Why I Keep the American Express Platinum in My Wallet
The American Express Platinum Card® has gone through a lot of changes over the years — higher fees, bigger credits, and a long list of perks that can feel overwhelming at first glance. But even with the $895 annual fee, this card continues to earn its spot in my wallet. Not because of the prestige or the metal card (fun, but not the reason), but because the benefits actually fit the way I travel. Between lounge access, the revamped $600 Fine Hotels + Resorts credit, quarterly dining perks, and the peace‑of‑mind protections, the Platinum still delivers more value than it costs — especially for frequent travelers. Here’s exactly how I use it, what I skip, and why it continues to be one of my most reliable travel tools year after year.
Full disclosure: Some of the links in this post are referral or affiliate links. If you use my Amazon link to purchase an item, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. For credit cards, I only share personal referral links (not affiliate links), and I only recommend cards we personally use and love. These small commissions help support the cost of maintaining this blog and creating free travel resources. All opinions are my own.
1. Airport Lounge Access That Actually Changes Your Travel Day
If you travel even a few times a year, lounge access is one of the biggest quality‑of‑life upgrades you can get.
With the Amex Platinum, I can access:
Centurion Lounges
Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta)
Priority Pass Select lounges
Escape Lounges, Plaza Premium, Lufthansa, and more
We even have a Delta lounge in Nashville, so if I’m flying Delta, I can use it with this card. I’ve visited Centurion Lounges in Atlanta, London, and a few other cities this year — the Atlanta lounge is still one of my favorites.
For me, lounge access alone offsets a huge portion of the annual fee. It’s the perk I use the most.
2. Travel Credits That Offset the Fee (Without Trying Too Hard)
The Platinum now comes with $600 in annual hotel credits, split into two $300 semiannual credits for prepaid bookings through Amex Travel at Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection.
This is one of my favorite perks — we’ve used it for stays at the Conrad Nashville, Thompson Nashville, and even a two‑room booking at The Palazzo in Las Vegas. You can read the full breakdown in my updated Fine Hotels & Resorts Review [2026 Update].
Dining & Lifestyle Credits
Resy Dining Credit: $400/year ($100 per quarter)
Uber One Membership: $120/year
Lululemon Credit: $300/year ($75 per quarter)
ŌURA Ring Credit: $200/year (I don’t use this one)
Entertainment & Shopping
Digital Subscriptions: $300/year (YouTube Premium, YouTube TV, Disney+, WSJ, NYT, etc.)
I don’t use every credit (ŌURA isn’t for me), but the ones I do use more than cover the annual fee — and then some.
⭐ Value Breakdown: Credits I Actually Use
Hotel Credit: $600
Resy Dining: $400
Uber: $120
Lululemon: $300
Total Value I Use: $1,420
Annual Fee: $895
Net Positive: +$525
This doesn’t even include lounge access, FHR perks, or travel protections.
3. Travel Protections That Give Me Peace of Mind
The Platinum includes:
Trip delay coverage
Trip cancellation/interruption coverage
Rental car insurance
Purchase protection
Extended warranty
Right now, I use my Chase Sapphire Reserve for most travel purchases, but with the recent changes to that card, I like knowing the Platinum is a strong backup.
4. Fine Hotels + Resorts: My Favorite Platinum Perk
Whenever I book through Fine Hotels + Resorts, I get:
Daily breakfast for two
Guaranteed 4pm late checkout
Room upgrade (when available)
Noon check‑in (when available)
$100 property credit
These perks often add up to hundreds of dollars in value per stay. You can read how we used our credit at the Thompson Nashville and how we booked two rooms at The Palazzo using the FHR credit.
5. Earning & Redeeming Points
The Platinum shines in two 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 adds up quickly. And with Amex Membership Rewards transfer partners, those points can turn into premium cabin flights worth thousands.
⭐ Final Thoughts (Updated for 2026)
The American Express Platinum isn’t for everyone. If you rarely travel or don’t use the credits, the annual fee won’t make sense. But for me — someone 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 if you want to check current offers. If you’re approved and get the card, we could both earn rewards.
This is the third post in my “What’s In My Wallet” series. You can also read my reviews of the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Citi Strata.
