How to Know When You’re Ready to Open an Amex Platinum Card

The Platinum Card® from American Express is one of the most prestigious travel rewards cards. This premier card can help you earn complimentary airport lounge access, elite status at multiple hotel brands, exclusive dining benefits and more (conditions apply; selective enrollment may be required).

But luxury comes at a price: The $695 annual fee (see rates and fees) is among the highest in the industry. Are you really ready to apply for the Platinum Card® from American Express? It’s not for everyone, but if you’re a frequent traveler who enjoys the finer things in life, it might be right for you.

Here are some signs you might be ready for the Platinum® Card from American Express.

1. You want to have happier times at the airport with free lounge access

If you’re frustrated by crowded, noisy airport terminals and bland airport restaurant meals, the Platinum Card® from American Express can improve your layover experience. That’s because the card gives you access to more than 1,400 airport lounges, including American Express® Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Club®, Lufthansa and Priority Pass (conditions apply, enrollment required).

Now that some airline cards are changing their rules and making it harder to get free lounge access, the Platinum Card® from American Express might be an even better value.

2. You travel frequently with Delta Air Lines or other Amex partner airlines

If your regular airline is Delta Air Lines, the Platinum Card® from American Express may be a great choice. That’s because American Express allows you to transfer your American Express Membership Rewards points to the Delta SkyMiles® program on a 1:1 basis (so 10,000 points would be worth 10,000 miles). This can be an effective way to get the most out of your credit card points.

Here are some other American Express partner airline and hotel loyalty programs where you can transfer points:

• Air Canada Aeroplan
• British Airways Executive Club
• Choice Privileges (Hotels)
• Hilton Honors (1,000 Membership Rewards points equals 2,000 Hilton Honors points)
• JetBlue TrueBlue (250 Membership Rewards points equal 200 TrueBlue points)
• Marriott Bonvoy
• Conditions apply; registration may be required

By converting your American Express Membership Rewards points into frequent flyer miles or hotel loyalty points, you can often get the best possible deal when booking travel. This is a great way to take advantage of the extra value of rewards points. The Platinum® Card from American Express offers one of the best transfer partnership programs in the industry.

3. You like staying in luxury hotels

If you prefer luxury hotels, the Platinum Card® from American Express can help you discover new, upscale destinations. This card automatically gives you elite status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy, which can help you get better deals and experiences at these top hotel brands.

And you get up to $200 per year in hotel statement credits when you use The Platinum Card® from American Express on eligible prepaid bookings at Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection. (Conditions apply; you must book through American Express Travel, and The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.)

4. You enjoy fine dining in restaurants that are hard to get to

Do you enjoy trying out high-end restaurants where it’s hard to get a table? The Platinum Card® from American Express can help foodies discover new dining destinations. That’s because it offers complimentary perks with Resy, a restaurant reservation platform for high-end restaurants.

Set up your Resy profile and add The Platinum Card® from American Express, and you’ll get Global Dining Access by Resy, which can help you access VIP dining experiences and exclusive reservations (conditions apply).

5. You live near an airport that offers CLEAR Plus®

Tired of waiting in line at airport security checkpoints? Frequent travelers know the importance of getting to the gate faster. CLEAR Plus® is a special service that helps you quickly verify your identity and get past security checkpoints with less hassle. However, not all airports offer it.

If you live near one of the 58 U.S. airports that offer CLEAR Plus®, the Platinum® Card from American Express gives you another great perk: You get $199 in statement credits for an annual CLEAR Plus® membership (conditions apply). CLEAR Plus® isn’t just for air travel: CLEARLanes are also available at select stadiums and entertainment venues.

In conclusion

The Platinum® Card from American Express can help you streamline and optimize your travel experiences. Even compared to some of the best travel rewards cards, The Platinum Card® from American Express stands out for its luxury travel benefits and fine dining.

If you’re ready to enjoy more of the good things in life, while eliminating some of the big daily hassles of travel, now might be the time to apply.