Card Promotions Amex Platinum Card Benefits, Offers & Discussion

Enjoy a world of travel benefits and 150,000 bonus Amex Membership Rewards Premium Ascent points...​

Learn more and apply for this card:

American Express® Platinum Card

The American Express (Amex) Platinum charge card is one of the best publicly-available cards in Australia for travel benefits.

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

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What are the main benefits of this card?

1. Signup bonus: 150,000 Amex Membership Rewards Points (worth 75,000 Qantas Points, Velocity Points, Avios or Asia Miles, among other options) when you apply by 28 January 2025 and spend at least $5,000 within 3 months
2. Earn 2.25 Amex Membership Rewards points per $1 spent on everyday purchases, uncapped. You can transfer these points to 12 airline & 2 hotel programs, including Qantas Frequent Flyer.
3. Enjoy unlimited access to many airport lounges, including Virgin Australia and Priority Pass lounges
4. Gift Priority Pass membership to one additional cardholder
5. Receive complimentary elite status with hotel loyalty programs including Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, Radisson Rewards & Accor Live Limitless
6. Complimentary international travel insurance
7. Receive a $450 annual travel credit, plus airfare discounts, $400 worth of annual dining credits, subscriptions to The Australian & Wall Street Journal, plus many more exclusive benefits!

Why we like the American Express Platinum Card

Packed full of travel perks, the American Express Platinum Card is one of the best publicly-available cards in Australia for frequent flyers.

With a $1,450 annual fee, this metal card is not for everyone. But the return on investment for the high annual fee is strong, as it comes with a lot of useful benefits! This includes an annual travel credit, dining credits and unlimited access to Virgin Australia, Delta, Lufthansa, Priority Pass, Plaza Premium and Amex Centurion airport lounges.

There are also some great hotel perks including a free annual hotel night, Accor Plus membership, Fine Hotels + Resorts benefits and complimentary elite status with Hilton, Marriott and Radisson.

For points collectors, this is one of the most lucrative cards available in Australia. You’ll earn 2.25 Amex Membership Rewards Ascent Premium points per $1 spent on eligible transactions. Points transfer to most frequent flyer programs at a 2:1 rate, although there are some exceptions (e.g. it's 3:1 to KrisFlyer and Emirates).

You can convert your Amex points to around 12 airlines including Qantas, Virgin Australia, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Virgin Atlantic, Emirates and Etihad! Plus, you can transfer points to two hotel loyalty programs for even more redemption possibilities.

To sweeten the deal, new cardholders who apply by 28 January 2025 can also earn 150,000 bonus Amex Membership Rewards points when spending at least $5,000 on the card within 3 months of approval. See our card guide for the full details:

American Express® Platinum Card

The American Express (Amex) Platinum charge card is one of the best publicly-available cards in Australia for travel benefits.

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

AFF members are welcome to discuss this card in this thread.

 

[fantastikforce]

You guys seem to be getting the good surveys from Amex.

The one I received last week was asking me about Crypto, eSports, VR and NFTs.

 

[Quattro]

You guys seem to be getting the good surveys from Amex.

The one I received last week was asking me about Crypto, eSports, VR and NFTs.

Got this for Centurion. Wasn't impressed.

 

[albyd]

The KF deval?

 

[RealtimeY]

In the insurance T&Cs, under General Exclusions Applicable To Sections A–P Above, clause 6 excludes

any loss which is recoverable from any other source including another insurance policy covering the same Event or through compensation under any other workers compensation act, transport accident laws or any other applicable similar legislation or by Government sponsored fund, plan, medical benefit scheme required to be effected by or under a law;

If an airline causes a delay and offers to reimburse hotels/meals up to a certain amount, would you take this to mean that:

1. you have the airline compensation, in addition to the full insurance payout for any expenses over the compensation
2. the airline compensation cuts into your benefit limit, which will still be paid out
3. or would you actually be ineligible for any insurance payout

 

[Viridis]

Because it’s an insurance company and they will always look for any excuse not to pay, I’d go with ‘3’

 

[Human]

In the insurance T&Cs, under General Exclusions Applicable To Sections A–P Above, clause 6 excludes


If an airline causes a delay and offers to reimburse hotels/meals up to a certain amount, would you take this to mean that:

1. you have the airline compensation, in addition to the full insurance payout for any expenses over the compensation
2. the airline compensation cuts into your benefit limit, which will still be paid out
3. or would you actually be ineligible for any insurance payout

Definitely 3, unless the "certain amount" is demonstrably too little, in which case the insurance company might decide to pay the extra amount above what the airline has paid.

And fair enough too. For example, if you are on holiday in Australia or a country with a reciprocal healthcare agreement, you get injured and your treatment is paid for by the government, it would be silly for you to find out the actual cost of your treatment and to put in a claim (though you could still claim for other costs such as travel delays, extra accommodation for family members etc).

Another example: earlier this year I had a flight cancelled by the airline and we were put on the next day's flight. The airline paid for our accommodation and meals until the flight the next day. I didn't even bother putting in a claim.

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Been contemplating whether the Plat card ($1200) is worth keeping these days and interested to hear other's thoughts.

I currently hold VA/QF/BA status which is sufficient for lounges and could also get PP from my hilton aspire card. Other things that I do consider worthwhile are the IAP and insurance. I'm not sure if there is a difference in service between explorer and plat? I've claimed a fair bit last year which has definitely made up for the fee. I've also saved $400-500 via IAP which is something consider.

$450 for travel credit
$300-400 for accor plus night - although this is questionable whether I would stay at one of these priorities without the free night?
$200 dinning credit
$200 global dinning credit (I had difficulty using this)

I definitely received $1200 worth of benefits over the past year but I wonder if it's worth consolidating my cards as I have a fair few benefits that overlap.

Currently hold:
Amex Green (US)
Hilton Aspire (US)
Amex Plat (Aus)

Thoughts?

 

[jbmemories]

Been contemplating whether the Plat card ($1200) is worth keeping these days and interested to hear other's thoughts.

I currently hold VA/QF/BA status which is sufficient for lounges and could also get PP from my hilton aspire card. Other things that I do consider worthwhile are the IAP and insurance. I'm not sure if there is a difference in service between explorer and plat? I've claimed a fair bit last year which has definitely made up for the fee. I've also saved $400-500 via IAP which is something consider.

$450 for travel credit
$300-400 for accor plus night - although this is questionable whether I would stay at one of these priorities without the free night?
$200 dinning credit
$200 global dinning credit (I had difficulty using this)

I definitely received $1200 worth of benefits over the past year but I wonder if it's worth consolidating my cards as I have a fair few benefits that overlap.

Currently hold:
Amex Green (US)
Hilton Aspire (US)
Amex Plat (Aus)

Thoughts?

In your case the Platinum Edge here in AU or getting the AMEX Gold (US) might be the better choice.
- You have various airline status to give you lounge access + PP for Aspire
- Hilton Aspire gives you Diamond Rank; being kind and having chat before arriving via the app + being a regular (polite) customer then you will get upgraded
- AMEX Green will cover bonus points on travel and dining no? x3 rate isn't it; the Plat Edge can then help by having AUS x3 on supermarket and fuel stations
- AMEX Plat Edge will also give you $200 travel credit as needed.
- AMEX US can transfer to Qantas partner so Plat AUS isn't really needed (just transfer AUS MR -> US MR once a year)

Unless the Plat AUS is giving you some form of tax credit/benefit. It might not be worth it with your build.

 

[_TheTraveller_]

In your case the Platinum Edge here in AU or getting the AMEX Gold (US) might be the better choice.
- You have various airline status to give you lounge access + PP for Aspire
- Hilton Aspire gives you Diamond Rank; being kind and having chat before arriving via the app + being a regular (polite) customer then you will get upgraded
- AMEX Green will cover bonus points on travel and dining no? x3 rate isn't it; the Plat Edge can then help by having AUS x3 on supermarket and fuel stations
- AMEX Plat Edge will also give you $200 travel credit as needed.
- AMEX US can transfer to Qantas partner so Plat AUS isn't really needed (just transfer AUS MR -> US MR once a year)

Unless the Plat AUS is giving you some form of tax credit/benefit. It might not be worth it with your build.

Thanks for the breakdown and feedback.

Do you or anyone think IAP or Insurance has it's value with the platinum card or do you think the gains are offset by the savings? With the US card, I'll also need to factor in FX and transfer fees for Wise.

 

[sudoer]

Do you or anyone think IAP or Insurance has it's value with the platinum card or do you think the gains are offset by the savings?

IAP value depends how frequently you purchase cash business/first class flights.

Insurance has value but you can easily replace it with a good annual multi-trip policy.

With the US card, I'll also need to factor in FX and transfer fees for Wise.

I think someone upthread calculated roughly 1% overhead. There's no FX fee on non USD charges to US Amex, but there is a slight spread. Wise transfer fees are 0.48% + 62c flat.

 

[unfunkable]

Hi All
Just recieved our Charge card , and since the Mrs is new to AMEX, they only gave her a $15,000 limit.
She rang and they have approved her to prepay into her account.
Is the biller code for charge the same as the other credit cards - Biller Code: 5082 ?
And is the reference numbe just her credit card number?
(We don't have a statement to check)
Thanks in advance!

 

[sudoer]

Just recieved our Charge card , and since the Mrs is new to AMEX, they only gave her a $15,000 limit.

Is that a hard limit or did you use the self-service online tool to narrow it down to roughly 15k?

Is the biller code for charge the same as the other credit cards - Biller Code: 5082 ?

Yes that's correct, BPAY biller code 5082 and the primary card number as reference.

 

[unfunkable]

Is that a hard limit or did you use the self-service online tool to narrow it down to roughly 15k?



Yes that's correct, BPAY biller code 5082 and the primary card number as reference.

Hard limit for the time being. They said since no history of transactions/payment's it'll stay that way until the 1st month at least - but they are fine for her to prepay. Which is fine with us as well. Thanks for the bank details!

 

[Quattro]

Hard limit for the time being. They said since no history of transactions/payment's it'll stay that way until the 1st month at least - but they are fine for her to prepay. Which is fine with us as well. Thanks for the bank details!

Yes, although never technically 'no limit' they do impose a hard limit when the account is first opened.

 

[Myrna]

A general question regarding travel insurance offered via Amex Plat charge card: Does anyone consider it to be adequate and not take out a separate travel insurance policy?

Do the flights have to be paid with Amex Plat charge card, in order to make a claim?

I read their insurance terms and conditions which state:
4. You are going on an International Return Trip and You pay the full amount of Your outbound ticket for a Scheduled Flight or Scheduled Cruise leaving Australia on Your: i. American Express Card Account; ii. corresponding American Express Membership Rewards points or frequent flyer points (where applicable); and/or iii. Travel Benefit.

Does the above mean, the flights / tickets do not have to be paid with Amex, but can be with FF points?

Just pondering ... Thanks!

 

[_TheTraveller_]

A general question regarding travel insurance offered via Amex Plat charge card: Does anyone consider it to be adequate and not take out a separate travel insurance policy?

Do the flights have to be paid with Amex Plat charge card, in order to make a claim?

I read their insurance terms and conditions which state:
4. You are going on an International Return Trip and You pay the full amount of Your outbound ticket for a Scheduled Flight or Scheduled Cruise leaving Australia on Your: i. American Express Card Account; ii. corresponding American Express Membership Rewards points or frequent flyer points (where applicable); and/or iii. Travel Benefit.

Does the above mean, the flights / tickets do not have to be paid with Amex, but can be with FF points?

Just pondering ... Thanks!

That's correct.

All my trips have been covered by my Platinum card and I've claimed a fair bit last year so it's definitely useful. I'm glad that I've never had to claim anything medical though.

 

[Myrna]

That's correct.

All my trips have been covered by my Platinum card and I've claimed a fair bit last year so it's definitely useful. I'm glad that I've never had to claim anything medical though.

Thanks, richh1833. Good to know!

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Thanks, richh1833. Good to know!

Always check whether the coverage is sufficient for you!

 

[unfunkable]

That's correct.

All my trips have been covered by my Platinum card and I've claimed a fair bit last year so it's definitely useful. I'm glad that I've never had to claim anything medical though.

New to the charge - can I clarify. So we xfer MR to KF and book flights - we are covered?
cheers

 

[andye]

New to the charge - can I clarify. So we xfer MR to KF and book flights - we are covered?
cheers

Definitely covered in this situation
An area of doubt is a points flight where all the airline points have not been generated from Amex MR but you have paid the taxes with Amex. I understand people have had such claims honoured though.