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The Amex Platinum Travel Insurance Guide 2024

Published: Nov 9, 2023, 12:25pm

Fact Checked

Table of Contents

About travel insurance from the platinum card®, how does the platinum card® from american express travel insurance work, what travel insurance does the platinum card® offer, travel insurance summary, the platinum card® pre-existing medical conditions, exclusions to the platinum card® travel insurance, the platinum card® 24/7 travel assistance, when does the platinum card® travel insurance start and end, how to file a claim with the platinum card® travel insurance, the bottom line, frequently asked questions (faqs).

The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with a long list of perks and benefits , especially for high-earning frequent travellers. While the card comes with a hefty $799 annual fee, it offers a worthwhile bevy of travel perks, including a $200 annual travel credit, a $100 credit towards a NEXUS application and generous travel benefits. such as guaranteed late check-outs, room upgrades, early check-in and in-room Wi-Fi. Then there’s the airport lounge access, and the even better perks if you fly out of Toronto’s Pearson International airport, such as valet service, discount parking and priority access.

Another included benefit is the travel insurance, which is a must-have any time you’re travelling outside of Canada, as your provincial or territorial plan has limited coverage if you get sick or injured. Other than that, if you have to cancel your trip before you leave or if you have to return home unexpectedly, travel insurance may be able to help reimburse some, if not all, of your expenses.

So let’s take a closer look at the travel insurance benefits offered by The Platinum Card® from American Express.

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Travel insurance is offered by most travel credit cards as a complimentary perk, and the Platinum Card® from American Express card is no exception. This card includes coverage for emergency medical, trip cancellation and interruption, flight delay, baggage protection , and even coverage in the event your accommodations are burgled.

Keep in mind that travel insurance is designed to cover losses from “sudden and unforeseeable circumstances” and that the card only covers the first 15 days of travel. You can take as many trips as you’d like, but you must return home first between trips.

The Platinum Card® from American Express travel insurance is underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Co. of Canada, except for the travel accident insurance coverage, which is underwritten by Chubb Life Insurance Company of Canada.

Unlike separate travel insurance policies , you don’t need to apply for travel insurance with The Platinum Card® from American Express as it’s an automatic perk of the card. However, there are requirements in place if you want to access the card’s insurance benefits:

• You need to pay for your trip with the card.
• You need to be 65 years old or younger.
• You need to be a resident of Canada.
• You must have current coverage under your province or territory’s government health insurance plan (GHIP).

Here are the key types of travel insurance coverage offered by the The Platinum Card® from American Express credit card:

Out of province/country emergency medical insurance: If you get ill or are injured on your trip, travel medical insurance can pay for emergency medical expenses, up to the $5 million covered limit.

Emergency medical treatment coverage for the The Platinum Card® from American Express card includes:

• Hospital accommodation up to a semi-private room
• Treatment by a physician or surgeon
• Outpatient hospital charges
• X-rays and other diagnostic tests
• Use of an operating room, intensive care unit, anaesthesia and surgical dressings
• Prescription drugs (except for a chronic medical condition)
• Local ground ambulance services or taxi/rideshare fare in a medical emergency
• Rental or purchase of a hospital-type bed, wheelchair, brace, crutches and other medical appliances
• Registered private nursing
• Emergency dental expenses due to a blow to the face, plus continued treatment upon your return (within 90 days of the injury)
• Emergency relief of dental pain
• Professional services, such as that from a physiotherapist, chiropractor, osteopath, chiropodist or podiatrist
• Return home due to a medical emergency
• Return of your remains, plus associated costs
• Additional meal and accommodation expenses after your return home is delayed due to you or your travelling companion’s medical emergency
• Bringing a bedside companion to you if you are hospitalized for more than three days (or immediately if you are under age 21 or physically handicapped and dependent on your bedside companion for support)
• Return of your vehicle or rental due to a medical emergency
• Return of dependent children due to a medical emergency if you are hospitalized more than 24 hours or due to repatriation
• Return of excess baggage due to a medical emergency

Trip cancellation insurance: If you cancel your trip before your departure date for a covered risk listed in your insurance policy, trip cancellation insurance can reimburse you for prepaid, non-refundable costs, such as airfare or hotels.

Covered risks include:

• Your emergency medical condition, or the emergency medical condition of your travelling companion
• Hospitalization or emergency medical condition of an immediate family member, business partner, key employee or caregiver
• Your death, or death of an immediate family member, business partner, key employee, caregiver or travelling companion, family of your travelling companion or your host at your destination
• A government advisory to “avoid non-essential travel” or “avoid all travel”
• Transfer by your employer for you or your spouse
• Loss of you or your spouse’s job
• Cancellation of a business meeting
• Being summoned to serve as a reservist, military, police, fire or medical personnel
• An event that renders your home or place of business inoperative
• Quarantine or hijacking of you, your spouse or dependent child
• You or your spouse being called for jury duty, being subpoenaed as a witness or being required to appear in a judicial proceeding

Trip interruption insurance: Trip interruption insurance kicks in once you’re on your trip if you have to return home earlier than expected due to a covered risk and can pay for a last-minute flight home and/or reimburse you for the unused portion of your travel arrangements that are non-refundable and non-transferable. This insurance also provides benefits, such as reimbursement for accommodation, meals, telephone and rides, if your return home is delayed due to a covered reason.

The covered risks are similar to those for trip cancellation insurance, but also include:

• Delay of a private car causing a missed connection or flight due to mechanical failure of that transportation, weather, earthquake, volcanic eruption, traffic accident or an emergency road closure
• Delay of your common carrier causing a missed connection due to the above unexpected issues
• Delay of your common carrier causing a delayed departure due to the above unexpected issues causing you to miss your scheduled cruise or tour

Like emergency medical insurance and trip cancellation insurance, trip interruption coverage is for sudden and unforeseeable circumstances. To ensure you’re able to access your coverage when you need it most, it’s crucial to review the complete list of covered risks to understand what is and is not covered and under what circumstances.

Flight and baggage delay insurance: This insurance provides coverage in the event that your flight and/or baggage is delayed, or if you suffer a loss due to a hotel burglary.

The coverage and benefits are as follows:

• Missed connection: If a delay of an incoming flight causes a missed connection and no alternative onward transportation is available within four hours of deplaning, this insurance will pay up to the benefit limit for expenses related to meals, accommodations and rides incurred within 48 hours of deplaning.
• Delayed flight departure or denied boarding: If your departing flight is delayed for four hours or more or if you’re denied boarding due to overbooking and no alternative transportation is available within four hours of your scheduled departure, this insurance will pay up to the benefit limit for expenses related to meals, accommodations and rides incurred within 48 hours of the delay or denied boarding.
• Emergency baggage delay: If your checked baggage is not delivered within six hours of arriving at your destination, this insurance provides reimbursement for expenses related to essential clothing and toiletries that are purchased within the first four days after arrival and before your bags are returned.

The maximum aggregate limit for the three coverages above is $1,000.

Hotel burglary insurance: If your accommodations are burgled due an illegal forced entry, this coverage will reimburse you for the loss of personal items, excluding cash. The maximum amount payable is $1,000 per burglary.

Lost or stolen baggage insurance: This insurance can compensate you up to your policy limit if your baggage is lost or stolen. Specifically, this insurance reimburses you for loss or damage to owned or borrowed baggage and personal effects, whether in transit as checked baggage or carried on board, as long as your full fare was paid with the card. The maximum amount payable is $1,000 for all insured persons combined. The amount includes a $300 limit for jewellery and a $250 limit for golf clubs, including golf bags.

This coverage does not cover loss or damage of eyeglasses or contact lenses, artificial teeth or limbs, cameras and camera equipment, electronics including laptops and cell phones, sports equipment (except gear for golf, skiing or tennis), fragile objects, such as china or glass, art or antiques, business items, household effects, perishable goods, animals, furs, cash, securities, or valuable papers and documents.

Travel accident insurance: This coverage offers compensation in the event of accidental death or catastrophic injury from a flight accident during your trip, including the loss of limbs or eyesight. Injury can be sustained during a flight or during alternative transportation due to a delayed or rerouted flight. The amount paid out depends on the severity of the loss or dismemberment and the insurer will only pay for one loss. The maximum amount payable is $500,000 per covered person and the benefit amount paid is for the greatest loss.

Car rental theft and damage insurance: This insurance covers theft, loss or damage to a rental vehicle for up to 48 consecutive days when you use your card to pay for the rental. In the event of theft or damage, you or the rental agency will be compensated up to the actual cash value of the vehicle (maximum $85,000 MSRP). It’s important to note there are a number of rental vehicles excluded from this coverage, including vans or cargo vans, pick-up trucks, off-road vehicles, motorcycles, trailers or RVs and antique cars. You will still require your own third-party liability, personal injury and damage to property car insurance coverage.

We’ve highlighted key benefits of the travel insurance offered by The Platinum Card® from American Express.

(i) $1,000 aggregate maximum for flight delay insurance and baggage delay insurance.

In general, a pre-existing condition is defined as any sickness, injury or medical condition, whether or not diagnosed by a physician, that you showed signs or symptoms or received medical attention for before the start of your coverage.

The Platinum Card® from American Express Travel Insurance will not pay any expenses related to any medical condition that is not stable in the 90 days before you leave on your trip.

A medical condition is considered stable when there has been:

• No new treatment, medical management or prescribed medication, and
• No change in treatment, medical management or medication (with some exceptions), and
• No new, frequent or severe symptoms or findings, and
• No new test results or results showing a deterioration, and
• No investigations or future investigations initiated or recommended, and
• No hospitalization or referral to a specialist, made or recommended

In addition, The Platinum Card® from American Express will not pay any benefits for the following:

• Your heart condition (with or without diagnosis) that has not been stable in the 90 days before your departure or for which you have taken nitroglycerin more than once per week for the relief of angina pain.
• Your lung condition (with or without a diagnosis) that has not been stable in the 90 days before your departure or for which you have been treated with home oxygen or taken oral steroids, such as prednisone or prednisolone, for any lung condition.

In addition to pre-existing conditions, The Platinum Card® from American Express Travel Insurance does not pay expenses related to the following general exclusions:

• Any medical condition for which future investigation or treatment is planned before your trip
• Continued treatment of a medical emergency, included any heart or lung condition, if you chose not to return home after receiving emergency care
• Any services that are not related to an emergency
• Routine care of a chronic condition
• Routine prenatal care
• Pregnancy, complications or birth of a child in the nine weeks before or after your expected delivery date, or any child born on a trip
• Invasive testing or surgery without prior approval, or any other benefits that require prior authorization that did not receive authorization
• Expenses related to participation as a professional athlete in a sporting event, including training or practice; any motorized race or motorized speed contest; or high-risk activities including scuba diving without a basic scuba designation, hang gliding, rock climbing, paragliding, skydiving, parachuting, bungee jumping, mountain climbing, rodeo, heli-skiing, any downhill skiing or snowboarding outside marked trails, any cycling racing event or ski racing event
• The commission of or attempt of a criminal act
• Intentional self-inflicted injury, suicide or attempt to commit suicide
• Any medical condition related to chronic use of alcohol or drugs, or your abuse of medication, drugs or alcohol, or non-compliance with prescribed medical treatment
• Mental or emotional stress, including anxiety and panic, unless it was severe enough to require medical attention
• War or rebellion
• Any treatment, surgery, investigation, palliative care or alternative therapy that was the purpose of your trip
• Any medical condition for which treatment is expected
• Symptoms in the 90 days before your trip that would cause a “prudent” person to seek medical attention
• Treatment for any condition for which you have been advised by your physician not to travel
• Any medical condition suffered or contracted or loss incurred in a country where there is an “avoid non-essential travel” or “avoid all travel” travel advisory in effect before you leave on your trip
• Any medical condition if the insurer’s medical advisors recommend you return home and you choose not to return
• Any radiation or radioactive contamination from any nuclear fuel or waste, or the radioactive, toxic, explosive or other dangerous properties of nuclear machinery

There are additional exclusions related to particular insurance coverages, so read your certificate of insurance carefully.

Travel assistance is available 24/7 and is provided by Global Excel Management Inc.

The following assistance services are available:

• Direction to one or more recommended medical service providers near you
• Confirmation of coverage
• Direct payment of eligible medical expenses to your service provider
• Consultation with your physician and monitoring of your care
• Monitoring the appropriateness, necessity and reasonableness of that care to ensure your expenses will be covered by insurance
• Conveying emergency messages to your immediate family, physician or business
• Coordination to replace your prescription eyeglasses or medication if necessary (though the actual cost to replace these items is not covered)

In the event of a medical emergency you, or someone acting on your behalf, must call Global Excel before receiving any medical treatment or, if this is medically impossible, as soon as possible afterward. If you do not make contact before seeking medical treatment or if you receive care from a non-approved medical service provider, you will be responsible for 20% of your covered medical expenses to a maximum of $25,000.

Emergency medical coverage: This is provided by the Platinum Card® from American Express for the first 15 consecutive days of your trip, starting with the day you leave your home province or territory and ending the day you return home.

However, coverage is automatically extended beyond the 15-day limit by the following amounts due to these circumstances:

• Up to five dates if you or your travelling companion are hospitalized due to a medical emergency on your scheduled return date
• Up to five days if you must delay you or your travelling companion’s return date due to a medical emergency
• Up to 72 hours if there’s a delay with your common carrier (plane, train, etc.) on your return date

Trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage: This begins on your effective date, or the date any portion of the trip costs are first charged to the card or paid by American Express Membership Rewards points. The coverage ends at midnight on your return date, though may be subject to extension due to the circumstances noted above.

Flight and baggage delay insurance: This coverage begins when your full fare is charged to your The Platinum Card® from American Express card. The hotel burglary insurance begins when your accommodations are reserved, booked and charged to your card. Coverage ends when you return home.

Lost and stolen baggage insurance: This starts when your baggage has been checked in and is in the care of an airline, or in the case of carry-on baggage, when you board the plane.

Travel accident insurance: This is in effect for the duration of the policy and will cover losses that happen within 100 days of the date of the accident that caused the injury.

Car rental theft and damage insurance: This valuable coverage is valid for a maximum of 48 consecutive days, starting the day you take control of the rental car. If you rent your vehicle for more than 48 days, there is no coverage provided, including for the first 48 days. You can not extend your insurance in any way. You can only qualify for the car rental theft and damage insurance coverage once in a calendar year.

In addition, coverage for all The Platinum Card® from American Express travel insurance ends when:

• Your account is cancelled.
• Your privileges are terminated.
• Your account is no longer in good standing.

You can fill a claim by visiting the online claims portal at amex.rsagroup.ca. There you can start a claim and submit your required supporting documents. Once submitted, you can track the status of your claim through the portal.

You must file your claim(s) within a prescribed number of days, as follows:

Depending on your claim, you may need to submit supporting documentation with your completed claim and authorization form, including:

• Proof of your departure and return dates
• Originals of all bills, invoices and receipts
• Proof of payment by your government health insurance plan and/or payment from any other insurer or benefit plan
• Complete diagnosis from the physician and/or hospital that provided the treatment, including confirmation that the treatment was medically necessary
• Proof of the accident for emergency dental treatment
• Written evidence of the risk insured that was the cause of the cancellation, interruption or delay
• Tour operator terms and conditions
• Copies of Amex statements showing payment of your trip or redemption of points
• Complete unused transportation tickets and vouchers
• Receipts for prepaid land arrangements and/or subsistence expenses
• Original passenger receipts for new tickets
• Reports from the police or local authorities documenting the cause of the missed connection
• Detailed invoices and/or receipts from service providers
• A copy of the travel agent’s invoice or itinerary and account statement of the full fare expenses
• Alternate boarding pass or flight delay report from the airline
• Verification from the airline of the delay, including reason, duration of delay and any compensation received
• Proof of delivery confirming date/time baggage was delivered
• Invoice issued by your accommodations
• Police report confirming forced entry and a burglary report from the accommodation
• Receipts for repaired or replaced items
• Lost or damaged baggage report
• Proof of settlement from your personal insurance company and/or airline
• Estimate of personal item or baggage repair(s)
• Itemized original receipts for replacement items
• Vehicle rental agreement
• Accident or damage report

You may also need to undergo a medical examination by a physician (or physicians) selected by the insurer.

The travel insurance offered by The Platinum Card® from American Express card offers comprehensive coverage in case of a wide number of travel calamities. For a simple trip of less than 15 days, this card likely offers sufficient protection. But if you plan on travelling for longer, have some high-risk activities in mind or live with pre-existing health conditions, you may want to consider additional coverage.

Does The Platinum Card® from American Express travel insurance pay directly?

According to the certificate of insurance, “.. wherever possible, Global Excel will… pay your eligible medical expenses directly to the recommended medical service provider.” The insurer also notes, however, that “there are certain countries where, due to local conditions or travel reports from the Canadian government, assistance services are not available and you may be required to make a payment up front.” In this case, it’s crucial that you obtain detailed and itemized original receipts to later use for your claim.

Does The Platinum Card® from American Express travel insurance have any age restrictions?

You must be at least 15 days old and under age 65 to qualify for The Platinum Card® from American Express travel insurance.

Does The Platinum Card® from American Express travel insurance have any date restrictions?

The Platinum Card® from American Express travel insurance will only cover the first 15 days of travel. Beyond 15 days, you can request a top-up of coverage for an extra premium.

Does The Platinum Card® from American Express travel insurance cover COVID-19?

Emergency medical coverage is available for COVID-19-related emergencies, as long as there is no “avoid all non-essential travel” or “avoid all travel” travel advisory in effect for your destination. If an advisory is issued while you are on your trip, The Platinum Card® from American Express provides coverage for medical emergencies related to COVID-19 for up to 10 days. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 before you leave on your trip, your insurance will likely not provide coverage as it is considered a pre-existing condition. According to the trip cancellation and trip interruption certificate of insurance (effective January 1, 2021), “A trip cancellation, trip interruption or trip delay, which is related, directly or indirectly, to Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)” is not covered. This means that expenses related to quarantine, refused boarding or refused entry are not covered.

What if my insurance benefits are insufficient?

The Platinum Card® from American Express travel insurance is considered excess insurance and last payor, meaning that all other sources of reimbursement, such as your provincial or territorial health plan and (if applicable) and any other insurance, such as that from a current or former employer, must be exhausted first. The Platinum Card® from American Express will pay the balance owing for eligible expenses. You are responsible for any deficit between the amount owing and the amount covered by insurance.

What if I’m travelling more than 15 days?

If you travel for more than 15 days, you can either request a top-up from The Platinum Card® from American Express and pay the extra premium or you can purchase a standalone policy.

Which is better: credit card or separate travel insurance ?

The choice between credit cards travel insurance or an individual, separate travel insurance plan is a personal one, based on your travel itinerary, health and insurance needs. Credit card travel insurance is a useful perk included in a card’s annual fee. There is no additional premium for insurance, unless you require coverage longer than the number of days under your policy, for example, 15 days with the The Platinum Card® from American Express card. You’ll need to purchase your non-refundable and non-transferable expenses, such as flights and hotels, with the card to get coverage. However, credit card travel insurance is limited compared to separate travel insurance policies that often have higher benefits, more comprehensive coverage and can include add-ons for high-risk activities or pre-existing conditions. If your credit card does not meet your needs, you can purchase a standalone policy as a top-up to your card’s coverage.

Can I pay for my trip with points and still get travel insurance coverage?

It depends. Trips will be covered if trip costs are paid for by redeeming Amex Membership Rewards Program points, but not if points are used from another reward program.

Advertiser's Disclosure

American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

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Fiona Campbell is a Staff Writer for Forbes Advisor Canada. She started her career on Bay Street, but followed her love for research, writing and a good story into journalism. She is the former editor of Bankrate Canada, and has over 20 years of experience writing for various publications, including the Globe and Mail, Financial Post Business, Advisor’s Edge, Mydoh.ca and more.

Introduction to American Express Travel Protection

Types of travel protection offered, american express travel protection: a guide to your benefits.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us and terms apply to offers listed (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate credit cards to write unbiased product reviews .

The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card, American Express® Green Card, The Plum Card® from American Express. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

• Some American Express cards offer trip cancellation and interruption benefits .
• You'll find these perks on cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express.
• If you're eager to sign up for a travel credit card with perks, compare each card's offerings.

Overview of Travel Protection Benefits

While credit card insurance and travel protection coverage are usually considered secondary to rewards programs and other cardholder perks, these benefits can be equally important if you travel.

When you pay for a trip with a credit card that offers trip cancellation and interruption insurance, for example, you can get reimbursed for some of your travel expenses in the event your vacation is halted for reasons beyond your control. Meanwhile, trip delay insurance lets you apply for some reimbursement when a delay of your trip results in surprise expenses, such as an unplanned hotel stay near the airport when your flight is on hold.

Importance of Travel Insurance

Chase credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card have really stood out for years in terms of the protections they offer, and with some of the highest limits out there. Still, American Express is still coming around — it recently added trip cancellation and interruption insurance, along with trip delay coverage, to many of its top rewards credit cards. 

If you're in the market for an American Express card and you're hoping to take advantage of important travel benefits, consider the cards below and their expanded travel protections.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance

New trip cancellation and interruption insurance from American Express credit cards will provide you with up to $10,000 in coverage (and up to $20,000 per account per year) you can use for reimbursement of prepaid travel expenses like airfare and hotels. This coverage can come in handy if your trip is canceled for a covered reason beyond your control, or you're stuck in your destination and require an extended stay and additional costs before you can return home.

Note that this coverage is good for round-trip travel booked with your credit card, meaning you have to pay for travel expenses with a common carrier with your American Express credit card in order to be eligible.

American Express cards that qualify for this coverage include:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

Other versions of the Amex Platinum card — including the Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and corporate flavors —  also offer this coverage, as do all versions of the Amex Centurion (black) card , which is invite-only.

Baggage Insurance Plan

Quite a few American Express credit cards also offer a baggage insurance plan, although this isn't a new or upgraded benefit from the card issuer. This coverage can come in handy if your luggage is lost or stolen during a covered trip. To be eligible for this coverage, you have to pay for travel with a common carrier (airfare, cruise fare, etc.) with your American Express credit card.

The amount of coverage you'll receive depends on the card you have. For example, baggage insurance from the The Platinum Card® from American Express offers up to $3,000 in coverage per person for carry-on luggage and up to $2,000 per person in coverage for some types of checked baggage.

With baggage insurance from the Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card , on the other hand, you'll only qualify for up to $1,250 in coverage per person for carry-on luggage and up to $500 for covered checked baggage, although an extra benefit of $250 is offered for qualified "high risk items" like jewelry or sporting equipment. 

American Express cards that come with baggage insurance include:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express (including various versions)
• American Express® Gold Card (including various versions)
• American Express® Green Card (including various versions)
• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
• Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card
• The Plum Card® from American Express

American Express business cards with baggage insurance include:

• American Express® Business Gold Card
• The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
• Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
• The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
• Lowe's Business Rewards Card from American Express
• Amazon Business Prime American Express Card
• Amazon Business American Express Card

Various versions of the Amex Centurion card and several Amex corporate cards also offer baggage insurance.

Travel Accident Insurance

Some American Express cards also offer secondary auto rental coverage, which means this coverage kicks in after other policies you have are exhausted, as opposed to primary car rental coverage.

While this benefit applies to many Amex cards, note that coverage limits can vary. With the Amex Gold card, for example, coverage is limited to $50,000 per rental agreement for damage or theft, yet the Amex Platinum card offers up to $75,000 in coverage. The insurance doesn't cover personal liability, either.

Also note that this coverage comes with a certain amount of Accidental Death or Dismemberment Coverage that varies by card. With , for example, you'll receive up to $200,000 in coverage per person and up to $300,000 in coverage per car accident for accidental death and dismemberment. Make sure to read your credit card's terms and conditions so you know exactly how much coverage you have. 

American Express cards that come with secondary auto rental coverage include:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express (including various versions)
• Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
• Hilton Honors American Express Card
• Marriott Bonvoy American Express® Card (no longer available to new applicants)
• Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
• Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
• Amex Everyday® Credit Card from American Express

And business cards from Amex that offer secondary car rental insurance include:

While American Express did offer travel accident insurance on some of its cards, this coverage was effectively dropped as of January 1, 2020. The same is true for the American Express Roadside Assistance Hotline, which is no longer available.

Trip Delay Insurance

In January of 2020, American Express also rolled out an upgraded trip delay insurance benefit for many of its top rewards credit cards. While this perk may seem like an unusual one, there are so many scenarios where trip delay coverage could help you save money and avoid surprise expenses when travel is delayed beyond your control. 

With trip delay coverage from Amex, you can be reimbursed for up to $500 per trip for hotel stays, meals, and other miscellaneous required expenses when your flight or other trip plans are delayed by more than six hours. If you're sitting at the airport and your flight is suddenly delayed until the next morning, for example, you could use this coverage to get reimbursed for a nearby airport hotel and your dinner, then for an Uber or Lyft ride back to the airport.

To qualify for American Express trip delay coverage, you need to pay for your round-trip travel expenses with a common carrier with your credit card.

Amex cards that come with trip delay coverage include:

• American Express® Gold Card
• American Express® Green Card

Again, the various versions of the Amex Platinum and Amex Centurion cards also offer trip delay insurance.

Most travel protections are automatically activated when you use your American Express card to book your travel. However, specific activation steps, if any, depend on the benefit.

Covered reasons for trip cancellation or interruption typically include illness, severe weather, and other unforeseen events, reimbursing you for non-refundable travel expenses.

Yes, baggage insurance plans come with coverage limits, which vary depending on the card and the type of loss (e.g., lost, damaged, or stolen baggage).

The Global Assist Hotline offers medical, legal, and other emergency coordination and assistance services, but financial costs for services rendered are typically the cardholder's responsibility.

Eligibility for specific travel protections varies by card. Premium cards often offer more comprehensive protections compared to basic cards.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Trip Delay Insurance, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, and Cell Phone Protection Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. Global Assist Hotline Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, and Baggage Insurance Plan Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

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How does the Amex Platinum’s travel insurance work?

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American Express credit cards have emerged as one of the top card travel insurance options. After years of neglecting this aspect of their card benefits, they’re extremely competitive among other bank cards — particularly The Platinum Card® from American Express.

The Amex Platinum receives extra insurance less premium cards simply don’t have. Yes, it’s got a massive 100,000 point bonus after spending $6,000 in the first six months of account opening (read our post on common mistakes people make with Amex points to see how valuable they can be), but that’s a short-lived aspect of the card.

Let’s take a look at the Amex Platinum travel insurance — and learn how you can leverage the card for coverage on airfare, baggage, rental cars, and more. You can read our Amex Platinum review for a more well-rounded look at the card’s benefits.

Credit card travel protection benefits

When you pay for airfare with the best travel insurance credit cards , you can get automatic travel protection benefits at no extra charge. Chase and Amex offer fantastic features (while Citibank travel insurance is nonexistent, by the way).

Depending on the card, sometimes just paying the taxes and fees on an award flight will get you coverage. But the coverage you get can vary significantly by card. Enrollment required for select benefits.

Note: Amex stipulates that you must book with a “Common Carrier” to qualify for coverage. That just means you’ve booked an airline, a cruise ship, etc. You won’t be reimbursed if you book an under-the-table commute across Lake Okeechobee on your cousin’s fan boat.

Amex cards eligible for travel insurance

The best American Express cards are eligible for travel insurance. Here’s a table breaking down the most popular cards with the best coverage.

• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (similar name but quite different from the regular Platinum card — read our Amex Business Platinum review )
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

The information for the Hilton Aspire card has been collected independently by Million Mile Secrets. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Here’s a list of the most popular cards with benefits a tier below the most premium cards:

• American Express® Gold Card
• American Express® Business Gold Card
• American Express® Green Card
• Business Green Rewards
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
• The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

These cards don’t come with trip cancellation or interruption, and they have lower reimbursement caps for coverages like trip delay and baggage protection.

The Amex Platinum benefits are top of the food chain. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty.

Trip Interruption and Cancellation Insurance

With Amex Platinum Trip Cancellation Insurance, you’re are eligible for up to $10,000 per trip (with a maximum payout of $20,000 per 12-month period) for flight cancellations occurring due to a covered reason (such as inclement weather, jury duty, injury, illness, etc.). You must pay the full ticket with your card (award flight taxes and fees and Pay With Points tickets also eligible).

Trip Delay Insurance

If your trip is delayed more than six hours for a covered reason, you’ll get up to $500 for reasonable expenses (think meals, lodging, toiletries, etc.). Again, you must purchase your trip in full with your Amex Platinum — and paying taxes & fees on award flights or Pay With Points qualifies you for coverage.

Here are some examples of eligible reasons for which Amex will compensate you:

• Equipment failure (the plane wheels fall off, the engine won’t start, etc.)
• Inclement weather
• You lose your travel documents
• Your flight is hijacked

Note that this insurance is valid for round-trip flights only . However, the Amex Platinum benefits guide states:

The period of round-trip travel may consist of roundtrip, one-way, or combinations of roundtrip and one-way tickets with Common Carrier(s).

Rental Car Insurance

The Amex Platinum comes with secondary rental car insurance. That basically means that if your rental car is damaged or stolen, it’ll cover you for any expenses that remain after your personal insurance pays for everything that it covers. Or, if you purchased rental car insurance from the rental agency, Amex Platinum insurance will scoop up the remaining costs that it won’t cover.

However , you can enroll for free in the American Express Premium Car Rental Protection program , and that does offer primary rental car insurance. You’ll pay ~$25 (~$18 for California residents, ~$16 for Florida residents) per rental for up to 42 consecutive rental days (30 consecutive rental days for Washington State cardholders). If you’re renting for a few days, this is definitely worth purchasing.

Unless you’ve got any one of the best credit cards for car rentals . These come with primary rental car insurance for free.

Lost, Damaged, and Stolen Baggage Insurance

The Amex Platinum comes with various coverages in the event that your baggage is lost, stolen, or damaged by the common carrier:

• Up to $2,000 per person per trip for loss of checked baggage
• Up to $3,000 per person per trip for loss of carry-on baggage
• Up to $250 per person per trip for loss of high risk items (i.e. jewelry & electronics)
• Cap of $10,000 per trip for everyone on your itinerary.

High-risk items such as jewelry, electronic equipment, sports equipment, etc., are capped at $1,000 in total coverage. For things like cash, medical items, and contact lenses, you won’t be covered at all.

Delayed Baggage Insurance

Some cards will reimburse you in the event that your checked bags are delayed by more than six hours. If you arrive at your destination and your stuff doesn’t show up, you can go to the store and buy things to tide you over until your bag finally arrives (toiletries, clothes, and the like).

American Express completely ignores this fantastic feature. The Amex Platinum gives you none of this coverage. But read our post on the best credit card for baggage delay coverage to find a good one. This has saved me $500+ on a single trip in the past.

Premium Global Assist

 When you are at least 100 miles from home, you can call the Amex Platinum Premium Global Assist to help solve pretty much any hardship. For example:

• You can call for help finding a lost item — including luggage. Amex will pester the airline until you are satisfied
• You can tell Amex to contact a friend or family member during your trip if you can’t reach them yourself
• If you lose your wallet, you can tell Amex to cancel all your credit cards
• If you need emergency evacuation, Amex will arrange everything

Note that Amex may be able to cover your emergency expenses and transportation if you’re in an area with sub-par treatment.

Plus, if you’re in the trenches of your trip planning, they can help you iron out the tedious details. They’ll help you understand travel etiquette in the country you’re visiting, if there are any shots that are required/recommended, and tell you if you need any special visas for your trip. 

There are plenty of other things they can do, too. Their number is 1-800-345-2639.

FAQ: Things to consider with trip protection benefits

Because travel coverage is not the same across all cards, you’ll want to use the card that is best for your personal situation. Here are a few things that might factor into which card you use to pay for travel.

Will your airline elite status help if there’s a flight delay or cancellation?

Having airline elite status comes with perks that can help if you pay with a card like the Amex Platinum, which doesn’t have trip delay or cancellation insurance.

For example, some airlines offer passengers with elite status free same-day standby flights, so if your flight is delayed, you could switch to another flight without having to worry about filing a claim for a trip delay.

Similarly, if your flight is canceled, having elite status might give you a higher priority to get a seat on the next available flight. But consider if you’re traveling to a remote destination or region with unpredictable weather that it’s wise to pay with best travel insurance credit cards . If all flights are delayed or canceled, you could end up paying out of pocket for hotel rooms and necessary expenses. Having a card that gets you reimbursed is a great benefit.

Did you book an expensive cruise or tour?

Having trip interruption or cancellation insurance from a credit card can come in handy should you have to cancel an expensive trip for an eligible reason. For example, let’s say you pay for a family cruise to Alaska, but are unable to go due to a last-minute illness. If you paid with the Amex Platinum, it’s possible to get a refund for your trip up to a certain limit.

I recommend reading the terms and conditions of your card’s trip protection benefits before paying for a vacation. It’s important to know who is covered, the claims process, and the reasons you’re eligible to get a refund.

Do you have third-party travel insurance?

Many purchase travel insurance through a third-party company to cover trip delays, cancellations, and other unforeseen events. You can often bundle these coverages with a supplemental medical travel policy, which can be helpful if you’re traveling outside the U.S.

There are great resources on the web to research travel insurance policies . Keep in mind, travel insurance plans and coverage amounts can differ widely — but purchasing a third-party plan can be helpful for folks who don’t pay for a trip with a card that comes with these benefits.

Bottom line

When you pay for a trip with Amex Platinum, you’ll receive trip delay insurance, as well as trip cancellation and interruption. These insurances make the card even more enticing to use for your travel, as you’ll earn 5x Amex Membership Rewards points on airfare purchased directly from airlines or from Amex Travel . Read our post on the best ways to use Amex points to see why that’s such a big deal.

This isn’t even counting the other great perks that come with the card, like Amex purchase protection and a gigantic welcome bonus worth potentially thousands in travel. Line this card’s virtues against the wall and it’s easy to see why the American Express Platinu m card is worth it .

Have you used any of the Amex Platinum travel insurance? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments. And subscribe to our newsletter for more credit card travel techniques.

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.

Joseph Hostetler

Joseph Hostetler is a full-time writer for Million Mile Secrets, covering miles and points tips and tricks, as well as helpful travel-related news and deals. He has also authored and edited for The Points Guy.

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Comparing travel protections with the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum

The Chase Sapphire Reserve and The Platinum Card® from American Express are two of the most popular travel rewards cards . After all, both cards offer valuable transferable rewards , lounge access and the ability to receive elite-like perks when booking hotels through Amex's Fine Hotels & Resorts program and Chase's Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection .

Like many of the top rewards cards , the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum Card also provide travel insurance when you use your card to book travel. In particular, these two premium travel rewards cards offer an excellent combination of trip insurance and bonus earnings on select travel purchases. So, in this guide, let's compare the travel insurance provided by these two cards.

Overview of the travel insurance provided by these cards

* Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. ^ Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. # Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, cardmembers are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. † Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

As you can see in the table above, the Amex Platinum doesn't provide baggage delay insurance , emergency medical and dental benefits , roadside assistance or travel accident insurance . For brevity, I won't discuss the types of insurance the Amex Platinum doesn't provide any further in this guide.

Instead, I'll compare the protections head-to-head for the types of insurance provided by both cards. You can find the guide to benefits for both cards as follows:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve benefits guide
• Amex Platinum benefits guide

And to learn more about both cards, check out our Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card review and Amex Platinum card review .

Related: Amex Platinum vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve: Which card is right for you?

Trip delay insurance

Trip delay insurance may provide reimbursement for reasonable expenses during a delay when traveling on a common carrier. Here's a comparison of the Chase Sapphire Reserve 's and Amex Platinum Card 's trip delay insurance.

*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

As you may gather from the above table, the primary differences in trip delay coverage are:

• The Amex Platinum requires round-trip travel, which you must buy with your card (in whole or combination with other eligible methods).
• The Amex Platinum doesn't cover overnight delays that are less than six hours.
• The Amex Platinum caps your claims to two per 12-month period.
• The Amex Platinum covers traveling companions as long as you pay for their round-trip common carrier fares with your card.
• The Chase Sapphire Reserve explicitly covers delays due to strikes, while the Amex Platinum explicitly covers delays due to lost or stolen passports or travel documents.

Related: Chase paid for my $1,100-per-night hotel room thanks to built-in trip delay coverage

Trip cancellation/interruption insurance

Trip cancellation and interruption insurance may provide reimbursement for nonrefundable, prepaid trip expenses when you must cancel or alter a trip due to a covered situation. In some cases, you may be covered for additional expenses. Here's a comparison of the Chase Sapphire Reserve 's and Amex Platinum Card 's trip cancellation and interruption insurance:

* Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

As you can see in the above table and the related benefits guides, the primary differences in trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage are:

• The Amex Platinum requires round-trip travel , paid with your card (in whole or in combination with other eligible methods). Only travel expenses put on the card used for round-trip common carrier travel will be covered.
• The Amex Platinum may cover the cost to return home or rejoin the trip if your trip is interrupted.
• The Chase Sapphire Reserve may reimburse redeposit fees imposed by a rewards program if your trip is canceled or interrupted, as well as change fees and car positioning fees if your trip is interrupted.
• The Chase Sapphire Reserve covers more types of losses, including if your accommodation at your destination is made uninhabitable or your host at your destination dies or is hospitalized.
• The Amex Platinum excludes losses related to mental or emotional disorders unless hospitalized. The Amex Platinum also excludes losses that occur when you're intoxicated. The Chase Sapphire Reserve excludes any loss for any trip booked while on a waiting list for specified medical treatment.

Check out American Express' trip cancellation and interruption insurance coronavirus frequently asked questions if you're wondering whether the Amex Platinum's insurance will cover coronavirus -related cancellations or interruptions.

Related: Be careful: Avoiding outbreaks isn't covered by most travel insurance

Auto rental collision damage waiver

The collision damage waiver offered by both cards can cover your rental car if you're in an accident or if it's stolen or damaged. Here's a comparison of the Chase Sapphire Reserve 's and Amex Platinum Card 's rental car insurance.

^ Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

As you can see in the above table and the related guide to benefits, the primary differences in car rental collision damage protection are:

• The Chase Sapphire Reserve covers more types of vehicles.
• The Chase Sapphire Reserve provides primary coverage.
• The Chase Sapphire Reserve doesn't have country exclusions.
• The Amex Platinum offers coverage to spouses when payment is made with an eligible card.
• While the Amex Platinum coverage specifically mentions peer-to-peer rentals, it's unlikely your Sapphire Reserve would cover Turo rentals .

If you'd prefer to get primary coverage for rental cars when using American Express cards , you can enroll in American Express' Premium Car Rental protection .

Related: 11 common rental car mistakes — and how to avoid them

Emergency evacuation and transportation insurance

The emergency evacuation and transportation insurance provided by these cards can arrange and pay for necessary emergency medical transport and evacuation under eligible circumstances. Here's a comparison of the Chase Sapphire Reserve 's and Amex Platinum Card 's emergency evacuation and transportation insurance.

# Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, cardmembers are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

As you can see in the above table and the related guide to benefits, the primary differences in the emergency medical evaluation benefit are:

• You're covered by the Amex Platinum even if you use another card to purchase your common carrier fare, whereas you must at least partially pay with the Chase Sapphire Reserve or associated rewards to be covered.
• The Chase Sapphire Reserve has stricter requirements for trip length.
• Both cards offer additional benefits that can bring a family member to your side or return now-unaccompanied minors home.

Related: A Medjet medical transport membership is different than travel insurance. Here's why you need both

Lost luggage reimbursement

The lost luggage benefit offered by both cards may reimburse you if your baggage is lost, damaged or stolen during a trip. Here's a comparison of the lost luggage reimbursement provided by the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum Card .

† Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

As you can see in the above table and the related guide to benefits, the primary differences in lost luggage reimbursement are:

• The Amex Platinum explicitly notes that losses due to confiscation by TSA aren't excluded.
• The Chase Sapphire Reserve covers a broader selection of family members when you pay for their ticket using your card.
• The cards exclude different types of items and types of loss.

Related: Everything you need to know about Amex's baggage insurance plan

When should I use the Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. the Amex Platinum?

The Platinum Card from American Express earns 5 Amex Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 of these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) for an approximate 10% return based on TPG's valuations . The Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 10 Chase Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on hotels and rental cars purchased through the Chase Travel portal , 5 points per dollar on flights booked through this portal, 10 points per dollar on Lyft rides through March 2025 and 3 points per dollar on all other travel (bonus points earning comes into effect after exhausting the $300 annual travel credit ).

The Sapphire Reserve has an annual fee of $550 while the Amex Platinum Card has a $695 annual fee (see rates and fees ).

Related: Amex Membership Rewards vs. Chase Ultimate Rewards: Which is the best?

Despite the earning gap (which can sway one way or the other, depending on how you book your flights), you may want to use the Chase Sapphire Reserve when booking some common carrier travel. I recommend checking out the guide to both cards' benefits and considering which card is best for your travel expenses. To help, here are some reasons to consider each card.

Reasons to use the Chase Sapphire Reserve

• Offers a baggage delay benefit , an emergency medical and dental benefit, and roadside assistance up to $50 up to four times a year.
• Only a portion of your travel expenses must be charged to your card to unlock most benefits (whereas the Amex Platinum generally only provides benefits when you charge the entire common carrier fare to your card).
• No requirement for round-trip travel.
• Provides trip delay benefits if you're delayed overnight for less than six hours.
• Provides primary car rental coverage.
• Offers travel accident insurance (although the Amex Platinum provides some travel accident insurance on car rentals).
• Includes strikes as an eligible reason for trip delay insurance.
• May reimburse redeposit fees imposed by a rewards program under trip cancellation/interruption insurance .

OFFICIAL APPLICATION LINK: Chase Sapphire Reserve

Reasons to use the Amex Platinum

• Provides an emergency medical evacuation benefit to cardmembers regardless of whether you charged any trip expenses to the card.
• Covers traveling companions for trip delay insurance and trip cancellation/interruption insurance when you purchase their round-trip fare with your card.
• May reimburse additional transportation expenses to rejoin the common carrier covered trip or return to the place of origin; also may cover the purchase of tickets for a new departure, under trip interruption insurance.
• Includes lost or stolen passports or travel documents as an eligible reason for trip delay insurance.
• Has a higher cap on high-value items for lost, damaged or stolen baggage.
• Some readers have found the claim process to be more straightforward and simple.

OFFICIAL APPLICATION LINK: The Platinum Card from American Express

Bottom line

Some travelers who have both cards put their flights on the Amex Platinum to earn 5 points per dollar and put other travel expenses on the Chase Sapphire Reserve to earn 3 points per dollar and activate their trip cancellation and interruption protections.

You might want to keep the Amex Platinum primarily for Centurion Lounge access , hotel elite status and access to Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts , as well as nearly $1,500 in annual credits available to cardmembers.

However, you might want to avoid booking flights with the Amex Platinum because of the round-trip requirement and the lack of baggage delay protection . Instead, you'd prefer to use the Chase Sapphire Reserve for common carrier fares and other travel expenses .

Additional reporting by Ryan Smith.

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum card, click here .

10 things to do when you get the Amex Platinum

The Platinum Card® from American Express is one of the best premium rewards cards on the market thanks to its extensive benefits, from lounge access to monthly statement credits. These perks come at a cost, though — the card's annual fee is $695 (see rates and fees ), making it one of the most expensive consumer cards to carry.

If that has you second-guessing whether or not to get the Amex Platinum Card, remember that the potential value of its many benefits can far outweigh that fee if you take full advantage of them.

If you open the Amex Platinum Card or already carry it, here are the 10 best ways to take advantage of all of its perks .

Use the $200 hotel credit

One of the principal benefits of the Amex Platinum is the up-to-$200 annual statement credit on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings (the latter has a minimum two-night stay, enrollment is required). The FHR program gets you the following perks:

• Room upgrade upon arrival, when available at check-in
• Daily breakfast for two people
• Guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout and noon check-in, when available
• An experience credit that usually consists of a property, dining or spa credit
• You'll receive a daily credit when a property includes Wi-Fi in a mandatory resort fee

The Hotel Collection's perks include a room upgrade at check-in when available, up to a $100 hotel credit for qualifying dining, spa and resort activities, and the ability to use Pay with Points on prepaid bookings.

Register for your annual airline fee credit

You'll get an annual up-to-$200 airline fee statement credit for the airline of your choice. Select your desired airline on the Amex website before making a purchase, and you'll get to use the credit for fees such as lounge passes, seat assignments, onboard snacks and checked bags.

Note that the airline credit won't apply for new reservations or taxes and fees on award bookings. Enrollment is required.

Since you only get to pick one airline annually, we recommend choosing one with which you don't already hold elite status. An airline you often fly — but not enough to have elite status — will be a strong contender.

Apply for your Priority Pass membership card

One of the greatest travel perks of the Amex Platinum is its unparalleled lounge access — the best on any premium card available. Here are the lounges that participate in the Amex Global Lounge Collection (enrollment is required):

• Amex Centurion Lounges
• Priority Pass Lounges (request your membership card here )
• Delta Sky Clubs (when flying on Delta the same day)*
• Airspace Lounges
• Escape Lounges
• Plaza Premium Lounges

*Effective February 1, 2025: Eligible Platinum Card Members will receive 10 Visits per Eligible Platinum Card per year to the Delta Sky Club or to Grab and Go when traveling on a same-day Delta-operated flight.

Add your card to your Uber wallet

Amex Platinum cardholders get up to $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus an additional up to $20 in December. While Uber Cash doesn't roll over month to month, that adds up to $200 in Uber Cash each calendar year (for U.S. services). Enrollment is required.

To get your Uber Cash, you need to link your card(s) to your Uber account. To do this, head to your wallet on the Uber app and add your card as a payment method.

Apply for Global Entry and TSA Precheck

When you enroll in these trusted traveler programs with your Amex Platinum Card , you'll get a statement credit for up to $100 to your account to cover the application cost (and again upon renewal) once every four years for Global Entry and up to $85 every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck.

Sign up for Clear plus

The Amex Platinum also offers a statement credit for a Clear Plus membership , normally costing $189 annually.

Clear Plus has a separate line to handle travelers' identity verification and security screening via a fingerprint or iris scan. Once approved, you're escorted by a Clear Plus employee to the head of the TSA PreCheck line (or regular security line if you don't have PreCheck) to an agent for final approval.

As TSA checkpoint lines continue to lengthen, having both Clear and TSA PreCheck can save you a lot of time at the airport. Enrollment required.

Request hotel elite status

Another perk that comes with being an Amex Platinum cardholder is being eligible for Gold status with both the Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalty programs.

These programs give you perks such as bonus points and potential room upgrades. You can enroll for these on the Amex website .

Sign up for car rental elite status

Elite status can sometimes be the difference between being able to reserve a vehicle or not, depending on where you're trying to rent.

In addition to hotel elite status, carrying the Amex Platinum means you are also eligible for status with the following car rental programs (enrollment is required):

• Avis Preferred Plus
• Hertz Gold Plus Rewards President's Circle
• National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive

You can enroll for each program on the Amex website .

Sign up for a Walmart+ membership

The Amex Platinum also offers an annual up-to-$155 Walmart+ statement credit , which covers the entire cost of a Walmart+ membership ($12.95 plus applicable sales tax) each month; Plus Ups are excluded.

Just charge the membership fee to your card and you'll receive a statement credit each month (subject to auto-renewal).

If you live near a Walmart store, this membership will get you free delivery from that store as quickly as the same day on orders of $35 or more, plus steep discounts on prescriptions. You can also save 5 cents per gallon at Walmart and Murphy gas stations and access member pricing at Sam's Club fuel centers — a great perk with fuel costs steadily rising .

Even if you're not a frequent in-store Walmart shopper, you'll enjoy free next-day and two-day shipping on eligible items from Walmart.com with no minimum purchase required.

Consider these other small-but-mighty benefits

While we've outlined nine of our favorite benefits from the Amex Platinum, there are plenty of other enticing perks worth looking into:

Scoop up your digital entertainment credits

The Amex Platinum offers an up-to-$240 digital entertainment statement credit , broken down to up to $20 in monthly statement credits when you pay for participating subscription services. They include The New York Times, Peacock, Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, the Disney Bundle and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment is required.

Treat yourself with an annual up-to $100 statement credit for Saks Fifth Avenue

This Saks Fifth Avenue benefit is broken down to up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 from July through December. Enrollment is required.

Fitness lovers, grab this annual $300 statement credit for Equinox

This Equinox credit applies to monthly Equinox All Access, Destination and E by Equinox membership fees as well as for the Equinox+ fitness app. Enrollment is required.

Want an at-home fitness bike? Get a $300 SoulCycle statement credit

If you're in the market for an at-home bike, you can get up to a $300 statement credit when you purchase a SoulCycle bike . While it's unlikely that you would ever buy more than one bike, this statement credit is applicable to up to 15 bikes per year.

You must have an Equinox+ membership to purchase a SoulCycle bike. Enrollment is required.

Add up to three authorized users

You can add authorized users to your Platinum Card for a total of $195 each per year (see rates and fees ), which can really help you maximize the value you're already getting from being a cardholder. Authorized users are eligible for many of the same benefits as the main accountholder, including lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck reimbursement, hotel elite status and Fine Hotels + Resorts benefits.

However, authorized users don't get their own Uber credit or separate airline incidental credits. Enrollment required for some benefits.

Not just Amazon: Get free two-day shipping at thousands of stores with ShopRunner

You'll get free two-day shipping and free return shipping when you pay for eligible items with your Amex Platinum at participating online stores through the ShopRunner program. You can enroll for the service here .

Bottom line

Yes, the Amex Platinum is not a cheap card to have. But after you take a deep dive into all of the card's benefits, the annual fee may feel less intimidating.

If you can maximize every statement credit on the Amex Platinum, you're looking at a value of easily more than $1,400 annually. Even if you can't use every credit on the card, accessing the Amex Global Lounge Collection alone is key for frequent travelers.

Apply here: The Platinum Card from American Express with 80,000 points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership or check the CardMatch tool to see if you're targeted for an up to 125,000 Platinum Card offer. Offers are subject to change at any time.

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here .

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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On This Page

• Key takeaways
• Delta Reserve vs. Amex Platinum Welcome bonus
• Delta Reserve vs. Amex Platinum Rewards
• Delta Reserve vs. Amex Platinum Travel perks
• Delta Reserve vs. Amex Platinum Other card benefits
• Delta Reserve vs. Amex Platinum Rates and fees
• Delta Reserve vs. Amex Platinum Eligibility

Should I get the Delta SkyMiles Reserve or Amex Platinum card?

Faq: delta reserve vs. amex platinum.

Delta Reserve vs. Amex Platinum: Platinum Comes Out Ahead

• When comparing The Platinum Card® from American Express vs. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card , the Platinum Card comes out on top, as it comes with more benefits than the Reserve.
• Both Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Amex Platinum give you access to Delta Sky Clubs, but they have different limits on the number of visits you can make during each program year.
• The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card has an annual fee of $650 ( see rates and fees ).
• If you get the Platinum Card® from American Express, you’ll pay an annual fee of $695 ( see rates and fees ).

When comparing the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to The Platinum Card® from American Express, it’s clear that the Amex Platinum offers more benefits. With extra bonus points on flights and hotels, plus credits for travel and entertainment, the Amex Platinum stands out as a versatile and rewarding choice. On the other hand, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve focuses on Delta purchases and may be better for you if you’re a loyal Delta customer.

Let’s explore the differences between these two American Express cards to help you choose the right one for your needs.

When comparing the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card vs. The Platinum Card® from American Express , the Platinum card is the clear winner . 

It card gives you extra bonus points on eligible flights and prepaid hotels, plus credits designed to defray the cost of travel and entertainment. In contrast, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve only gives you 3 miles per dollar spent on Delta-operated flights.

Here’s a quick overview of how these American Express cards compare. We’ll explore each of these categories in more detail below.

Delta Reserve vs. Amex Platinum: An overview

Why should I get the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card?

You should get the Amex Delta Reserve card if you’re a loyal Delta customer who wants to earn 3 miles per dollar spent on all Delta purchases. This airline card also comes with a free annual companion certificate, making it one of the best travel credit cards on the market. If you use the companion pass to purchase a first-class ticket, you can easily earn more in benefits than you spend on the annual fee.

Why should I get The Platinum Card® from American Express?

You should get the Amex Platinum card if you’re not loyal to a specific airline. Instead of earning 3 miles per dollar on Delta flights, you’ll earn 5 Membership Rewards Points® on all eligible flights booked directly with airlines or via American Express Travel.

Additionally, the Amex Platinum card gives you 5X points on all eligible prepaid hotels, plus statement credits for airline fees, digital entertainment and Walmart+.

Delta Reserve vs. Amex Platinum: Welcome bonus

Each card comes with a generous welcome bonus, but which one is better depends on how much you plan to spend.

If you’re interested in the Delta SkyMiles Reserve, American Express is offering a welcome bonus of 60,000 miles if you spend $5,000 within your first six months of membership.

The Amex Platinum has a welcome offer of 80,000 bonus points if you spend $8,000 within six months of opening your account.

Delta Reserve vs. Amex Platinum: Rewards

When we compared the Delta Reserve card vs. Amex Platinum, we discovered that the Amex Platinum card is better for earning and redeeming awards because it comes with fewer restrictions.

Which is better for earning rewards?

Amex Platinum is the clear winner when it comes to earning rewards. 

Instead of earning miles, you earn Membership Rewards Points at the following rates:

• 5 points per dollar spent on all eligible flights booked directly with airlines or via American Express Travel
• 5 points per dollar spent on all eligible prepaid hotels booked via American Express Travel
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other categories

With the Delta Reserve, you only earn 3 miles per dollar spent on eligible Delta purchases. Otherwise, you earn 1 mile per dollar spent on all other categories.

Which is better for redeeming rewards?

The Amex Platinum is also better for redeeming rewards, as you earn points instead of miles. 

You can redeem these points in the following ways:

• Transfer them to airline or hotel loyalty partners.
• Use them to cover your eligible charges.
• Purchase gift cards.
• Deposit them into your checking account.
• Make reservations with American Express Travel.
• Pay with points at checkout (participating merchants only).

Once you earn miles with the Delta SkyMiles Reserve, you have several redemption options:

• Book a trip through Delta Vacations.
• Book Award Travel.
• Use them to purchase seat upgrades, buy premium drinks in the Delta Sky Club or cover certain Delta fees.
• Purchase a Delta Sky Club membership (only available to Medallion members).
• Book hotels and vacation rentals through Delta Stays.
• Place bids on SkyMiles Experiences.
• Purchase magazine subscriptions.
• Transfer them to someone else.
• Donate the miles to your favorite charity.

The SkyMiles Reserve gives you more redemption options, but most of them are specific to Delta purchases. Therefore, the Amex Platinum gives you more flexibility .

Delta Reserve vs. Amex Platinum: Travel perks

This category has no clear winner, as both cards come with generous travel perks. The right card for you depends on your travel habits.

Airport lounge access

Delta Reserve cardholders get complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a same day Delta flight. Starting February 1, 2025 , access will be limited to 15 days of Sky Club usage per program year (February 1 to January 31). However, you can earn unlimited access if you spend $75,000 per calendar year on your Delta SkyMiles Reserve card.

If you get the Amex Platinum, you’ll receive 10 days of usage per year as a standard benefit, but you can earn unlimited access by spending at least $75,000 per calendar year. To access the Sky Club, you must be traveling on a same-day flight operated by Delta.

Amex Platinum members also have access to Escape Lounges and lounges in the American Express Global Collection®, while Delta Reserve members have access to Escape Lounges and Centurion® Lounges.

In this category, both cards are evenly matched. If you prefer to book with Delta, the Reserve has a slight edge since it gives you five additional days of complimentary Sky Club access each year.

Travel insurance

Both cards come with comprehensive American Express travel insurance benefits. For example, American Express offers coverage for trip cancellations , trip interruptions, lost/damaged baggage and trip delays.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/​benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

TSA PreCheck/Global Entry

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Amex Platinum cards both come with a statement credit for TSA Pre-Check or Global Entry . The TSA PreCheck is worth $85 and the Global Entry credit is for $100. You can use the Global Entry credit every four years or the TSA PreCheck credit every four and a half years.

In-flight benefits

The Delta Reserve entitles you to 20% back on eligible in-flight purchases, such as snacks, beverages and prepurchased meals. You get this benefit in the form of a statement credit. 

With the Amex Platinum, you have the opportunity to earn up to $200 in statement credits per year for incidental airline fees charged to your card. To use this benefit, you must choose a qualifying airline ahead of time.

For this category, the Delta Reserve is better if you always book your flights with Delta. The Amex Platinum is better if you’d rather use another airline.

Annual companion pass

When comparing the Delta SkyMiles Reserve vs. Amex Platinum, the Reserve card comes with a significant benefit that the Amex Platinum doesn’t have: the annual companion pass. Every time your card renews, you’ll receive a companion certificate, which entitles you to one free flight for a travel companion.

The companion certificate is only good for certain fare codes, but you can use it to book a seat in Main Cabin, Comfort+® or First Class. Note that you must choose a destination in the United States, Central America or the Caribbean.

Priority boarding

If you get the Delta Reserve, you’ll be able to board with the Main Cabin 1 group on all Delta-operated flights. The Amex Platinum doesn’t give you access to priority boarding, so the Reserve is the clear winner here.

Checked bags

As a Delta Reserve member, you can check your first bag for free if you book a Delta flight with your eligible card. You don’t get free checked bags with the Amex Platinum.

Hotel credit

In addition to giving you 5 points per dollar spent on eligible hotel stays, the Amex Platinum comes with an annual hotel credit worth up to $200 per calendar year. To earn the credit, simply book a prepaid hotel stay with The Hotel Collection® or Fine Hotels and Resorts®. You must book through American Express travel and use your Platinum Card to cover the charge. (Note: The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay)

Delta Reserve vs. Amex Platinum: Other card benefits

When comparing the Amex Platinum vs. Delta Reserve, we also looked at non-travel card benefits. Based on our research, the Amex Platinum is one of the best credit cards on the market, as it gives you multiple ways to earn bonus points and statement credits.

Here’s what you get with each card:

Ridesharing credits:

The Amex Platinum entitles you to $15 per month in Uber Cash. plus a bonus $20 in December (up to $200 per year). If you get the Delta Reserve, you’ll have the opportunity to earn up to $10 in statement credits each month ($120 per year) for Curb, Revel, Alto, Lyft and Uber rides.

Amex Offers:

Both cards give you access to Amex Offers, which give you statement credits and other bonuses when you add offers to your account and redeem them before they expire.

Purchase Protection:

The Delta Reserve and Amex Platinum protect eligible purchases for 90 days from the original purchase date. This benefit reimburses you up to $10,000 per occurrence ($50,000 per calendar year) for lost, stolen or accidentally damaged items.

Warranty protection:

Both cards also come with warranty protection. This benefit gives you an extra year of warranty coverage on eligible items. Note that you can only use this benefit on items that have an original manufacturer’s warranty of no more than five years. You must use your Delta Reserve or Amex Platinum to pay for the purchase.

Digital entertainment:

If you get the Amex Platinum, you have the opportunity to earn up to $20 per month ($240 per year) in statement credits on Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, SiriusXM and The New York Times purchases (Enrollment required). The Delta Reserve card doesn’t have a digital entertainment benefit.

Walmart+ credit:

If you use your Amex Platinum to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership, you’ll earn a monthly statement credit to cover the cost. This benefit is worth approximately $155 per year. The Delta Reserve card doesn’t have a Walmart+ benefit.

Equinox credit:

If you use your Amex Platinum to pay for an Equinox club membership or an Equinox+ subscription, you’ll earn up to $300 per year in statement credit (Enrollment required). The Delta Reserve doesn’t come with an Equinox benefit.

Delta Reserve vs. Amex Platinum: Rates and fees

Since they’re both American Express cards , the Delta Reserve and Amex Platinum have comparable rates and fees. Once the annual fee for the Delta Reserve increases on May 1, 2024, the Amex Platinum will only cost $45 more per year. 

Both cards have the same cash advance fees, cash advance APR and foreign transaction fees ($0). The Amex Platinum has a slight edge in terms of authorized user fees, and it also has a slightly lower cap on regular APR.

Delta Reserve vs. Amex Platinum: Eligibility

Both cards are reserved for consumers with good to excellent credit scores . Therefore, one isn’t any harder to get than the other, provided you meet the minimum income and credit requirements.

The Delta Reserve is a good fit for consumers who fly Delta regularly and want to maximize their Delta-related benefits.

The Amex Platinum is a better fit for people who aren’t loyal to Delta and would rather focus on earning points and statement credits based on their typical spending habits. If you get the Amex Platinum, you can easily earn back the fee by using the full Equinox, Walmart+, Uber and digital entertainment credits each year.

Featured offers

Delta skymiles reserve american express card®, the platinum card® from american express, is the delta skymiles reserve card better than platinum.

It depends on your needs. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve is the better choice if you want to maximize your Delta travel benefits. If you use multiple airlines, the Amex Platinum is probably a better fit. Although it has a higher annual fee, the Platinum Card gives you 5X points on all eligible flights and prepaid hotel stays.

When should I use Amex Platinum over Delta Reserve?

You should use the Amex Platinum instead of the Delta Reserve if you don’t spend enough on Delta purchases to justify the annual fee for the Reserve card.

Does Amex Platinum give you Delta lounge access?

Yes, Amex Platinum members qualify for unlimited Sky Club Access through January 31, 2025. Starting on February 1, 2025, you’ll receive 10 visits per year as a standard benefit. You can earn unlimited access if you spend $75,000 or more on your Amex Platinum each calendar year.

Is Delta Reserve or Amex Platinum harder to get?

The Delta Reserve and Amex Platinum are for consumers with good to excellent credit scores, so your chances of approval are about the same for both.

Leigh Morgan is a seasoned personal finance contributor with over 15 years of experience writing on a diverse range of professional legal and financial topics. She specializes in subjects like navigating the complexities of insurance, savings, zero-based budgeting and emergency fund development.

In the last five years, she’s authored over 300 articles for credit unions, digital banks, and financial professionals. Morgan is also the author of “77 Tips for Preventing Elder Financial Abuse,” a book focused on helping caregivers protect the elderly from financial scams.

In addition to her writing skills, she brings real-world financial acumen thanks to her previous experience managing rental properties as part of a $34 million real estate portfolio.

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The Guide to AmEx Platinum Card Car Rental Insurance

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Table of Contents

What does the The Platinum Card® from American Express car rental insurance cover?

American express platinum rental car coverage, are there any exclusions, how to file a claim for rental car damage, the platinum card® from american express rental car insurance benefit recapped.

Many travelers purchase rental car insurance to protect against damage or theft when renting a car. However, buying coverage can add up with the average rental car insurance cost at $20 to $30 per day.

So, does The Platinum Card® from American Express cover rental car insurance? In short: Yes, in certain situations, and provided you pay for your rental with the card.

If you pay for your rental with the The Platinum Card® from American Express , you can save money through its car rental insurance protections. Terms apply.

What does rental car insurance through The Platinum Card® from American Express cover? Who is covered? Are there any exclusions? Let's learn more about this coverage, its exclusions and how to file a claim.

When you pay for your entire rental with The Platinum Card® from American Express and decline the collision damage waiver, your rental car is covered if it is damaged or stolen. The built-in car rental insurance on The Platinum Card® from American Express covers up to $75,000 per rental agreement when there is damage or theft of a rental car. This protection is secondary coverage to your personal car insurance policy.

Additionally, suppose you decline the personal accident insurance and personal effects coverage. In that case, you and your passengers are covered for accidental death or dismemberment, accidental injury, and theft of or damage to your personal property.

Coverage amounts vary. For example:

Accidental injury coverage limits are $5,000 per person.

Payouts for accidental death and dismemberment are limited to $200,000 per card member and $20,000 per passenger or authorized driver.

Personal property losses are limited to $1,000 per claimant and $2,000 total per accident.

There is a cap of $300,000 per car rental accident.

Terms apply.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Paying for your rental car with The Platinum Card® from American Express means that the primary cardholder, any authorized users, their spouse or domestic partner, and authorized drivers are all covered for rental vehicle damage or theft through The Platinum Card® from American Express car rental insurance. Passengers in a covered rental vehicle are also covered for accidental death or dismemberment, accidental injury, and personal property damage or theft.

You'll receive coverage when paying for your car rental with The Platinum Card® from American Express , Membership Rewards points, or Pay with Points. This means you're covered, even if you redeem points to pay for your rental car.

» Learn more: The guide to AmEx Platinum rental car benefits

Yes, there are several exclusions to the car rental insurance included with The Platinum Card® from American Express .

Damage to other property

This benefit covers the rental car if it is damaged or stolen. However, it does not cover damage to other vehicles and property. Additionally, this protection does not cover injuries to people outside your car. To protect against those claims, you'll need to purchase additional insurance from the rental car company. Or, you can rely on your personal car insurance policy.

Certain behaviors

These rental car protections do not cover intentional damage to the vehicle if you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol or if the vehicle was unlocked when it was stolen. The AmEx rental car insurance also does not cover wear and tear or damage to tires.

The accidental death or dismemberment and accidental injury coverages do not cover:

Pre-existing conditions.

Team sports or racing.

The voluntary ingestion of a substance.

Self-inflicted injury.

Several vehicle types

This protection is for the personal use of a rental vehicle. It does not cover:

Commercial trucks.

Limousines.

Off-road vehicles.

Moving trucks.

Rideshare vehicles or vehicle sharing.

Specific regions

AmEx Platinum car rental insurance does not cover vehicles rented in Australia, Italy, New Zealand or any countries sanctioned by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. Terms apply.

If you've experienced a loss and need to file a claim, here's how to do it.

Start your claim. You can start the claims process by calling customer service at 800-338-1670 or visiting americanexpress.com/protectionbenefits .

Be timely. To receive coverage benefits, you must submit a Notice of Claim within 30 days of the loss or as soon as reasonably possible.

Complete and return claim forms (if necessary). After submitting your Notice of Claim, you may receive claim forms. These must be completed and submitted within 15 days of your Notice of Claim. If claim forms are not received, you can submit a letter that describes the incident and what your claim is for.

Submit proof of loss. Submit documentation that verifies your loss within 60 days. Examples of documents include an itemized repair bill, the rental agreement or a police report.

After providing satisfactory proof of loss, your claim will be reviewed. If your AmEx Platinum car rental insurance claim were approved, it would be paid within 30 days.

Having rental car coverage protects you in case something bad happens to the vehicle, its passengers, or their personal items. Instead of paying a daily rate to the rental car company, use your credit card benefits to save money. Paying with The Platinum Card® from American Express provides AmEx Platinum car rental insurance. It protects the vehicle against damage or theft and passengers in case of an accident. Terms apply.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

On a similar note...

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Earn 175K Points With New Amex Platinum Card Bonus [Current Public Offer is 80k]

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Option 1: Check On Amex Directly  (Try This First)

Option 2. targeted email offers, benefits of the amex platinum card, 1. klm business class from toronto to london in october, 2. 3 nights at the oceana santa monica hotel, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Welcome bonuses are the best way to earn mass amounts of points in a short amount of time. The key to it is to have upcoming purchases you were planning on anyway, so you aren’t forcing yourself to spend money. Or, in my case, I do my best to recruit friends and family to use my card for me.

In any case, The Platinum Card ® from American Express is currently offering one of its best new welcome bonuses for new cardholders.

• The current public offer is:  Earn 80,000 points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first 6 months.

Here’s the scoop on how you can score an elevated 175,000-point welcome bonus offer, where to find it, and how you can potentially redeem this hoard of points.

Targeted offers are discussed in the article below. Please note that these offers are not available to all applicants. Any information related to targeted offers has been collected independently and has not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Amex Platinum Card Welcome Bonus Offer

One of the tricks of the points and miles game is to find offers that may not be directly served to you on the card issuer’s homepage. Sometimes you can find offers that may be slightly higher than others.

However, our writers have seen targeted offers for a solid 175,000-point welcome offer. And the card also comes with an annual fee of $695 ( rates & fees ).

At our valuation , that is a $3,850 value for travel in the first couple of months of holding the card. This doesn’t even take into account the laundry list of benefits the card offers.

First and foremost,  you should   try applying directly on American Express’ website  to find the best possible offers on the Amex Platinum card. By checking directly with American Express first, you may be targeted for a generous welcome offer inviting you to apply.

Another way you can find elevated welcome offers is via targeted emails or mailers. If you want to receive these targeted offers, opt-in to receive  New Card and Credit Offers  in your Amex account’s  General Marketing Email Preferences .

There’s no telling when this offer may go away, so if you’re in the market for a high end card , you may want to jump on this welcome bonus.

The Amex Platinum Card is in a class of its own. It offers a significant amount of benefits for someone looking to have a luxurious touch to their travel experience. But if you can take advantage of enough of the perks (some require prior enrollment), you can potentially make up for the hard expense.

• 5x points for flights booked directly with airlines or  AmexTravel.com  (up to $500,000 per calendar year) and on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com.
• Access to 1,400+ lounges Worldwide :  Receive access to Centurion Lounges ( U.S.  and  international locations ),  Priority Pass  upon enrollment,  Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner ,  Plaza Premium Lounges , select  Virgin Clubhouses , select  Lufthansa Lounges  when flying with Lufthansa Group the same day, and  Delta Sky Clubs  when flying with Delta the same day.
• Hotel and rental car elite status and benefits  upon enrollment
• $189 CLEAR Plus Credit :  Use your card and get up to $189 back per year on your CLEAR Plus membership (subject to auto-renewal).
• Up to $300 Equinox Credit:  Upon enrollment, get up to $300 back each year on eligible Equinox memberships when you pay with your card.
• Up to $240 Digital Entertainment Credit :  Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your card on one or more of the following: Disney+,  The Disney Bundle , ESPN+,  Hulu , The New York Times,  Peacock , and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• Up to $200 Hotel Credit:  Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid  Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection  bookings through  AmexTravel.com  when you pay with your card.  The Hotel Collection requires a minimum 2-night stay.
• Up to $155 Walmart+ Credit : Receive a $12.95 monthly credit toward a Walmart+ membership.
• Global Dining Access by Resy

Maximizing Your Membership Rewards Points

Membership Rewards points are extremely valuable as you can transfer them to a wide array of airline and hotel loyalty programs to book award travel. By transferring your Amex points , you can take advantage of booking your hotel or airfare directly with the airline and take advantage of any status you may have.

Here are 2 examples, among many, that you can redeem those points for valuable travel.

If your inner traveler is pulling you to Europe, you can hop over the pond to London from Toronto in style — KLM business class round-trip will run you 110,000 Flying Blue miles .

Once the points have transferred to your account, you can book the flight by visiting the KLM website. You will be prompted to enter your Flying Blue information. From there, you can redeem your points for the flight itinerary.

Yes, the flight comes with a $752 tax, but the cash price for this flight is over $3,000.

There’s nothing better than a few nights in the shadow of the Santa Monica Pier (my old stomping grounds as a kid). While 3 nights can seem like a less-than-exciting redemption for your Amex points, keep in mind the Oceana Santa Monica hotel can run upwards of $1,000 per night.

The good news is that the three nights will run you roughly 157,000 Amex points, and you will get 315,000 Hilton points as they transfer at a 1:2 ratio. To book this, simply transfer your Amex points directly to your Hilton Honors account.

The Amex Platinum card can be a staple for someone who wants a lifestyle card but doesn’t want to sacrifice the ability to earn valuable rewards.

Sound personal finance decisions should always come before splurging on luxurious travel. But if you can afford it, earn the welcome bonus without overspending, and take advantage of the majority of the benefits, it may be worth applying for.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here .

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About Brett Holzhauer

Brett is a personal finance and travel junkie. Based out of Fort Lauderdale, he’s had over 100 credit cards and earned millions of credit card rewards. He learned the tricks of the trade from his mom, and has taken many steps forward. He wasn’t exposed to much travel as a kid, but now has a goal of reaching 100 countries in his life. In 2019, he sold all of his possessions to become a digital nomad, and he says it was one of the best decisions he ever made. He plans to do it again at some point in his life.

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UP's Bonus Valuation

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$1,500 to $3,000 Amex Card Intro Offer

Get 150,000 membership points with the Business Platinum Card from American Express — great for travelers and foodies.

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This article only covers The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our  selection of products  is made independently of our relationship to advertisers. 

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express just launched the grandaddy of all intro offers. Earn 150,000 points if you spend $20,000 in the first three months, worth about $1,500 to $3,000 when redeemed.

Assessing the average value of American Express Membership Rewards® is tricky because there are many ways to redeem them.  American Express  values each point between 0.6 cents to a penny. Bankrate and The Points Guy value each point at up to two cents, assuming cardholders employ the best redemption strategies. This article assumes each point is worth between one and two cents. So, we estimate that 150,000 points are worth between $1,500 and $3,000.

The intro offer requirement of $20,000 spent in the first three months is steep. Before you apply, make sure your business will easily spend this amount on purchases that can be made on a credit card. 

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Business Platinum Card Overview

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

At nearly $700, the card's annual fee has climbed to a level that may seem out of reach for the typical business card user. But the card packs a laundry list of perks to overcome the fee. Points are redeemed for travel, not cash back, so this card is intended for the serious traveler.

With this card, businesses can earn five points per dollar on air travel and hotel bookings made through Amex's travel booking program, up to a value of $500,000 per year. Earn 1.5 points per dollar on each eligible purchase of specific business expenses. These include spending at software and cloud system providers, shipping and more, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year. That's a potential of an additional 30,000 points per year .

The card boasts a strong introductory offer of up to  150,000 points  if you spend $20,000 in the first three months, worth about $1,500 to $3,000 when redeemed.  Terms Apply.  See rates and fees .

• Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
• Rewards rates:
• Five Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights and prepaid hotels on the American Express Travel® portal (AmexTravel.com).
• Earn 1.5 points per dollar on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year. That's up to 30,000 total points per year.
• One point for each dollar you spend on all other eligible purchases.
• Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases: The card offers specific deals, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card®. Enrollment required.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to the Card.
• CLEAR benefit: $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card®.
• Lounge access . The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
• Annual fee : $695.
• Interest rates : Variable APYs are 19.49% (Prime Rate + 10.99%) to 28.49% (Prime Rate + 19.99%), based on your creditworthiness as determined at the time of account opening.  See Rates & Fees
• Terms Apply .

Platinum card FAQs

How may I redeem points?

You can redeem points on travel, trips, gift cards, or shop via the  amextravel.com  platform. But to get the best value, you should stick to travel or transit purchases and track the best  redemption rates  by category. If you redeem points at Amazon or other online retailers, for example, you will only get 0.7 cents per point, but buying a trip from a New York taxicab will get you the full one cent per point.

You may also  transfer points  to partner airlines or hotel chain rewards programs, typically for about one cent per point. The transfer partner airlines skew toward international carriers like AirFrance, but three domestic carriers participate, including Delta,  JetBlue  and Hawaiian Airlines.

What is the value of a point?

Assessing the average value of American Express Membership Rewards® is tricky because there are many ways to redeem them.  American Express  values each point between 0.6 cents to a penny. Bankrate and The Points Guy value each point at up to two cents, assuming cardholders employ the best redemption strategies. This article assumes each point is worth between one and two cents. So, we estimate that 150,000 points are worth between $1,500 and $3,000. The final value of the points will depend on how dedicated you are to getting the most value from your rewards credit cards .

What are the travel benefits?

This card offers excellent travel benefits. For example, a WalletHub study found that American Express cards provided some of the best  rental car insurance  benefits, second only to Chase cards. In addition to standard coverage, American Express offers  Premium Car Rental Protection for a small fee per rental period, not per day. Unlike many other plans, this benefit also extends to SUVs and luxury cars. 

Are American Express cards good?

Amex cardholders are generally happy with their cards. American Express won best card issuer in the 2023 Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards . Last year, J.D. Power ranked American Express as the top credit card issuer . 

How can I get discounts on a new car with my card?

If you are in the market for a new car, Amex cardholders can receive  deep discounts on Mercedes Benz cars   — up to $12,000 off MSRP. Under this promotion, Platinum cardholders may also charge up to $2,000 when buying a new car, racking up more points.

What to consider before getting a business credit card

Before you apply for a business credit card, here are some potential things to keep in mind to determine whether it's the right move:

• Your credit score:  Most of the top business credit cards require  good or excellent credit , which means a  FICO credit score  of 670 or higher. If your score is lower than that, your options may be limited.
• Potential costs:  Business credit cards often charge high interest rates, and some also assess an annual fee. You can avoid interest by paying your balance in full each month, but if you think you'll be carrying a balance, consider how potential interest charges could impact your bottom line. If you're thinking about getting a card with an annual fee, make sure you can get enough value from the rewards program and perks to make up for it.
• Whether you can take on another financial account:  Managing multiple financial accounts can be challenging. If you already have multiple personal and business accounts to keep track of, adding another one could make things more complicated. In some cases, it can make sense to stick with what you already have, as long as you have enough accounts to keep personal and business expenses separate.
• Your reasons for wanting one:  Business credit cards can help with everyday cash flow, but if you're looking to finance growth in your business beyond the initial stages, you may want to consider a  small business loan  instead. Also, don't think that using a business credit card will shield you from responsibility if your company goes under — business card issuers typically require a personal guarantee when you apply, so you'll still be personally liable for the debt.
• Security:  Make sure you can keep the account secure, particularly from potential business partners and employees.

Related Content

• $2,775 Capital One Business Card Intro Offer
• Earn $1,225 with IHG One Rewards Premier Business Card Bonus
• Credit Cards That Cover Rental Car Insurance
• Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards

As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.  

Ellen writes and edits personal finance stories, especially on credit cards and related products. She also covers the nexus between sustainability and personal finance. She was a manager and sustainability analyst at Calvert Investments for 15 years, focusing on climate change and consumer staples. She served on the sustainability councils of several Fortune 500 companies and led corporate engagements. Before joining Calvert, Ellen was a program officer for Winrock International, managing loans to alternative energy projects in Latin America. She earned a master’s from the U.C. Berkeley in international relations and Latin America. 

Studies show how distracting car touchscreens can be, yet many automakers still use them, perhaps because they’re cheaper to upgrade than physical components.

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Platinum Travel Insurance*

Comprehensive worldwide travel insurance for you, your immediate family, and your Supplementary Cardmembers and their immediate family, from the moment you book with your Card.

Please download the full insurance coverage documentation  here.

If you cancel a trip

Cancelling, postponing or abandoning your trip provides cover for up to £7,500 cover for unused travel, accommodation, excursion and leisure activities that have been paid for, or pre-booked, on the Card Account which are not refundable or a fee is charged to change them.

Key exclusions and limitations

* Pre-existing medical conditions other than those on the accepted conditions list which is available by visiting our Insurance Benefit Centre

* Cancellation due to business reasons

* Abandonment after the first leg of a trip

* £50 excess applies

* Circumstances known before booking a trip

* Disinclination to travel

If you cut short a trip

Cutting short your trip provides up to £7,500 cover for costs to return home (and to resume original trip) and unused travel and accommodation costs where a trip has been purchased on the Card Account.

*  Pre-existing medical conditions other than those on the accepted conditions list which is available by visiting our  Insurance Benefit Centre

*  No refund for unused tickets where an insurer has paid for alternative travel arrangements to the same destination

* Cutting short a trip due to lack of enjoyment or adverse weather conditions

If you experience a delay on your journey

- Up to £300 for missed departure due to accident or breakdown, travel delay, overbooking, or missed connection

- Up to £300 for baggage delayed by airline·

- Additionally, up to £300 for extended baggage delay by airline

*Claims where travel tickets were not purchased on the Card Account

*Purchases which are not on the Card Account

* Costs where a transport provider has offered an alternative

* Baggage delay on the final leg of a trip

* Purchases made after baggage has been returned

* Costs which are recoverable from any other source

* Delays of less than four hours

If you are renting a vehicle

Car Rental Benefits – Theft, Damage and Liability

- Up to £50,000 for theft or damage to vehicle (including any applicable excess)

- Up to £500,000 (Up to US$1 million in USA) for damage to another person or their property

* Commercial vehicles, motor homes, caravans and trailers

* Cover applies only when rental agency allows refusal of their insurance

* An insured person must be named on the rental agreement

If your travel documents, money or belongings are lost or stolen

Up to £2,000 cover for personal belongings, money and travel documents which are lost, stolen or damaged when your trip has been purchased on the Card Account.

You will not be covered in respect of the following:

• Deductions are made for wear and tear 
• Money or travel documents which are not kept on insured’s person or in a safe
• Loss, theft or damage that has not been reported to local police, transport or accommodation provider
• £50 excess applies
• £500 limit for money and travel documents
• £500 limit for a single item, pair or set of items
• Limit of £50 money cover for children under the age of 16 where no excess will apply

If you become ill or have an accident while travelling

Provides up to £2,000,000 cover for necessary medical, surgical and hospital costs during a trip, all necessary repatriation and evacuation costs, or £2,500 for local funeral, and £1,000 emergency dental treatment.

* Claims arising directly or indirectly from any pre-existing medical conditions other than those on the accepted conditions list which is available by visiting our  Insurance Benefit Centre

* Medical assistance and expenses benefits if aged 70 years or over at any time during the trip 1

* Medical treatment in the country of residence

* Sports or activities that may be considered dangerous

* All costs must be approved in advance by the Insurer. If the unexpected happens on your travels and you need medical assistance, we should be your first point of contact. Simply ring the number on the back of your Platinum Card and we will ensure you get the treatment you need by a doctor who speaks your language

* In order to receive certain insurance benefits, you need to purchase the trip on your Platinum Card in full

1 If you are concerned about cover ending at age 70 and how it affects you, your family or Supplementary Cardmembers, please call us on 0800 917 8054

If you suffer serious injury on your trip

Up to £50,000 for death or permanent disablement on a trip caused by an accident (increases to up to £250,000 when travelling on a public vehicle)

* Terrorist activities except on a public vehicle

* Participating in or training for professional sports

* Work-related accidents

* The benefit amount for death is reduced to £10,000 for children under the age of 16

If you need Legal Assistance

- Up to £25,000 legal defence costs and legal costs in pursuit of compensation

- Up to £1,000,000 for legal liability for injuring another person, or damaging their property or possessions

* Legal costs in pursuit of compensation where the Insurer feels there is no reasonable chance of winning a case or receiving compensation

* Claims made against the insured Person by family members or an employee of the insured Person

* Liability which is covered by another insurance

* Legal costs incurred when using a motorised vehicle owned or possessed by the insured Person (liability benefits may apply where the vehicle is rented)

* If legal proceedings are successful and costs are awarded in favour of the insured Person, any legal costs and expenses are to be reimbursed from costs awarded

* Subject to enrolment

To learn more visit https://www.americanexpress.com/uk/customer-service/faq.enrol-insurance-benefits.html

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Descriptions of Platinum Card® insurance coverages are provided on this website for informational purposes only. The Terms and Conditions provide complete coverage information and supersede all other sources. Please note, by clicking the link below, you will be redirected to a third party website.