The Platinum Card from American Express often sparks debate due to its substantial annual fee, yet it consistently ranks high among travel enthusiasts. This is largely thanks to its impressive suite of benefits tailored for frequent travelers. For those loyal to United Airlines, the card presents particularly compelling advantages, including up to a $200 airline fee credit, up to a $199 Clear Plus credit, and a rewarding earning structure of 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) (see rates and fees). Enrollment is required for select benefits, making it crucial to understand the full spectrum of offerings.
Beyond specific United Airlines perks, the Amex Platinum distinguishes itself as a versatile travel card. Its broad spectrum of benefits and statement credits caters to a wide range of travel preferences, making it a potentially valuable addition to your wallet. If accumulating Amex Membership Rewards points is a priority, and airport lounge access, especially to the prestigious Centurion Lounges, aligns with your travel habits, the Amex Platinum card becomes an even stronger contender in the realm of premium travel cards.
According to Matt Moffitt, a senior credit cards editor, “Whilst this card has a high annual fee, it more than justifies itself for frequent travelers like me. The lounge access options that come with the Platinum are unrivaled by competitors. I put all of my flights — whether bought with cash or points — on this card to earn 5 points per dollar spent and trip protection insurance*. I make sure to take full advantage of the Uber, Saks Fifth Avenue, Hulu/Disney+ and Clear statement credits. And, honestly, pulling a Platinum card out of your wallet to pay for something does feel pretty fancy.” — Matt Moffitt, senior credit cards editor. Enrollment required for select benefits. 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.*
However, the travel card landscape offers alternatives. If Centurion Lounge access is not a frequent benefit for you, or if maximizing the Amex Platinum’s statement credits feels cumbersome, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® presents a compelling alternative. While it earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points instead of Amex Membership Rewards, it boasts a lower annual fee. The Sapphire Reserve also offers a readily usable $300 annual travel credit and earns a minimum of 3 points per dollar on all travel purchases. When considering “United Cards Compared,” evaluating your travel patterns and benefit preferences against the annual fees and reward structures of cards like Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve is essential to making an informed decision.
