Best ways to use American Express Platinum Card points
The American Express Platinum Card earns Amex Membership Rewards points. Here's how to use them well — transfer partners, sweet spots, and when it's worth holding the card.
Card snapshot
Issuer
American Express
Program
Amex Membership Rewards
Annual fee
$695
Earning rates
- 5× on flights booked directly or via Amex Travel (up to $500K/yr)
- 5× on prepaid hotels via Amex Travel
- 1× on other purchases
Top benefits
- Centurion Lounge access (flagship feature)
- Priority Pass + Delta Sky Club (when flying Delta)
- $200 Uber credit annually
- $200 airline fee credit
- $200 hotel credit (Fine Hotels+Resorts or The Hotel Collection)
- $240 digital entertainment credit
- $300 Equinox/SoulCycle credit
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
- Marriott Gold + Hilton Gold status
Best ways to use the points
- Transfer to ANA (round-trip US–Japan business class for 88K points)
- Transfer to Virgin Atlantic for ANA First Class round-trip for 110K points
- Transfer to Air Canada Aeroplan for 60K one-way business to Europe
- 5× on flights booked directly makes this the best earning card for paid flights over $500
Transfer partners
American Express Platinum Card points transfer to:
Drawbacks
- $695 annual fee
- Most credits require active management (Uber, airline fee, entertainment, Equinox)
- Limited bonus categories compared to Chase peers
Our verdict
If you use the Centurion Lounges and extract most of the coupon credits, net value is positive. Otherwise, the $695 fee is hard to justify versus the Sapphire Reserve. Best for frequent travelers on Amex-partner airlines or those who value Centurion access.
Find award availability before you transfer
Points transfers are almost always non-reversible. Use AwardLocker to confirm saver space first, then move your Amex Membership Rewards points only when you're ready to book.
Check availability →