Amex Platinum
The Ultimate Guide to the American Express Platinum Card (UK)
If you travel often, especially as a family, the American Express Platinum Card can be one of the most powerful tools in your travel strategy.
It comes with premium perks, luxury travel benefits, and protection that easily offset the annual fee if you use them wisely.
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Platinum Card, eligibility, key benefits, hidden perks, and insider tips to get approved and maximise value.
Why We Love the Amex Platinum Card
As a family of four, this is our favourite card.
Yes, the annual fee is high, but if you travel at least once a year, the benefits more than pay for themselves.
Here’s what you get right from the start:
Unlimited lounge access (for you and a guest)
Worldwide travel insurance
£200 dining credit in the UK and £200 abroad each year
Hotel and car hire elite status upgrades
Fine Hotels & Resorts and Hotel Collection perks
Purchase and refund protection
It’s one of the most complete cards on the UK market for frequent travellers.
Eligibility and How to Apply
To qualify, you’ll need an annual income of at least £35,000.
Before applying, use the Amex Eligibility Checker (soft search, no impact on credit score) to see your likelihood of approval.
👉 Pro tip:
If your score is 7.5 or above, apply between 9 PM and 5 AM, this timeframe uses Amex’s automated system, which tends to approve applicants more efficiently.
If you’re declined but meet the income criteria, you can contact Amex and request a manual review. Many applicants have been approved this way after submitting proof of income.
Use the Referral Link for a Higher Bonus
It’s not just about referrals, it’s about getting more points.
Apply directly: 50,000 Membership Rewards points
Apply via referral link: 55,000 Membership Rewards points
That’s an extra 5,000 points, just for using a referral. It’s a no-brainer.
Lounge Access
Once approved, you’ll receive an email from Priority Pass with your login details.
This gives you unlimited access to 1,400+ lounges worldwide, including Amex’s own Centurion Lounges.
The supplementary cardholder also gets their own access, and both of you can bring one guest each, perfect for a family of four.
✨ Exclusive Perk:
At London’s Eurostar Lounge (Victoria Station), only Platinum cardholders are allowed entry, no guests, no exceptions.
Dining Credits
Each year, you receive £400 total dining credit, split into two £200 halves:
£200 for UK restaurants
£200 for international restaurants
The credit renews every six months (January and July).
⚡ Tip:
If you get your card just before a renewal date, you might receive three dining credits within your first membership year.
For example, if you join in December, you’ll receive July’s credit, plus the two from your membership year.
Only the main cardholder can use this benefit, so remember to save the offer on your card (not the supplementary one).
Hotel Elite Status & Fine Hotels + Resorts
The Amex Platinum gives you elite status at several hotel chains:
You just need to log in to the Amex benefits portal and link your hotel accounts, upgrades are automatic.
You also gain access to:
Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR): breakfast for two, $100–$200 credit, upgrades, early check-in, late check-out
The Hotel Collection: £100 hotel credit when you stay two nights or more
These benefits alone can save hundreds of pounds per trip.
Car Rental Benefits
Enjoy free elite status and discounts with:
Avis Preferred Plus
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards
You also get free car rental insurance (no need to pay extra at the counter).
For total peace of mind, book through the Amex Travel Portal while logged into your Platinum account to ensure your insurance applies automatically.
Bicester Village Collection Perk
A hidden gem!
Every time you visit Bicester Village, you can download a VIP Pass for:
10% extra discount at selected boutiques
Exclusive parking (book ahead, weekdays only)
This is one of those lesser-known perks that makes the card even more worthwhile. You can read our full blog here on how to grab these benefits.
Travel Insurance & Protection
Amex Platinum includes comprehensive worldwide travel insurance for you and your family, covering:
Medical expenses
Lost luggage
Trip delays
Car hire excess
Purchase and refund protection
You can download your insurance certificate directly from the Amex portal, some destinations may now require this before travel.
Final Thoughts
The American Express Platinum Card is not just a credit card, it’s a lifestyle tool.
If you travel often and use even half of its perks, it can easily save you more than the £650 annual fee.
From luxury lounges to hotel upgrades and insurance, it’s the most complete card in the UK for frequent travellers.
Whether you’re looking to travel smarter, more comfortably, or simply with peace of mind, this card is a powerhouse for anyone serious about maximising points and benefits.
Fly Smart Club Disclaimer
Fly Smart Club provides travel education and reward strategy insights for informational purposes only.
We are not financial advisers, and none of the information on this website should be taken as financial advice.
You are responsible for evaluating whether any product or strategy is suitable for your personal situation.
While we may discuss financial products offered by banks and lenders, Fly Smart Club Ltd is not a lender or broker, and we do not provide credit recommendations.
Our content focuses on how to maximise points and miles effectively within the UK rewards ecosystem.
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