Is the American Express Travel Platinum Card worth it? Discover its travel perks, luxury benefits, and whether it suits your lifestyle and spending habits.
The American Express Travel Platinum Card is one of the most premium credit cards available globally, known for its elite perks, luxurious travel benefits, and exclusive privileges. But is it worth it for you? Let’s break it down from an Indian perspective.
KEY BENEFITS
American Express® Platinum Travel Credit Card
Welcome Gift of 10,000 Membership Rewards points* redeemable for Flipkart voucher or Pay with Points option in Amex Travel Online worth Rs. 3,000. Effective from 22nd January, 2021.
First Year Fee: Rs. 3,500 plus applicable taxes (Second Year onwards: Rs. 5,000 plus applicable taxes)
Annual fee
First year fee: Rs. 3,500 plus applicable taxes.
Second year onwards: Rs. 5,000 plus applicable taxes.
Reward Earn Rate
Earn 1 Membership Rewards® Point for every Rs. 50 spent except for spend on Fuel, Insurance, Utilities, Cash Transactions and EMI conversion at Point of Sale
TRAVEL VOUCHERS
Spend Rs. 1.90 Lacs in a Cardmembership year and get Flipkart voucher or Travel benefits on ATO worth Rs. 4,500. Effective from 22nd January, 2021.
AIRPORT LOUNGES
Enjoy 8 complimentary visits per year (limited to two complimentary visit per quarter) to airport lounges across India.
ADDITIONAL TRAVEL VOUCHERS
Spend Rs. 4 Lacs in a Cardmembership year and additionally get Flipkart voucher or Travel benefits on ATO worth Rs. 7,500. Effective from 22nd January, 2021.
TAJ EXPERIENCES E-GIFT CARD
Get a Taj Experiences E-Gift Card worth Rs. 10,000 from the Taj, SeleQtions and Vivanta Hotels
Is It Worth It? Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Elite Travel Perks:
If you frequently travel internationally or stay at high-end hotels, the benefits outweigh the card’s fee. Lounge access, hotel privileges, and airline discounts are valuable for frequent flyers. - Rewards Redemption:
The Membership Rewards program offers plenty of flexibility in redeeming points for travel, shopping, or gift cards. - Luxury Lifestyle Benefits:
Perfect for users who enjoy premium dining, curated events, and personalized concierge services.
Cons:
- High Annual Fee:
The annual fee makes it a card more suited for high-net-worth individuals or frequent international travelers. - Limited Rewards for Everyday Spend:
Categories like fuel and utility payments don’t earn rewards, which might be a drawback for the average spender. - High Forex Markup:
Despite being a travel card, the 3.5% markup fee on foreign transactions can add up during international trips.
Who Should Get This Card?
The Amex Platinum Travel Card is ideal for:
- High-income individuals who value luxury experiences.
- Frequent international travellers looking for exclusive airport and hotel benefits.
- People who want premium concierge services and curated lifestyle perks.
For someone who primarily spends on everyday essentials or travels only occasionally, there are better options with lower fees and higher cashback or rewards on routine purchases.
Final Verdict
The American Express Platinum Travel Card is undoubtedly worth it if you can maximize its travel and luxury benefits. However, its high annual fee and limited utility for everyday spend make it a card best suited for affluent individuals and frequent global travelers. Evaluate your spending patterns and lifestyle before making a decision.
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