OK, so despite appearances this is not a paid blog post, nor YPT official policy, but rather my personal take on what the best travel credit card on the planet is. And to me it is the American Express Platinum card.
And this is for a number of reasons that I will communicate in this article, but major kickers in my mind are Lounge Access (almost) everywhere and truly comprehensive travel insurance. This was something I recently had to avail of in China.
Click to read about being a Digital Nomad in Pyongyang – where they do not take Amex.
What the Amex Platinum?
American Express started life back in the 1850s as a transport and financial services company in the United States, long before credit cards were even a thing. The Platinum Card itself came much later, introduced in the 1980s as a premium product aimed at frequent travellers and high spenders who wanted more than just basic points and cashback.
Over time it evolved into one of the most famous travel cards on the planet, built around airport lounge access, hotel perks, travel insurance and lifestyle benefits. Today its also a bit of a status symbol for ballers who love to tap that metal card!
The Perks of American Express Platinum
I will get to the cost later, but basically American Express Platinum offers a whole heap of perks and offers that justify the price majorly, BUT only if you travel a lot. This is not a card for someone who has 2 weeks in Benidorm every year.
Priority Pass
Priority Pass gives you access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. Not every lounge is great and increasingly not all airports have a Priority Pass lounge, but it is still the best option that there is, particularly in comparison to LoungeKey or DragonPass. It remains the best widely available lounge network for frequent travellers.
Hotel Affiliate Programs, such as the Hilton
Name a major hotel brand and Amex pretty much has a deal with them. For Hilton this means automatic Gold status and basically a free upgrade when you book. OK, so Hilton might not come across all that “YPT”, but believe me after a week in the bush of PNG the Hilton Port Moresby feels good.
Other affiliates include Marriott Bonvoy, Radisson Rewards and Fine Hotels + Resorts.
American Express Platinum Travel Insurance
The Amex travel insurance is genuinely very strong. It covers emergency medical expenses, trip cancellation, curtailment, delayed or lost baggage, and personal belongings. It is one of the strongest parts of the card and one of the main reasons frequent travellers justify holding it.
The Concierge
The Amex concierge service is basically a 24/7 personal assistant for travel, restaurants, hotels and events. I personally feel kind of awkward using it, also I am a travel agent so I am my own concierge, but it is still pretty cool. You can call or message them and they will try to sort bookings and arrangements for you.
£400 / $600 in Meal Vouchers
This one I only discovered recently to my disdain as I have basically missed it for the last 8 years. Basically though you get around £200 UK / $400 US equivalent in dining credits that you can use towards meals.
These are split over the year in two six-month periods: January to June and July to December.
It has to be used in participating restaurants, but basically if you spend £110 then you get £100 refunded. You get the idea, I just used this for The Ivy in Canterbury. I have not yet used it internationally, but there are plenty of restaurants in Hong Kong, Japan and Thailand. Sadly not many in “other” Pioneer destinations. It is basically free food though, so what is not to like.
Other Perks with American Express Platinum
Other perks include car hire elite status with companies like Hertz and Avis, travel credits, purchase protection, and various Amex Offers that give discounts or cashback at selected retailers, hotels and restaurants.
How do I get American Express Platinum?
OK, so how much does it cost?
The American Express Platinum Card costs:
United States: $895 per year USD
United Kingdom: £650 per year GBP
I personally do it as a monthly thing, although each country differs somewhat. And where can you sign up for American Express Platinum? Well, through my personal referral link here.
Click to see YPT’s Worldwide Adventures.
