How does Amex Platinum purchase protection work?

The best American Express Platinum travel benefits are the card’s initial bonus of 60,000 points for spending $5,000 in the first 3 months, its $200 annual airline fee credit, and complimentary Gold Status in the Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalty programs. Plus, you get 5 points per $1 spent on flights and hotels booked through American Express Travel. And to top it off, there’s a $15 monthly Uber credit, no foreign transaction fee, and baggage and travel insurance.… read full answer

Amex Platinum is a charge card, which means you’ll have to pay the balance in full every month. Plus, it has a $550 annual fee. So you should make sure that you will take advantage of as many American Express Platinum travel benefits as possible to get your money’s worth.

Notable American Express Platinum Travel Benefits

Annual Airline Credit: $200 per year for baggage fees, in-flight meals and other airline incidentals. You can’t use the credit for airfare or upgrades.

Credits for Uber Rides: Up to $15 in credits for Uber rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December ($35 total). The credits expire at the end of each month, so be sure to use them.

Complimentary Hotel Status: Cardholders can join Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy as Gold-level members for free. Members get complimentary room upgrades and more opportunities to earn free nights.

Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit: Credit for the $100 Global Entry application fee or the $85 TSA PreCheck application fee, once every four years. Both services expedite airport screening.

Baggage Insurance: Pays up to $2,000 in replacement costs for checked baggage that gets lost and up to $3,000 for carry-on luggage.

Car Rental Insurance: Covers eligible rental vehicles for up to 30 consecutive days against damage and theft up to a maximum of $75,000. Does not cover intoxicated/reckless driving, damage to other vehicles or personal injuries.

Global Lounge Collection: Lets you access over 1,000 airport lounges in 120 countries for free.

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.

Initial Bonus: 60,000 points for spending $5,000 within 3 months. Points do not expire as long as the account remains open.

Reward Points for Travel Purchases: Earn 5 points for every $1 spent on flights or hotels booked through AmexTravel.com.

Despite all of the American Express Platinum travel benefits, the $550 annual fee might still be too much for you. There are some other good options, fortunately. One is Chase Sapphire Preferred. You’ll earn 60,000 points when you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months, and the annual fee is just $95.

Amex Platinum car rental insurance covers cardholders for up to $75,000 in collision damage and theft for vehicles rented with the Amex Platinum credit card or American Express rewards points. To get Amex Platinum car rental insurance coverage, you must decline the rental agency’s supplemental insurance policy. To make a Platinum Card rental car insurance claim, call 1-800-338-1670 within 30 days of a covered incident.… read full answer

There are a few exceptions you should be aware of, though. And there are more details about the process you’ll need to follow to actually get your money. You can find the key points below.

Amex Platinum Car Rental Insurance Info:

• You’re covered up to $75,000 per claim for collision damage or theft.
• You must pay for the entire rental with your Amex Platinum card or rewards points.
• You must decline the rental agency’s insurance policy.
• The following types of vehicles are not covered by Amex Platinum rental car insurance: Cargo vans, vans that carry 9+ people, box trucks, trucks that weight 10k+ lbs., modified vehicles (except for handicapped accessibility), antiques, limos, off-road vehicles, motorcycles/motorbikes/mopeds, RVs, golf carts, and a few others.
• The following situations and types of damage are not covered by Amex Platinum rental insurance: Manufacturing defects, wear and tear, damage from illegal activities, accidents caused by driver’s intoxication, seizure by authorities, damage by war, and a few others.
• To make an Amex Platinum rental car insurance claim, call 1-800-338-1670 within 30 days of the incident. You can also call 1-216-617-2500 collect from abroad. Amex will then mail you instructions for what to do next. You’ll have 60 days to return any proof they request, which may include damage estimates, police reports, etc.

Amex Platinum rental car insurance will reimburse you within 90 days of American Express receiving your proof of the incident. Before you rent a car with your Amex Platinum card, you should take some time to read through the benefits guide. It will give you the full information.