American Express Platinum, what you don't know but should (Sept 2025 Update)
If you have the American Express Platinum Card, you’re sitting on a goldmine of benefits. Many of which go way beyond fancy airport lounges. While the annual fee of $895 might look scary, the perks can easily add up to way more value, if you actually use them.
Most people forget or completely miss that the card includes a free Walmart+ membership, but that’s just one piece of the puzzle. Let’s break it all down so you can see exactly what you’re getting and how to make the most of it.
Everything the Amex Platinum Card Offers (as of Sept 2025)
Travel and Everyday Credits
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 back per year on fees like checked bags, seat selection, or on Business/First class upgrades on one airline you choose. You must enroll and make an airline selection. This can be changed annually.
- $600 Hotel Credit: Book through Amex Travel at Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection (2-night minimum) to get up to $300 semi-annually.
- $120 Uber One: Uber One membership (subject to auto-renewal)
- $200 Uber Credit: Receive $15 monthly ($20 in December) as Uber Cash to use for rides or Uber Eats in the U.S.
- $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $25 back per month on select streaming services like Disney+, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, YouTube Premium, YouTube TV and The New York Times. Enrollment required.
- $209 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use this to speed through airport security lanes.
- $100 Saks Fifth Avenue Credit: Up to $50 back every six months when shopping at Saks (in-store or online, no minimum spend, gift cards excluded).
- $300 Lululemon Credit: Up to $75 back every quarter when shopping at U.S. stores and online (excludes outlets).
- $200 Oura Ring Credit: Annual credit for hardware only; NOT for memberships.
- $100 TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry Credit: Get reimbursed every 4 or 5 years, depending on the program you choose.
Lounge and Hotel Status Perks
- Global Lounge Access: Access to 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide, including Amex Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), Escape Lounges, and Priority Pass lounges (you must enroll for Priority Pass).
- Hilton Honors™ Gold Status: Enjoy room upgrades (when available), free breakfast at select hotels, and bonus points on stays. Enrollment required.
- Marriott Bonvoy® Gold Elite Status: Get late checkout, room upgrades (if available), and bonus points. Enrollment required.
- Fine Hotels + Resorts Program: Bookings through Amex Travel include perks like early check-in, room upgrades, daily breakfast for two, and late checkout. Plus a property-specific credit (usually $100).
- Leaders Club Sterling status: For properties like The Setai in Miami Beach. 5 Pre-Arrival Upgrades, 5% Stay Bonus, daily continental breakfast for two, early check-in and late check-out considerations, and complimentary in-room WiFi.
Dining & Experiences
- Global Dining Access by Resy: Get exclusive access to top restaurants, hard-to-get reservations, and curated dining experiences. This perk is only available to Platinum and Centurion members.
- $400 Resy Credit: Up to $100 quarterly for U.S. Resy restaurants.
- Premium Events Collection: Unlock invitations to curated experiences—from private concerts to wine tastings and cultural events.
- Events With Amex: Early access and special ticket offers for major events, including Broadway shows, concerts, sports, and more. These often include reserved seating or presales.
- The Hotel Collection: Book two nights through Amex Travel and get up to a $100 experience credit plus a room upgrade when available.
- Platinum Nights by Resy: Exclusive access to reservations on select nights at participating restaurants in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. Book tables on specific nights at select Resy restaurants that are otherwise difficult to get into. Enrollment required.
Rental Cars & Protection
- Car Rental Privileges: Card Members have the choice to enroll in Avis Preferred®, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards®, and/or National Car Rental® Emerald Club. Get special perks such as upgrades and priority service. Enrollment is required for each program.
- Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance: When you pay in full with your Platinum Card and decline the rental agency’s insurance, you're covered for damage or theft of the car (within limits). Not valid in every country—terms apply.
Purchase and Device Protection
- Purchase Protection: Eligible purchases are covered against theft or damage for up to 90 days, up to $10,000 per claim.
- Return Protection: Amex may refund you if a store won’t take your return, up to $300 per item.
- Extended Warranty: One extra year added to the manufacturer’s warranty on eligible purchases (warranties of 5 years or less qualify).
- Cell Phone Protection: If you pay your cell phone bill with your Amex Platinum, you’re covered for up to $800 per claim (after a $50 deductible) for theft or damage. You’re allowed two claims per 12-month period.
Points Earning
- 5X Points on Travel: Earn 5 Membership Rewards points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, and on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel (up to $500,000 per calendar year).
- 1X Points on Everything Else: Not the flashiest rate, but those Membership Rewards points are valuable and flexible.
And Now… Let’s Talk About That Walmart+ Membership
Many cardholders ignore this benefit, but that’s a mistake. If you activate it, you’ll get a full Walmart+ membership for free. That’s normally $12.95 per month (over $155 a year). Here's why it’s so valuable:
-
Free Shipping from Walmart.com
No minimum spend required. Order shampoo, snacks, or random travel items and send them straight to your hotel or home. -
Up to 10¢ Off Gas
Get fuel savings at Exxon, Mobil, Walmart, and Murphy USA stations nationwide. -
Free Grocery Delivery
In eligible areas, you get free same-day delivery from your local Walmart store. That’s useful whether you're meal prepping or restocking after a trip. -
Free Pharmacy Delivery
Eligible prescriptions delivered straight to your door, no extra fee. That's convenience in a bottle. -
Early Access to New Products and Black Friday Deals
Walmart+ members get early shopping access during major sales and product drops, including Black Friday. -
Free Online Pet Care from Pawp
Walmart+ gives you access to 24/7 virtual vet visits for your furry friends. You don’t even need to leave the couch. -
Mobile Scan & Go
Skip the lines by scanning items in-store as you shop using your phone. -
Paramount+ Essential Subscription
Stream movies and shows wherever you are—on a plane, in a hotel, or just waiting to board. -
Free DoorDash DashPass
Activate DashPass and enjoy $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible orders—perfect for those nights when you don’t want to leave the hotel. -
25% Off at Burger King + Free Whopper
Each quarter, Walmart+ members get 25% off a Burger King purchase and a free Whopper with a qualifying order. Fast food just got friendlier to your wallet.
How to Use This All Without Losing Your Mind
Yes, it’s a lot. But the easiest way to get the most value is to automate what you can:
- Set reminders to use your Uber credit.
- Enroll in hotel and car rental programs right away so your elite status kicks in automatically when you book.
- Activate Walmart+, Lululemon, Resy,and Oura Ring credits. Connect your Paramount+ and DoorDash, then just start using it.
- Set your monthly credits like Paramout+ and streaming service to automatic payment using your Platinum card each month. (Note: All services must be set to charge monthly NOT annually or the credit won't be triggered)
- Check Amex Offers in your account regularly. You can often find bonuses for shopping with partners you already use.
Final Thought
The Amex Platinum Card isn’t just a shiny status symbol—it’s stacked with value. But you do have to put in a little effort to unlock everything. Set reminders to use your monthly credits, activate the complimentary memberships, and don’t forget to enroll in the benefits that require it.
Walmart+ alone has quietly become one of the most practical perks, giving you fuel discounts, pharmacy delivery, streaming, and fast grocery delivery. And yes, if you time it right, it’ll even get you a free Whopper.
Not a cardholder yet? Apply now and get in on all of these perks and a sweet bonus offer 👇
American Express Platinum Card®
Apply now and you can request the limited-edition mirror design
and as high ad 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Time to accessorize 😎
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All information is accurate as of the date of publication but may change over time.
Always check for the latest details before making travel plans.