- The Amex Platinum Card has a hefty annual fee, but can offer thousands of dollars in value if you use all the benefits.
- Many perks, like Priority Pass membership, require activation or enrollment before you can use them.
- Here's what to do at the beginning of the year, or when you get the card, to maximize your benefits.
Introduction to American Express premium benefits
The Platinum Card® from American Express is one of the most expensive consumer cards publicly available today.
But the Amex Platinum Card is well worth the $695 annual fee () if you regularly travel through airports with Amex Centurion Lounges or Delta Sky Clubs, use Uber or UberEats at least once a month, spend at least one weekend a year in a hotel, or subscribe to streaming services like Hulu or Disney.
That's because this card comes with access or reimbursements for all of these services — and many more. Our guide to the Amex Platinum Card's benefits helps you understand how to use and maximize these perks to get your money's worth.
What benefits does the Amex Platinum offer?
The Amex Platinum Card offers dozens of benefits, both big and small. Some require activation or only apply in specific situations, while others automatically kick in when you become a card member.
Enrollment benefits
The most important benefits that require enrollment include:
- Airport access for Priority Pass Select membership
- $240 annual digital entertainment credit
- $200 annual airline incidental fee credit
- $200 annual hotel credit on prepaid bookings of two nights or more through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection
- Walmart+ monthly membership credit
- $200 annual Uber Cash credit
- $199 annual CLEAR® Plus membership credit
- $100 annual Saks Fifth Avenue credit
- Hilton Honors Gold Elite status
- Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
- Up to $120 for Global Entry once every four years or up to $85 for TSA PreCheck® every 4.5 years
- Rental car elite status with select companies
Enrollment or activation is required for all of these benefits before you can use them and terms apply.
Automatic benefits
The Amex Platinum Card also offers many perks that don't require a prior step. In many cases, benefits only apply if you purchase the product or service using your Amex Platinum Card, or if you're traveling with a specific airline.
- Platinum card concierge service
- Purchase protection
- Return protection
- Extended warranty
- Delta Sky Club access when flying Delta (effective February 1, 2025, on up to 10 visits per calendar year unless certain spending requirements are met)
- Lufthansa Lounge access when flying Lufthansa, SWISS, or Austrian Airlines
- Secondary rental car protection when you pay all fees with this card
- Car rental loss and damage insurance when you pay all fees with this card and decline the collision damage waiver (CDW) from the rental car company
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance on round-trip travel booked with this card
- Trip delay insurance on round-trip travel booked with this card
- Baggage loss, damage, or theft insurance on round-trip travel booked with this card
- Cellphone protection when your phone number is listed on the account, and you pay your monthly wireless bill with this card
Most of these benefits come with important restrictions or exclusions, so make sure you carefully read the fine print. For example, car rental loss and damage insurance does not apply in Australia, Italy, or New Zealand, and does not include liability coverage.
Activating your Amex Platinum benefits
This premium card offers many benefits, and you can easily get at least the value of the annual fee out of it if you use even half of the perks each year.
Here's what to do at the beginning of each new year, or as soon as you get your card.
Pick an airline for your $200 annual credit
One of the biggest perks of The Platinum Card® from American Express is an airline fee credit every calendar year.
To use this credit, you must designate a single airline of your choice from a short list of eight options:
- Alaska Airlines
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Hawaiian Airlines
- JetBlue Airways
- Southwest Airlines
- Spirit Airlines
- United Airlines
The credit cannot be used for airfare itself. Instead, it applies to incidental charges like checked bags, change fees, inflight food and drinks, pet fees, paid seat assignments, or extra legroom upgrade fees.
Simply pay for these add-ons with your Amex Platinum Card, and you'll see a statement credit for eligible expenses within six to eight weeks, often sooner.
You can see how much of your yearly credit you've used by checking your cardholder dashboard.
You can only choose an airline once per calendar year: when you first get the card, and then in January each following year. If you don't designate a new airline, your previous year's choice will roll over to the following year.
If you're a new cardholder, you can take advantage of this benefit twice in your first 12 months because the $200 airline credit applies once per calendar year, instead of on a rolling basis calculated from your cardholder anniversary (terms apply). For example:
- If you open the card in August, you can earn the full $200 credit before the end of 2025
- The credit resets on January 1, 2026, so you will have another $200 at your disposal
This way, you can get up to $400 in value from this credit in your first 12 months as a cardholder.
How to activate your airline fee credit
You can call the number on the back of your card to choose your airline.
Alternatively, you can designate your airline online:
- Log in to your online account and navigate to the "Rewards & Benefits" tab toward the top-right of the dashboard
- From there, click on "Benefits" at the far right, and scroll down through "Your Benefit Highlights" until you see the button for the $200 airline fee credit
- Within the pop-up that appears, click the blue "Select an Airline" button at the top right, and follow the prompts to choose your airline from the drop-down menu
You don't have to choose your airline until you have travel plans in mind. Once you've made your choice, you can change it online or by phone once each year in January. After January 31, you're locked in with that airline until the end of the year.
Link your Amex Platinum for up to $200 in Uber Cash credit
The Amex Platinum Card offers cardholders up to $200 in Uber Cash credits each calendar year. If you don't take Uber rides, you can also use the credit toward Uber Eats food delivery and takeout.
The Amex Uber credit is broken into monthly chunks. At the start of each month, you'll get $15 of credits added to your Uber account, with a $20 bonus each December (for a total of $35). Additionally, your account will be upgraded to Uber VIP status, which comes with a few perks like the option to only request rides from top-rated drivers. Terms Apply.
How to enroll for Uber Cash credits
- Add your Amex Platinum Card as the payment method in the Uber app, and turn on the "Uber Cash" option in your wallet.
Your Amex Platinum Card must be the selected payment method in Uber or Uber Eats to redeem this benefit.
Enroll in Priority Pass lounge membership
The Amex Platinum Card offers the most comprehensive airport lounge access of any card on the market. Cardholders can enroll to access more than 1,500 lounges within the Priority Pass lounge network alone, in addition to:
- Amex Centurion Lounges
- Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta (Effective February 1, 2025, up to 10 visits per calendar year unless certain spending requirements are met)
- Escape Lounges
- Plaza Premium
- Lufthansa Lounges when flying on Lufthansa, SWISS, or Austrian Airlines
- Additional partner lounges
Most of these lounges will grant you access as long as you have a same-day boarding pass (on a specific airline in some cases) along with an acceptable form of ID and your Amex Platinum Card. But you'll have to sign up for membership before entering a Priority Pass lounge. Terms Apply.
How to activate Priority Pass
To sign up for Priority Pass:
- Log into your Amex cardholder account online and click on the "Rewards & Benefits" tab in the top right corner
- Click on "Benefits" again in the top right corner, then scroll down to "The American Express Global Lounge Collection"
- In the pop-up that appears, click on "Enroll in Priority Pass Select in the top right corner.
Alternatively, you can call the customer service number on the back of your card to activate your Priority Pass lounge benefits.
Activate up to $240 in digital entertainment credit
The Amex Platinum Card also offers up to $240 annually in digital entertainment credits, doled out in chunks of up to $20 a month.Terms Apply.
Eligible digital subscription services include:
- Hulu
- Disney+ or a Disney Bundle
- ESPN+
- Peacock
- The New York Times
- The Wall Street Journal
A number of conditions and exclusions apply. If you get Peacock through your cable service, for example, the charge will not qualify for this credit.
How to utilize the digital subscription credit
- Call the number on the back of your card, or activate the benefits through your online Amex account.
- After you've activated the benefit, use your Amex Platinum Card to pay your monthly bill, and the statement credit will automatically appear on each card balance.
Activate Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors Gold Elite status
Complimentary Marriott and Hilton hotel elite status through the Amex Platinum Card is an excellent perk that offers real value (enrollment required), especially if you don't stay at one chain often enough to earn mid-tier Gold level status on your own. Terms Apply.
Elite status perks vary across brands and individual hotels, but typically include services like early check-in and late checkout, a better chance at room upgrades, bonus points on stays, and, in Hilton's case, free breakfast (or a dining credit) — which can add up to hundreds in savings if you're a frequent guest.
How to activate Marriott and Hilton elite status
Before enrolling with Amex, make sure you have loyalty accounts with Marriott and Hilton.
You can call the number on the back of your card or log in to your Amex online account to enroll:
- Scroll through your list of benefits until you find the blue buttons to "Enroll Now" for Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors gold elite status.
- Enter your Marriott and Hilton account numbers to request Gold status.
It typically takes a few days for enrollment to process.
Book a stay through Fine Hotels & Resorts and The Hotel Collection for up to $200 in credit
The Amex Platinum Card offers up to $200 in annual statement credits toward prepaid bookings through Amex Travel from The Hotel Collection (THC, minimum two-night stay) or the Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR) program. Terms Apply.
Fine Hotels & Resorts benefits for cardholders include:
- Daily breakfast for two
- $100 credit toward eligible charges
- Guaranteed 4 p.m. check-out
- 12 p.m. check-in, when available
- Room upgrade at check-in, when available
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Stays booked through The Hotel Collection require a two-night minimum to trigger the annual credit. Cardholder benefits include:
- 12 p.m. check-in, when available
- Room upgrade at check-in, when available
- $100 credit towards eligible charges
- Late check-out, when available
How to earn your $200 FHR and THC credit
To get up to $200 back on your hotel stay through FHR and THC, use your Amex Platinum Card to prepay for your hotel stay through the Amex Travel portal.
Sign up for CLEAR Plus with up to $199 credit
CLEAR® Plus is an expedited airport security program similar to TSA PreCheck®, but it's also available for fast-track entry at select stadiums and arenas.
The CLEAR® Plus credit on the Amex Platinum Card will reimburse you for the annual membership fee up to the full price of $199 when you enroll. Terms Apply.
Keep in mind:
- CLEAR® Plus isn't available at as many airports as TSA PreCheck® is
- You'll still have to remove items like your laptop and shoes before getting screened unless you also have TSA PreCheck® membership.
How to activate your CLEAR Plus credit
- Sign up for CLEAR® Plus at any participating checkpoint or online
Pay for your membership using your Amex Platinum Card.
The credit will automatically appear on your monthly statement.
Link your Amex Platinum for rental car elite benefits
In addition to hotel status, Amex Platinum Cardholders can get elite status with several car rental agencies:
- Avis Preferred
- Hertz President's Circle status
- National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status
Benefits include car upgrades, guaranteed availability, and waived fees for additional drivers. Terms Apply.
How to activate rental car status
Sign up for accounts with Avis, Hertz, and National, then link your account numbers through the Amex Benefits dashboard for complimentary status upgrade.
Get up to $120 credit for Global Entry or up to $85 credit for TSA PreCheck® membership
Global Entry and TSA PreCheck® are two government programs that offer time-saving ways to breeze through the airport.
TSA PreCheck® members don't have to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, or light jackets during airport security screening. It's a faster, easier experience that typically leads to shorter and quicker lines.
Meanwhile, Global Entry offers expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers when they return to the U.S. after international travel, allowing them to use self-service kiosks at customs instead of waiting in line for manual processing.
There's an application fee for either service, but your Amex Platinum Card will reimburse the cost when you pay with this card: $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee, or up to $85 statement credit every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck®. Terms Apply.
The Amex Platinum Card isn't the only card that offers credit for these programs. Read our guide to the best cards for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck to learn more.
How to receive credit for your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application
To get the credit, fill out the relevant program application online and pay for the service with your Amex Platinum Card.
If you already have Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®, you can use the credit to cover the application cost for someone else — just use your card to pay at checkout.
Enroll for monthly Walmart+ subscription credit
When you activate this benefit and use the Amex Platinum Card to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership on auto-renewal, you will receive a statement credit of $12.95 plus applicable sales tax each month. Terms Apply.
Walmart+ is a subscription service similar to Amazon Prime that comes with benefits like free delivery and no-minimum free shipping, as well as gas and pharmacy discounts.
There are a few important exclusions to note:
- This credit does not apply to annual memberships
- Plus Up (enhanced delivery service) is not eligible for the credit
How to activate Walmart+
- Sign up for a monthly Walmart+ subscription on auto-renew
- Charge the monthly fees on your Platinum card
Enroll in complimentary Paramount+ access
A fringe benefit of Walmart+ is free access to Paramount+ Essential, the ad-supported version of this streaming service.
How to activate Paramount+
This benefit isn't offered directly through Amex. To activate:
- Sign up for Walmart+
- Create a Paramount+ account or log into an existing account
Link your accounts by clicking on "Video Streaming with Paramount+" under the Benefits hub in your Walmart+ online dashboard.
The email address you use for Paramount+ must match the one you use for Walmart+.
If you already have a paid Paramount+ membership, wait for your Paramount+ subscription to lapse before signing up through Walmart+.
Activate up to $100 in annual Saks credits
When you use your Amex Platinum Card in-store at Saks Fifth Avenue or online at saks.com, you can get up to $100 yearly in statement credits. Terms Apply.
This credit is split into two chunks: You'll get up to $50 in statement credits between January and June, and another $50 from July through December.
How to enroll in Saks benefits
- From the "Benefits" tab under the "Rewards & Benefits" section of your online dashboard, scroll down to find the "Shop Saks with Platinum" options.
- Click "Enroll," and you're all set going forward; you don't need to re-enroll for future credits.
Activate up to $300 in Equinox credits
The Amex Platinum Card credits up to $300 per year toward any Equinox gym membership, including digital subscriptions for fitness classes through the Equinox+ app. Terms Apply.
- Activate this benefit by calling Amex or logging on to your account to enroll in the Equinox benefit, then use your card to pay your monthly membership charge.
Buy a SoulCycle at-home bike with $300 credit
The Amex Platinum Card also comes with a $300 credit toward a SoulCycle at-home bike purchased through www.equinoxplus.com/amexbikebenefit.
A number of conditions and exclusions apply, so read the fine print carefully before you click "Buy now":
- An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content
- Must charge full price of bike in one transaction
- Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only
- Purchases made in-store or through the Equinox mobile app are not eligible for the statement credit
Amex benefits frequently asked questions
What travel benefits does the Amex Platinum offer?
The Amex Platinum Card's travel benefits include access to more than 1,500 airport lounges worldwide; elite benefits at select hotel chains and rental car companies; no foreign transaction fees; and annual statement credits for select hotel bookings and airline fees ().
How can I maximize my Amex Platinum benefits?
The best way to maximize your Amex Platinum Card's benefits is by tracking them carefully and using them in full each year. Many perks require activation or enrollment before use.
What lifestyle perks come with the Amex Platinum?
The Amex Platinum Card's many lifestyle perks include access to high-end airport Centurion Lounges; elite status with Marriott and Hilton hotels and Avis, Hertz, and National rental car companies; premium benefits at select hotels booked through Amex; and an annual statement credit for CLEAR® Plus expedited security.
Why is the Amex Platinum so prestigious?
The Amex Platinum Card is prestigious because it's expensive and luxurious. Its distinctive metal design and weight make it a classic status symbol, and members have access to high-class Centurion Lounges throughout airports worldwide.
Is the Amex Platinum worth it, according to Reddit?
Redditors say the Amex Platinum Card is worth it if you travel frequently enough to take advantage of most benefits. Cardholders praise its many travel perks including elite status with Marriott and Hilton, credit for CLEAR Plus, extensive airport lounge access, and $200 annual Uber Cash credit (many require enrollment and terms apply).