American Express Platinum Charge Card

Pauline Hatch

Pauline is a personal finance expert at CreditCard.com.au, with 9 years in money, budgeting and property reporting under her belt. Ask Pauline a Question about this card.

Providing an abundance of extras, the American Express Platinum Card offers exceptional value to cardholders who want higher points earned plus platinum travel perks. As a new cardholder, you could receive 150,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points when you apply online by 28 January 2025, are approved, and spend $5,000 on your new card within the first three months. Earn 2.25 points per $1 on American Express’s incredibly flexible rewards program as a member of Ascent Premium.

Understanding what their cardholders value, American Express has enhanced the Platinum Card, adding and improving a number of features. Cardholders now have access to complimentary Accor Plus membership, $450 Platinum Travel Credit each year, extensive airport lounge access, and so much more.

This Card: The Lowdown

Designed for frequent travellers who want exceptional extras, the American Express Platinum Card is a rewards card with a high earn rate and an almost dizzying selection of features. If you’re searching for a card that gives you more bang for your buck – and you don’t mind paying out a buck or two for the outstanding rewards it offers – this could be the perfect card for you.

Expect high-end features, such as membership to exclusive hotel loyalty programs, Travel Credit, Global Dining Credit and premium digital access to The Australian, while enjoying a high earn rate on everyday spending. And if that wasn’t enough, as long as you meet the minimum spend and requirements, you can take home 150,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points.

As of 15 February 2024, American Express launched its Amex Experiences App that gives you even more travel offers, events, and member benefits, including exclusives like Amex pre-sales and special event tickets. You'll be able to access information on booked hotels, book restaurants where your Dining Credit is available and find recommended businesses around the globe. Its an easy way to maximise your Amex Membership benefits in one place.

Just note that the new app doesn't replace the Amex App that you use to manage your banking. To download the new app, search for 'Amex Experiences' (available on Google Play and via the App Store).

Digging Deeper

With the basics covered, it’s time to dig a little deeper into what’s on offer with the American Express Platinum Card, so you can decide whether this card is right for you.

This Card: As a Rewards Card

As a new cardholder, you can receive 150,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points when you spend $5,000 on your new card within the first three months of approval. The bonus points will be credited to your account within 8-10 weeks.

To be eligible for this bonus points and credit offer you must be a new cardholder, so if you currently hold an American Express card in your name, or have held one in your name within the past 18 months, you are ineligible. If you have a bank-issued American Express companion card you may still be eligible, as long as you meet all other application eligibility criteria.

Earning Points

With the American Express Platinum Card, you will earn points as a member of Ascent Premium, American Express’s highest tier of rewards.

• Earn 2.25 points per $1 spent on all purchases, except those in the 1 point category
• Earn 1 point per $1 spent with government bodies in Australia

There is no points cap on this card.

Redeeming Points

Perfectly flexible, the American Express Membership Rewards program offers a wide range of redemption options. If you want to earn points on a particular frequent flyer program, you can opt to transfer your points to a choice of two hotel partners or 12 major Airline Reward Partner programs, with a 2:1 transfer rate to Qantas Frequent Flyer.

To transfer points, you must be a member of the frequent flyer program or frequent guest partner program in question, and a joining fee may apply.

As a cardholder, you can use your points to pay for travel, booking through American Express Travel Online to enjoy no restrictions, no block-out dates and no booking fees (exceptions may apply). Alternatively, you can use your points when booking with Webjet or Helloworld Travel, or when shopping online at David Jones.

Points can also be used to pay for eligible purchases on your account with Select + Pay, or you could choose to redeem your points for gift cards with American Express’s retail and entertainment partners.

This Card: As a Travel Rewards Card

Of course, the American Express Platinum Card is much more than a rewards card. One of the most appealing aspects of this card has to be its exceptional travel features.

$450 Platinum Travel Credit

As one of the enhanced features now offered, the Platinum Travel Credit on the American Express Platinum Card has been increased from $300 to $450. Credited to the primary cardholder each year on the anniversary date, this $450 Travel Credit can be redeemed in one transaction of at least $450 against any eligible single travel booking booked through the Platinum Travel Service, or online via the dedicated American Express Platinum Travel booking site.

You can only use one Travel Credit per booking (even if you have Travel Credits from multiple cards) and there is no refund on Travel Credit if you cancel your booking. Each Travel Credit is only valid for one year and cannot be carried forward. Bookings less than $450 will forfeit the remainder of the Travel Credit; you'll need to spend $450 minimum to redeem your Travel Credit using your Platinum Charge credit card via the American Express Travel Online portal. The Travel Credit will be credited to your account in 3 business days (but allow up to 30).

Global Dining Credit

A separate one-time enrolment is required, and you have to save the benefit to your American Express Platinum Charge Card before you make your first eligible dining purchase. This benefit resets every redemption period, which is the calendar year between 1 January and 31 December. It expires 31 December 2025 and is only available to the primary cardholder.

You can find the full list of participating restaurants and the terms and conditions (for example, certain transactions like gift cards are ineligible) on the Amex website. As a heads-up, it’s a good idea to pay at the counter rather than via a QR code or a 3rd-party payment app which may not register your purchase as eligible for Global Dining Credit.

Lounge Access

Another enhanced feature on the American Express Platinum Card provides primary and additional cardholders access to more than 1,400 airport lounges in over 650 cities across 140 countries with the Global Lounge Collection.

American Express offers cardholders access to The Centurion Lounge, Escape Lounges - The Centurion Studio Partner, Priority Pass Lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, alongside Delta Sky Club® Lounges (when flying Delta) and Virgin Australia Domestic Lounges (when flying Virgin Australia).

In terms of Priority Pass access, you and one additional cardholder will receive complimentary membership to Priority Pass , plus you can both bring a guest into Priority Pass lounges at no additional cost. There is some detailed small print that goes along with access to participating lounges on this card, so it’s worth a read if you want to get the most out of it.

Complimentary Insurance Cover

Offering peace of mind when travelling overseas and within Australia, the American Express Platinum Card now offers domestic and international travel insurance to both primary cardholders and up to four additional cardholders, as long as they book and pay for their return travel using their card or Membership Rewards points.

As with any type of credit card insurance, there are terms, conditions and exclusions (such as maximum age limits, pre-existing medical conditions and cover limits) that may apply, so it’s best to read the PDS before relying on the cover.

Fine Hotels + Resorts Program

Another valuable feature for frequent travellers, the American Express Platinum Card provides access to the Fine Hotels + Resorts program. Enjoy complimentary benefits offering an average total value of more than $800 at over 1,300 extraordinary properties worldwide including guaranteed 4pm late check-out, room upgrades (subject to availability), daily breakfast for two, or a complimentary amenity valued at US$100, such as food and beverage credit or a massage for two.

Some of the benefits you may enjoy include daily breakfast for two people, room upgrades (subject to availability), noon-check in, guaranteed 4pm late check-out, and special amenities at each property. To be eligible for these extras, you must book through the Platinum Travel Service or American Express Travel Online and pay in full with your card.

Pay with Points on Fine Hotels and Resorts and The Hotel Collection

You may be able to use Membership Rewards® points [and the Travel Credit] on the American Express Travel website as payment towards Fine Hotels and Resorts and The Hotel Collection, if the selected hotel and room type provides you the option to prepay in advance.

Hotel Elite Status

Providing you with Hotel Elite Status, the American Express Platinum Card gives you the opportunity to be fast-tracked to the higher tiers of leading hotel loyalty programs around the world. Where you would normally have to fulfil certain qualifying criteria, such as a specific number of stays per year, this gives you fast access to top tier loyalty programs at hotels that include Radisson Rewards Premium Status, Marriott Hotels & Resorts and Hilton.

Accor Plus Membership

As a new feature added to the American Express Platinum Card, cardholders are now provided complimentary Accor Plus membership, valued at $399 per year. Allowing you to experience more during your stay at over 800 hotels in 18 countries across the Asia Pacific region, this Accor Plus membership provides extras such as discounts on food and beverages, and a complimentary night’s stay each year.

International Airline Program

Allowing you to save money on First and Business Class fares with some of the world's leading airlines, the International Airline Program offers savings of up to 20% when flying with Qantas Airways, British Airways, Delta Airlines, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, United, Emirates and more.

This Card: Extras on Offer

While features on the American Express Platinum Card focus on travel, there are some non-travel related extras on offer as well.

Amazon Prime Subscription Credit

New Feature! Enjoy a benefit limit of up to $84 per calendar year for your monthly or yearly Amazon Prime subscription when you pay using your American Express Platinum Charge Card. Along with the statement credit are other awesome perks such as fast and free shipping on millions of eligible items, access to exclusive Amazon Originals as well as popular movies and TV shows on Prime Video (now with limited ads), and over 100 million songs with Amazon Prime Music. Credit is reflected on your billing statement within 30 days from the date of subscription payment but may take longer. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Benefit is available until 31 December 2025.

Up to $400 Global Dining Credit

Primary American Express Australia Platinum cardholders will be eligible to receive a maximum of $200 back on spending at participating local restaurants and maximum of AUD$200 back on spending at participating restaurants abroad. It's essential to be aware of the terms and conditions to make the most of this exclusive offer.

The Australian Premium

American Express will be offering Primary and Additional Platinum Card Members premium access to The Australian’s leading news coverage, and analysis, on all their devices, inclusive of exclusive features for members. Benefits from subscription includes full digital access to The Australian across all your devices as well as to The Wall Street Journal. Exclusive to select American Express Card Members include a weekly newsletter featuring a curated selection of stories from The Australian and global news partners including The Wall Street Journal, The Times of London, The Economist and Harvard Business Review and two virtual events every year featuring some of The Australian’s most experienced political and business journalists.

You can benefit from Smartphone Screen Cover, providing up to $500 for screen repairs when you pay for your smartphone with your card, either outright or on a monthly contract. Other favourites include access to the American Express Platinum Card Services; exclusive experiences through the American Express Experiences; and to additional cover on purchases through Card Purchase Cover, Card Refund Cover and extended warranty via Buyer’s Advantage Cover.

This Card: The Essentials

One of the most important things to consider when applying for the American Express Platinum Card is the fact that it is a charge card, not a credit card. That means it has no pre-set spending limit, as long as you repay the entire balance each month. So, to make the most of this card, you need to spend only what you can pay back, with up to 44 cash flow days to pay.

It’s also worth noting that just because you have no pre-set spending limit does not mean you have access to unlimited spending. Your purchases will be approved based on a variety of factors, such as your current spending patterns and your payment history, your credit records, and any financial resources known to American Express.

Decision Time

Simply packed with features, the American Express Platinum Card is the ideal card for frequent travellers who spend big – and who want to earn big rewards in return. Allowing you to transfer points to a number of popular frequent flyer programs, the card offers plenty of redemption options, as well as a high earn rate. You can benefit from 150,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points as a new cardholder, while also enjoying a magnificent selection of features and extras, with a hard focus on travel.