SmartRatesUSA
Credit Card Review✈️ Best Premium Travel

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Issued by American Express

5x on flights booked directly with airlines or via Amex Travel (up to $500K/yr), 5x on prepaid hotels via Amex Travel, 1x on all other purchases — plus 80,000 Membership Rewards points after $8,000 spend in first 6 months (~$1,600 in travel).

At a Glance

Annual Fee

$895

Purchase APR

19.49%–28.49%

Rewards Rate

5x on flights booked directly with airlines or via Amex Travel (up to $500K/yr), 5x on prepaid hotels via Amex Travel, 1x on all other purchases

Min. Credit Score

720+ (est.)

Sign-Up Bonus

80,000 Membership Rewards points after $8,000 spend in first 6 months (~$1,600 in travel)

Rates & Fees

Annual Fee

$895

Purchase APR

19.49%–28.49% variable

Foreign Transaction Fee

None

Balance Transfer Fee

Not applicable — charge card, no balance transfers

Cash Advance Fee

Cash advance fee may apply where permitted; contact Amex for current terms

Late Payment Fee

Up to $41

Estimate Your Rewards

See how this card fits your monthly spending

Enter your typical monthly spend by category to see roughly what the The Platinum Card® from American Express would earn you per year (this doesn't include any one-time sign-up bonus).

$/mo
$0/mo$1,500/mo
$/mo
$0/mo$1,500/mo
$/mo
$0/mo$1,500/mo
$/mo
$0/mo$1,500/mo
$/mo
$0/mo$1,500/mo
$/mo
$0/mo$3,000/mo

Est. Annual Rewards

$612/yr

After $895 Annual Fee

-$283/yr

Based On

$1,950/mo

Key Features

$200 airline fee credit per calendar year

$200 Uber Cash annually ($15/mo + $20 in Dec)

$240 digital entertainment credit (Disney+, Hulu, etc.)

Access to Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), Priority Pass Select

$100 Global Entry or $85 TSA PreCheck credit

$189 CLEAR Plus credit annually

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Best-in-class lounge access — Centurion Lounges are premium
  • The card's credits can offset the $895 fee for frequent travelers who would use them naturally
  • 5x points on flights is the highest rate available on any card
  • Transfer to 20+ airline and hotel partners

Tradeoffs

  • $895 annual fee requires active use of credits to justify
  • No bonus on everyday spend outside flights/hotels
  • Pay Over Time APR applies if you carry a balance
  • Centurion Lounge crowding has increased significantly

How to Apply

Check whether your credit profile is a reasonable fit — American Express generally looks for applicants around 720+ FICO for the The Platinum Card® from American Express, alongside income and existing debt.

Gather your Social Security number, annual income, housing payment, and employer details before starting the application.

Apply directly through American Express's official site or app to make sure you're getting current, accurate offer terms.

Most issuers give an instant decision online; some applications are sent to manual review, which can take 7–10 business days.

If approved, activate the card and set up autopay before your first statement is due to avoid a late payment.

How It Compares

Current product highlighted
ProductAnnual FeePurchase APRRewards Rate
The Platinum Card® from American Express$89519.49%–28.49%5x on flights booked directly with airlines or via Amex Travel (up to $500K/yr), 5x on prepaid hotels via Amex Travel, 1x on all other purchases
Chase Sapphire Preferred®$9521.49%–28.49%5x Chase Travel, 3x dining, gas/EV charging, online grocery, streaming & vacation rentals, 2x other travel
Chase Sapphire Reserve®$79519.49%–29.99%3x travel & dining worldwide
Capital One Venture X$39519.49%–28.49%10x hotels & rental cars, 5x flights via Capital One Travel, 2x everything else

Frequently Asked Questions

What credit score do I need for the The Platinum Card® from American Express?

American Express generally looks for applicants with a credit score around 720+ for the The Platinum Card® from American Express, though approval also depends on your income, existing debt, and overall credit profile — not credit score alone.

What's the annual fee on the The Platinum Card® from American Express?

The The Platinum Card® from American Express carries a $895 annual fee. Whether that's worth it depends on how much value you get from its rewards rate and included perks each year.

Does the The Platinum Card® from American Express have a sign-up bonus?

Yes — new cardholders can currently earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after $8,000 spend in first 6 months (~$1,600 in travel). Bonus terms and required spend change over time, so confirm the current offer on American Express's site before applying.

What fees should I watch for on the The Platinum Card® from American Express?

Beyond the annual fee, check the foreign transaction fee (None), balance transfer fee (Not applicable — charge card, no balance transfers), cash advance fee (Cash advance fee may apply where permitted; contact Amex for current terms), and late payment fee (Up to $41). These matter most if you carry a balance, transfer debt, or use the card internationally.

How does the The Platinum Card® from American Express compare to similar cards?

The The Platinum Card® from American Express is one of several travel cards worth comparing side by side — see the "How It Compares" table on this page for a few close alternatives, or browse the full list of travel cards for more options.

Other Credit Cards

Chase Sapphire Preferred®

5x Chase Travel, 3x dining, gas/EV charging, online grocery, streaming & vacation rentals, 2x other travel

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

3x travel & dining worldwide

Capital One Venture X

10x hotels & rental cars, 5x flights via Capital One Travel, 2x everything else

Rates, fees, and rewards shown are illustrative as of 2026 and subject to change — always confirm current terms directly with the issuer before applying.

← Compare all credit cards