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I added the American Express Platinum Card to my wallet and it quickly became the travel and lifestyle tool I use most. From hotel upgrades to ride credits and lounge access, the card reshaped how my family travels and how I manage everyday purchases.
How upgraded hotel perks made family vacations easier
Booking through American Express Travel unlocked benefits at luxury properties. I stayed at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando and saw those perks in action.
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What Fine Hotels + Resorts delivered
- Room upgrades at check-in when available.
- Complimentary breakfast for two.
- A $100 property credit to use on eligible charges.
- Guaranteed 4 p.m. checkout and noon check-in when available.
Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings often show an average incremental value. For two-night stays in 2024, the program’s benefits averaged substantial savings and added comfort. At Loews, we received a waterside upgrade and a welcome amenity of fruit and treats. The $100 credit plus free breakfast made our mornings calmer and more relaxed.
The card also offers up to $300 in statement credits every six months (up to $600 per calendar year) on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings made through American Express Travel.
Airport shortcuts and lounge access that cut stress
Security lines, checked bags and delayed flights are easier to handle with airport-focused benefits.
- Clear Plus credit: Enroll and pay with the card to receive up to $209 in statement credits per year for Clear Plus membership.
- Global Lounge Collection: Access to more than 1,500 lounges, including Centurion Lounges, with other partner networks.
- Delta Sky Club access: 10 complimentary visits when flying on eligible Delta flights.
- Priority Pass Select: Enrollment gives access to many additional lounges worldwide.
When our return flight was delayed, the Centurion Lounge was a respite. Quiet seating, complimentary dinner and drinks made the wait far more tolerable.
For baggage headaches, the card’s $200 Airline Fee Credit can reimburse incidental airline charges. I used it to cover checked-bag fees on Southwest after their free-baggage policy changed. American Express relies on airlines to correctly code transactions, so credits may require follow-up if a qualifying charge isn’t recognized.
Rides and rideshare benefits I actually use
Between hotel shuttles and short rides around town, Amex’s ride credits add up.
- Uber Cash: $15 per month plus a $20 December bonus when you add your Platinum Card to your Uber account. That totals $200 per year in Uber Cash.
- Uber One statement credit: Up to $120 annually toward an auto-renewing Uber One membership.
- With Uber One, you can earn additional credits back on eligible rides.
On a recent short stay in Orlando we skipped renting a car and used Uber credits for hotel-to-park trips.
Dining, streaming and retail credits that cover everyday costs
The Platinum Card’s lifestyle credits are useful for both travel and home life. I use several each quarter and month.
- Resy Credit: Up to $400 annually ($100 per quarter) on eligible Resy purchases at participating restaurants. You don’t always need a reservation to trigger the credit; pay with the enrolled Platinum Card.
- Digital Entertainment Credit: Up to $300 per year—up to $25 per month—for eligible streaming and news services such as Disney+, Hulu, YouTube TV, Paramount+, ESPN+, The New York Times, Peacock and The Wall Street Journal when purchased directly.
- lululemon Credit: Up to $300 annually, delivered as up to $75 in statement credits each quarter on eligible lululemon purchases.
- Walmart+ Monthly Credit: Up to $12.95 back each month when you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership with the enrolled Platinum Card. I use this for groceries and deliveries to hotels on trips.
- Saks Credit: Up to $100 per year in statement credits ($50 semiannually) for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com when charged to the enrolled card.
During our Universal trip, a family dinner at a hotel restaurant booked through Resy and paid with my Platinum Card used that quarter’s Resy credit. For streaming, I apply the Digital Entertainment credits to our Disney+ subscription so kids have shows for flights.
How these benefits add up and what it costs to carry the card
American Express refreshed the Platinum Card with new perks while keeping most existing ones. The issuer also raised the annual fee to $895 from $695. That increase took effect immediately for new cardmembers and applies to existing cardmembers beginning Jan. 2, 2026.
When you stack hotel credits, ride credits, lounge access, retail and streaming statement credits, the potential annual value can be significant. Cardholders who fully use the package of benefits may unlock more than $3,500 in value, depending on travel and spending habits.
These figures depend on enrollment and eligible purchases. Terms apply, and benefits require activation or enrollment in many cases. Check the card’s terms for details on rates, fees and eligibility.
