Platinum Card from American Express Review
Charge cards have always had a reputation of being not for the average middle-class credit card user, primarily because many come with high annual fees and offer perks that the typical American consumer can’t afford or doesn’t want to pay. While this may be true for most charge cardholders, as long as a consumer doesn’t mind paying that fee, anyone with excellent credit can own a charge card. If paying an annual fee isn’t a deal breaker, the Platinum Card® from American Express offers some of the best rewards among charge cards.
New card holders who are enrolled in the Membership Rewards First® Program, after spending $2,000 during the first three months of owning the card, can receive a welcome bonus of 25,000 Membership Rewards® points. However the welcome bonus offer is not available to applicants who have had this product within the last 12 months or any other Consumer ZYNC®, Green, Gold or Platinum Card® account within the last 90 days.
To qualify for the Platinum Card from American Express, the prevailing thought is that you will need an annual income of at least $100,000 and a high credit score in order to be approved. To check your credit score, visit GoFreeCredit.com for a 7-day free trial.
ThePlatinum Card® from American Express Membership Rewards® Program also includes a number of perks that fall under the category of “special treatment;” perks you won’t find and almost any other card. The full list of amenities is extensive but these are some of the most interesting. Receive up to $200 annually in a statement credit with the airline of your choice to use towards baggage fees, flight-change fees, in-flight food and beverage purchases and more. When traveling, gain access to over 600 airport lounges worldwide via Priority Pass Select membership. 24/7 Platinum Card® Concierge service for assistance with requests such as reservations, travel, gifts, and more. Entertainment benefits: get Advance Tickets before the public and access once in a lifetime events with By Invitation Only®.
All these benefits come at a price, however. This card has a wallet-busting $450 annual fee, one of the highest annual fees ever charged for a card. With a fee like this, this card is not for everyone. Only customers who take advantage of these rewards beyond the value of the annual fee should consider applying. Additionally, this is a charge card, not a credit card. All purchases must be paid back in full each month by the due date on the statement. Following the nature of charge cards, there is no pre-set spending limit, though purchases can still be declined, and no interest charges.
Few charge cards have the purchasing power and rewards program that the Platinum Card® from American Express can provide, but the annual fee of $450 is steep for even a wealthy cardholder. If the benefits you’ll receive by using this card for purchases is worth a high annual fee, consider signing up for the Platinum Card® from American Express. Terms and restrictions apply.
Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by American Express. Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of American Express, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. This site may be compensated through American Express Affiliate Program.
Important Note! The information in this article is believed to be accurate as of the date it was written. Please keep in mind that offers change frequently. Therefore, we can not guarantee the accuracy of the information in this article. Please verify all terms and conditions of any credit or charge card prior to applying.
Article comments
Love mine! Just saw they have a feature on the website to check how much you could charge to your card, either as a cash transaction (e.g. cash advance) or a charge. Also, be aware that if you have a good payment history with AmEx, they will put you on a program where you don’t have to pay off your CHARGE card in full monthly. If you’re new or inconsistent or have other problems on your credit, you probably won’t get that offer, but if you’re payment history is solid…its done. Its been so long since I got it, I can’t remember if I received it automatically or not, but I don’t recall requesting it. Whether this is “good” or “bad” is something each individual has to determine for themselves, but its damn convenient.
Remember, it used to be said in some circles that having an AmEx was as good or better than having a mortgage, as far as your credit report is concerned. I’d rather have the card (and I do, and no mortgage). Its a very customer centric company. Yes, the fee is up there, but we’re not talking Centurion levels.
My favorite perk by far is Platinum Travel. While I’ve heard good things about the concierge service, and even had good experience, Platinum Travel is magical. Comes close to having a personal assistant. My first experience was in 2005. I needed a flight somewhere, and I wanted a particular carrier and time. I called the airline directly and they told me they couldn’t get me on the flight. I called Platinum Travel (first time) and they said “Sure, we have seats on that flight”. Got my seats. I rarely make travel reservations without them anymore. I’ve literally told them “Come up with options and e-mail them to me” and whether it was 30 minutes, 3 hours or next day, I get an e-mail with the package assembled. I tell them my parameters and say “go” and they come back with the best options fitting the parameters. All I have to do is book it (or reject, which I often do, but I don’t waste my time searching).
Also, I always deal with a human. ALWAYS. I think I appreciate that almost as much as Platinum Travel.
I’ve done cash advances with them, and its very simple. I had an emergency and needed to do an advance on a weekend for a significant amount. They find a way to make it happen. Its rare that a Platinum card story ends poorly (if it ever does).
Maybe for some people its not worth it, and that’s fine. For me, it is. Simplicity, courtesy, purchasing power, awesome website, convenience, 24/7 availability for almost anything. I can’t imagine not carrying it, even with other cards being more widely accepted.
Khyron,
Thanks for sharing your review with your personal experiences! Potential cardholders will benefit from your information.