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American Express Gold vs. Platinum: Which one is right for you?

Editor's note : This post has been updated with the latest information.

There can be a pretty dramatic jump between entry-level and premium rewards credit cards.

Many of the best travel rewards credit cards return outsize welcome offers, bonus categories and luxury perks. But of course, that all comes at a cost in terms of higher annual fees. On the other hand, there are plenty of rewards cards with sub-$100 annual fees that still allow you to access the world of travel rewards without a burdensome financial commitment.

But, in the best way possible, the American Express® Gold Card sits right in the middle of that spectrum with plenty of valuable perks as well as strong earning rates.

If you're looking for that perfect in-between sweet spot for your wallet, we will compare the mid-tier Amex Gold to the more upscale The Platinum Card® from American Express . This comparison will hopefully help you determine which card is best for you.

Amex Gold vs. Platinum comparison

*Enrollment is required for these benefits.

Amex Gold vs. Platinum welcome offer

The Amex Platinum and Amex Gold are two of the best American Express cards . Luckily, both cards currently have large welcome offers to eligible new cardmembers. So, let's take a closer look at the current offers on both cards.

The Amex Gold currently offers 60,000 points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership. According to TPG valuations , this offer is worth $1,200.

The Amex Platinum currently offers 80,000 points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership. According to TPG valuations , this offer is worth $1,600.

Amex has targeted some readers for an even higher offer through the Amex website and CardMatch tool (note that these offers are subject to change at any time). Given Amex's once-in-a-lifetime policy for welcome offers, it's worth checking before you apply to ensure you have the best deal available.

Winner: Amex Platinum. Its welcome offer has more value.

Related: Your Amex Gold checklist: Here are four things to do when you first get the card

Amex Gold vs. Platinum benefits

The Amex Platinum and Amex Gold are two of the best rewards cards . So, both cards offer valuable perks and credits. However, Amex designed the benefits and credits on each card for different types of consumers. So, let's take a closer look at the perks offered by each card.

Amex Platinum benefits

To justify its $695 annual fee (see rates and fees ), the Amex Platinum comes with a ton of perks. There are too many benefits to list them all, but we'll go through some of the highlights.

First, the card offers over $1,600 in annual statement credits, including:

• Up to $200 airline incidental credits : This isn't valid for the purchase of airfare, but you can use this credit for incidental charges like seat selection, bag fees and lounge access.*
• Up to $200 in annual Uber cash (for U.S. services): This is distributed as up to $15 in Uber Cash a month with a $20 bonus in December when you add your card to your Uber account. It's valid for Uber rides as well as Uber Eats orders in the U.S.*
• Up to $100 annual Saks Fifth Avenue credit : This is split up as up to $50 in statement credits for purchases made between January and June, and another up to $50 for purchases made between July and December.*
• Up to a $200 annual hotel credit : This credit is valid on prepaid Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings (of two nights or more) with Amex Travel when you pay with your Amex Platinum.*
• Up to $189 annual Clear Plus credit : This statement credit will cover your annual membership .*
• Up to $240 annual digital entertainment credit : You'll receive up to $20 in monthly statement credits when you pay for eligible purchases with the Amex Platinum at select partners — including The New York Times and Peacock.*
• Up to $300 annual Equinox credit : This grants cardmembers up to $300 in statement credits on select Equinox or Equinox+ app memberships (subject to auto-renewal).*
• Up to a $155 statement credit for Walmart+ : This covers the monthly cost of a Walmart+ membership when paying with the Amex Platinum (subject to auto-renewal). Plus Up Benefits are excluded.*

*Enrollment is required for select benefits, and terms apply.

I don't put much weight into several of these credits, but even if you maximized just a few, you could easily recoup a lot of the card's annual fee.

Many other Amex Platinum perks also provide significant value that can't be pegged to specific dollar amounts. For example, you'll get extensive airport lounge access with the Amex Platinum . Specifically, you'll enjoy Priority Pass Select membership , access to Amex's ever-growing collection of Centurion Lounges and access to Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta (limited to 10 annual visits from Feb. 1, 2025).

In short, the Amex Platinum is one of the best cards for airport lounge access .

Amex Platinum cardmembers can also register for Gold Elite status with both Marriott and Hilton , enlist the help of premium concierge services and enjoy a host of other lesser-known Amex Platinum benefits .

Although you will have to pay the $695 annual fee (see rates and fees ) upfront at the beginning of your account year, all these perks make it easy to see how the Platinum Card can be worth its annual fee .

Enrollment required for select benefits.

Related: How to maximize benefits with the Amex Platinum Card

Amex Gold benefits

The Amex Gold is one of the best-looking cards on the market, especially if you get the rose gold metal version . Granted, it has a much shorter list of benefits than the Amex Platinum. That said, the Amex Gold's perks still add a ton of value to the card.

First off, cardmembers can enjoy up to $240 in annual statement credits, including:

• Up to $120 in annual Uber Cash : You'll receive up to $10 in Uber Cash each month once you add your card to your Uber app, valid on Uber rides and Uber Eats orders in the U.S. Enrollment is required.
• Up to $120 in annual dining credits : You'll receive up to $10 a month in statement credits when you make purchases with the Amex Gold at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment is required.

If you can max out these benefits, this will leave you with an out-of-pocket cost of just $10 a year after considering the card's $250 annual fee (see rates and fees ). That's not even counting the value to be had from my four other lesser-known perks of the Amex Gold .

Winner: Amex Platinum. The Platinum card has a much more extensive list of benefits, with arguably the most important being lounge access. But, you have to pay a much higher annual fee to unlock those benefits. Although I give the Amex Platinum the edge for its Global Lounge Collection , it's very much a personal decision. After all, the Amex Gold might offer you better and more relevant benefits at a much lower cost.

Related: Is the Amex Platinum worth the annual fee?

Earning points with the Amex Gold vs. Platinum

The Amex Platinum and Amex Gold both earn American Express Membership Rewards points . But let's take a closer look at each card's bonus categories.

Describing the standard bonus categories on the Amex Platinum is a short and simple task — not necessarily in a good way. Specifically, there are only two bonus categories to speak of:

• 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or via American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar)
• 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel

You'll then earn only 1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases.

The 5 points per dollar is a substantial benefit, equating to a 10% return based on TPG's valuations . However, the lack of other bonus categories and limitations means that the Amex Platinum doesn't stack up well on the earnings front, especially compared to other premium cards .

Remember, too, that booking hotels through a third-party site (like Amex Travel) means you likely won't be eligible to earn points and utilize the perks of elite status. This makes the above earning rate much less attractive for hotels participating in a major loyalty program like Hilton Honors or Marriott Bonvoy — though it can work well for prepaid reservations through Fine Hotels + Resorts.

Related: Who should (and who shouldn't) get the American Express Platinum?

Meanwhile, bonus-earning categories are where the Amex Gold Card excels. Specifically, it accrues:

• 4 points per dollar on dining at worldwide restaurants
• 4 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar)
• 3 points per dollar on airfare purchased directly from the airline or through American Express Travel
• 1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases

Earning 4 points per dollar at restaurants, which amounts to an 8% return, makes the Amex Gold one of the best cards for dining at restaurants.

The Amex Gold is also one of the best cards for groceries at U.S. supermarkets. Even with the $25,000 calendar year cap, that still requires over $2,000 per month in spending to hit it — though the U.S. restriction isn't ideal. That said, the strong earning rates across numerous categories are still worth getting excited about for most of us.

Winner: Amex Gold. Although the Amex Platinum's bonus categories earn points at a higher rate, the Gold card has three strong bonus options on more everyday spending categories over the somewhat restrictive categories of the Platinum.

Related: Who should (and who shouldn't) get the Amex Gold card?

Redeeming points with the Amex Gold vs. Platinum

There aren't any noteworthy redemption differences between the two cards. Both cards earn the same transferable Membership Rewards points . These points can be redeemed for travel on Amex Travel or for cash back or gift cards at a lower value, which we don't recommend .

Additionally, you can transfer Amex points to transfer partners, where you can really receive incredible value.

Winner: Tie. Both cards offer the same redemption options.

Related: Here are 7 of our favorite ways to use Amex Membership Rewards points

Transferring points with the Amex Gold vs. Platinum

Both cards earn Membership Rewards points that can be transferred to 21 airline and hotel loyalty programs . When used in this manner, points are worth 2 cents each, according to TPG's latest valuations.

Transferring points to airline partners such as Air Canada Aeroplan or Air France-KLM Flying Blue can help you get an exceptional return on your points — especially if you can do so with a limited-time transfer bonus.

TPG credit cards writer Chris Nelson likes to transfer his Amex points to Avianca LifeMiles, for outsized value when flying on Star Alliance partners from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to European destinations.

Winner: Tie. Both cards offer the exact same list of transfer partners and ratios.

Should I get the Amex Gold or Amex Platinum?

If you spend more on dining and groceries, you should opt for the Amex Gold; however, if you fly frequently and want lounge access, you might want to opt for the Platinum card. Both cards have many benefits and credits to help lower the annual fees.

Bottom line

Both the Amex Platinum and Amex Gold are fantastic options for travelers. If you only want to pay up for one annual fee, consider whether you want higher bonus rates on a variety of purchases or valuable perks that add a splash of luxury to your upcoming travels.

If the first option sounds like you, then the Amex Gold is the right card for you . But, if the second scenario resonates with you, you'll likely want to choose the Amex Platinum.

In many cases, there could be room for both of these cards in your wallet as the Amex Gold and Amex Platinum complement each other very well in the Amex Trifecta .

To learn more, check out our full reviews of the Amex Platinum and Amex Gold .

Apply here: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Apply here: American Express® Gold Card

But don't forget to check the CardMatch tool first for an elevated welcome offer on both cards.

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

For rates and fees of the Amex Gold Card, please 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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The Guide to AmEx Platinum Rental Car Benefits

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AmEx car rental insurance coverage

Amex discounts on premium car rental protection, amex platinum car rental elite status, how rental car benefits on the the platinum card® from american express compare to other credit cards, car rental benefits on the platinum card® from american express.

The Platinum Card® from American Express offers benefits far beyond just access to fancy airport lounges and hotel room upgrades. That includes the The Platinum Card® from American Express rental car benefits, which can save you hundreds of dollars by allowing you to potentially avoid buying a separate car rental insurance policy.

Sure, Centurion Lounge access ranks among the marquee benefits on the card famous for its $ 695 annual fee, but the less-glamorous benefits are sometimes overlooked. And it's often those benefits that end up saving you the most money in the long run. Here are some of the rental car perks that holders of The Platinum Card® from American Express receive:

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Should you pay extra for car rental insurance at the counter, or purchase it from a third-party travel insurance provider? When you hold The Platinum Card® from American Express , you don't have to decide between purchasing the rental car's insurance policy or going unprotected.

When you pay for your rental with The Platinum Card® from American Express , you receive car rental loss and damage insurance, covering rental car theft or damage up to $75,000. Terms apply.

To get this secondary coverage at no additional cost, you only need to meet two requirements:

Use The Platinum Card® from American Express to reserve and pay for the entire cost of the rental.

Decline the collision damage waiver at the rental company counter.

Additionally, your personal property — such as luggage and electronics — is covered up to $1,000 per person (up to a maximum of $2,000) against loss or damage during your car rental.

If you incur medical expenses due to an accident in your rental car, AmEx will cover up to $5,000 in medical expenses per person for you and your passengers. Additionally, cardmembers and their passengers are eligible for accidental death or dismemberment benefits.

Limitations to car rental insurance on The Platinum Card® from American Express

As good as the AmEx rental car protection is, it doesn't cover every car rental or every situations, including:

AmEx insurance doesn't work in some countries: Rentals in certain countries, including (but not limited to) Australia, Italy and New Zealand, are not eligible for coverage.

Certain vehicles aren't covered: AmEx's car rental loss and damage insurance doesn't cover the following types of vehicle rentals:

Full-sized or cargo vans.

Commercial minivans.

Customized vehicles.

Antique cars.

Limousines.

Off-road vehicles.

AmEx's insurance benefit doesn't include liability coverage: While your card covers damage to the rental car, it doesn't cover liability for damage you cause to other vehicles or people.

If you already own a car, then check your car insurance policy, as it might have liability coverage that extends to rental cars. If not, you might need a separate policy for liability coverage.

It's secondary, not primary coverage : The Platinum Card® from American Express provides secondary coverage. That means you'll need to file with your insurance company first before you file with American Express. Terms apply.

Primary rental car insurance acts as your main source of rental car coverage, which can pay for repairs or a replacement, typically up to policy limits. Coverage can come from your personal car insurance policy extending to rentals, a policy purchased directly from the rental car company, a policy purchased from a third-party company or through your credit card. Secondary rental car insurance only kicks in after your primary coverage has been exhausted.

It's fairly common for credit cards with car rental insurance benefits to only extend to secondary coverage, save for a few exceptions, including the Chase Sapphire Reserve® . Since Chase Sapphire Reserve® car rental insurance is primary coverage, not secondary, you don’t have to report the incident to your personal auto insurance company.

If you want primary rental car insurance coverage, you can purchase it separately from American Express. This paid product covers car rentals of up to 42 consecutive days and specifically includes luxury cars and other premium vehicles — all for a reasonable rate of less than $25 per rental. That's generally much cheaper than purchasing coverage through the rental car company.

Exact prices depend on your coverage selections and state of residency. To get up to $100,000 in theft and damage coverage, Florida residents would pay $15.25 per rental, California residents are charged $17.95 and residents of all other states pay $24.95 per rental.

In addition to covering your rental car, AmEx premium car rental protection provides:

Up to $100,000 of accidental death or dismemberment coverage ($250,000 for California residents).

Up to $15,000 for secondary medical expenses per person.

Up to $5,000 for secondary personal property coverage ($15,000 for Florida residents).

However, as with the complimentary American Express Platinum car rental insurance, liability coverage isn't provided as part of this coverage.

Terms apply.

Cardholders of The Platinum Card® from American Express receive elite status with three rental car companies: Avis Preferred Plus, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards and National Emerald Club.

Exact elite status benefits vary across programs, but generally entail rental car upgrades, accelerated credits toward free rentals and the ability to skip the rental car check-in counter when picking up your car.

Alas, car rental elite status isn't automatically granted. You'll annoyingly have to enroll with each car rental company by creating a loyalty account and linking your card.

» Learn more: How to avoid long lines at rental car counters

Avis Preferred Plus

Cardmembers who enroll get Avis Preferred Plus status (which typically requires 12 rentals or spending $5,000 in a calendar year). This entails complimentary upgrades and bonus points each time you rent from Avis.

You'll also get access to a Avis Preferred Plus reservations and a customer service phone number. Plus, rental car deals are available when you use Avis Worldwide Discount discount code A756900. Terms apply.

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards President's Circle

The Platinum Card® from American Express card members can enroll for President's Circle status in the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program. This status lets you add an extra driver for no additional cost, bypass the counter and earn 1.5 points for every dollar spent, as well as receive guaranteed upgrades with all bookings.

Enrollment required. Terms apply.

National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive

Holders of The Platinum Card® from American Express can also enroll to get Executive tier status in National's Emerald Club program. With Executive tier status, you'll get to choose your preferred car from the Executive Selection area and get a guaranteed upgrade when renting at least a mid-size car.

Plus, as an Emerald Club Executive, you'll earn a complimentary rental day after earning just six rental credits instead of the typical seven rental credits. Terms apply.

» Learn more: How to get car rental elite status through airline or hotel status

The rental car benefits on the The Platinum Card® from American Express are solid, but they're not necessarily the best.

For excellent rental car insurance on a credit card, consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve® . Not only does it have a lower annual fee of $ 550 (versus The Platinum Card® from American Express annual fee of $ 695 ), but its coverage is primary rather than secondary . Terms apply.

Both of those cards also offer elite status at Avis and National. Though, the The Platinum Card® from American Express also throws in elite status at Hertz.

Here's a deeper dive into the car rental benefits on some premium travel credit cards:

on Chase's website

on American Express' website

$0 intro for the first year, then $95 .

• Primary rental car coverage with reimbursement up to the cash value of most rental vehicles.

• Booking a car rental through Chase Ultimate Rewards® earns 5 points per dollar spent.

• Redeeming points to book travel through Chase — including renting cars — gives you 25% more value per point.

• Primary rental car coverage that reimburses up to the cash value of most rental cars.

• Other day-of-travel benefits for United flyers include a free checked bag, priority boarding and lounge passes.

• Elite status with Avis, Hertz and National, which entitles the member to upgrades and discounts.

• Secondary rental car coverage.

• Other benefits include expansive airport lounge access and hundreds of dollars' worth of travel credits.

• Terms apply.

• Primary rental car coverage with reimbursement up to $75,000.

• Booking a car rental through Chase Ultimate Rewards® earns 10 points per dollar spent.

• Redeeming points to book travel through Chase — including renting cars — gives you 50% more value per point.

• Cardholders eligible for special benefits from Avis, National and Silvercar.

Just for being a cardmember of The Platinum Card® from American Express , you receive well-rounded benefits whenever you rent a car — from elite status with three rental car companies to complimentary rental car protection coverage.

Note that many of these benefits require enrollment. So, take a few minutes now to enroll for elite status with Avis, Hertz and National. Then, pay for your car rentals with The Platinum Card® from American Express to get coverage.

If you often rent cars, consider applying for a premium travel credit card that offers car rental benefits such as the The Platinum Card® from American Express . The car rental coverage isn't the best we've seen across all credit cards (that honor goes to the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , but it's still pretty good.

Despite the hefty annual fees that these types of cards command, they can often pay for themselves among frequent travelers based off of the travel insurance benefits alone.

Insurance Benefit: Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance

Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply.

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. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

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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• Platinum Delta Skymiles Credit Card American Express

28 Benefits of the Amex Delta Platinum Card

Christine Krzyszton

Senior Finance Contributor

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Table of Contents

Earning delta skymiles, delta travel benefits, redeeming your miles, a faster path to delta medallion elite status, travel protections and benefits, shopping protections and benefits, final thoughts.

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If you fly Delta Air Lines with some frequency, you’re probably aware of the various Delta-branded credit cards available. American Express issues this range of cards and has done an exceptional job of marketing it to Delta flyers

Amex has also made sure the collection includes a card match for any type of Delta traveler, from the infrequent flyer to the Delta loyalist.

Today, we’re looking at the Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum American Express Card . While not as packed full of benefits as the Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve American Express Card, it does offer great value for the frequent Delta traveler with a lower annual fee of $350 ( rates and fees ).

Let’s uncover the earning potential of the card, your redemption options, Delta-associated benefits, reaching elite status faster, and the card’s travel/shopping benefits and protections.

There are a lot of ways to earn Delta SkyMiles , especially when you take advantage of the bonus categories available on its co-branded cards — here’s how:

1. A Generous Welcome Bonus Offer

Welcome bonus offers vary depending on when you apply for a Delta-branded card . However, you can expect to receive tens of thousands of Delta SkyMiles for meeting minimum spending requirements on your Delta Platinum card. Here is the Delta Platinum card’s current welcome bonus: Earn 85,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

See how you might be eligible for an 80,000- or even 100,000-point welcome bonus offer for the Delta Platinum card — it only takes about 60 seconds to check online.

2. Earn More on Delta Purchases

Use your card for Delta purchases made directly with Delta and receive 3 miles for every dollar you spend .

3. Elevated Earning at Hotels

When you fly, you may need a hotel room at your destination. Fortunately, you earn 3 miles for every dollar you spend directly with hotels worldwide . Prepaid hotel nights and nights booked with third parties do not qualify.

4. Earn More on Dining and Supermarket Purchases

Use your card to pay when dining at restaurants worldwide and on takeout and delivery in the U.S. and earn 2 miles for every dollar spent . Back at home, you not only earn at restaurants, you also earn 2 miles per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets .

5. Earn on Every Purchase You Make

You earn at least 1 mile per dollar on every eligible purchase you make with the card.

6. No Limit on Earning Miles

There is no set limit on how many miles you can earn each year by spending on your card.

7. Earn for Referring a Friend

Log in to your Delta Platinum card account and refer a friend to receive 10,000 to 20,000 SkyMiles once your friend is approved for a Delta-branded credit card.

8. Additional Users

There’s no additional charge to add an authorized user to your card ( rates and fees ). Their purchases earn SkyMiles, which are deposited into your SkyMiles account .

Get elevated earnings of 3 miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases and direct hotel purchases worldwide. Your purchases at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. supermarkets, and on takeout and delivery in the U.S. also receive elevated earnings of 2 miles per dollar spent. Every purchase you make earns at least 1 mile per dollar spent, and there is no limit on how many miles you can earn. 

9. Priority Boarding

Cardmembers and up to 8 traveling companions on the same reservation get Zone 5 priority boarding . The reservation must be paid for with the Delta Platinum card.

10. Free Checked Bag

Pay for your Delta flight with your eligible card and receive a free checked bag for you and up to 8 traveling companions on the same reservation.

11. Delta SkyMiles Companion Certificate

Each year on your card anniversary, you receive a Main Cabin companion certificate . Purchase your round-trip domestic flight ticket and get a c ompanion certificate on Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American round-trip flights to select destinations for just the cost of taxes and fees.

Taxes and fees don’t exceed $80 for round-trip domestic flights and don’t exceed $250 for round-trip international flights (both for itineraries with up to 4 flight segments).

12. Inflight Discounts

Use your card for inflight purchases and receive a 20% statement credit . Examples of eligible purchases include headsets, prepurchased meals, inflight food, and alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverages.

13. Up to $150 Delta Stays Discount

Delta Stays is Delta’s travel portal, where you can book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com. Delta Platinum cardmembers can get up to a $150 annual credit on bookings made via Delta Stays.

14. Up to $120 Ride-Share Credit

You can enroll in a benefit where you earn up to $10 back in monthly credits for using select ride-share platforms. Currently, this benefit applies to Uber, Lyft, Curb, Revel, and Alto.

15. Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit

Use your Delta Platinum card to pay for your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee and receive a statement credit of up to $100 every 4 years for Global Entry or $85 every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck .

Once you earn more miles on the Delta Platinum card, you’ll have a lot more SkyMiles to redeem .

While Delta Air Lines redemptions aren’t exclusive to the Delta Platinum card, these examples illustrate the multitude of ways to redeem miles earned on the card.

16. Pay With Miles

Delta Platinum cardmembers can pay for certain Delta flights using miles. You receive $50 off the price of the ticket for every 5,000 miles redeemed.

Redeem Miles for Delta Award Flights

While Delta does not publish an award chart, you can still find good value using your Delta SkyMiles for award flights. Flights normally start at 10,000 miles, but Delta runs flash sales where flights can be even less.

However, you typically pay much more for international award flights, especially in premium classes.

Redeem Miles for Flights With SkyTeam Alliance Partner Airlines

Not only can you redeem your SkyMiles for Delta flights, but you can also purchase award tickets on several Delta partner airlines and SkyTeam Alliance member airlines .

For tips on getting the best value for your SkyMiles with Delta and partner airlines, we’ve put together this list of redemption possibilities . 

Redeem for Seat Upgrades and Ticket Fees

Use your SkyMiles to upgrade your seat during the booking process or on an existing reservation. You can also use your miles to pay fees for same-day confirmed flights, redeposits of award miles, or changes.

Learn more about upgrading to business or first class with Delta .

Redeem for Delta Sky Club Membership and Premium Drinks

If you fly frequently on Delta, the Sky Club just may be your home away from home. Did you know you can pay for your Sky Club membership using Delta SkyMiles ?

To purchase an annual Executive Sky Club membership that allows unlimited complimentary access for you and up to 2 guests, you need to spend 149,500 miles. Individual memberships cost 69,500 miles.

You can enjoy a glass of Dom Pérignon Champagne at the Sky Club for 2,600 SkyMiles (or $39), while the whole bottle would set you back 13,000 SkyMiles (or $195). You can also use miles to purchase other premium drinks.

Additional SkyMiles Redemption Options

Though the value you receive may not be as strong as when you redeem for flights or Sky Club drinks, there are several additional redemption options for your SkyMiles, including Delta Vacations and Delta Experiences.

You can also use your miles to purchase gift cards, magazines, or make a charitable donation.

There are several ways to redeem your SkyMiles, including award flights on Delta and partner airlines, upgraded seating, change fees, Sky Club membership, Sky Club premium drinks, charity donations, gift cards, and Delta Vacations and Delta Experiences. 

To earn elite status with Delta Air Lines, you must meet the minimum Medallion Qualification Dollar, or MQD, requirement within a calendar year.

You no longer need to track Medallion Qualifying Segments (MQSs) or Medallion Qualifying Miles (MQMs) for Delta elite status. Starting in 2024, the only metric used to determine Delta status is Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs).

Spending on your Delta Platinum card can help you earn extra MQDs to help expedite your path to Delta elite status.

17. Get an MQD Headstart

You r eceive $2,500 MQDs each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to status with MQD Headstart. Plus, you also earn 1 MQD for each $20 of purchases made on your Delta Platinum card in a calendar year so you get a boost toward achieving elevated Medallion Status for the next Medallion Year.

18. Trip Delay Insurance

If your flight is delayed 12 hours or more, you could receive up to $300 for reimbursement of eligible expenses .

19. Baggage Insurance Plan

Receive up to $1,250 per person, per trip, for carry-on baggage that is lost, stolen, or damaged. Checked luggage has a benefit limit of $500 per person on a trip. Coverage is secondary to any other coverage that might apply, including coverage with the airline.

Tickets on the common carrier must be paid for with your eligible card.

20. Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance

Reserve and pay for your rental car with your card, decline the rental agency’s CDW or LDW coverage, and receive coverage of up to $50,000 if the car is damaged or stolen. Coverage is secondary to any other car insurance that would otherwise cover the loss.

21. Global Assist Hotline

Use the hotline 24/7 when you’re 100 miles or more away from home. Receive assistance with lost luggage, translation services, passport replacement, and more.

22. No Foreign Transaction Fees

Your Delta Platinum card can join you on your international travels, as there are no foreign transaction fees incurred when using your card ( rates and fees ).

23. Up to $120 Resy Credit

Delta Platinum cardholders can also enroll in a benefit to get up to $10 per month in statement credits on eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants. To take advantage of this benefit, you need to create a Resy account on Resy.com or on the Resy app.

24. Purchase Protection

Purchase an eligible item with your card and receive up to $1,000 in coverage if the item is damaged or stolen. Coverage is limited to 90 days from the date of purchase, and the benefit limit is $50,000 per year.

25. Extended Warranty

A manufacturer’s warranty of 3 years or less is extended for an additional year when an eligible item is purchased with your card.

26. The American Express Auto Purchasing Program

Use your card to charge at least $2,000 of your vehicle’s purchase price and receive up to $2,000 in post-purchase benefits. You also receive competitive (or even discounted) pricing on your purchase.

27. Amex Offers

The Delta Platinum card is issued by American Express, which offers statement credits and additional earning opportunities to its cardholders in the form of Amex Offers .

You can find these offers posted to your online card account. Simply add the offer to your card, make the eligible purchase, and receive a rebate or extra earnings.

You could save hundreds of dollars each year using Amex Offers. See our guide to the  best current Amex Offers , covering travel, dining, entertainment, and shopping offers.

28. Cell Phone Protection

Delta Platinum cardholders receive up to $1,600 in cell phone protection (2 claims per year with up to $800 for each claim) against theft and damage, including cosmetic damage (like a cracked phone screen). Each claim has a $50 deductible, and your monthly phone bill should be paid with your Delta Platinum card to receive coverage.

If you fly frequently with Delta, having a Delta-branded credit card makes a lot of sense, especially if you don’t have elite status. The Delta Platinum card features elite-like perks, including free checked bags and priority boarding. All of these make the card worthy of your consideration if you’re a Delta flyer.

If you’re currently paying for Delta Sky Club membership, you should consider the Delta Reserve card , which includes complimentary lounge access  to the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight. You receive four Delta Sky Club one-time guest p asses each year. After that, you may bring up to 2 guests at a per-visit rate of $50 per person at each location.

Effective February 1, 2025, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club. To earn an unlimited number of visits each year starting then, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024, and each calendar year thereafter.

Although the Delta Reserve card has a higher annual fee than the Delta Platinum card, perks like Sky Club membership and a first class companion certificate make it a worthwhile choice if you can use those benefits.

If you’re a business owner and fly Delta, review the benefits of the Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve Business American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum Business American Express Card .

For the trip delay insurance benefit of the Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum American Express Card, up to $300 per covered trip that is delayed for more than 12 hours; and 2 claims per eligible card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For the baggage insurance plan benefit of the Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum American Express Card, baggage insurance plan coverage can be in effect for eligible persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen baggage during their travel on a common carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the entire fare for a common carrier vehicle ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an eligible account. Coverage can be provided for up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the common carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus). For New York State residents, there is a $10,000 aggregate maximum limit for all covered persons per covered trip. 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.

For the car rental loss and damage insurance benefit of the Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum American Express Card, car rental loss and damage insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the commercial car rental company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. geographic restrictions apply. 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. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

For the global assist hotline benefit of the Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum American Express Card, you can rely on Global Assist Hotline 24 hours a day / 7 days a week for medical, legal, financial or other select emergency coordination and assistance services while traveling more than 100 miles away from your home. Third-party service costs may be your responsibility. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

For the purchase protection benefit of the Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum American Express Card, when an American Express ® card member charges a covered purchase with their eligible card, purchase protection can help protect their covered purchases for up to 90 days from the covered purchase date if it is stolen or accidentally damaged. The coverage is limited up to $1,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per card member account per calendar year. 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.

For the extended warranty benefit of the Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum American Express Card, when an American Express ® card member charges a covered purchase to an eligible card, extended warranty can provide up to one extra year added to the original manufacturer’s warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per card member account per calendar year. 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.

For the cell phone protection benefit of the Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum American Express Card, coverage for a stolen or damaged eligible cellular wireless telephone is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions and limits of liability of this benefit. The maximum liability is $800, per claim, per eligible card account. Each claim is subject to a $50 deductible. Coverage is limited to two (2) claims per eligible card account per 12 month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by Card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum American Express Card, click here . For rates and fees of Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve American Express Card, click here . For rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve Business American Express Card, click here . For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum Business American Express Card, click here .

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the delta platinum card worth it.

Yes, the Delta Platinum card is worth it if you fly Delta often and can utilize the benefits.

For example, you can save plenty by using the companion ticket certificate and having a free checked bag for you and your traveling companions each trip.

Being able to pay for your flights with miles, having priority boarding, and the ability to reach Delta elite status faster are all additional benefits that provide value to the Delta flyer.

Can I transfer Delta miles to other airlines?

While you cannot transfer your Delta SkyMiles to other airlines, you can book award flights on partner airlines and on other SkyTeam alliance airlines.

This effectively allows you to book flights to over 1,000 destinations using your Delta SkyMiles.

How many miles do I need for a Delta flight?

Normally it takes at least 10,000 SkyMiles to book a one-way award ticket, but most flights cost much more. Delta also runs flash sales with reduced ticket pricing.

How does Delta Pay with Miles work?

The Pay with Miles benefit that comes with your Delta Platinum card allows you to use a minimum of 5,000 SkyMiles toward the purchase of an eligible flight. You receive $50 off the price of the ticket for every 5,000 miles redeemed, and you can cover just a portion or the entire cost of the ticket.

Does the Delta Platinum card have lounge access?

The Delta Platinum card does not come with complimentary Delta Sky Club access. Before January 2024, cardholders could purchase access to Delta Sky Club at a rate of $50 per person per visit, but this benefit is no longer available.

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About Christine Krzyszton

Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.

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Key takeaways

• The Business Platinum Card from American Express offers a wide range of benefits, including a slew of travel benefits and purchase protection benefits.
• The card also offers different kinds of insurance and multiple business statement credits.
• These benefits can make the steep annual fee worth it, but there’s a lot of fine print you have to pay attention to if you’re going to take advantage of them.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is considered one of the top premium credit cards for small business owners and entrepreneurs. This is partly due to the fact that cardholders can earn American Express Membership Rewards points, which are incredibly valuable and versatile. However, the Amex Business Platinum also offers a range of important benefits that can help users save money on business-related purchases, and even on credit card interest for the first year.

If you’re considering this business credit card from Amex , you’ll want to make sure you can get plenty of value in exchange for its $695 annual fee. Fortunately, the card’s welcome offer, ongoing rewards, Amex Business Platinum travel benefits and statement credit offers more than make up for this fee — especially in the first year.

Amex Business Platinum benefits highlights

Before we explain how Amex Business Platinum benefits work, here’s a rundown of this card’s current offer, including details on its welcome bonus, ongoing rewards rate, introductory APR and more:

• Welcome offer  — 150,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $20,000 on eligible purchases within three months of account opening.
• Rewards  — 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com, 2X points on prepaid rental cars booked through AmexTravel.com, 1.5X points per dollar spent (on up to $2,000,000 per calendar year) on purchases of $5,000 or more on select category purchases, 1X points on all other purchases

Amex Membership Rewards points are incredibly flexible, so you can use them in more than one way. For example, you can redeem Amex points for gift cards or merchandise, or you can use them to pay for purchases as you shop. You can also redeem your rewards for travel directly through the Amex travel portal , and you can transfer them to Amex travel partners, including Air France / Flying Blue, Delta SkyMiles, the Hilton Honors program, Marriott Bonvoy and more.

It’s also important to note that points earned in the American Express Membership Rewards program can be worth up to 2 cents each when transferred to travel partners and used for premium redemptions.

With the 35 percent Airline Bonus points feature offered by the Amex Business Platinum, you can get 42,000 points back when you use your points to pay for airfare through amextravel.com. That would be a value of up to $840.

Travel perks and statement credits

The Amex Business Platinum offers a ton of benefits for cardholders who travel often for business or for leisure.

Global Lounge Collection access

$200 credit for airline incidentals, $189 clear® plus credit, 35% airline bonus, fee credit for global entry or tsa precheck membership, amex business platinum hotel benefits, amex business platinum car rental benefits, travel insurance benefits.

Business owners who choose the Business Platinum Card from American Express also receive some complimentary travel insurance protections when they pay for travel on a common carrier with their business card.

Baggage insurance plan

Secondary auto rental coverage, trip delay insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, benefits for business.

In addition to all the Amex Business Platinum travel benefits you can qualify for, there are several business-related perks and statement credit offers available.

Up to $400 in Dell credits

Up to $360 in indeed credits, up to $150 in adobe creative solutions credits, up to $120 in wireless credits, security and protection benefits.

There are plenty of Amex Business Platinum additional card benefits to be aware of, including perks that help you save money when your most expensive purchases break down or become lost or stolen.

Cellphone insurance

Extended warranties, purchase protection, how to maximize the benefits offered by the amex business platinum.

When it comes to the Business Platinum Card from American Express, or really any American Express credit card , you’ll want to pay extremely close attention to the fine print. That’s because Amex tends to create quite a few hoops for members who want to use their perks. This doesn’t mean Amex Business Platinum benefits aren’t worth it; you just need to know the rules ahead of time so you can follow them.

As an example, the $200 airline incidental credit only applies to purchases made with an airline you select. Not only that, but you have to go out of your way to select an airline each year you have the card, and you can only change your selected airline once per year during the month of January.

You’ll also notice the 35 percent airline bonus only applies to either first and business class flights, or any fare with this same selected airline. This means other airline purchases won’t earn these bonus points unless you’re flying first or business class, so you could be stuck having to choose between a flight you really want and the one that will earn bonus points back.

Also, note all the business statement credit offers from companies like Dell, Indeed and Adobe Creative Solutions require enrollment ahead of time. If you forget to enroll before you make eligible purchases, you won’t get any money back.

The bottom line

Amex Business Platinum benefits can easily be worth thousands of dollars. After all, the card’s business statement credits alone are worth up to $1,030 if you use all of them, and Priority Pass Select membership has a retail value of $429. Add in the $200 airline incidental credit, the $189 CLEAR credit and the up to $100 toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck you receive, and you’re already at $1,938 in value before you even get to your rewards.

This is part of the reason the Amex Business Platinum is often well worth its annual fee . With plenty of statement credit offers and travel perks, plus rewards points that can be worth up to 2 cents each, among the top business credit cards , this one is hard to beat.

Why I love the Amex Business Platinum Card

Why small businesses should consider the Amex Business Platinum

10 things to do when you get the Amex Business Platinum Card

The Platinum Card from American Express vs. The Business Platinum Card from American Express

Is the American Express Business Platinum worth it?

American Express Business Platinum Credit Card Review

Guide to lounge access with the Amex Platinum and Business Platinum

Editors note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

Many of the best travel cards confer valuable benefits. For example, some cards provide hotel elite status while others offer travel statement credits .

But The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express offer perhaps the most comprehensive benefits of any premium travel rewards card .

Chief among these benefits is access to Amex Centurion Lounges . What many Amex Platinum cardmembers don't realize, however, is that Centurion Lounges are just one type of lounge they can visit through the broader American Express Global Lounge Collection.

Let's go through all the types of airport lounges that are part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection.

What lounges can I access with the Amex Platinum Card?

In addition to Centurion Lounges, both the Amex Platinum and Amex Business Platinum cards provide members with access to Delta Sky Club lounges (limited to 10 annual visits from Feb. 1, 2025) and Priority Pass Select lounges . Enrollment is required.

But that's just a portion of the lounges cardmembers can access — other lounges around the world include:

• Escape Lounges — The Centurion Studio Partner

Plaza Premium lounges

Lufthansa lounges.

• Other Global Lounge Collection partner lounges

Using the Global Lounge Collection website , you can find participating airport lounges during your travels. American Express states that you'll have access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries.

As an Amex Platinum cardmember — including authorized users with additional Platinum cards but not authorized users with companion Platinum cards — you'll get access to most eligible lounge networks by showing your Platinum card, government-issued identification and a valid boarding pass.

However, each lounge network has different access requirements and guest policies, so let's look at each.

Related: How to maximize benefits with the Amex Platinum Card

American Express Centurion Lounges

Centurion Lounges are the most exclusive lounges available to Platinum cardmembers. They offer a staffed bar, meals, ample nonalcoholic drinks, high-speed Wi-Fi and various seating options.

Some Centurion Lounges also provide complimentary amenities like family rooms and spa services.

Centurion Lounge locations

• Buenos Aires, Argentina (EZE)
• Charlotte (CLT)
• Dallas (DFW)
• Denver (DEN)
• Hong Kong (HKG)
• Houston (IAH)
• Las Vegas (LAS)
• London Heathrow (LHR)
• Los Angeles (LAX)
• Melbourne, Australia (MEL)
• Mexico City (MEX)
• Miami (MIA)
• Monterrey, Mexico (MTY)
• Mumbai, India (BOM)
• New Delhi (DEL)
• New York (JFK)
• New York (LGA)
• Philadelphia (PHL)
• Phoenix (PHX)
• San Francisco (SFO)
• Sao Paulo (GRU)
• Seattle (SEA)
• Stockholm (ARN)
• Sydney (SYD)

Amex is also planning to open Centurion Lounges at Ronald Reagan Washington International Airport (DCA), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).

TPG staffers love the JFK Centurion Lounge with its 1850 speak-easy bar .

Access policy for Centurion Lounges

Platinum cardmembers may only access the Centurion Lounge within three hours of their flight's scheduled departure. Access upon arrival isn't allowed unless you have a layover or connecting flight, in which case the three-hour rule doesn't apply. However, access policies may vary from country to country in international locations.

You'll need to provide a same-day, confirmed boarding pass, your Amex Platinum card and your government-issued identification to gain access.

Guest policy for Centurion Lounges

U.S. Platinum cardmembers must pay $50 per guest aged 18 or older and $30 per guest aged 2 through 17 (guests under 2 years of age are complimentary with proof of age).

However, U.S. Platinum cardmembers can qualify for complimentary guest access for up to two guests per visit after spending $75,000 in eligible purchases on their card within a calendar year.

Suppose you spend at least $75,000 on your Platinum card within a calendar year. In that case, you'll get complimentary guest access for up to two guests per visit for the remainder of the calendar year, the following calendar year and until Jan. 31 of the next calendar year. So, if you earned complimentary guest access in 2023, it would be valid through Jan. 31, 2025.

However, note that guest policies may vary from country to country in international locations.

Related: Don't get turned away at the door — top ways to still bring guests into the Amex Centurion Lounge

Access to other lounge networks

Centurion Lounges are great, but many airports don't have a Centurion Lounge. So, most of the lounges you can visit with an Amex Platinum Card or Amex Business Platinum Card are in other lounge networks. You can use the lounge search function on Amex's website to see the current operating hours and locations for lounges.

Delta Sky Club lounges

Amex Platinum cardmembers get access to Delta-operated Sky Club lounges when flying on a Delta-operated flight or a Delta-marketed flight operated by WestJet. To find eligible lounges, head to Delta's website and select "Platinum Card® Members From American Express" as your membership type.

To gain access, show your Platinum Card, government-issued identification and same-day boarding pass. You can only access Delta Sky Club lounges up to three hours before the scheduled departure of a same-day Delta-operated flight or during a connection between two Delta-operated flights on the same ticket.

Currently, you can get unlimited visits to Delta Sky Club lounges before eligible flights. However, beginning on Feb. 1, 2025, Delta will limit Amex Platinum cardmembers to just 10 Sky Club visits per program year (authorized users with additional Platinum cards get their own 10-visit allotment each program year).

The program year runs from Feb. 1 through Jan. 31 of the following year.

However, if you spend $75,000 or more on your Amex Platinum card during a calendar year, you can unlock unlimited Sky Club access through the end of the next program year.

It's also worth noting American Express cardmembers traveling on a Delta Basic Economy or an equivalent ticket with a partner airline no longer get access to Delta Sky Club lounges.

Amex Platinum cardmembers don't get any complimentary guests. However, they can purchase guest access for up to two traveling companions (or their spouse or domestic partner and children under 21) on a per-visit basis.

Priority Pass Select lounges

Platinum Card members are entitled to complimentary membership in Priority Pass Select . This membership provides access to more than 1,500 lounges worldwide but doesn't include Priority Pass restaurant lounges . The quality of each Priority Pass lounge varies, but there are some excellent Priority Pass lounges .

You must enroll in Priority Pass Select on Amex's website or by calling Platinum Travel Services to gain access. I recommend registering as soon as you get your Platinum Card .

Then, once your Priority Pass card arrives in the mail, hand it, your government-issued identification and your same-day boarding pass to the front desk attendant at Priority Pass lounges to gain access. Note that some lounges have limited hours for Priority Pass guests.

The Club is a staple lounge in the Priority Pass network with multiple locations around the US. The location in Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas is one of my favorites which offers on-demand dining and an extensive drink list. This lounge is oftentimes much less crowded than the Centurion Lounge at LAS.

You can bring up to two guests each visit if the lounge accepts guests. If you have more than two guests, the lounge will charge you $35 per guest.

Related: The 10 best Priority Pass lounges around the world

Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner

Escape Lounges in the U.S. rebranded as "Escape Lounge — The Centurion Studio Partner" in 2021. You can access U.S. Escape Lounges by showing your Platinum Card, government-issued identification and a confirmed same-day boarding pass. You may bring two guests with you for no additional cost, but any other guests must purchase a daypass.

The following U.S. airports have Escape Lounges you can access with your Amex Platinum card:

• Bradley International Airport (BDL)
• Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
• John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
• Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
• Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP)
• Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
• Oakland International Airport (OAK)
• Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) Terminal 3
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) Terminal 4
• Portland International Airport (PDX)*
• Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD)
• Reno–Tahoe International Airport (RNO)
• Sacramento International Airport (SMF) Terminal A
• Sacramento International Airport (SMF) Terminal B
• Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR)
• Tulsa International Airport (TUL)*

*PDX and TUL lounges coming soon

You can access a selection of Plaza Premium lounge locations worldwide with your Platinum Card (you can also access some Plaza Premium lounges through Priority Pass ).

To enter, you must show your Platinum Card, government-issued identification, and a confirmed same-day boarding pass. You may enter with up to two guests for no additional cost. Other guests can purchase a daypass, but the cost of a daypass will vary by location.

In a partnership that began in 2017 and was extended multiple times before finally becoming permanent in 2021 , Platinum cardmembers can use select Lufthansa lounges when flying Lufthansa Group airlines (Lufthansa, Swiss and Austrian Airlines). You may visit select Lufthansa Business Lounges regardless of your ticket class, but you can also visit participating Lufthansa Senator Lounges when flying business class on these airlines.

Not all Lufthansa lounges participate, so check Amex's lounge finder page . At participating locations, you must show your Platinum Card, a government-issued ID and a boarding pass for a same-day Lufthansa Group flight. No guests are included, but some locations may allow guests for a fee.

Additional Global Lounge Collection partner lounges

Platinum cardmembers also get access to other Global Lounge Collection partner lounges, as indicated by the lounge search function on Amex's website . To access participating lounges, you must show your Platinum Card, a government-issued ID and a same-day boarding pass for confirmed travel. However, guest access and guest fees will vary.

Related: Is the Amex Platinum worth the annual fee?

Bottom line

The Platinum Card from American Express and The Business Platinum Card from American Express provide access to more lounges than any other cards. It's why the Amex Platinum and Amex Business Platinum routinely sit at the top of The Points Guy's list of best cards for airport lounge access .

But it's not all about quantity. The quality of the lounges accessible with the Amex Platinum Card and Amex Business Platinum Card is also excellent. For example, I love the locally-influenced dishes served at Centurion Lounges and the relaxing spaces at Escape Lounges.

However, we're seeing lounge access limits as American Express and airlines look to reduce lounge crowding . American Express already removed complimentary guests from Centurion Lounges unless you spend a significant amount on your card each calendar year. And in early 2025, Amex Platinum cardmembers will only get up to 10 Delta Sky Club visits per program year unless they spend significantly on their card each calendar year.

Apply here: The Platinum Card from American Express with 80,000 bonus Membership Rewards points after spending $8,0000 within the first 6 months of card membership and The Business Platinum Card from American Express with 150,000 bonus Membership Rewards points after spending $20,000 within the first 3 months of card membership.