Why I Keep the American Express Platinum in My Wallet
American Express Platinum
When it comes to premium travel credit cards, the American Express Platinum Card® has a reputation for luxury, perks, and prestige. With a hefty $895 annual fee, it’s not a card you keep on a whim—you need to make sure the benefits align with your lifestyle. For me, the Amex Platinum has more than earned its spot in my wallet year after year. Here’s why.
1. Unmatched Airport Lounge Access
If you travel frequently, lounge access is one of the biggest game-changers. With the Amex Platinum, I can access:
Centurion Lounges (some of the nicest lounges in the U.S.)
Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta
Priority Pass Select lounges worldwide
Escape Lounges, Plaza Premium, Lufthansa, and more
This global lounge network means I can almost always find a quiet space, enjoy complimentary food and drinks, and work or relax before my flight. For someone who values a smoother travel experience, this perk alone offsets a big chunk of the annual fee. I use this card the most for lounge access of all my credit cards. We actually have a Delta lounge in Nashville, so if I am flying Delta, I can use it with this card. I have visited a few Centurion Lounges in Atlanta, London, and other cities this year. The Centurion Lounge in Atlanta is one of my favorites!
2. Strong Travel Credits That Offset the Fee
The Amex Platinum comes loaded with statement credits that I use consistently:
Hotel Credit: Up to $600/year (was $200), split into $300 semiannual credits for prepaid bookings via Amex Travel at Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection (2-night minimum)
Dining & Lifestyle Credits
Resy Dining Credit: $400/year ($100 per quarter) at 10,000+ U.S. restaurants
Uber One Membership: $120/year credit for discounted rides and delivery perks3
Lululemon Credit: $300/year ($75 per quarter)
ŌURA Ring Credit: $200/year for purchases via the ŌURA website
Entertainment & Shopping
Digital Subscriptions: $300/year (up from $240), now includes YouTube Premium, YouTube TV, Disney+, WSJ, NYT
I don’t use all of these credits. For example, I don’t want the Oura Ring. However, I make my niece really happy with the Lululemon credit. I love the Hotel Credit! We have stayed at some amazing places here in Nashville thanks to that credit! Luckily, we have a lot of Resy restaurants, so no problem using them each quarter. When I add up the credits I actually use, they more than cover the annual fee.
3. Travel Protections and Insurance
The Amex Platinum isn’t just about perks—it’s also about peace of mind. From trip delay and cancellation coverage to rental car insurance and purchase protection, this card is a safety net when I’m on the move. It’s one of those benefits you don’t think about until you need it—and then you’re very glad it’s there. As of now I am using my Chase Sapphire Reserve for travel purchases. However, with its changes, I like knowing I could use this as a backup.
4. Fine Hotels + Resorts Program
Whenever I book luxury hotels through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts, I get added value: daily breakfast for two, guaranteed late checkout, room upgrades (when available), and property-specific perks like spa or dining credits. These extras often add up to hundreds of dollars in value per stay, and they make premium hotel stays feel even more special. You can read about how we used our credit earlier this year at the Thompson Hotel in Nashville.
5. Earning and Redeeming Points
The Platinum isn’t known as a “points powerhouse” for everyday spending, but it shines in the right categories:
5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel
5X points on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel
Since I book a lot of flights, this multiplier really adds up. And when paired with American Express Membership Rewards transfer partners, I can turn those points into premium cabin flights worth thousands of dollars.
Final Thoughts
The American Express Platinum isn’t for everyone. If you rarely travel or don’t take advantage of the credits, the annual fee won’t make sense. But for me—a frequent traveler who values comfort, convenience, and premium experiences—it’s one of the most valuable cards in my wallet.
It’s not just a credit card—it’s a travel companion that makes every trip smoother, more comfortable, and more rewarding.
Here’s my Amex referral link. Use it and we could both earn rewards if you are approved and get a Card. Check out offers and Card benefits. Referral link
This is the 3rd post in a series about the cards I currently have in my wallet. Check out my post of the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Citi Strata card.
