Credit Card Review: American Express Platinum Card (US)

Welcome to this medium series where I introduce you to the world of credit cards. If you follow me, you might know I have introduced American Express Gold Card (UK) and Marriott Bonvoy Premium Card (Japan) in the past articles. This time I am highlighting American Express Platinum Card (US). What are the pros and cons after one year of ownership. Also, how did I manage to apply for one as a non-US citizen?

As you might know, I am based outside of the US. I have no connections to the US, never lived or worked there. How did I manage to have this Amex Platinum US issued? Below is how you can apply for it as a foreigner:

1. build your Amex credit score with an Amex proper card (green, gold, or platinum card) issued by your country.
2. prepare a US phone number, a US address, and a proof of address (this is for example an invoice of your mobile bill sent to your US address).
3. apply for Amex Platinum US
4. if approved, your Amex platinum card will be posted to your US address. The first card has to be sent to your US address and you can request the second one shipped to abroad (where you are based) by calling American Express.

Congratulations, you now have a Amex Platinum US in your hand.

Pros :

1. Most Cost-Effective Amex Platinum on Earth

The American Express Platinum Card issued in the US stands out as the most advantageous and affordable option compared to its UK and Japanese counterparts.

Here is the list of Platinum Card issued by other countries

• US 🇺🇸 : 695 USD 🦅🦅🦅
• UK 🇬🇧 : 575 GBP
• Japan 🇯🇵 : 165000 JPY
• Hong Kong 🇭🇰 : 9500 HKD
• Singapore 🇸🇬 : 1728 SGD
• France 🇫🇷 : 55 EUR pm / 660 EUR py
• Germany and Italy 🇩🇪🇮🇹 : 60 EUR pm / 720 EUR py
• Spain and Benelux 🇪🇸🇧🇪🇳🇱🇱🇺 : 65 EUR pm / 780 EUR py
• Austria 🇦🇹 : 53 EUR pm / 636 EUR py

Not only is the price more wallet-friendly, but the point offering is also more lucrative, with the UK Platinum offering 1 Amex point to 1 pound, and considering the pound is generally more expensive than the USD, the US variant offers better value.

Also, unlike Platinum cards issued by other countries, the US version comes with no foreign transaction fees, making it the best Platinum card for those who, like me, are constantly traversing international borders.

2. American Express Travel and Fine Hotels and Resorts (FHR)

All bookings made on American Express Travel will have a 5x points return. The card offers a wealth of travel-related benefits, including a $200 airline credit and a $200 hotel credit annually, making it a valuable companion for frequent travellers. When booking through the Luxury Hotel Collection, cardholders can enjoy suite upgrades, a $100 property credit, and earn 5x points. Some hotels even offer a complimentary night on booking 3 or 4 nights. These benefits are not just luxurious but also practical, adding value to every travel experience.

The list below is the benefits guaranteed for stays booked on FHR:

• 12pm check-in, when available
• Room upgrade upon arrival, when available
• Complimentary daily breakfast for two people
• US$100 experience credit, unique to each property
• Guaranteed 4pm late check-out
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Here are some of my personal experiences booked on FHR

1 InterContinental Kaohsiung

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2. Mandarin Oriental Jakarta

There was a free night campaign for every 3 nights for FHR. I stayed in one of the best one-bedroom suites in the property. Mandarin Oriental has its own programme called MO, but the number of benefits are limited to a couple of options upon checkin. If you are a “fan” of Mandarin Oriental, the best way to book is on FHR.

3. Four Season Hangzhou

For Season is another one of niche boutique hotel groups and they do not have any membership programme. With FHR, I was able to get all of the above listed benefits such as room upgrade, free breakfast , and property credit. On the contrary, if you just booked it directly with them, none of these were given — crazy.

3. Concierge Service

One of the most distinguishing features of the American Express Platinum Card is its unparalleled Concierge Service. Imagine having access to a personal assistant combined with the intuitive understanding and expertise of a human version of Chat GPT, but with a bespoke, personal touch. This service transforms the card from a mere financial tool into a gateway to tailored experiences and convenience.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect restaurant for a crucial business meeting, seeking a quaint café for a casual date, or want to discover the city’s most vibrant bars, the Concierge Service is at your beck and call. The meticulous attention to detail and personalised recommendations reflect an understanding of your preferences and needs, ensuring every suggestion is tailored to your expectations.

Beyond dining, this service extends to helping with travel arrangements, sourcing tickets to exclusive events, and even assisting with unique requests that can range from the ordinary to the extraordinary. It’s akin to having a knowledgeable local guide, no matter where you are in the world, providing insights and access that would be challenging to garner on your own.

The Concierge Service epitomises the essence of luxury and convenience, offering American Express Platinum Cardholders not just a card, but a key to an elevated lifestyle. This feature stands out as a testament to the card’s commitment to providing unparalleled support and experiences to its users, ensuring that no matter the request, you have a trusted advisor ready to assist.

4. Unlimited Credit Limit

Possessing a credit card with an unlimited credit limit is indeed a distinguished financial advantage, offering unparalleled financial latitude and facilitating the execution of substantial acquisitions, a feature especially beneficial for those encountering considerable or unforeseeable expenditures. This is a sophisticated mechanism for optimising cash flow, particularly advantageous for entities or individuals with fluctuating revenue streams, allowing them to address sizable expenses during periods of diminished income.

For instance, if one is knowledgeable about an asset that is projected to appreciate in value within a month, leveraging an unlimited credit limit can be a strategic move. It allows the acquisition of such assets using the credit facility, making it a form of ‘good debt’ as the appreciation in asset value can potentially outweigh the cost of debt, leading to wealth accumulation.

This facility is also indispensable for maintaining preparedness against unforeseen exigencies, providing immediate fiscal resources to manage unexpected financial obligations without the bureaucratic intricacies of obtaining loan sanctions. Moreover, it can significantly contribute to the enhancement of credit scores due to a favourable credit utilisation ratio and enables cardholders to optimise the accrual of rewards and privileges, potentially leading to substantial economic savings and benefits.

However, while the elevated status and the extensive array of benefits are enticing, it is imperative to exercise prudent fiscal management. This ensures avoidance of economic predicaments and maintains a harmonious equilibrium between enjoying the advantages and sustaining fiscal solvency, allowing individuals to leverage ‘good debt’ strategically while mitigating financial risks.

Neutral :

While using American Express Travel to book accommodations yields a generous 5x points, it comes with its set of limitations. Booking through this platform means you can’t accrue each hotel brand’s nights and points. Additionally, unless bookings are made through Amex Travel Fine Hotels and Resorts, hotel brands do not recognise your hotel status, which can be a significant drawback for those who value hotel loyalty perks and status recognitions.

Cons :

1. Amex not Accepted:

One of the cons of the American Express Platinum Card is its limited acceptance in some foreign countries. Despite its prestige and array of benefits, the reality is that Amex cards are not as universally accepted outside the United States as Visa or Mastercard. This can pose an inconvenience for travellers who might find themselves in locations where Amex is not accepted, necessitating alternative payment methods. This limitation requires cardholders to carry backup credit cards or cash, especially when traveling to less urbanized areas or certain countries with more restrictive payment networks. It’s an important consideration for those relying on the Platinum Card as their primary source of payment while abroad, impacting the seamless experience one might expect from a premium credit card.

2. US-Centric Offers:

Another cons of the American Express Platinum Card is its focus on US-centric offers and benefits, posing a challenge for those who frequently travel or reside outside the United States. The card’s perks, heavily tailored towards US consumers, such as special deals with American retailers and dining credits at US restaurants, may not hold as much value for global nomads. This geographical preference limits the card’s utility and appeal for international cardholders, making it less advantageous for those seeking to maximise benefits globally. Prospective and existing cardholders should consider this limitation, especially if they spend a considerable amount of time abroad, potentially requiring a more internationally flexible credit card solution to fully enjoy premium benefits on a global scale.

If you find the American Express Platinum Card (US) aligning with your lifestyle and are interested in signing up, make sure to use the invitation link below to embark on a journey of luxury, unparalleled services, and exclusive benefits.

Apply for this card