Everyone's fighting for your wallet — but this premium travel card stands above the rest

Our top picks of timely offers from our partners

More detailsLearn MoreTerms ApplyPaid PlacementBiz2CreditGet Prequalified up to $200,000 in business financing Learn MoreTerms ApplyPaid PlacementBig Think CapitalSmall Business financing that moves as fast as you doLearn MoreTerms ApplyMonarchOur top pick for being easy to use, Monarch's budgeting app is 50% off your first year of Core Plan with code CNBC50Learn MoreTerms ApplyBluevineBluevine offers fast funding options for your small businessLearn MoreTerms ApplySBG FundingFast and flexible financing options for your small businessSelect independently determines what we cover and recommend. We earn a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links. This commission may impact how and where certain products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Read more about Select onCNBC, and clickhereto read our full advertiser disclosure.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

It seems like every major rewards credit card is getting revamped these days. 

From the American Express® Gold Card’s upgraded earning rates and rental car status perks to the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) new rewards category and statement credits, the battle to match or one-up competing cards’ perks is cutthroat.

In fact, a September 2026 PYMNTS report found that 78 million U.S. adults, or 36% of credit card holders, changed their primary card at least once during the previous two years — and two-thirds of them (58 million) did so more than once. 

The reason? Consumers cite better ongoing rewards rates, higher available credit limits, sign-up bonuses and better travel benefits as drivers for the switch. 

A Citizens Bank survey also from September found that, among households earning $150,000 or more, over a third prioritize travel and lifestyle rewards from their credit cards. If you fall within this camp and are trying to decide on a premium credit card, there’s one standout option among all the big names and high annual fees. 

Here are four key reasons travelers have been turning to the American Express Platinum Card® for more than 40 years.

American Express Platinum Card®

CNBC Select Rating5.0Learn More

On the American Express site

CNBC Select Rating5.0Learn More

On the American Express site

Spotlight

You can't beat the Amex Platinum Card's airport lounge access, which includes Amex Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, Escape Lounges and more. (Enrollment required)

Credit scoreRegular APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Annual fee

$895

Welcome bonus

You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points

Seerates and fees, terms apply. Read our Amex Platinum Card review. The American Express Platinum Card® Welcome Offer: To view your personalized offer, you must first submit an application. If approved, you will: (1) receive your Welcome Offer details, (2) have the option to accept the Card with that offer, (3) be required to spend $12,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership, and (4) earn Membership Rewards® points. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. If you're approved and accept your offer, a credit check may be conducted, which could impact your credit score. Terms apply.

Our expert take

The American Express Platinum Card® is a premium card loaded with annual statement credits, entertainment benefits, extensive airport lounge access, elite status perks and more. (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)

Pros & cons

• Access to 1,550+ airport lounges, including Priority Pass™ lounges (enrollment required) and Amex Centurion lounges
• Statement credit offers worth up to twice what the annual fee costs
• Elite status perks for hotels and rental cars (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)

• High annual fee
• Many statement credit offers are complicated and are earned in increments or limited to specific purchases
• Not as rewarding for purchases as other lower-fee travel cards

More details

Highlights

Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.

• You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you're approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you're approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
• $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay. Effective January 1, 2027, Fine Hotels + Resorts® bookings will require a minimum two-night stay to be eligible for the $600 Hotel Credit. 
• With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 Delta Sky Club visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight, Priority Pass membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. *As of 08/2026.
• $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
• $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
• $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights™ by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. As a Platinum Card® Member you have special access to reservations on select nights at participating sought after Resy restaurants through Platinum Nights™ by Resy. Simply add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile to book your reservation.
• $219 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 60+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $219 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to The Platinum Card® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
• Whatever the occasion, choose from our two signature collections of premium hotels, curated to inspire and excite you when you book through Amex Travel™: Fine Hotels + Resorts® is a collection of over 1,900 luxury hotels that are destinations unto themselves and the Hotel Collection includes over 1,400 upscale hotels in desirable destinations.
• $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That's up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Get up to a $12.95* statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Platinum Card®. *Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.
• $895 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.
• See Rates & Fees

Balance transfer fee

N/A

Foreign transaction fee

None

4 reasons the Amex Platinum is the best premium travel card

• Airport lounges
• Hotel benefits
• Membership Rewards
• Annual credits
• Final thoughts

Airport lounges

Airport lounges have been increasing in popularity over the years. A 2026 airport experience study from Airport Dimensions found that 52% of travelers use airport lounges when traveling, an 11% increase year over year. The draw of a cozier seat and free food and drinks appeals to almost everyone, but not everyone can walk in. Some lounges you can pay to enter, but premium lounges may require the right credit card.

The American Express Platinum Card has the most extensive lounge access out of all credit cards, with more than *1,550 lounges available through the Global Lounge Collection. This includes access to its flagship Centurion Lounges, the recently introduced Sidecar lounges and, after enrolling, Priority Pass lounges. Thanks to Amex and Delta Air Lines’ partnership, cardholders also get 10 complimentary visits to Delta Sky Clubs when flying on an eligible Delta flight.

Amex offers the most extensive network of lounges, but that doesn’t mean it’s forsaking quality. Centurion Lounges ranked number one on J.D. Power’s 2025 U.S. Airport Lounge Satisfaction Study. Instead of overpaying for airport food from a chain restaurant, select Centurion Lounges feature elevated menus curated by award-winning chefs, for no additional charge. 

*As of 08/2026.

Hotel benefits

Traveling is generally pretty exhausting, but the Amex Platinum provides several ways to level up your hotel experiences. From late checkout to credits that can be used for room service, the card finds ways to make traveling less intense and more of an experience.

In October, American Express updated how the Platinum’s $600 lodging credit (previously referred to as a hotel credit) can be applied, expanding it to include eligible prepaid Airbnb Luxe stays. It’s now split into two $300 credits semiannually and can also be applied to Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection properties. Note that in 2027, the booking must be for at least two nights, a rule already in place for Airbnb Luxe bookings.

Staying at a Fine Hotels + Resorts property gives you access to complimentary upgrades, worth an average value of $550 per stay, according to Amex. This includes features like daily breakfast for two, room upgrades when available, a $100 credit toward eligible charges and more.

The Platinum also includes elevated hotel status for several brands, including Hilton Honors Gold status, Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status and Leaders Club Sterling status with The Leading Hotels of the World once you enroll. While the exact benefits vary, each status offers added value aimed at improving your stay.

Membership Rewards

When you spend with the Amex Platinum, you’ll earn Membership Rewards® points, which are among the most valuable credit card rewards currencies. One of the main reasons for this is the ability to transfer them to American Express travel partners, which we touch on further below. 

In addition to the 1X points you’ll earn on all purchases, you’ll earn:

• 5X points on eligible flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel on up to $500,000 in flight purchases per calendar year
• 5X points on prepaid hotels through Amex Travel
• 2X points on eligible travel booked through Amex Travel, including prepaid car rentals and cruises

Amex also recently added a 5X category for prepaid short-term rentals booked with Airbnb, but they have to be booked through Amex Travel or the Amex Travel App™.

Membership Rewards® points can be redeemed in multiple ways, including for flights, hotels and other travel via Amex Travel. Points can also be transferred to other hotel and airline partners, of which Amex has 20 — including popular programs like Delta SkyMiles and Hilton Honors.

If you’re interested in transfer partner travel, the Platinum Card is hard to beat. You may have to put more effort into flight bookings — like making airline loyalty accounts and shopping around different partner airlines to see which has the lowest prices — but the savings can be worth it.

Tip: If you apply now, you may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $12,000 on eligible purchases within your first six months. This can be a great way to earn a lump sum of points at once, as long as you can manage the spending requirement comfortably. (Apply to know if your approved. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer)

Annual credits

The Amex Platinum almost offers too many credits to count. On top of several travel-centric credits, the card also offers hundreds in lifestyle credits. From rideshare services to dining and streaming, you’ll be able to get value from the card even when not traveling.

In addition to the previously mentioned $600 lodging credit, the Platinum includes a $200 statement credit that covers certain incidental airline fees, like checked bags or in-flight drinks (enrollment required). One thing to note is that you have to specify a single airline; it won’t cover fees across multiple different carriers. 

The card also helps cut down on the time you spend waiting in airport lines. It comes with a $219 CLEAR+ credit, covering a CLEAR+ membership (excluding any taxes or fees; subject to auto-renewal) and up to $120 for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

As for lifestyle perks, you can get up to $155 in Walmart+ credits ($12.95 per month plus taxes) for an eligible monthly Walmart+ membership, which includes free delivery and up to $129 per year in video streaming savings with complimentary Paramount+ or Peacock. (Plus Ups are excluded. Subject to auto-renewal. Enrollment required.) 

Further, its $300 digital entertainment credit covers up to $25 a month in eligible purchases, including providers like ESPN or Hulu, but also news outlets like The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal (enrollment required). 

And if you manage to get out of the house to try a new dinner spot, you can use the card’s $100 quarterly Resy statement credits once you’ve enrolled in the program, totaling $400 per year.

Final thoughts

Chase, Capital One and other issuers offer strong competition to the American Express Platinum Card, but for someone looking for premium travel perks, the Platinum is the clear choice.

The lodging credit is one of the largest available from a premium card, and Amex’s Centurion Lounges are not only almost everywhere, but also well reviewed. Not to mention the Resy credit can be used at over 10,000 qualifying restaurants, and the entertainment credit applies to popular options like Disney+ and Peacock.

An $895 annual fee (see rates and fees) isn’t something to be overlooked. While you can recoup it even if you skip most of the travel perks, you’ll be missing out on some of the card’s strongest aspects.

The CNBC Select Recommends newsletter delivers practical money tips each week along with expert-picked financial product recommendations. Sign up here.

Why trust CNBC Select?

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every credit card article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.

Catch up on CNBC Select's in-depth coverage of credit cards, banking and money, and follow us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and X to stay up to date.