Alright, let's talk about this AmEx Platinum refresh. Yeah, they bumped the annual fee from $695 to $895 in September 2025, but honestly? The benefits got a serious upgrade too. And that AS HIGH AS 175,000 Membership Rewards points welcome bonus? It's probably the best offer I've seen for this card, ever.
Let's Break Down This 175k Bonus#
Here's the deal: spend $8,000 in your first 6 months, and you'll get 175,000 Membership Rewards points. Now, I value MR points at about 1.6 cents each (being conservative here), which puts this bonus at roughly $2,800. Not bad for six months of normal spending, right?
Why AS HIGH AS 175k#
The AS HIGH AS language indicates this is a targeted offer. American Express shows different offers to different users based on:
- Credit profile and history
- Previous AmEx relationship
- Browsing behavior
- Geographic location
The Enhanced Benefits Package#
The September 2025 refresh brought substantial improvements to the benefits package:
Travel and Dining Credits#
- $600 FHR Hotel Credit: $300 per half-year for Fine Hotels and Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings
- $400 Resy Credit: $100 per quarter for dining at premium restaurants
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Annual reimbursement for airline incidental fees
Lifestyle and Entertainment#
- $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: $25 monthly for streaming services including YouTube Premium
- $300 Lululemon Credit: $75 per quarter for athletic wear
- $200 Uber Credit: $15 monthly ($35 in December)
- $120 Uber One Credit: Annual membership fee reimbursement
Premium Services#
- $209 Clear Credit: Annual membership for expedited airport security
- $200 Oura Ring Credit: Smart ring purchase reimbursement
- $100 Saks Credit: $50 per half-year for luxury shopping
Airport Lounge Access#
One of the Platinum Card's crown jewels is its extensive lounge network:
Priority Pass Select#
- Access to 1,400+ lounges worldwide
- Bring 2 guests for free
- Separate card issued for primary and authorized users
Centurion Lounges#
- AmEx's flagship lounges with premium amenities
- Guests pay $50 each (free with $75k annual spend)
- Locations in major US airports and international hubs
Airline Specific Access#
- Delta Sky Clubs: 6 visits per Medallion year (unlimited with $75k spend)
- Escape Lounges: Bring 2 guests free
- Plaza Premium Lounges: Bring 2 guests free
Elite Status Benefits#
The Platinum Card automatically grants you elite status with major hotel and car rental programs:
Hotel Elite Status#
- Marriott Bonvoy Gold: Room upgrades, late checkout, bonus points
- Hilton Gold: Room upgrades, free breakfast, bonus points
Car Rental Benefits#
- Elite status with Avis, Hertz, and National
- Complimentary upgrades and expedited service
Essential To Do List After Getting Your Card#
To maximize your benefits, complete these enrollment steps:
Immediate Actions#
- Enroll in airline fee credit and select your preferred airline
- Add card to Uber or UberEats for automatic credit application
- Enroll in Resy credit for dining benefits
- Enroll in digital entertainment credit for streaming services
Status Enrollments#
- Activate Priority Pass Select membership
- Enroll in Marriott Bonvoy Gold status
- Enroll in Hilton Gold status
- Activate car rental elite status with preferred companies
Additional Benefits#
- Apply for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck (up to $120 reimbursement)
- Enroll in Clear membership ($209 annual credit)
- Set up Walmart Plus membership (monthly fee reimbursement)
Membership Rewards Points Strategy#
Point Valuation#
MR points are valued at approximately 1.6 cents per point when transferred to airline partners. This makes the 175k bonus worth around $2,800.
Best Transfer Partners#
- All Nippon Airways (ANA): 1:1 transfer for Star Alliance flights
- British Airways: Great for short-haul flights
- Delta Air Lines: Domestic and international options
- Singapore Airlines: Premium cabin awards
- Air Canada Aeroplan: Flexible routing options
Alternative Redemption Options#
- AmEx Travel Portal: Fixed 1 cent per point value
- Schwab Platinum: 1.1 cents per point cash out (requires Schwab Platinum Card)
- Statement Credit: 0.6 cents per point (not recommended)
Maximizing Annual Benefits Value#
Let's break down the realistic value of annual benefits:
High Value Benefits#
- $600 FHR Credit: approximately $360 value (60% utilization)
- $400 Resy Credit: approximately $240 value (60% utilization)
- $300 Digital Entertainment: approximately $140 value (YouTube Premium usage)
- $200 Uber Credit: approximately $80 value (40% utilization due to monthly expiration)
Moderate Value Benefits#
- $300 Lululemon Credit: approximately $180 value (gift card strategy)
- $200 Airline Credit: approximately $170 value (85% with travel bank tricks)
- $120 Uber One: Full value if you use delivery services
Total Estimated Value#
Conservative estimate: Over $1,000 in annual benefit value, which significantly offsets the $895 annual fee.
Pro Tips for Maximum Value#
Calendar Year Benefits#
Many benefits reset on calendar year, not cardmember anniversary. Apply early in the year to potentially use benefits twice before the second annual fee.
Gift Card Strategies#
For credits like Lululemon and Saks, purchasing gift cards often triggers the credit and allows you to save for larger purchases.
Travel Bank Utilization#
For airline credits, consider using United TravelBank or similar programs to convert credits to flexible travel funds.
Authorized User Strategy#
Add authorized users strategically to maximize lounge access and benefits while managing the $195 annual fee per additional Platinum card.
When to Keep vs Cancel#
Keep the Card If#
- You travel frequently and use lounge access
- You can utilize most of the annual credits
- You value the elite status benefits
- You spend enough to justify the premium
Consider Canceling If#
- You rarely travel or use premium services
- You cannot efficiently use the credits
- The annual fee outweighs your benefit usage
- You have other premium cards that better fit your lifestyle
Protecting Your MR Points#
If you decide to cancel the Platinum Card, ensure you do not lose your MR points:
Keep Points Active With#
- AmEx Everyday Card: No annual fee MR card
- AmEx Blue Business Plus: No annual fee business card
- AmEx Checking Account: Banking product that maintains MR eligibility
Application Strategy#
Timing Considerations#
- Lifetime Limit: You can only receive the welcome bonus once per lifetime
- 90 Day Rule: Wait 90 days between different Platinum card applications
- Credit History: Minimum 6 months of credit history recommended
Approval Tips#
- AmEx is generally approval-friendly for the Platinum Card
- It is technically a charge card, requiring full balance payment monthly
- No preset spending limit provides flexibility
Conclusion#
The AmEx Platinum Card's 175k offer represents exceptional value for the right user. With over $1,700 in potential annual benefits and a welcome bonus worth $2,800, it can provide significant value despite the $895 annual fee.
The key to success is understanding which benefits align with your lifestyle and spending patterns. If you are a frequent traveler who values premium experiences and can efficiently use the various credits, this card can more than pay for itself.
Remember to complete all enrollment steps immediately after approval and develop a strategy for maximizing each benefit category. With proper planning, the AmEx Platinum Card can be a cornerstone of a valuable rewards strategy.
Disclaimer: Credit card offers and benefits can change. Always verify current terms and conditions directly with American Express before applying.