I’ve Had The American Express Platinum Card® for 8 Years. Here’s Why It’s Worth $895

The American Express Platinum Card® is my go-to personal rewards card as a busy Entreprenista who is always on the go. I applied for it back in 2018, and it has been my primary personal card in my wallet ever since. While it does have a relatively high annual fee of $895, it continuously proves to be more than worth it, even with the recent price increase. And I’m not the only one who thinks so. The card was named the Best Annual Fee Rewards Credit Card by J.D. Power and Associates in the 2025 U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Study. But what makes it so valuable? Let’s dive into the perks that keep me renewing year after year.

Widest Global Airport Lounge Access of Any Card

For starters, I love the airport lounge perks! The American Express Platinum Card grants you access to over 1,550 airport lounges around the world, more than any other card offers. That access alone is worth more than $850 per year and includes a Priority Pass Select membership, Centurion Lounge access, Delta Sky Club lounge access (when you’re flying Delta), and several other partner lounges. 

Before getting this card, I’d spend layovers hunting for outlets, overpriced salads, and a hard plastic seat at my gate. Now, you’ll find me checking emails from a comfy leather chair with a glass of wine and a hot meal. Most recently, I experienced a delay at JFK and had the opportunity to use the Minutes suite, which offers a private room complete with an office. It was so nice to have while waiting for my next flight after traveling 8 hours from Paris! Additionally, when traveling with friends or family, I can bring up to two guests into Priority Pass lounges for free.

Trip Planning, Booking, and Protections

Trip planning can be time-consuming, especially when you’re busy juggling both a household and a business. However, the American Express Platinum Card can take care of it all for you. Through the Platinum Travel Service, you can connect with experienced travel consultants who create personalized itineraries and handle all your reservations. It’s a huge time saver. I recently used this benefit for a birthday trip to Italy, and they were able to secure some hard to get reservations. 

Trips booked with the card also come with added peace of mind. You’ll receive protections like trip delay, cancellation, and interruption insurance, plus a 24/7 emergency assistance hotline while you’re away. I always hope I won’t need these benefits, but it’s reassuring to know they’re there just in case.*

$1,700+ in Annual Travel Credits

Along with high-value travel benefits, the card directly reimburses you via statement credits for over $1,700 in travel-related purchases. For example, each year, you can get $600 in hotel credits, $400 in Resy restaurant credits (amazing if you eat out a lot, which I do), $200 in airline credits, $320 in Uber credits, and $209 in CLEAR Plus credits. I also appreciate the credit of up to $120 for Global Entry or TSA Precheck every 4.5 years. If you’re already spending on these travel expenses, the Platinum Card helps you save by crediting you back each year.

‍Note: To receive the Uber credits, you must have downloaded the latest version of

the Uber App, and your eligible American Express Platinum Card must be a

method of payment on your Uber account. The Amex Benefit may only

be used in the United States.

$800+ in Credits for Everyday Expenses

Beyond the annual travel credits, you can also receive statement credits for everyday expenses. For example, there’s a $25 monthly statement credit available to cover digital entertainment expenses, such as subscriptions to Hulu, Disney+, Peacock, and YouTube Premium. Additionally, you can get up to $75 per quarter for purchases from Lululemon, $50 biannually for Saks Fifth Avenue purchases, and $12.95 per month for a Walmart+ membership. Saks is my favorite place to shop, so I always take advantage of that one, especially when shopping for my outfits for Founders Weekend.

Rental Car Perks

Renting a car while traveling? You’re covered there, too. The Platinum Card grants you rental car privileges with Avis, Hertz, and National. That means you can often skip the line, head to the priority counter, enjoy complimentary upgrades when available, and get exclusive discounts. Plus, when you pay for the rental with your card, collision damage waiver coverage is often included.

Hotel Upgrades and Perks

The Platinum Card also helps you get the most out of hotel stays. When you book at least two nights at one of the Fine Hotels + Resorts properties in the American Express Travel portal, you’ll get a lineup of benefits worth an average of $550 per booking. For example, I’ve enjoyed free early check-ins, late checkouts, breakfasts, room upgrades, and $100 credits per stay (hello, discounted spa treatments and room service). 

But it’s not just qualifying hotels in the AmEx portal. The Platinum Card also grants you elevated status at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, Hilton hotels, and The Leading Hotels of the World®. These memberships can also unlock room upgrades and other perks at participating properties. 

Earn 5X Points on Flights and Hotels

Last but not least, the American Express Platinum Card’s rewards are all about travel. You earn 5x points on up to $500,000 in flights per calendar year, whether you book directly with airlines or through American Express Travel. You also earn 5x points when booking prepaid hotels through American Express Travel and 1x points on all other purchases (uncapped).

If you’re a frequent traveler like me, the 5x rewards rate points pile up fast. Then, you can use them to book business class flights or hotels on AmexTravel.com or cover purchases with certain retailers. I use mine to offset the cost of flights and hotels. Plus, they come in handy if I want to surprise someone with a gift card. 

‍Tip: New card owners may qualify for a welcome offer, which can be as high as 175,000 points once you spend $8,000 on purchases within the first six months! That can really jumpstart your points balance. Note, welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.

The Bottom Line

The American Express Platinum Card is packed with travel perks and statement credits that can easily offset the $895 annual fee. The real question is whether you’ll use enough of them to get a return on your investment. As a frequent traveler who takes full advantage of the lounge access, credits, and concierge services, it’s a no-brainer for me. If it sounds like a fit for you, you can learn more below.

Learn more about the American Express Platinum Card!

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‍Disclaimer: Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may

be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit

americanexpress.com to learn more.

‍*Insurance Disclaimer: Eligibility and benefit level vary by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for

more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

‍Editorial note: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any

bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.