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From my own journey with credit cards, I can vouch that the Amex Platinum is a gem for travelers. Those airport lounges, myriad transfer partners, and special brand deals, including a digital entertainment credit, have made my trips more rewarding. Believe me, it packs a punch (I’ve calculated benefits exceeding $1,400)! A common question I’ve come across in various conversations is about the credit score needed for the Platinum Card from American Express. Here’s a piece of good news: while the Amex Platinum is loaded with top-tier perks, it doesn’t mean you need an ultra-high credit score for approval. You might just be pleasantly surprised when you dig into the specifics!
A standout reason for diving into the Amex Platinum Card? That irresistible bonus. New The Platinum Card® from American Express cardmembers can earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $8,000 on purchases on their new Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership.
80,000 Points Bonus: The Platinum Card® from American Express
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
The Credit Score Needed for the American Express Platinum
To apply for The Platinum Card® from American Express, you need to have a good or excellent credit score. This means you need a credit score of at least 700. The average applicant has a score of 715. Although, some applicants have been approved with a credit score as low as 643. Check out some of the best places to get a free credit score if you don’t know what your credit score is.
Several variables can affect American Express’s decision to approve your application. It can depend on your current income, debt-to-income ratio, and previous credit card history.
Keep in mind that if you have received a bonus offer for the Amex Platinum in the past, you will not qualify for future offers. But you can qualify for welcome offers from other American Express credit cards.
Purchase Rewards
The American Express Platinum is ideal for frequent fliers. In fact, this card is the quickest way to earn miles from plane ticket purchases. Below are all the ways you can earn Membership Rewards® points.
- Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, and earn 5x Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
- 1x Membership Rewards® points per $1 on all remaining purchases
Plus, American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. Now there are even more places your Platinum Card® can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks.
Other Platinum Card from American Express Benefits
You will also enjoy the additional travel benefits that many frequent travelers love from this metal credit card.
Cardholders can get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when they pay with their Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
Also, select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Card.
Cardholders also get up to $100 in statement credits for Saks Fifth Avenue purchases (enrollment required).
Additional Perks
There’s also a digital entertainment credit, making this card one of the best for streaming services. Cardholders can get up to $20 in statement credits each month when they pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card®. Enrollment required.
In addition to enjoying TSA PreCheck or Global Entry access, cardholders can also enjoy CLEAR perks. Breeze through security with CLEAR® Plus and get up to $189 back per year on your membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card.
Another exciting benefit is the ability for cardholders to get up to $300 back each year in the form of statement credits on an Equinox+ subscription or any Equinox club membership when they pay with their Platinum Card. Enrollment required.
Plus, get up to $155 Walmart+ credit, which covers the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card® from American Express. The cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax.
If you travel frequently and can take advantage of the perks, the Platinum Card will be valuable to you. Enrollment may be required. Terms apply.
Amex Platinum Credit Score
You can get approval for the Amex Platinum with a credit score 650+ as long as your credit history is in good standing. Of course, there’s no way to guarantee approval without knowing someone’s full credit history and credit report.
How Hard Is it to Get the American Express Platinum?
It’s not as hard to get approved for the Amex Platinum as you might think. If you have the credit score needed for The Platinum Card® from American Express, you will enjoy some of the best travel rewards when you are approved.
Additionally, if you have a credit score in the upper 600s or low 700s but have a decent credit history, your odds of getting approved are higher. The Platinum Card is one of the best American Express credit cards. So, it’s somewhat understandable that the required credit score may be higher.
Alternative Options
For those who find the $695 annual fee (See Rates & Fees) to be exorbitant but still want a premium card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a good travel rewards credit card option.
You get an annual $300 travel credit, passes to airport lounges, and a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee credit.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® purchases earn up to 10x Ultimate Rewards. Cardholders can earn unlimited:
- 10x total points on hotels and car rental purchases through Chase Travel℠ (after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually)
- 10x total points on Chase Dining purchases with Chase Travel℠
- 5x total points on flights when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ (after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually)
- 3x points on other travel worldwide (after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually)
- 3x points on other dining at restaurants, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out
- 1x points for all remaining purchases
You will not receive rewards points on your first $300 in annual travel purchases as the annual travel statement credit reimburses these purchases.
The Sapphire Reserve benefits are quite swell. However, you will need an excellent credit score for this card.
Related: Best Premium Credit Cards
Summary of Amex Platinum Credit Score Needed
In conclusion, The Platinum Card® from American Express is an excellent option to earn the most rewards from flying. The most valuable benefits are for frequent fliers. Additionally, the credit score needed for the American Express Platinum might not be as high as you expected. However, provided you have a good or excellent score, it can be well worth your time to apply.
Targeted Offer: You might possibly qualify for a huge 100,000 or 125,000-point welcome bonus with the Platinum Card® from American Express. See if you qualify for the Amex Platinum 100,000 or 125,000 offer (no hard credit pull): CardMatch™
All American Express credit score data used in this post have been provided by Credit Karma.
Related Posts:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. Amex Platinum
- Best Credit Cards for Domestic Travel
- Credit Card Benefits To Help During Coronavirus
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.
I want platinum card how can I apply
Here’s the Amex Platinum link: The Platinum Card® from American Express
how to get an amex invite?
You can log into your Amex.com account or apply via the link on our website.
I have been with American Express Member since 83 Love the card
No one likes a bragger
Dear P V Seshareddy,
How are you good sir? To consider you for an Amex platinum, I would first need to know what is your level of luxury? How much of your luxuries will be purchased with your platinum card per annum?
If your luxury level is medium or higher, and a good percentage of your luxury spending is with your future Amex platinum card (at least 1-2 crore rupee per year, otherwise silly to try you would be, my friend!)