Review: The American Express Platinum Credit Card (UK).

Want more travel hacks and credit card perks? For our entire collection of reviews and guides, click here. Trust me, your wallet’s about to level up.

Alright, high-flyers, let’s talk about the American Express Platinum Credit Card – a premium card that practically oozes caviar and airport lounge access. But is it worth the eye-watering £650 annual fee? Let’s dive into the perks, points, and poshness to find out.

Earning Points: The Lowdown

• Points Accumulation: You’ll earn 1 Membership Rewards point for every £1 spent (2 points per £1 if booked through Amex Travel).
• Transfer Rate: Points transfer at 1:1 for Avios, Virgin Points and other airline loyalty programs.
• What’s a Membership Rewards Point Worth? Airline Miles are typically worth between 0.75p and 1p per point.
• Hotel Points: These are of decent value when used with partners like Hilton, Marriott, and Radisson.
• Transfer Bonuses: While rare, bonuses can make a significant difference.

Essential Card Details

• Annual Fee: £650 (no pro-rata refund if cancelled)
• APR: 698.1% variable
• APR on Purchases: 30.4% variable

Is the Annual Fee of £650 Justifiable?

• Year 1: The sign-up bonus of 80,000 points (limited-time offer, ends May 27, 2025) plus £400 in dining credits (requires enrolment via Amex Offers) can easily justify the fee.
• Subsequent Years: If you frequently use lounge access, travel insurance and hotel perks, it’s worth keeping the card. Otherwise, it may feel steep.
• Pro Tip: You can cancel anytime, but note that pro-rata refunds are no longer available. Lounge access ends immediately; hotel statuses stay until they expire naturally.

Lounge Access

• Priority Pass: Two cards that allow you and a guest free entry into over 1,400 lounges worldwide – and yes, supplementary cardholders get their own pass, too. You can read about our guide to the lounge benefits here.
• Centurion Lounges: Amex-exclusive lounges, including one at Heathrow Terminal 3.
• Eurostar Lounges: Relax in style when travelling from London, Brussels or Paris.
• Delta & Lufthansa Lounges: Access select lounges when flying with Delta, Lufthansa, Austrian or SWISS.

The Platinum Welcome: Sign-Up Bonus

If you spend £10,000 in the first six months, you’ll receive 80,000 Membership Rewards points. That’s equivalent to 80,000 Avios, which could cover a weekend getaway or even an upgrade to business class.

Who Gets the Bonus?

• No personal Amex with Membership Rewards in the last 24 months? You qualify.
• You’re eligible if you’ve had a BA, Marriott, or Nectar Amex.
• Corporate or Business Amex users also get the bonus.
• Supplementary cardholders on someone else’s account aren’t affected. If you add one to your account, the first is free. They’ll also get their own lounge access, insurance coverage, and hotel statuses.

Even if you don’t qualify for the bonus, the perks could still make the card worthwhile.

Travel with The Platinum Card: Yay or Nay?

• Yay: Lounge access, hotel perks, and extensive travel insurance are unbeatable.
• Nay: The 3% foreign transaction fee is a bit of a buzzkill.
• Dodge Amex’s 3% foreign fee with Currensea instead. It links to your bank account and only charges 0.5%. Check it out here.

Minimum Income Requirement

You’ll need a personal income of £35,000 or more to apply.

Perks That Scream “First-Class”

• Comprehensive Travel Insurance Cover: For you and your family (under 70), even if the trip wasn’t booked on the card. Supplementary cardholders benefit, too. (Opt-in required during application.) The provider changed in January 2025, so check the updated policy documents. You can read our guide on travel insurance here.
• Full Car Hire Insurance: Drive like a VIP with zero excess fees.
• Hotel Status Upgrades:
  • Marriott Bonvoy Gold – What Does Marriott Bonvoy Get You with the Amex Platinum?
  • Hilton Honors Gold – What Does Hilton Gold Get You with the Amex Platinum?
  • Radisson Rewards Premium – What Does Radisson Rewards Premium Get You with the Amex Platinum?
  • MeliaRewards Gold – What Does MeliáRewards Gold Get You with the Amex Platinum?

After cancellation, these statuses usually remain valid until the end of the calendar year (or March of the following year).

• Dining Credits: £200 in UK dining credits (two £100 credits) and £200 in international dining credits (two £100 credits). Enrolment is required via Amex Offers, and credits are reset every six months. You can read more about the dining & lifestyle perks guide here.
• Retail Therapy: Harvey Nichols £50 semi-annual credit ends June 30, 2025 – use your final £50 before then!
• Fine Hotels & Resorts Access: Room upgrades, late check-outs, and spa credits at luxury hotels.
• International Airline Program: Score discounted premium-class tickets with select airlines when booking via Amex Travel.

Final Verdict: Is Amex Platinum Worth It?

The American Express Platinum Card is a no-brainer for frequent travellers and luxury lovers. The extensive travel perks, lounge access and hotel benefits justify the annual fee. The boosted 80,000-point sign-up bonus and expanded £400 dining credits make 2025 a very strong year to apply.

However, if you’re more of a homebody or don’t travel often, the £650 annual fee might seem excessive. Consider giving it a year-long trial to decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Platinum isn’t for everyone, but the sky’s the limit if it’s for you. Ready to experience the Platinum life? Apply for Amex Platinum here.

Still Taxiing? Read On:

• Skip the Status Slog: These Two UK Cards Give You Perks on a Plate
• Review: American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card (UK).
• Spend. Cry. Repeat: Inside the New British Airways Club