My Personal Experience Using the AMEX Platinum Card: A Deep Dive into Its Value and Perks

 My personal review about using AMEX Platinum Card personal

As a frequent traveler, the American Express Platinum Card has become a staple in my wallet, offering a range of benefits that I’ve grown to appreciate over time. While it may not be the best fit for everyone, it offers a level of luxury and convenience that perfectly suits my lifestyle. Here’s an in-depth look at how I personally make the most of my AMEX Platinum, from the perks that I regularly use to the strategies I’ve employed to maximize value.

Maximizing Targeted Offers and Entertainment Credit

One of the most compelling reasons I continue to hold onto my AMEX Platinum is the targeted offers I receive. While these offers are a hit or miss for many cardholders, I find them incredibly valuable. The entertainment credit, in particular, is something I leverage often. In the past, I used it for Audible, but with the recent changes, I’ve transitioned to using it for my family’s Disney+ subscription. For a family of four, this adds up to significant savings, and it’s just one of the many benefits that make the Platinum card feel worthwhile.

Hotel Perks: FHR Credit and Upgrades

Another area where the Platinum shines is its Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR) credit. For someone like me who stays in high-end hotels regularly, the $200 credit is invaluable. It’s not uncommon for me to use it for hotel stays when traveling for business or pleasure, and I’ve almost always received upgrades upon check-in, which adds an extra layer of value. The $200 FHR credit can be applied toward various expenses during your stay, such as dining, spa treatments, or even room upgrades. For someone who enjoys staying at top-tier properties, this perk is definitely worth utilizing.

However, I must note that this perk is most beneficial for those who typically book luxury hotels. If you don’t often stay at five-star properties, the FHR benefit might not be as valuable, and you might want to explore other cards better suited to your needs.

Lounge Access: A Must-Have for Frequent Travelers

One of the most consistent perks I get from the Platinum is lounge access. As someone who spends a lot of time at airports, the ability to access Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass, and other partner lounges is invaluable. I find the Centurion Lounge experience to be a great way to relax before a flight, with comfortable seating, complimentary food and drinks, and a quiet environment away from the hustle and bustle of the terminal. While I’ve heard complaints about the lounge crowds—particularly during peak times—the access is still a major perk, and I’ve never had to wait long to enter.

Points Earning and Spending Strategy

The AMEX Platinum Card is not the most effective card for earning points on everyday spending, especially when compared to cards like the AMEX Gold, which offers 3x points on dining and 2x points on travel. As such, I’ve learned to use my AMEX Gold for general purchases to earn points and then leverage my Platinum for its benefits rather than as a primary points earner. The Platinum card’s 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel and 5x points on eligible hotels booked through Amex Travel are useful but are limited to travel-related categories.

When it comes to redeeming points, the Sapphire Reserve’s points program is often more straightforward and flexible. While the AMEX Platinum offers good value for luxury hotel stays, especially if booked through Fine Hotels & Resorts, I’ve found the Sapphire Reserve’s points easier to use and more applicable for general travel. The ability to use points for things like car rentals, vacation packages, and even through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal for general travel makes it a versatile option.

The AMEX Platinum’s High Annual Fee: Is It Worth It?

One of the biggest considerations when deciding whether to get the AMEX Platinum is the hefty annual fee, which currently stands at $695. For many, this fee is a major deterrent, but for someone like me who travels frequently and uses many of the card’s benefits, I find that I more than make up for the cost. Between the $200 airline credit, $200 FHR credit, Uber credits, lounge access, and other perks, I estimate I get at least $1,000 in value every year. This doesn’t even factor in the additional savings I accumulate through targeted offers, hotel upgrades, and other travel benefits.

The AMEX Platinum Card is not for everyone, and that’s something I’ve come to realize after using it for a while. It’s a lifestyle card, designed for those who travel frequently and have a taste for luxury. This card isn’t about earning points on every dollar you spend—it’s about maximizing the value from a suite of premium perks that are best suited for a high-end lifestyle.

If you’re not regularly flying business class, staying at five-star hotels, or dining in fine restaurants, then this card may not make sense for you. The hefty annual fee and the focus on luxury travel benefits mean that you need to be traveling a lot—especially on expensive trips—to truly get your money’s worth. You’re not going to earn points at a high rate on everyday purchases like groceries or gas, and the points you do earn are best used for high-end rewards like luxury hotel stays or flight upgrades.

For those who don’t travel often or prefer more economical travel, sticking with other cards that offer better points earning and lower annual fees is a wiser choice. But for frequent travelers who appreciate luxury experiences and can make full use of the benefits—lounge access, hotel upgrades, and travel credits—the Platinum is an amazing tool that enhances your lifestyle. If you know, you know—it’s a card that fits perfectly for those who can truly leverage its perks and make the most of what it offers.

Is the AMEX Platinum Worth It?

In conclusion, the American Express Platinum Card has become a key component of my credit card strategy. It’s not a great card for general points earning, but it makes up for it with a wealth of valuable travel perks, especially if you know how to take full advantage of them. From the targeted offers to the FHR credits, the luxury hotel upgrades, and the invaluable lounge access, it’s a card that has enhanced my travel experiences and added considerable value to my routine.

If you don’t travel as often, however, you may want to consider a different card that offers better points earning potential or lower fees. Ultimately, the AMEX Platinum is best suited for those who travel frequently and can make full use of its premium benefits.

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