Amex platinum explored: A traveler's first-hand account

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Amex platinum explored: A traveler's first-hand account

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Andrea M. Rotondo Director of content operations | The Points Guy

By Sky Industry News

Feb 17, 2025

Tarah Chieffi, a family travel reporter for The Points Guy (TPG), has embarked on a journey to explore the benefits of her first premium rewards card, The Platinum Card from American Express. This decision came after years of skepticism about the necessity of such a card due to its $695 annual fee.

Chieffi's exploration began with a trip to New Orleans, booked through the American Express Travel portal. By doing so, she earned 5 points per dollar spent and accessed additional perks associated with properties in the Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts collection and The Hotel Collection. She chose The Eliza Jane hotel, part of Hyatt's Unbound Collection, which was conveniently located near the French Quarter.

Upon booking, Chieffi received an unexpected email from Amex Travel containing a discount code for local tours and experiences. Although she did not use it during this trip, it remains valid until the end of the year.

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One notable benefit of the Amex Platinum is an up to $200 annual hotel credit for select prepaid bookings made through Amex Travel. Chieffi took advantage of this by booking her stay at The Eliza Jane, effectively reducing her room rate by $100 per night over two nights.

During check-in at The Eliza Jane, Chieffi was greeted as an Amex Platinum cardmember and received a complimentary upgrade to a one-bedroom suite. She also benefited from a $100 amenity credit applicable toward purchases at the lobby bar or gift shop and enjoyed complimentary breakfast each morning.

Throughout her stay in New Orleans, Chieffi used her Amex Platinum card extensively to work towards meeting an $8,000 spending threshold required within six months to earn 80,000 bonus Membership Rewards points.

On her return trip home from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), Chieffi utilized another perk: Clear Plus membership. Her new card covers up to $199 annually for Clear Plus expedited security clearance. This benefit complements TSA PreCheck, which she already had.

Reflecting on her experience with the Amex Platinum card during this trip, Chieffi expressed satisfaction with the savings and perks she received. These included hotel credits, upgrades, complimentary meals and drinks, expedited airport security screening through Clear Plus membership and more.

For further details on rates and fees associated with The Platinum Card from American Express or information on how to apply for it can be found through TPG resources.

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