Plastic is practical but the American Express Platinum is the way to go for any true pleasure-seeker looking to save time.
Throughout my first few years of operating cash-less, I had a couple of handy cards used for everyday expenses, but looking back I can now say that the benefits of either could ever hold a candle to the AMEX Platinum perks. This hefty charge card caters exclusively to business professionals or frequent flyers and effortlessly handles transactions that would put regular banks on high alert.
While not as prestigious as the big daddy of all cards ﹘ the Centurion ﹘ the AMEX Platinum is impressive nonetheless and continues to wow clients with its spectacular customer service and series of special perks that help optimize their busy lifestyles. Its $550 annual fee comes as a surprise to some but most feel that it pays for itself. Everything from fine dining, chic shopping, or plans for a grand getaway is made available to an exclusive group of cardholders who are lucky enough to have access to perks that save them time and money all while helping them feel like a VIP.
Let’s get into it:
Perks for Travelers
Airport Lounge Access, Global Entry, TSA Pre-Check
The AMEX Platinum quickly becomes every cardholder’s favorite travel companion because a large chunk of its never-ending list of perks is for those who are constantly on the move. Along with combining regular purchase points with Delta Airline miles, it completely covers the cost of trusted traveler programs such as TSA Pre-Check and Global Entry. This should be the first thing one should take advantage of because it expedites the usually slow-moving processes that take the wonder out of flyers’ wanderlust.
After breezing past security checkpoints, you can kick your feet up at any of the more than 1,300 airport lounges you have access to. Personally, I love stepping into those spacious hideaways so I can relax somewhere clean, comfortable, and far removed from noisy crowded terminals. The free bar drinks, open gourmet buffet, and full-service showers don’t hurt either.
[Unfortunately, many services are currently limited due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.]
Perks for Fashionistas
Biannual $50 Saks Fifth Avenue Credit + Free 2-Day Shipping with ShopRunner
Wherever you’re headed, you’ll probably want to arrive in style. Or at least in comfort. As a fashion lover myself, the free $50 Saks Fifth Avenue credit never fails to excite me. The credit is given twice a year (once in January and again in June) and is great for supplementing your existing wardrobe. Even if you are only shopping in the sale section, you’ll have your pick from tons of high-quality beauty and clothing items. I like to buy things during the offseasons so I can feel prepared for any upcoming events and trips. My favorite items that I’ve bought so far have been a beautiful cashmere crewneck sweater (so warm!) and a floral satin mini-robe that is perfect for gliding around the house on warm spring/summer mornings.
And to answer your burning question ﹘ No, the credits don’t roll over to the next semester, so use them while you got em! If you’re forgetful, the added complimentary ShopRunner membership might also serve as a nice reminder.
Perks for Foodies
$200 in annual Uber credits
Moving from place to place has never felt so easy since the creation of companies like Uber and Lyft. To make your journeys even more cost-effective, all AMEX Platinum cardholders are given $200 in annual Uber credits that can be used on both its traditional transportation services and Uber Eats food purchases. The $200 is not given all at once but as a $15 monthly statement credit ($35 in December.) I mostly use the credits for Uber Eats deliveries but have also used it for trips to/from airports or to quickly cross bustling metros areas (zipping across Paris at night is truly a sight to behold.)
Perks to Show You Care
Of course, you try to make time for others but between busy work schedules and last-minute trips abroad, sometimes you just can’t be there. Thankfully, the AMEX Platinum’s two separate flower delivery options can help you show your loved ones that you still care.
The first petal-pushing perk is from 1-800-Flowers; It gives you $10 back after you spend $50, which definitely isn’t too hard to do considering they have a HUGE selection of arrangements fit for every occasion. It’s great for last-minute Mother’s Day gifts or for wishing your secretary a happy birthday.
If you are looking to send a bigger bouquet, you can use the special offer from Teleflora: $15 back from any $35+ purchase. All of its offerings are elegantly styled masterpieces that are sure to take the receivers’ breath away. The $15 refund can be collected ten times a year for a total of $150 in savings and can even be applied to international deliveries!
There really are too many perks to list here but trust me when I say that this card is the best bet for anyone looking to minimize their expenses while maximizing their quality of life. With the American Express Platinum, there is no more waiting, no more worrying, and no more wishing for anything you dare to think is out of your reach.
Extra Perks
A few extra notable perks:
- Shop Small: A discount perk that is meant to encourage cardholders to support local small businesses. Cardholders receive $5 off of any purchase from participating locations. Participating merchants are usually restaurants, bars, grocery stores, home and auto repair shops, spas/salons, and other personal services.
- Fine Hotels and Resorts Collection: Cardholders receive an average of $550 worth of additional perks (late checkout, daily breakfast, etc.) at any participating worldwide resort booked via American Express Travel.
- Purchase and Return Protection: Anything purchased on the card that ends up lost, stolen, or damaged within 90 days of purchase is eligible for a partial or full refund from AMEX. Anything you need to return that a merchant won’t take back may be eligible for a refund of the full purchase price.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Wherever your AMEX is accepted abroad, you can rest assured that you will be paying the best price for goods and services.
- 24/7 Concierge Service: Day or night, an AMEX rep is ready to help you with anything you need.
