The Platinum Card from American Express

The Platinum Card from American Express is a travel card from American Express with a $895 annual fee, up to 175,000 membership rewards points after $12,000 in 6 months, and good to excellent credit.

Why we like it

Its strongest earning category is Flights at 5%, backed by 1% on general spending. It also avoids foreign transaction fees.

Earn elevated rewards with 5% on Flights, 5% on Hotels (portal) and 1% on Travel, plus 1% on other purchases.

• 5.0% on flights
• 5.0% on hotels (portal)
• 1.0% on travel

Welcome offer

Up to 175,000 Membership Rewards points after $12,000 in 6 months

Bonus value estimate: $1750* · Spend requirement: $12000 in 6 months

* Estimated dollar value based on point transfer rates and portal redemption. Actual value may vary depending on how you redeem your rewards.

People focused on travel rewards who can justify a $895 annual fee and who typically have good to excellent credit.

Qualification snapshot

Recommended credit: Good to excellent credit. Published score range: 720-850.

Historical approval estimate in the current dataset: 45%

Pros

• Up to 175,000 Membership Rewards points after $12,000 in 6 months
• Potentially worthwhile if you use the card enough to cover the $895 annual fee
• Earns 5% on Flights
• Earns 5% on Hotels (portal)

Tradeoffs

• Annual fee of $895 means you need ongoing value from the card
• Typically requires good to excellent credit
• Signup bonus requires $12000 in spending within 6 months
• Base rewards on non-bonus spending are relatively modest