American Express Platinum: Valuable new benefits and an offer as high as 175,000 bonus points
Editor's Note
American Express has refreshed its flagship The Platinum Card® from American Express, updating benefits while keeping the card firmly positioned as one of the top premium travel rewards cards on the market.
With an $895 annual fee (see rates and fees), the Platinum delivers lounge access, hotel elite status, extensive statement credits, and strong earning rates on flights and hotels.
Combined with a valuable welcome offer for new applicants, the Platinum continues to offer exceptional rewards and travel perks for those who can maximize its benefits.
Here's a closer look at the current offer and what you'll get with the Amex Platinum.
Amex Platinum welcome offer
American Express takes a different approach to welcome offers for the Platinum compared to most of its other cards: Applicants must submit an application to see their personalized welcome offer, which is displayed before they accept and complete the process.
New Amex Platinum applicants can see if they're eligible for a welcome bonus as high as 175,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
That welcome bonus is worth up to $3,500, according to TPG's September 2025 valuations. This is one of the highest bonuses a new cardmember can earn if they're targeted.
The exact welcome bonus offer will be shown after you submit the application, with the spending requirement and time frame generally consistent across offers.
The advantage is that the personalized welcome offer shown will not affect your credit score, as Amex performs a soft credit check when you apply.
If you're happy with the welcome offer and accept, then a hard inquiry will be made on your credit report. However, you can decline to proceed if you want to wait or try to find a higher offer.
Since Amex has a one-bonus-per-lifetime restriction, it's important that you get the highest welcome offer possible when you apply.
Related: What is the difference between a hard and soft pull on your credit report?
Amex Platinum benefits
The Amex Platinum's $895 annual fee may trigger some sticker shock. But when you dive into its long list of benefits, there's the potential to recoup that value — and then some.
Earning rates
- 5 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel® (on up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar)
- 5 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with Amex Travel
- 1 point per dollar spent on other purchases
Statement credits
The card offers over $2,800 in annual value (including the prorated value of the Global Entry credit) if you maximize all of the statement credits:
| Credit* | Annual amount | How it works |
|---|---|---|
Airline fee | Up to $200 | For incidental charges with an airline of your choice |
Clear Plus | Up to $209 | For Clear Plus airport security membership (automatic renewal applies) |
Digital entertainment | Up to $300 | Up to $25 monthly for select streaming subscriptions |
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck | Up to $120 (every 4–4 1/2 years) | For Global Entry ($120 every four years) or TSA PreCheck (up to $85 every 4 1/2 years) |
Hotel | Up to $600 | Up to $300 biannually for prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection bookings (two-night minimum for The Hotel Collection) |
Lululemon | Up to $300 | Up to $75 quarterly for eligible purchases at Lululemon in the U.S. (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com |
Oura Ring | Up to $200 | For an Oura Ring purchase (hardware only) |
Resy | Up to $400 | Up to $100 quarterly at U.S. Resy restaurants or for other eligible Resy dining purchases |
Saks Fifth Avenue | Up to $100 | Up to $50 biannually for purchases at Saks |
Uber Cash | Up to $200 | Up to $15 monthly Uber Cash for rides or dining in the U.S. (plus a $20 bonus in December) after adding your Amex Plat to your Uber account; you can pay with any Amex card |
Uber One membership | Up to $120 | Membership covered for annual or monthly installments, subject to auto-renewal |
Walmart+ | Up to $155 | Covers cost of one monthly Walmart+ membership (up to $12.95), including taxes (automatic renewal required; Plus Ups excluded) |
*Enrollment is required for select benefits.
Other card perks
Beyond its earning rates and credits, the Amex Platinum delivers a wide range of premium benefits*:
- Lounge access: Eligible cardmembers receive entry to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when traveling on same-day Delta flights, except for basic economy tickets; up to 10 visits per calendar year) and Priority Pass Select lounges (excluding restaurants)
- Hotel elite status: Complimentary Gold status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy, plus Leaders Club Sterling Status with The Leading Hotels of the World
- Comprehensive travel protections and shopping protections when using your card
- No foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees)
*Enrollment is required for select benefits.
Related: Is the Amex Platinum worth the annual fee?
Bottom line
The Amex Platinum continues to set a high standard for premium travel cards thanks to its mix of luxury perks, valuable statement credits, and strong earnings on flights and hotels.
With a valuable welcome offer currently available, it's a strong choice for travelers who can take full advantage of its benefits.
While the $895 annual fee is steep, those who maximize the Platinum's perks will find the card more than earns its place in their wallet.
To learn more, check out our full review of the American Express Platinum Card.
Apply here: American Express Platinum Card
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here.