Like some, I initially balked at paying a $695 annual charge (see charges and costs) for The Platinum Card® from American Specific, however with its huge array of advantages and rewards, this card drew me in — and I do not remorse it.
As a cardmember for over two years, I’ve leveraged this dear card to my benefit, leaping on the dear perks it grants its clients. Although I don’t love paying the excessive annual charge, I’m unwilling to half with the advantages of this card.
From zipping by airport safety traces to treating myself to complimentary Starbucks every month, this is why the Amex Platinum reigns supreme in my eyes.
Complimentary Clear Plus membership
As somebody who frequently runs by the airport and is nail-bitingly near lacking my flight, the Amex Platinum card has provided me a stress-free expertise by safety. Although I have already got TSA PreCheck, these traces have seemingly change into more and more longer lately.
The Amex Platinum affords cardmembers as much as $189 in assertion credit on a Clear Plus annual membership. Enrollment required.
You have most likely seen the Clear stands subsequent to safety traces at main airports and questioned what it was — I do know I did. This membership is a fast-track method to the entrance of the TSA line.
Plus, since I even have TSA PreCheck, I can transfer to the entrance of the PreCheck line, due to this fact combining each perks of Clear Plus and PreCheck. However don’t be concerned, even when you do not have PreCheck, you’ll nonetheless get to the entrance of the common safety line — you’ll simply need to take your sneakers off.
Whereas Clear is just not provided at each airport, my dwelling airports Palm Seashore Worldwide Airport (PBI) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Worldwide Airport (FLL), fortunately have them.
Subsequently, for many flights, I’m not taking part in a guessing sport on if I have to arrive on the airport two hours forward of my flight. With my Clear and PreCheck advantages, I can often get by airport safety in underneath 10 minutes.
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Associated: The way to maximize advantages with the Amex Platinum
Beneficial Uber and Uber Eats credit
Who would not love cash towards their Uber ride-hailing or food-delivery purchases? With this card, I rise up to $200 yearly in Uber Money, legitimate on Uber rides and Uber Eats orders within the U.S.
Every month, a $15 credit score (plus a $20 bonus in December) is added to my Uber Money account.
I have a tendency to make use of my Uber credit score to pay for just a few Starbucks drinks every month. Principally, I am totally embracing the “deal with your self” mantra.
In depth lounge entry
In case you have not been welcomed to the world of airport lounges, let me introduce you to this game-changing perk. You’ll not have to sit down on the uncomfortable seats in your terminal, observing the chaos round you.
The Amex Platinum provides you entry to the American Specific World Lounge Assortment, together with Precedence Go, Plaza Premium lounges and Amex’s personal Centurion lounges.
Although each lounge differs, you’ll be able to typically end up sitting in a comfortable chair with an influence outlet obtainable to make use of at your leisure. Sure, you do not have to battle for the few which can be in your terminal.
However my favourite a part of airport lounges is the complimentary meals and drinks obtainable. Who would not love free meals?
Associated: The way to maximize advantages with the Amex Platinum
Beneficial journey rewards
One of many largest highlights of this card is the power to earn American Specific Membership Rewards factors, which you should use to e-book journey. In June 2023, I flew spherical journey from Miami to Milan on Air France for round $250 out-of-pocket.
Since Air France-KLM Flying Blue is a accomplice of Amex, I transferred 30,000 factors to Flying Blue. I paid about $250 for the taxes and costs for the flights. If I had determined to pay for the round-trip ticket out-of-pocket, I might have spent near $1,000, giving me a price of two.5 cents per level, above our valuation of Membership Rewards factors at 2 cents every.
Using my Amex factors allowed me to take my dream trip, a visit I might not have been in a position to afford had I not.
Backside line
Although the Amex Platinum’s annual charge (see charges and costs) is excessive, this card affords many advantages and added perks.
Between incomes transferable factors for my upcoming journey plans and receiving assertion credit, the cardboard’s steep annual charge is value it to me. If you happen to take full benefit of what the Amex Platinum affords, you’ll obtain as much as $1,500 in annual assertion credit.
To be taught extra, try our full assessment of The Platinum Card® from American Specific.
Apply right here: The Platinum Card® from American Specific
Verify the CardMatch instrument to see for those who’re focused for a 150,000-point Platinum Card provide (after assembly minimal spending necessities). These affords are topic to vary at any time.