Extraordinary travel. Honest Reviews. That’s what we’re all about at Inconspicuous Traveler—and today we’re spotlighting a card that can unlock luxurious experiences, but isn’t always the most practical for everyday use: the American Express Platinum Card® (also known as the AMEX Platinum).

Why So Many Travelers Love the Amex Platinum

Despite its steep annual fee, the Amex Platinum is beloved by frequent travelers—and for good reason. Here’s what stands out:

🔓 Premium Lounge Access

  • Centurion Lounges: Exclusive, upscale lounges in key airports worldwide.
  • Priority Pass Select (enrollment required): Access to 1,300+ global lounges.
  • Delta Sky Club: Access when flying Delta same-day (limited to 10 visits per year starting 2025).

🏨 Hotel Benefits

  • Hilton Honors Gold and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status.
  • $200 Hotel Credit: Valid on Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings via Amex Travel.
  • Room upgrades, free breakfast, and late checkout at premium hotels through the FHR program.

🚗 Travel & Lifestyle Credits

  • $200 Airline Fee Credit (select airline only).
  • $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit to speed through airport security.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit for select streaming services.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit, $100 Saks Credit, and more.

🎁 Welcome Bonus (as of mid-2025)

  • Earn 80,000–150,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months (offer varies by source and may include targeted offers).
  • Points can be redeemed for flights via Amex Travel, transferred to airline/hotel partners, or used as statement credits.

Fees to Know

  • Annual Fee: $695 (not waived first year)
  • Authorized Users: $195 each for Platinum-level benefits; free Gold cards available with fewer perks
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

⚠️ Where the Amex Platinum Falls Short

This card is built for travel luxury—not everyday spending. Here’s where it may not be your best choice:

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🛍️ Poor Everyday Earn Rates

  • 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or via Amex Travel
  • 5x points on prepaid hotels booked via Amex Travel
  • 1x point on everything else—meaning it underperforms compared to no-annual-fee or cashback cards in grocery, gas, and dining categories

❌ Limited Airline Fee Use

  • Airline incidentals only (not ticket purchases), and you must choose a single airline per year.

🛑 Not Universally Accepted

  • Amex isn’t accepted at some smaller retailers compared to Visa or Mastercard.

Who Should Consider the Amex Platinum?

Ideal For:

  • Frequent flyers who value lounge access and premium hotel perks
  • Travelers who book through Amex Travel or transfer points to airline partners
  • High spenders who can maximize all credits annually

Not Ideal For:

  • Budget travelers who want to avoid high annual fees
  • Users looking for a “daily driver” card for groceries, gas, or restaurants
  • People who don’t travel enough to take advantage of the lounge, airline, or hotel perks

✈️ Final Verdict on the AMEX Platinum from Inconspicuous Traveler

The Amex Platinum isn’t for everyone—but for those who travel often and strategically, it unlocks a world of comfort, convenience, and elite access.

I’ve personally held the card for several years, and I find the airport perks alone justify the annual fee. But I pair it with other cards for everyday purchases where I can earn more points per dollar.

Apply for the AMEX Platinum Card!

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