Amex Platinum Travel Credit Card
On February 25, 2024 by traveluserInternationally recognized for its collection of high-end credit cards and the advantageous airline mileage perks they provide, American Express currently presents a solitary option in the travel classification within India. This offering takes the form of the American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card, which stands as one of the most elite credit cards within the AmEx portfolio.
If you’re looking for a best travel credit card in India, the Amex Platinum Travel Credit Card is a must have in your list. Let us dive into a detailed review of the Amex Platinum Travel Credit Card:
Overview
- Type: Travel Credit Card
- USP: Welcome bonus, Milestone benefits, excellent customer service
Key Features
Best use case for the Amex Platinum Travel Credit Card ultimately depends on the individual’s lifestyle, preferences, and financial habits. Below are the key features of Axis magnus credit card.
Welcome Benefits
Amex is generous with welcome benefits for paid as well as referred credit cards.
10,000 Membership Rewards Points if joining fee (3500 + GST) is paid.
2000 Membership Rewards Points if you join via referral program (FYF).
Reward Points
- Regular Rewards
- 1 MR point/Rs 50 ~0.3% to 0.6% return – All Spends (except fuel, insurance, utilities, and EMI transactions).
- Fuel, insurance, utilities and EMI transactions do not get MR points but count for the milestone bonus rewards.
- Accelerated Rewards
- 3MR points for every INR 50 spent on the Amex Reward Multiplier portal.
- 5x MR points and vouchers via Amex rewards program.
- Milestone Rewards
- On spending INR 190,000 in a year 15000 MR points
- On spending INR 400,000 in a year, additional 25000 MR points
- Taj Voucher worth INR 10,000 on spending 400,000 in a year
- So, if we spend 400,000 in a year you get bonus MR points of 40,000 and a 10,000 Taj voucher. This is in addition to regular MR points on spends.
Travel Benefits
- Airport Lounge access
- Domestic Lounge Access – 8 complimentary domestic lounge access per year (max 2 every quarter).
- International lounge Access – Complimentary priority pass membership (lounge access program) with USD 99 annual fee is provided with the card. Though you will have to pay $35 per person for lounge visit
- Global Acceptance – Being an American Express card, it is widely accepted both internationally
- Travel insurance coverage, including flight delay and baggage loss coverage.
Dining Privileges
- Enjoy exciting discounts of up to 20% every time at select restaurants.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver
No fuel surcharge at HPCL fuel stations for transactions of up to Rs. 5,000, 1% surcharge on transactions above Rs. 5,000
Contactless payments
The Amex Platinum Travel Credit Card is equipped with contactless payment technology, enabling quick and secure transactions at enabled terminals.
Amex Platinum Travel – Rewards Redemption
- The accumulated Membership Rewards Points are convertible for use on well-known e-commerce platforms. They can be utilized for acquiring e-vouchers through Amex’s online shopping portal, engaging in INSTA transactions at brick-and-mortar stores, and even settling credit card bills through the Cash + Points program.
- Best way to use Amex’s Membership Rewards Points is to transfer to other air miles and hotel loyalty programs like British Airways Executive Club, Club Vistara, Emirates, Finnair Plus, Qatar Privilege Club, Singapore Kris Flyer, Marriott Bonvoy.
Fees and Charges
| Joining Fee | 3500 INR + GST or FYF with referral |
| Welcome Benefit | 10,000 MR points OR 2000 MR points in case of FYF referral offer |
| Renewal Fee | 5000 INR + GST |
| Renewal Benefit | None |
| Renewal fee Waiver | Amex is generous enough for fee waiver on case-to-case basis |
Eligibility
- Resident of India between age of 18 years
- Annual income of 6 Lakhs or above for both salaried and self-employed
- Add-on cardholder should be over 18 years
Pros and Cons
No card in the industry is perfect for everyone. Here are some good things and some bad things about Amex Platinum Travel Card.
- Pros
- Attractive Milestone benefits – ~48000 MR points and 10000 Taj vouchers on spending 400,000 in a year
- Comprehensive rewards program with redemption flexibility.
- Lounge access and travel benefits enhance the travel experience.
- Excellent customer service
- Dining privileges offer savings at partner restaurants.
- Round-the-Year Offers
- Cons
- Acceptance in Tier-2 and tier-3 cities
- No Card renewal benefit is a negative of the card
- No complimentary international lounge visit
Best For
Lumpsum annual spends, expenditures up to 400,000 per year.
Conclusion
The Amex Platinum Credit Card is an excellent choice for individuals who have lumpsum spends up to 4 lakhs in a year. Milestone benefits and reward redemption across multiple hotel / airline partners make this car a must have I travel category. However, you should carefully consider the fees, charges, and eligibility criteria to ensure it aligns with their financial goals and spending patterns.
As with any credit card, responsible usage is crucial to maximize the benefits while avoiding debt traps. Before applying for the Amex Platinum Travel Credit Card, it’s advisable to compare it with other travel credit cards in the market to find the best fit for your needs and preferences.
Also, please note that the credit of bonus MR points against milestones are not completely automatic.
For Rs 1.9 Lakhs milestone – 7500 MR points are posted automatically. For another 7500 MR points we need to reach out to Amex customer care via chats.
For Rs 4 Lakhs milestone – 12500 MR points are posted automatically. For another 12500 MR points we need to reach out to Amex customer care via chats
Overall rating: 8/10
Here is my referral link if you want to apply for Amex credit cards – American Express
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