especially useful in Asia and Europe.
In 2025, American Express announced new Centurion Lounge locations in Newark (EWR), Salt Lake City (SLC), and Tokyo (HND), bringing total access to over 1,500 lounges worldwide .
Pro Tip: To access Priority Pass lounges, you must enroll through your Amex account.
2. Hotel Benefits: Elite Perks at Premium Properties
The american express platinum card benefits include VIP treatment at hotels, even if you book just a one-night stay.
Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR)
Book through Amex Travel to get:
- Room upgrades upon arrival (when available)
- Early check-in and late checkout
- Free daily breakfast for two
- $100 hotel experience credit (spa, dining, etc.)
- Guaranteed 4 PM checkout
The Hotel Collection
- $100 hotel credit on stays of 2+ nights
- Room upgrade if available
Elite Status
- Hilton Honors Gold Status
- Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status
These statuses offer room upgrades, late checkout, and more points on stays.
3. Dining & Entertainment Credits
The amex platinum card benefits also extend into your daily life. You get monthly and annual credits that help offset the amex platinum annual fee.
Uber Cash – Worth $200/year
- $15 per month + $20 extra in December
- Works for Uber rides and Uber Eats in the U.S.
Must add your Amex Platinum to the Uber app to activate the credit.
Digital Entertainment Credit – Worth $240/year
- Up to $20/month in credits for:
- Disney+
- Hulu
- ESPN+
- Peacock
- The New York Times
- SiriusXM
- Audible
Enrollment required. Visit the Amex Entertainment Credit Page to start.
Saks Fifth Avenue Credit – $100/year
- $50 semi-annually
- Online or in-store purchases at Saks (no minimum required)
CLEAR Plus Credit – Up to $189/year
CLEAR speeds up airport security lines. The card fully covers this cost if you enroll.
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit – $100 every 4 years
Helps you get through airport security faster. Use your card to pay, and the fee is automatically credited.
4. Travel Protections & Concierge Services
When it comes to travel coverage, the american express platinum card benefits really shine.
Travel Protections
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance
- Trip Delay Insurance
- Baggage Insurance Plan
- Secondary Rental Car Coverage
- Premium Global Assist Hotline (great for emergencies while abroad)
Concierge Services
Need to book a table at a hard-to-get restaurant? Or plan a vacation? The Platinum Concierge team is available 24/7 to assist with bookings, events, and even gift shopping.
Major 2025 Upgrades Announced by American Express
American Express revealed a major refresh of the amex platinum card in 2025. Here’s what’s new:
New Centurion Lounges
- Opening in Newark, Salt Lake City, and Tokyo
- More luxury and space for cardmembers
- Aim: ease overcrowding issues seen in 2023–24
Restaurant Reservation Network
In 2024, Amex acquired Tock, a premium restaurant booking platform. In 2025, they integrated it fully.
- Over 7,000+ restaurants now accessible via Amex Platinum.
- Priority bookings and exclusive tables for cardholders.
Expansion of Hotel Perks
New partnerships are coming with boutique and luxury hotel brands. This aims to make Fine Hotels & Resorts more accessible in secondary cities and tourist spots.
Possible Fee Hike
According to MarketWatch and Investopedia, the amex platinum annual fee may rise to $995 or higher later this year. The expanded benefits may justify it, but it’s worth watching.
Amex Platinum vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. Capital One Venture X
Now that you know the features and benefits of the Amex Platinum Card, it’s time to see how it stacks up against other premium cards. The two biggest rivals? Chase Sapphire Reserve and Capital One Venture X.
Let’s look at the key differences in a quick comparison:
| Feature | Amex Platinum | Chase Sapphire Reserve | Capital One Venture X |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $695 (may rise) | $550 | $395 |
| Welcome Bonus | 80k–175k MR points | 60k–80k UR points | 75k miles |
| Points Value (Travel) | 1–2¢ | 1.5¢ via Chase Travel | 1–2¢ with partners |
| Lounge Access | Centurion, Priority Pass, Delta | Priority Pass | Priority Pass, Capital One Lounges |
| Travel Credits | $200 Uber, $240 Digital, $100 Saks, CLEAR, etc. | $300 Chase Travel Credit | $300 Capital One Travel Credit |
| Hotel Benefits | Fine Hotels & Resorts, elite status | Luxury Hotel Collection | Premier Collection |
| Travel Insurance | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Main Drawback | High fee, less flexible redemptions | Lower value if not using Chase Travel | Limited lounge network |
Analysis:
- If you want luxury travel, elite status, and exclusive lounges, the amex platinum card is unbeatable.
- If you prefer flexibility and lower fees, the Venture X is a strong contender.
- For frequent travelers using Chase’s ecosystem, the Sapphire Reserve still shines.
Real User Reviews of the Amex Platinum Card
Let’s hear what real cardholders say about the american express platinum card benefits:
“I was skeptical about the high fee, but lounge access, hotel upgrades, and Uber credits easily make up for it.” – James T., NYC
“Amex customer service is unmatched. The concierge booked my anniversary trip with perks I didn’t even know I had.” – Priya S., San Diego
“I don’t travel enough to use all the benefits, but the welcome bonus made it worthwhile for year one.” – Derrick M., Atlanta
You can find more user reviews on Reddit’s r/CreditCards
How to Maximize Amex Platinum Card Benefits
To make the most of your amex platinum card, follow these simple tips:
1. Enroll in All Benefits
Don’t skip this! Some benefits like Priority Pass, CLEAR, Digital Credits, and hotel statuses require manual enrollment via your Amex dashboard.
2. Use Credits Monthly
- Uber: Use it monthly to avoid losing out.
- Streaming: Set your services like Disney+ or Hulu to auto-bill on your Amex.
- Saks: Set reminders in June and December to use both $50 credits.
3. Book Through Amex Travel
- Use AmexTravel.com for prepaid hotels to earn 5X points.
- Book FHR hotels for early check-in, room upgrades, and $100 credits.
4. Transfer Points to Airlines
Instead of redeeming MR points for statement credits (low value), transfer them to:
- Delta SkyMiles
- Air France Flying Blue
- ANA Mileage Club
- Singapore KrisFlyer
You can unlock huge value—like business class tickets for a fraction of the cash cost.
5. Use Global Entry or CLEAR
These credits save time at the airport. Apply them every few years to renew.
When the Amex Platinum May Not Be Worth It
Despite all its perks, the american express platinum card isn’t for everyone. Avoid it if:
- You rarely travel by air or stay at luxury hotels.
- You won’t use the Uber, Saks, or streaming credits.
- You’re looking for strong rewards on everyday categories like groceries or gas.
- You prefer cash-back cards or lower annual fees.
In those cases, cards like the Amex Gold, Venture X, or Chase Sapphire Preferred might serve you better.
Final Verdict: Is the Amex Platinum Card Worth It in 2025?
If you travel regularly, enjoy luxury experiences, and can use the credits wisely, then yes—the amex platinum card is absolutely worth the cost.
Let’s summarize the key advantages:
- Best-in-class lounge access
- Strong welcome bonus (up to 175,000 MR points)
- Hundreds of dollars in lifestyle credits
- Elite hotel and airline benefits
- Concierge and travel insurance services
Just be sure you’re getting at least $695 worth of value yearly. With smart use, many users extract over $1,500 in annual value, especially in year one.
Frequently Asked Questions
