Why We Think the Amex Platinum Card is worth it
*This is not an ad, but if you do decide to get the card, use our referral link, and we will both get a points bonus*
When it comes to premium travel credit cards, the American Express Platinum is hard to beat. Yes, it comes with a substantial annual fee (£650), but when you weigh the perks and benefits against the cost, it often pays for itself—especially if you’re a frequent traveller.
We’ve been using the Amex Platinum for a while now, and here’s why we think it’s well worth it.
Summary:
£400 back in dining credits for places we would eat at anyway
£100 back in Harvey Nichols for things we would buy anyway
Unlimited lounge access for four people (main card and supplementary card)
Points that can be converted to AVIOS to get cheap rewards flights (more details here)
Hotel and car hire upgrades with their partner companies
Good travel insurance for you and your family
*The card only really pays for itself if you travel a lot and you need to make sure you use your dining credits.
Our referral link for a points bonus (currently 100,000 points!)
Global Lounge Access—Our Personal Favorite
The biggest game-changer for us is the complimentary access to a wide range of airport lounges. From American Express Centurion Lounges to the Priority Pass network and a host of other partner lounges around the globe, we’ve found ourselves enjoying free drinks, snacks, and Wi-Fi in comfortable, quiet spaces.
This perk has turned hectic airport waits into some of the most relaxing parts of our trips. If you value a calm place to rest and recharge before your flight, lounge access alone can justify picking up this card.
We used to argue about what time to get to the airport, and if you know you have long access, you always want to get there early, and enjoy free food and drinks. It’s commonly where a lot of our photo editing gets done after a trip!
AVIOS and Companion Voucher Flights
One of the underrated benefits is the ability to transfer your Amex Membership Rewards points to a variety of airline and hotel loyalty programs. Our personal favourite is converting them to British Airways Avios. Paired with the BA companion voucher, we’ve been able to secure business-class tickets for two at a fraction of the cost. This gives us a chance to stretch our travel budget while enjoying a more luxurious flying experience.
How we use AVIOS to travel in business class for cheap
Dining Credits That Add Up
The Amex Platinum comes with a £400 dining credit split between overseas and UK restaurants. Whether we’re exploring local cuisine abroad or enjoying a special meal at home, these credits significantly offset the card’s annual fee.
Harvey Nichols Credit
Each year, Platinum members enjoy a £100 credit at Harvey Nichols. Whether you’re treating yourself to a new fragrance, picking up a stylish accessory, or selecting a gift, this credit effectively reduces your annual fee by giving you a rewarding little shopping trip on Amex’s dime.
Comprehensive Travel Insurance
We consider travel insurance a must, and the coverage that comes with the Platinum card is robust—covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and more. It’s reassuring to know you’re protected as long as you’ve booked with your Platinum card. This peace of mind, combined with the card’s other travel perks, makes for worry-free journeys time after time.
We’ve had to use it once to recover the cost of a cancelled flight due to a family emergency, and our claim was handled smoothly.
Exclusive Car Rental Perks
Avis President’s Club
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® Five Star
With the Platinum card, you can secure discounted rates through partners like Avis and Hertz, often adding a second driver at no extra cost and enjoying a complimentary car upgrade at pick-up. While these brands may not always offer the lowest base prices, their special deals—and the free additional driver perk—can make them a surprisingly cost-effective choice. Just be sure to compare options before booking to ensure you’re getting the best overall value.
Hotel Upgrades and Seasonal Extras
Marriott Bonvoy™ Gold Elite Status
Radisson Rewards Premium Status
Hilton Honors Gold Status
MeliáRewards Gold
Platinum cardholders often enjoy hotel perks like room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, and early check-in/late check-out. These benefits ensure that it feels slightly more luxurious no matter where we stay.
We don’t really stay at these hotel chains a lot, but we have used them a couple of times, and the early check-ins especially can be extremely handy.
The Bottom Line: The Benefits Justify the Cost
At first glance, the Amex Platinum’s annual fee might seem steep. But if you take full advantage of the lounge access, dining credits, travel insurance, transferable points (especially to BA Avios), hotel upgrades, and annual credits, you’ll see that these benefits can actually cover—and often exceed—the card’s cost.
For us, the ability to breeze into a lounge and enjoy a quiet pre-flight retreat is priceless. Add in the seamless travel insurance, annual credits, and smart use of points for premium air travel, and we’ve found the Amex Platinum indispensable. If you travel frequently and value comfort, convenience, and upgraded experiences, this card is well worth considering.
