What are the best American Express Platinum card travel benefits?

The best American Express Platinum card travel benefits are its access to 1,200+ airport lounges worldwide, its annual airline credit, and complimentary Gold Status in the Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalty programs. Plus, you get 5 points / $1 spent on flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel.

With the American Express Platinum card you also earn several other statement credits (for Uber, hotels, and more), 0% foreign transaction fee, and travel insurance. On top of that, this card comes with an initial bonus of 80,000 points for spending $8,000 in the first 6 months.

Best American Express Platinum card travel benefits:

• Annual Airline Credit: Annual statement credit for airline incidentals at one select qualifying airline. You can’t use the credit for airfare or upgrades.
• Hotel Credit: Annual statement credit on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings on Amex Travel (The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay).
• Credits for Uber Rides: Uber VIP Status and annual savings on rides or Eats orders in the U.S.
• Complimentary Hotel Status: Cardholders can enroll in Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy as Gold-level members free of charge. Members get complimentary room upgrades and more opportunities to earn free nights.
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit: Credit for the Global Entry application fee or the TSA PreCheck application fee. Both services expedite airport screening.
• Travel insurance: Includes several insurance benefits, such as trip delay insurance, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, lost/damaged baggage insurance, and rental car insurance.
• Global Lounge Collection: Lets you access over 1,200 airport lounges in 130+ countries at no additional cost.
• Fine Hotels & Resorts: Extra benefits when you book certain accommodations, like free room upgrades, free daily breakfast for two people, free Wi-Fi, and unique amenities depending on the location.
• Travel Rewards: You earn extensive ongoing rewards, including 5 points / $1 spent on flights or prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel. New cardholders also get a welcome offer of 80,000 points for spending $8,000 in the first 6 months. Points do not expire as long as the account remains open.

Despite all of the American Express Platinum card travel benefits, its $695 annual fee might still be too much for you, if you don't travel or spend enough to offset its cost. There are some other good options, fortunately. One of the best is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. With this card, you’ll earn 60,000 bonus points for spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. The card’s annual fee is just $95. That's in addition to several other benefits and rewards that come with Chase Sapphire Preferred.

Feel free to also take a look at our editors' picks for the best travel credit cards on the market to weigh your options.

5 points per dollar spent on airfare and hotels, $200 airline fee credit, and $200 in Uber credits.