American Express Platinum Credit Card Review

The Platinum Card® by American Express offers lounge access and a variety of statement credits that can provide significant value. However, the benefits come at a high cost, making it ideal only for those who can fully maximise its perks. For frequent travelers and individuals who can take full advantage of its offerings, this card offers tremendous value. For others, the high annual fee may outweigh the rewards.

Annual fee

S$1,744 (inclusive of 9% GST)

Rewards rate
10.4 miles per dollar on Platinum 10Xcelerator Partners

Bonus offer
Receive 150,000 Membership Rewards® points with annual fee payment and min. spending of S$8,000 within first 3 months of Card approval. Plus, earn 10,000 Membership Rewards® points for the S$8,000 spent (based on 2 Membership Rewards® points for every full S$1.60 spent). Valid till 28 May 2025. T&Cs apply.

Intro APR

N/A

Ongoing APR

N/A

Balance transfer fee

N/A

Foreign transaction fee

None 

Please refer to the American Express website (go.amex/singsaver) for the most up to date information on card benefits and its terms & conditions.

• Up to 135,000 Amex welcome Membership Rewards® points (only for New-to-Amex cardholders)

• Up to 87,500 welcome Membership Rewards® points (only for existing Amex cardholders)

• 20 Membership Rewards points for every S$1.60 spent at Platinum 10Xcelerator Partners entertainment, groceries, fashion, transport, travel categories

• 5 Membership Rewards points for every full S$1.60 spent with Singapore Airlines and Scoot (equates to 1.95 miles per S$1), plus $200 airline credit

• 2 Membership Rewards points for every S$1.60 spent on other spending categories

• Elite tier status for partner hotels and car rental services

• No expiry on earned Amex Membership Rewards points

• Up to $1,238 worth of Global Lounge Collection benefits comprising airport lounges’ access in 650 cities worldwide

• Complimentary worldwide travel insurance coverage

• Up to 10.4 miles per dollar on Platinum 10Xcelerator Partners 

• Extensive travel perks, including access to airport lounges worldwide 

• S$1,354 in annual statement credits across various lifestyle categories 

• Complimentary hotel elite status with major brands 

• No cap or expiry on Membership Rewards points

• High annual fee (S$1,744) 

• High income or net worth requirement for eligibility 

• Low base earn rate compared to other premium travel cards 

• Statement credits require spending in certain categories

The American Express Platinum Card®, with its S$1,744 annual fee, is one of the most sought-after premium travel cards. It provides exclusive access to airport lounges, elite status with select hotel loyalty programs, and various travel, shopping, and entertainment credits. Ideal for frequent travellers, this card enhances the overall travel experience with luxury perks.

Cardholders gain entry to Centurion Lounges, often praised as some of the best airport lounges worldwide, offering gourmet meals, handcrafted cocktails, and premium amenities like shower suites.

Beyond lounge access, the travel and retail credits can further offset the card’s cost — but only if you can maximise them. Many credits are limited to specific brands, requiring strategic spending to take full advantage.

For full rates and fees, visit the official American Express Singapore website.

Card type: Charge card

Annual fee: S$1,744 (including GST)

Welcome offer:
Up to a total of 160,000 Membership Rewards points for new cardholders

Rewards rate:

10.4 miles per dollar on Platinum 10Xcelerator Partners

Interest rate: This card features a unique payment structure due to its origin as a charge card. Unlike standard credit cards, charge cards do not allow you to carry a balance, and instead, you must pay the full amount due each month.

Pay Small: Break large purchases into affordable instalments over 6, 12, or 24 months at 0% interest* with Pay Small by American Express. This feature offers greater control over payments by spreading costs over time.

*0% interest applies only if your Card Account is paid in full each month. Terms & Conditions apply.

Foreign transaction fees: None

Additional benefits:

• S$1,354 worth of statement credits for dining, entertainment, and travel.

• Extensive travel perks, including lounge access, hotel elite status, and premium concierge services.

• S$200 Airline Credit. Go off the beaten path with up to S$200 Airline Credit every year when you make qualifying spends with Singapore Airlines or Scoot. Valid till 31 December 2025.

• S$400 Global Dining Credit. From Michelin-starred hot spots to hidden gems, embark on a gastronomic journey and discover new favourites with up to S$400 Global Dining Credit every year. Valid till 31 December 2025.

• S$400 Lifestyle Credit. Unwind in serenity with a selection of fine wines or relaxing spa treatments with up to S$400 Lifestyle Credit to use every year when you make a qualifying spend. Valid till 31 December 2025.

• S$204 Entertainment Credit. Lose yourself in every special moment. Whether it’s fighting for justice or dancing along to your favourite musical, enjoy streaming services or discover new events with up to S$17 every month to spend at over 10 popular entertainment brands. Valid till 31 December 2025.

• S$150 Fashion Credit. Acquire timeless iconic pieces with up to S$150 Fashion Credit yearly at NET-A-PORTER and MR PORTER. Valid till 31 December 2025.

The combined value of these credits exceeds S$1,000, but how useful they are depends on your spending habits and how you use them. Certain credits are tied to premium services, so if those aren’t part of your usual routine, they may not provide as much value, especially when factoring in the cost of the card.

For instance, while the S$400 Global Dining Credit can be appealing for food lovers, it may not fully offset the cost of dining at high-end restaurants, especially if such meals are not part of your usual dining habits. Similarly, the S$200 Airline Credit is only applicable to qualifying purchases with Singapore Airlines or Scoot, and it won't cover airfare, only incidental fees like checked luggage. So, unless you travel frequently with these airlines and incur those fees, you may not benefit much from this credit.

On the other hand, credits like the S$400 Lifestyle Credit and S$150 Fashion Credit could be more easily utilised for those who enjoy indulging in luxury experiences, such as spa treatments or shopping at NET-A-PORTER and MR PORTER.

The monthly S$17 Entertainment Credit may be convenient for streaming services or events, especially for those who already subscribe to these services, while the Fashion Credit offers a nice bonus for those who like to shop online. For those who enjoy fine dining or spa experiences, the Lifestyle Credit might also be easily utilised, but it depends on your spending habits.

Ultimately, how valuable these credits are depends on how well they align with your lifestyle and how frequently you use them. If you regularly engage with the services they cover, these credits can help offset the annual fee. Otherwise, they might go unused.

Enjoy complimentary access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, including:

• Centurion Lounges and International American Express Lounges.

• Delta Sky Clubs when flying with Delta 

• Priority Pass Select lounges (enrollment required).

• Lounges within the Plaza Premium and Airspace networks.

Many of the lounges in the network offer amenities like showers and buffet meals, enhancing the overall airport experience. For frequent travellers, having access to a lounge can make the wait between flights more comfortable, especially in airports with high-end amenities and good food.

For example, during long layovers at London Heathrow, the Centurion Lounge's shower facilities provides a refreshing break. While lounge access is one of the major perks of the Platinum Card®, it's important to note that not all lounges meet the same standard. Some lounges, especially those in the U.S. that are part of the Priority Pass lounge network, can be overcrowded, making the experience less enjoyable.

If your home airport only offers basic lounges, this card may not be the best fit. However, if you travel frequently through airports with better lounges, the Platinum Card® could provide significant value. 

» Read more: Best credit cards with airport lounge access

• Marriott Bonvoy: With the Platinum Card®, you can automatically enroll to achieve Gold Elite status in Marriott's Bonvoy program without needing to meet any stay requirements. While this isn't a high-tier status, it offers a few valuable perks like room upgrades and a 2 p.m. late checkout (subject to availability), though it doesn't include free breakfast.

• Hilton Honors: When you enroll, you'll receive automatic Gold status in the Hilton Honors program. Hilton's Gold status is more beneficial than Marriott’s, offering perks like daily food and beverage credits, which can enhance your hotel experience.

• The Hotel Collection: When booking a stay of at least two nights at participating properties, you'll receive an automatic room upgrade (subject to availability) and a $100 credit for dining, spa, resort, or other hotel activities.

• Fine Hotels & Resorts: Booking a stay at select luxury hotels grants you benefits valued at an average of $550 per stay. These perks include room upgrades (subject to availability), early check-in, late checkout, complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and other unique amenities. However, given the high cost of these properties, which can exceed $1,000 per night, the additional benefits like breakfast might not feel as significant.

• Concierge Service: Platinum Card® holders have access to 24/7 concierge services, available by phone for a range of requests.

• Global Dining Access: Enjoy special access to reservations and exclusive events, such as meet-and-greets with chefs at high-end restaurants.

• Preferred Seating: With your Platinum Card®, you may receive priority access to buy tickets for select sports and cultural events.

While the Platinum Card® from American Express offers premium benefits, it may not be the best fit for everyone. The card's high annual fee, limited rewards structure, and specific credit restrictions mean that its value depends on your lifestyle and spending habits.

For those who frequently access airport lounges, the card’s lounge benefits alone can justify the cost. However, if you don’t travel often or live in a city with limited lounge options, the hefty $695 annual fee may be harder to justify. It’s worth assessing how often you’ll use the included perks and whether the cost per lounge visit and other benefits make sense for your travel habits.

The Platinum Card® comes with a high annual fee of S$1,744, which can be a significant investment unless you fully utilise its premium benefits. In comparison to other premium travel cards, this fee is notably higher. Many travel cards charge annual fees well under S$100 while still offering solid rewards and perks. 

While the Platinum Card® offers some attractive rewards, its ongoing earning rates are generally lower than other cards. For everyday spending outside travel-related purchases, its rewards may not be as competitive compared to other cards in the market. If you’re looking to maximise rewards on a wide range of purchases, there may be better options available for earning points or cash back.

Some of the credits that come with the Platinum Card®—such as airline fee credits or hotel benefits—are limited in use or specific to certain categories. These credits may not align with your regular spending habits, meaning their value could be diminished. If you don’t frequently travel or spend in the categories covered by the credits, you might not get the full benefit of what the card offers.

A key competitor to the American Express Platinum Card is the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, which provides a similar range of travel benefits, including transferable points, flexible travel credits, and strong travel perks. If you're considering a premium travel card, it's worth comparing the benefits of both cards to determine which one aligns best with your spending and travel preferences. For a more detailed comparison of the Platinum Card® and other top travel cards, check out our best credit cards list here.

The American Express Platinum Card is ideal for high-spending travellers who can fully leverage its luxury benefits. If you regularly access airport lounges, book hotels via American Express Travel, or use the annual credits, the card’s high annual fee can be worth it.

However, if you don’t utilise these perks, the value may not justify the steep annual fee. Consider your travel habits and spending patterns before committing to this premium card.

For full details on rates and fees for the American Express Platinum Card, click here.