The American Express Platinum card is a premium card that offers benefits including a $200 travel credit, a $200 dining credit, airport lounge access, instant elite status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors, and more.
Check out our American Express Platinum card review for more details.
In 2025, we awarded this card as the Best Credit Card for Airport Lounge Access.
Rewards Rates
The American Express Platinum card earns Membership Rewards points for all eligible purchases made on the card:
- 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on eligible dining, food delivery purchases, and American Express Travel Online purchases.
- 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on eligible travel purchases including air, water, rail, or road transport, lodging, and tour operator sales.
- 1 Membership Rewards point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
Redeeming American Express Membership Rewards
American Express Membership Rewards points are a flexible and transferable points currency. The best use for them is to transfer them to an airline or hotel loyalty program partner for your next flight or hotel redemption if you want to maximize their value while saving on travel.
Membership Rewards frequent flyer and hotel loyalty program transfer partners include:
- Air Canada Aeroplan at a 1:1 ratio
- British Airways Avios at a 1:1 ratio
- Cathay Pacific Asia Miles at a 1:0.75 ratio
- Air France/KLM Flying Blue at a 1:0.75 ratio
- Delta SkyMiles at a 1:0.75 ratio
- Etihad Guest at a 1:0.75 ratio
- Hilton Honors at a 1:1 ratio
- Marriott Bonvoy at a 1:1.2 ratio
Learn more about Membership Rewards transfer partners with our Ultimate Guide to American Express Canada Transfer Partners.
Membership Rewards can also be redeemed toward travel purchases at a rate of 1 cent per point, plus they can be used for gift cards and merchandise. It is highly recommended to not use your points for these redemption options, as you will receive much higher value from transferring to a frequent flyer or hotel loyalty program.
Benefits
$200 Travel Credit
American Express Platinum cardholders receive a $200 annual travel credit upon approval, and every anniversary year thereafter. This credit can be applied towards a single travel booking made through American Express Travel online and can be used for bookings that include flights, hotels, and more.
$200 Dining Credit
The American Express Platinum card also includes a $200 annual dining credit. Cardholders will need to enroll in this benefit and will need to spend at least $200 in one purchase at an eligible restaurant as outlined by American Express. Eligible restaurants can be seen here.
$100 NEXUS Credit
Cardholders are eligible to receive a $100 credit towards membership in the NEXUS program. This credit is available upon approval, and every four years thereafter. This credit will cover a large portion of a $120 USD NEXUS application or renewal fee.
Hotel Loyalty Program Elite Status
American Express Platinum cardholders receive instant complimentary hotel elite statuses including Hilton Honors Gold status and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status. While Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status isn’t overly notable, Hilton Honors Gold members will receive complimentary breakfast for two at eligible Hilton hotels, which can result in significant cost savings on your next vacation.
Cardholders can apply these statuses to their respective hotel loyalty program account through the “Benefits” tab on the American Express website.
Airport Lounge Access
The American Express Platinum card grants the cardholder free access to many airport lounges through the American Express Global Lounge Collection which is comprised of over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide.
Cardholders are often able to bring guests into eligible airport lounges with them, but they should check the admission details of each lounge before visiting. This benefit also includes complimentary access to American Express Centurion lounges for the cardholder and two guests.
American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts
American Express Platinum cardholders gain access to the American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts collection booking platform. When staying at a hotel that was booked through Fine Hotels & Resorts, guests will receive perks such as breakfast for two, early check-in (where possible), late check-out, room upgrades, and an additional benefit such as a property credit to be used on any purchase that can be charged to the room.
Toronto Pearson International Airport Benefits
If you are located in Toronto or tend to fly through Toronto Pearson International Airport often, the American Express Platinum card offers three benefits to cardholders which include priority security screening, complimentary valet service at terminal 1, and a 15% discount on Express Park and Daily Park parkades. Learn more about these benefits here.
Concierge Service
American Express Platinum cardholders have access to the American Express Platinum Concierge service. This complimentary service can assist the cardholder with various travel needs, such as booking restaurant reservations. When utilizing this service remember that while they will try to be helpful, they are not miracle workers.
Insurance Coverage
The American Express Platinum card offers several different types of insurance coverage with a focus on travel-specific coverages:
- Emergency medical insurance: $5,000,000 for an insured person under 65 for the first 15 consecutive days of out-of-province travel
- Trip cancellation coverage: $2,500 per person, up to $5,000 for insured persons on the same trip
- Trip interruption coverage: $2,500 per person, up to $6,000 for insured persons on the same trip
- Travel accident insurance: $500,000 of accidental death and dismemberment coverage
- Rental car theft and damage coverage: Comprehensive coverage for cars up to $85,000 MSRP
- Lost or stolen baggage insurance: $1,000 total coverage for all insured persons
- Flight delay insurance: $1,000 total coverage for reasonable purchases within 48 hours when delayed or denied boarding for 4 hours or more (combined maximum with baggage delay insurance)
- Baggage delay insurance: $1,000 total coverage for essential purchases within four days of arrival when baggage is delayed for 6 hours or more (combined maximum with flight delay insurance)
- Hotel burglary insurance: $1,000 total coverage for stolen items (excluding cash)
- Purchase protection: $1,000 coverage for accidental physical damage or theft for 120 days from the date of purchase
- Buyer’s assurance protection plan: Extend the manufacturer’s original warranty up to one additional year
Refer to the American Express Platinum insurance certificate for additional details, including terms and conditions for eligibility.
Top American Express Cards
| Credit Card | Welcome Bonus | Net Value | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
American Express Business Platinum Card | 120,000 Membership Rewards | $1,841 | Apply |
 |
American Express Gold Rewards Card | 60,000 Membership Rewards | $1,070 | Apply |
 |
American Express Business Gold Rewards Card | 40,000 Membership Rewards | $681 | Apply |
 |
American Express Green Card | 10,000 Membership Rewards | $220 | Apply |
 |
American Express Cobalt Card | 15,000 Membership Rewards | $174 | Apply |
Legal
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Disclaimer: these responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.