The Ultimate Travel Power Move: Why the Amex Platinum Card Is Worth It—And Why You Might Want Both Personal and Business Versions

When it comes to luxury travel and elevated experiences, few credit cards carry more weight—literally and figuratively—than the American Express Platinum Card. It’s more than just a high-limit piece of metal in your wallet; it’s a passport to exclusive lounges, elite hotel upgrades, personalized service, and statement-worthy perks.

But here’s what the average cardholder may not realize: having both the personal and business versions of the Amex Platinum can be a power move that unlocks even more value.

Whether you’re a luxury traveler, lifestyle curator, entrepreneur, or all of the above, this is your guide to maximizing the benefits of one of the most prestigious cards on the market.

The Core Value of the Amex Platinum Card

The American Express Platinum Card is designed with the premium traveler in mind. With a hefty annual fee of $695 (as of 2025), it’s not for the casual cardholder—but for those who maximize its offerings, the value far exceeds the cost.

Here’s a snapshot of the major perks that make the Platinum Card stand out:

1. Unmatched Airport Lounge Access

If you travel even a few times a year, access to premium lounges can dramatically improve your experience. The Amex Platinum includes entry to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, which features:

• The Centurion Lounge – With gourmet dining, curated cocktails, spa treatments (at some locations), and a refined design, Centurion Lounges are often ranked among the best in the world. Popular favorites include Las Vegas (LAS), Dallas (DFW), Miami (MIA), and San Francisco (SFO).
  
• Delta Sky Club – When flying Delta, Platinum Cardholders can enjoy access to the Sky Club on the same day of travel.
  
• Priority Pass Select Membership – Over 1,300 lounges worldwide, spanning every continent.
  
• Plaza Premium Lounges, Escape Lounges, and more – Expanding your options for comfort no matter the airline.
  

According to Upgraded Points, Centurion Lounges continue to lead in quality and design, making lounge access one of the top reasons cardholders stay loyal.

2. Luxury Hotel & Travel Benefits

The Platinum Card opens doors to some of the most sought-after hotels and travel perks through programs like:

• Fine Hotels + Resorts® – Get guaranteed 12 p.m. check-in, room upgrades, daily breakfast for two, 4 p.m. late checkout, and an experience credit valued at ~$100.
  
• The Hotel Collection – With a minimum 2-night stay, receive a room upgrade and up to $100 hotel credit.
  
• 5x Membership Rewards® Points on flights booked directly with airlines or through AmexTravel.com.
  
• No foreign transaction fees – Travel abroad with confidence.
  

Combined, these perks not only elevate your trips but often pay for the card itself after just a few hotel stays.

Everyday (and Every Month) Benefits

Beyond travel, the Platinum Card brings a curated lifestyle to your fingertips. These credits and benefits, if used strategically, quickly offset the annual fee:

• $200 Airline Fee Credit – Cover baggage fees, seat selection, and in-flight purchases on your selected airline.
  
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit – Enroll to receive up to $20 per month for services like Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, and Peacock.
  
• $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit – Speed through airport security with a complimentary CLEAR membership.
  
• $200 Uber Cash – Useable across U.S. Uber rides and Uber Eats (up to $15/month + a $20 bonus in December).
  
• $300 Equinox Credit – Apply to Equinox+ digital fitness membership or in-club access.
  
• $100 Saks Fifth Avenue Credit – Split into $50 every six months, perfect for luxury gifts or fashion finds.
  

See all official perks on the Amex Platinum benefits page.

Membership Rewards: High-Earning Potential

Every purchase earns Membership Rewards® Points, a flexible currency that can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, luxury goods, gift cards, or transferred to travel partners like Delta, British Airways, and Marriott Bonvoy.

Key earning categories:

• 5x Points on flights booked directly or via Amex Travel
  
• 5x Points on prepaid hotels through Amex Travel
  
• 1x Points on other purchases
  

While not a "cashback" card, the Membership Rewards ecosystem is ideal for those who optimize travel redemptions, particularly for international business and first-class tickets.

Why the Business Platinum Card Deserves a Spot in Your Wallet Too

The Business Platinum Card from American Express mirrors many of the same high-end perks as the personal version but adds features tailored to entrepreneurs, consultants, and anyone running a business—even a side hustle.

Key Business-Only Perks:

• 1.5x Points on eligible purchases over $5,000 and in categories like software, shipping, and U.S. construction/hardware suppliers.
  
• Up to $400 Dell Credit – Split into $200 every six months.
  
• 35% Airline Bonus – Use Pay with Points and get 35% of your points back (up to 500,000 per year) when booking flights via Amex Travel on your selected airline.
  
• Expanded Expense Management – Tools to add employee cards, set spend limits, and integrate with QuickBooks.
  

As The Points Guy highlights, having both cards allows you to double up on select perks and welcome bonuses, while strategically separating business and personal expenses.

The Case for Holding Both the Personal and Business Platinum

So, is it worth paying two annual fees? For many cardholders, yes—if you play it right.

Here’s how having both versions of the Platinum Card can give you an edge:

1. Double the Credits

You can stack:

• $200 airline fee credits (one per card)
  
• $200 Uber Cash (personal only)
  
• $400 Dell Credit (business only)
  
• $100 Saks credit (personal only)
  
• Separate CLEAR credits if you use them for different individuals
  

2. Separate Spend, Shared Rewards

Running a business—even part-time—means you may want to keep expenses distinct for tax and tracking purposes. But both cards still feed into the same Membership Rewards account (if you link them), making it easier to rack up points faster.

3. Unlock Dual Welcome Bonuses

Depending on the current promotions, you might qualify for 150,000+ Membership Rewards points per card as a welcome offer. That’s enough for multiple round-trip business-class flights—or a five-star hotel stay in a dream destination.

4. Strategic Category Coverage

The personal Platinum is ideal for lifestyle perks and airfare, while the business version is built for high-volume purchases, tech upgrades, and team spending.

5. Boosted Amex Offers

Both cards give you access to Amex Offers, and having two cards means more chances to take advantage of limited-time deals for shopping, dining, and travel.

Final Thoughts: A Smart Strategy for High-End Travelers and Entrepreneurs

For those who live a fast-paced, global lifestyle—whether that means jetting to São Paulo for the Grand Prix or managing a portfolio of premium rental properties—the Amex Platinum Card is more than worth it.

And if you wear both personal and professional hats (as many modern professionals do), holding both the personal and business Platinum Cards can multiply your rewards, elevate your experience, and streamline your life.

Yes, the fees are steep. But for those who extract maximum value through luxury travel, curated experiences, and high-volume spend, the return on investment is unbeatable.

Whether you're lounging at a Centurion Bar with a crafted Negroni, booking a last-minute first-class seat with points, or upgrading your home office tech with Dell credits, one thing is clear:

The Amex Platinum isn’t just a card—it’s a lifestyle.