The Platinum Card from American Express

A luxury travel card with an $895 fee. It only makes sense if you use a large share of its credits and perks.

Para quem é

This card is for you if you travel often, book flights directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, and will use many of its travel and lifestyle credits. You earn 5x on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel and 5x on prepaid hotels through Amex Travel. The annual fee is $895, so the card works like a bundle: it pays off when the perks you use are worth more than the fee.

Quem deve evitar

Skip it if you won't track and use a long list of credits, because the fee is steep without them. Skip it if you want strong rewards on everyday spending, since most purchases outside flights and prepaid hotels earn little. It's a charge card, and the Pay Over Time feature has a high APR. For most people, the Amex Gold or a $95 travel card gives better value.

Como aproveitar ao máximo

Before you apply, write down the credits you'd realistically use in a year and put a dollar value on each. Enroll in the ones that require it. Book flights directly or through Amex Travel to earn 5x, and pair the card with a cash back or dining card for everyday purchases. Pay in full each month. Every year before the fee posts, check whether you came out ahead.

Prós

• 5x on flights and prepaid hotels booked as described
• Large set of travel and lifestyle credits
• No foreign transaction fees

Contras

• $895 annual fee
• Credits take effort to use and may not match your life
• Weak earning on everyday spending
• Charge card: plan to pay in full

Perguntas frequentes

Is the Amex Platinum worth $895?

For frequent travelers who use many of its credits, it can be. For everyone else, the fee is hard to earn back. Add up the credits you would actually use before applying.

Platinum or Gold?

The Gold is the better everyday card thanks to 4x on dining and US supermarkets. The Platinum is mostly a travel perks card. Many people do better with the Gold.

Is the Amex Platinum a charge card?

Yes. You're expected to pay in full, and some purchases can be paid over time at a variable APR.

What credit score do you need for the Platinum Card?

American Express doesn't publish a minimum, but this card generally goes to people with excellent credit.