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For travel enthusiasts, The Platinum Card® from American Express (Terms apply, rates & fees) has long been a staple of luxury perks and premium rewards. Among its many benefits, two annual statement credits stand out: its airline fee credit and hotel credit.
Both help card members offset the card’s hefty $895 annual fee, but they’re not created equal. The hotel credit, in particular, is emerging as the real standout, offering more value and flexibility than ever before.
The Basics: What Cardholders Get
- Airline fee credit. Platinum members receive up to $200 annually in airline incidental fee statement credits. These are designed to cover costs like checked bags, in-flight snacks or seat upgrades, but not airfare itself. The catch? You must choose one qualifying airline each year, and the credit only applies to incidentals on that airline. If you’re not brand loyal, it’s easy to miss out on fully utilizing this benefit.
- Hotel credit. Platinum’s existing hotel credit recently received a revamp, now offering $600 in yearly value. The credit is split into two up to $300 semiannual statement credits and is valid on prepaid bookings made through Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Each stay booked through Fine Hotels + Resorts comes with a suite of perks: breakfast for two, guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout and room upgrade upon arrival when available. Note: The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
On top of these perks, new cardholders can snag a personalized offer as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases on the card in the first 6 months of card membership (approval required, welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer).
Why the Hotel Credit Wins on Value
Unlike the airline incidental fee statement credit, which can feel restrictive, the hotel statement credit is more straightforward and loaded with extras. Booking through Fine Hotels + Resorts doesn’t just get you a nice room; it offers a mini-VIP experience.
Think early check-in, resort credits for dining or spa treatments and late checkout, so you can enjoy your last day without rushing to pack the moment you wake up.
Using both up to $300 credits in a year gives you up to $600 in statement credits toward hotel stays. Add complimentary perks, and the card’s annual fee feels more manageable.
For anyone who stays at least a couple of nights a year at a luxury property, this benefit can more than pay for itself.
How To Max Out Both Credits
Airline Fee Credit Tips
- Choose your airline strategically. Pick the carrier you fly most often.
- Use the statement credit for add-ons you’d buy anyway, such as checked baggage or seat selection.
- Keep in mind that the statement credit resets each calendar year—use it or lose it.
Hotel Credit Tips
- Book through Amex Travel’s Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection to unlock the statement credits.
- Plan around the credit’s semiannual structure: one up to $300 statement credit in the first half of the year, one in the second.
- Take full advantage of the added perks: breakfast for two, late checkout, room upgrades and property credits.
Bottom Line
The travel credits available on The Platinum Card® from American Express are key tools for getting real value out of the card. While the airline statement credit can be hit or miss depending on your travel style, the hotel statement credit is a clear standout.
When used strategically, both credits can shave hundreds off your travel costs while adding luxury perks that make Platinum membership feel premium. For travelers who know how to make the most of the system, these credits aren’t just ways to offset the annual fee, but upgrades to the entire travel experience.
To view rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page.