Is the Amex Platinum Equinox benefit still active?

Yes, Amex Platinum is worth it for travelers with good credit who spend a lot and can take advantage of the card’s benefits. Amex Platinum benefits include a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee credit, airport lounge access, up to $200 in Uber credits per year and up to $200 in airline fee credits annually, and more. The card’s initial bonus of 100,000 points after you spend $6,000 in the first 6 months also goes a long way toward making the card worth its $695 annual fee.… read full answer

For the first year alone, you could wind up with at least $1,600 in net value (rewards and other perks, minus the $695 annual fee). The American Express Platinum card’s second year will have the same annual fee, but the total value of your benefits in year two would only be about $800 if you spent the same amount on the card as year one, according to WalletHub's research.

To really make money with this card after the first year, you’d have to spend a lot more. That said, many of the card’s perks are ongoing. You’ll benefit more if your purchases qualify for Amex Platinum’s ongoing bonus rewards rates, and if you utilize Amex Platinum’s complimentary Gold status in the Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors hotel loyalty programs (enrollment required).

All in all, Amex Platinum is a good card for big spenders who travel all the time and can wring every drop of value out of its benefits. But it’s far too expensive for light spenders and occasional travelers.

You might get your American Express Platinum card annual fee waived if you are calling the Amex retention line at (800) 452-3945, but it is not guaranteed that it will work. Alternatively, you should consider applying for the Amex financial relief program.

Here’s how to get the American Express Platinum card annual fee waived:… read full answer

• Call the retention line: You can ask Amex to waive the annual fee by calling (800) 452-3945. However, it’s important to understand that this approach may not be successful. American Express typically does not waive annual fees entirely, but it may offer a side benefit to offset the Platinum card’s $695 annual fee. Retention offers traditionally include statement credits, bonus points or spending bonuses. But make sure your account is in good standing before calling.
• Apply for the Amex financial relief program: If you’re having difficulty paying your annual fee due to unforeseen financial difficulty, apply for the financial relief program online or call Amex at (866) 703-4169. You could potentially have your annual fee waived. Or you might receive other assistance such as lower monthly payments or lower interest rates. If you decide to enroll in a financial relief program, though, your spending ability will likely be greatly reduced for the duration. Your credit score may be impacted by the reduction in credit limit. And if you don’t comply with the terms of the program, that will appear as a negative on your credit report.
• Other options: You might be able to get your American Express Platinum card annual fee waived if you’re an active member in the military. Downgrading to an American Express card with a lower annual fee is also an option.

However, if you don’t end up getting the $695 annual fee waived, you should consider keeping the card for its rewards. With the American Express Platinum card, you’ll earn 5 points per $1 on flights booked with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 spent per year), 5 points per $1 spent on prepaid hotels booked through Amex, and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.

If you spend a lot on these categories, the rewards you’ll get will more than make up for the cost. But if you can’t take advantage of its travel-focused perks, you’ll end up overpaying.