Best Premium Card

American Express Platinum Card Review

Overview

The Platinum Card from American Express is a great choice for people with excellent credit who want the best rewards, experiences (sports, music, travel, entertainment) and customer service from a card-and don't mind paying a little extra for it.

The card offers unparalleled service and attention and you can take advantage of the 24-hour concierge to help with just about anything - from planning a dinner with your loved one to arranging a family vacation.

It is important to note that the Platinum Card is not a true credit card; it is a charge card, which means you have to pay the full balance off at the end of each month. Apply for the Card here.

Main Features

Airport club access
24-hour concierge service and travel service
Exclusive By-Invitational-Only events
Robust Membership Rewards program
Complimentary companion airline ticket (4 times per calendar year)
No preset spending limit
Annual fee: $450

Benefits

Shopping

Platinum Shopping Partners - Get exclusive rewards, special treatment and other benefits from luxury retailer partners such as Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Sony, and Saks Fifth Avenue
Return Protection - If you buy a designated item and try to return it within 90 days but the merchant won't let you, American Express will refund the full price (up to $300 per item, maximum of $1,000 per year).
Purchase Protection - When a Platinum Cardmember charges a covered purchase to their Card, the Purchase Protection Plan protects that item for up to 90 days from the date of purchase if it is stolen, accidentally damaged (including vandalism) or lost. The coverage is limited to $10,000 per Occurrence, up to $50,000 per Cardmember account per policy year
Year-end spending summary - Available online at the beginning of each year and sorted by category to help people save time on tax returns and budgeting. One great thing about this is that you can also sort purchases by date, merchant name or amount within each category, and you can easily transfer the summary to your computer to save and/or print.

Travel

Complimentary International companion ticket - good at one of 17 international airlines when you buy a full-fare ticket through the Platinum Travel Service
Airport Club Access - Show your card and receive access to clubs from American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta, Northwest and others
Premium Global Assist Hotline - If you get sick while traveling this service can help you find an English-speaking doctor and transfer you to an appropriate medical facility. They'll even send in a helicopter, if needed.
- They also help you with lost luggage, emergency cash, last-minute hotel check-ins, passports and prescription medications
Exclusive Platinum Destinations Vacations and cruise experiences
Baggage Insurance - provides reimbursement (up to a certain level) for checked and carry-on baggage

Lifestyle

24-7-365 always on-demand Concierge Service - to help with everything from booking travel to finding the right present for your loved ones
Fine Dining Program - reservations held for Cardmembers at over 1,000 fine restaurants
By Invitation Only events - access to amazing, one-of-a-kind experiences. A variety of types of events, from Broadway shows to sports to fashion and food.
Premium seats and suite access *very limited quantities
- NY - premium seats available for all events at Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall
- LA - STAPLES Center- exclusive access to Platinum Lounge
Subscription to Departures Magazine - offers an exlusive look at the most exclusive aspects of the luxury lifestyle - from travel and style to culture and dining

What We Like

Amazing customer service, free companion airline tickets, great entertainment experiences and tickets...pretty much everything

What We Don't Like

Not much. The $450 fee may bother some people.

Best Premium Card's Opinion

If you can stomach the $450 fee and want an amazing premium card, you can't go wrong with the Platinum Card from American Express. There's really no better option out there and the benefits and personal service you get are better than just about any card you can find.