How does Amex Platinum purchase protection work?

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 (when enrolled). Plus, you get 5 points / $1 spent on flights (up to $500,000 spent per year) and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel. And to top it off, you earn several other statement credits (for … read full answerUber, 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 $6,000 in the first 6 months.

Here are some notable 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 (requires a minimum two-night stay).
• Credits for Uber Rides: Uber VIP Status and annual savings on rides or eats order 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 Spending Rewards: New cardholders get a welcome offer of 80,000 points for spending $6,000 in the first 6 months. You also earn extensive ongoing rewards, including 5 points / $1 spent on flights (up to $500,000 spent per year) or prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel. 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; you’ll earn 60,000 points when you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months, and the annual fee is just $95. And 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.

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

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.

Here’s more info about the American Express Platinum card car rental insurance:

• You’re covered up to $75,000 per claim for collision damage or theft.
• You must pay for the entire rental with your American Express Platinum card or rewards points.
• You must decline the rental agency’s insurance policy.
• The following types of vehicles are not covered by American Express Platinum card 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. Geographic restrictions also apply.
• The following situations and types of damage are not covered by American Express Platinum card 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 American Express Platinum card rental car insurance claim, call (800) 338-1670 within 30 days of the incident. If you’re abroad, collect at (303) 273-6497. 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.

The American Express Platinum card 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 American Express Platinum card, you should take some time to read through the benefits guide. It will give you the full information.

Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance disclosure: Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.