Is the Amex Platinum Travel Credit Card Right for You? A Comprehensive Review

Introduction:

The American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card is a popular choice among frequent travelers, thanks to its impressive rewards and benefits. However, with a high annual fee of $550, many wonder if it’s worth it. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the rewards and benefits offered by the Amex Platinum Travel Credit Card, and compare them to those offered by other travel credit cards on the market. We’ll also examine the additional perks and features of the card, and provide tips on how to maximize the value of the Amex Platinum Travel Credit Card.

Fees:

  • The first-year fee of 3500+GST (i.e. 4130). Second year onwards 5000+GST (i.e.5900). Joining benefit of 10,000 MR points.
  • However, if applied using the link above, you can get the Amex Platinum Travel credit card free for the first Year. In addition, you get 2000 bonus MR points on spending 5000 within the first 90 days. The advantage here is you get to enjoy this credit card at 0 fees in the first year and then you take a call in the second year depending on your spending.

Rewards and Benefits:

One of the main draws of the Amex Platinum Travel Credit Card is its generous rewards program. Cardholders can earn 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, as well as on prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel. In addition, cardholders receive a $200 annual airline fee credit and a $200 annual Uber credit, which can be used to offset the cost of airfare and Uber rides.

  • Milestone Rewards:
    • On spending 190,000 in a year, you get 15,000 MR points. At 50p, that’s 7.5k in Taj vouchers. This is a straight 4% (7500 /190000) reward rate.
    • On spending 400,000 in a year, you get additional 25,000 MR points. This is in addition to the 15,000 MR points received earlier. So overall 40,000 MR points. This translates into a 5% reward rate on 400,000 in milestone spending alone.
    • That’s not all. You also get a 10,000 Taj voucher for spending 400,000. So overall, you get 40,000 MR points + 10k Taj voucher as a milestone benefit on spending 4lk. This translates into a whopping 7.5% reward rate on an annual spend of 4lk.
    • Accounting for the regular MR points on your spending and an annual fee of 5900. You still end up with a handsome reward rate of 7%.
  • Lounge access:
    • The primary cardholder has access to 8 lounge visits (max 2 per quarter) in a year. A list of lounges is available here.
    • One disappointment here is that the Amex Platinum Travel Credit Card does not provide access to Amex lounges. 

fine Hotel & Resort Collection. These benefits can add significant value for frequent travelers, as lounge access alone can easily justify the annual fee.

Perks and Additional Features:

In addition to rewards and benefits, the Amex Platinum Travel Credit Card also offers a number of perks and additional features. These include a 24/7 concierge service that can assist with booking travel, dining reservations, and more. The card also offers a global assist hotline, which can provide medical, legal, and other emergency assistance while traveling.

While these perks can be useful for some, it’s important to note that they may not be as valuable for everyone. For example, if you already have a trusted travel agent or don’t often need assistance while traveling, the concierge service may not add much value.

How to Maximize the Value of the Amex Platinum Travel Credit Card:

To get the most out of the Amex Platinum Travel Credit Card, it’s important to understand how to earn rewards and redeem them for maximum value. One strategy is to use the card to book flights and hotels through American Express Travel, as these purchases earn 5x points. Another strategy is to take advantage of the $200 annual airline fee credit and $200 annual Uber credit, as these can offset the cost of the annual fee.

It’s also important to consider the value of the card’s travel benefits, such as lounge access and hotel elite status. For example, if you frequently travel and value lounge access, the Amex Platinum Travel Credit Card can be a great choice.

Conclusion:

Overall, the Amex Platinum Travel Credit Card is a great choice for frequent travelers who value rewards and benefits. The card’s rewards program, travel credits, and travel benefits can add significant value for those who use them. However, the high annual fee and additional perks may not be worth it for everyone. By understanding how to earn rewards and redeem them for maximum value, and carefully evaluating the card’s travel benefits, you can decide if the Amex Platinum Travel Credit Card is right for you.

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