3 Unique Perks of the Amex Platinum Card
The Platinum Card® from American Express has a seemingly endless list of features. You’d hope so, considering the $695 annual fee (see rates and fees). When you’re spending that much, it’s important to get your money’s worth.
You certainly can — some cardholders say they save $1,000 or more per year. If you’re trying to decide if this American Express card is right for you, it helps to know about the unique perks it offers that you can’t find with most other cards.
1. American Express® Centurion Lounge access
Airport lounge access is a pretty common perk now. Most of the higher-priced travel rewards cards have it, usually via a Priority Pass membership. That’s an airport lounge program with over 1,400 lounges.
The Platinum Card® from American Express has that, but it also gets you access to several other types of lounges. Enrollment required, terms apply. The most illustrious of these are the American Express® Centurion Lounges, which are known for being a cut above the competition. Here are a few reasons why:
- They serve higher quality food and beverages. Offerings from these lounges have included vanilla French toast, avocado bruschetta, wellness shots, and fancy cocktails, to give you a few examples.
- They’re comfortable and well-designed. American Express® Centurion Lounges look and feel more luxurious than a typical airport lounge.
- They have thoughtful amenities. Examples include showers, complimentary spa service, and pool tables for guests.
Because these lounges are so highly rated, overcrowding can be a problem. But they’re still well worth a visit.
Only a select few American Express cards include access to Centurion Lounges. It’s a useful benefit that can really improve your airport experience. You can also save money on food compared to what you’d spend dining at an airport restaurant.
2. Elite status with Marriott and Hilton
Normally, getting elite status with a hotel chain involves staying at its properties a lot. Some credit cards include complimentary elite status, in most cases with a single hotel chain.
The Platinum Card® from American Express is the rare card that gets you elite status in two hotel loyalty programs. As a card member, you’re eligible for Marriott Bonvoy™ Gold Elite Status and Hilton Honors Gold Status. Enrollment required, terms apply.
This is another one of those benefits that can make your travel experience more enjoyable. Marriott Bonvoy™ Gold Elite Status and Hilton Honors Gold Status both include complimentary room upgrades when available. Hilton Honors Gold Status also gets you a Daily Food and Breakfast Credit or Continental Breakfast, depending on the brand and the region.
3. A digital entertainment credit
No one can accuse American Express of being light on spending credits. This card offers over $1,500 in yearly value with its spending credits, more than enough to make up for the annual fee. Terms apply. The downside is that most people won’t be able to use every last one of these credits. You’ll probably find that some of them fit your lifestyle much better than others.
One of the most useful is a $240 digital entertainment credit. You get up to $20 in statement credits each month after you pay for eligible purchases with the Amex Platinum Card at participating partners. Enrollment required, terms apply. As of June 2024, here’s the list of options:
- Disney+
- A Disney Bundle
- ESPN+
- Hulu
- The New York Times
- Peacock
- The Wall Street Journal
You can probably find at least one streaming service you like. And if you’re able to use the full $20 per month in statement credits, that will shave quite a bit off this card’s annual fee.
Remember, those three perks are just a few of the special benefits you get with this American Express card. This is far from an exhaustive list.
If you like the idea of getting into American Express® Centurion Lounges, having elite status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hiton, and saving some money with that digital entertainment credit, then this card could be a great fit. Check out the rest of its benefits, and that will help you decide if you should apply.
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