Last updated:Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 7:03 AM EDT
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The Platinum Card®

A premium travel card with high-value credits and elite perks, best suited for frequent travelers who maximize every benefit.

Earn up to 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first 6 months.
on The Platinum's secure site
Welcome Bonus
Earn up to 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first 6 months.
Rewards Rate
Earn 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel (up to $500,000 per year). Earn 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked via Amex Travel. Earn 2 points per dollar on other travel booked through Amex Travel. All other purchases earn 1 point per dollar.
Intro APR
No introductory APR is available, as this is a charge card. Balances are expected to be paid in full each month.
Annual Fee
$895
Credit Score Needed
Good to Excellent (typically 690 or higher recommended).
Card Brand
American Express
Product Details
  • Select “Apply Now” to apply online
  • Annual fee: $895
  • Earn 5× points on flights booked directly with airlines or via Amex Travel (up to $500,000/year)
  • Earn 5× points on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel
  • 1× point on other purchases
  • Up to $200 airline incidental fee credit per year
  • Up to $600 in Fine Hotels + Resorts or Hotel Collection credits per year
  • Up to $25/month digital entertainment credit ($300/year)
  • Up to $209 CLEAR® Plus credit per year
  • Up to $300 Lululemon credit per year
  • Up to $200 Oura Ring credit (one-time)
  • Up to $120 Uber One credit per year
  • Up to $100 in Saks Fifth Avenue credit per year
  • Up to $400 in dining credits via Resy per year
  • Priority Pass, Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Club access
  • Marriott Bonvoy Gold & Hilton Honors Gold status
  • TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit every 4–4.5 years
  • Travel and purchase protections
  • No foreign transaction fees
In-Depth Details

Credit Card Review

The Platinum Card® from American Express is designed for travelers who want premium value beyond points. It earns 5X Membership Rewards on flights and prepaid hotels booked through AmEx Travel. Members enjoy access to over 1,500 airport lounges worldwide, including Centurion® Lounges. Hotel upgrades, concierge support, and strong travel protections add extra comfort on every trip.

The card now offers more than $3,500 in potential yearly credits. Benefits include $600 in hotel credits, $400 in dining credits through Resy, and $300 in digital entertainment credits. Members also receive $300 in Lululemon credits, $200 toward an Oura Ring, and $200 in airline fee credits. Added perks include $120 in Uber One credits, a $209 CLEAR® Plus credit, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck reimbursement, and $100 in Saks Fifth Avenue credits.

Lifestyle upgrades go even further. Cardholders receive Walmart+ credits, Hilton and Marriott Gold status, and elite rental car memberships. Exclusive Platinum Nights by Resy provides priority dining experiences at top restaurants. A new AmEx app makes it easier to track and maximize every benefit. With a $895 annual fee, offset by premium rewards and credits, the Platinum Card® remains one of the best choices for U.S. frequent travelers.

Pros & Cons
PROS
  • High rewards on flights and prepaid hotels
  • Extensive lounge access worldwide
  • Large annual credits for travel and lifestyle
  • Elite hotel and rental car status
  • Strong travel and purchase protections
CONS
  • High $895 annual fee
  • Credits require effort to maximize
  • Limited rewards on everyday purchases
  • Some perks U.S.-only and restrictive
  • Lounge access can be crowded
Application Journey Hotel Rewards Credit Card

How to Apply for The Platinum Card®

1

Check Eligibility

Compare The Platinum Card® benefits to your hotel travel patterns, including free nights, status perks, and annual fee value.

2

Prepare Your Information

Gather your legal name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, income, employment details, and monthly housing payment.

3

Apply on the Issuer Site

Use the Apply button for The Platinum Card® and complete the secure issuer application form with accurate information.

4

Review the Decision

Review the approval terms carefully, especially welcome offer rules, annual fee, and hotel loyalty program benefits.

5

Activate and Set Up

Activate the card and link your hotel loyalty account to receive points, elite night credits, or status benefits.

A

Alex M.

"The rewards are straightforward and the mobile app made account setup quick."

P

Priya R.

"Good value for regular travel purchases and useful alerts for tracking spending."

J

Jordan T.

"The category rewards helped us reduce yearly grocery and gas costs more than expected."

Eligibility Hotel Rewards Credit Card

Eligibility & Requirements

These are general credit card requirements. Exact approval criteria, minimum credit profile, and verification steps vary by issuer and product.

Age & Residency

Applicants are generally expected to be at least 18 years old (19 in some states) and provide a valid U.S. residential address.

Identity Verification

Most issuers require legal name, date of birth, Social Security number or ITIN, and contact details for identity checks.

Income Information

You may need to report total annual income, employment status, and housing payment so the issuer can evaluate repayment ability.

Credit Profile

Approval usually depends on your credit history, recent inquiries, and current debt levels. Required score range varies by issuer.

Application Accuracy

Details should match official records and your credit file to avoid extra verification steps or decision delays.

Final Issuer Decision

Meeting baseline criteria does not guarantee approval. Terms, limit, APR, and fees are determined by the issuer after review.

FAQ Hotel Rewards Credit Card

Common Questions

How do I apply for The Platinum Card®?+

Use the Apply button on this page to go to the issuer site, complete the application with accurate personal and income details, and submit for a decision.

Can I get an instant decision for The Platinum Card®?+

Many issuers provide an instant approval or pending message right away, but some applications are manually reviewed and can take longer.

Who gets the most value from The Platinum Card®?+

Hotel cards are usually best for travelers who stay with the same brand often and can use points, status perks, or free-night benefits.

How do hotel points work with The Platinum Card®?+

Points are typically earned on eligible purchases and deposited into your linked hotel loyalty account according to issuer and hotel program rules.

What should I compare before applying for The Platinum Card®?+

Compare annual fee, point earning rates, free-night certificates, elite status benefits, and redemption flexibility.

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