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Updated January 2, 2020

American Express Platinum Requirements

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The Platinum Card® from American Express requires great credit, which usually means 720+. But some can be approved with a lower credit score. Learn what it takes to improve your approval odds.

American Express Platinum is one of the top luxury travel rewards cards with a $695 annual fee (See Rates & Fees). It offers a long list of premium travel perks, including airport lounge access, airline fee credit, concierge, and elite hotel status.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Just how hard is it to get? Read on to find out:

What credit score is needed for American Express?

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You'll need a good score in the mid– high 600s to qualify for the basic AMEX cards. For the premium cards, such as the Platinum, it's best if you have an excellent score 720 and above, although lower scores in the mid-600s can be approved as well if you have other strong qualifications.

American Express is known for being more exclusive than other issuers. AMEX usually pulls your credit report from Experian. So, know this score before applying to AMEX cards.

How hard is it to get an Amex Platinum Card?

Getting approval for the American Express Platinum may not be as hard as you think. While having a high credit score will definitely increase your odds, approval may not be as strict as you think. If you have poorer credit in the 600s, you may be approved if you:

  • Have a history of making on-time full payments
  • Have high income and steady job history
  • Have an existing relationship with American Express
  • Don't have too many new accounts and inquiries

Many users have reported being approved with scores in the mid-600s.

However, if your credit is bad (below 600), the chances of getting approval will most likely be slim to none. It's best that you first work on improving your credit score.

American Express Gold Card may be a bit easier to qualify for than AMEX Platinum. It's also a premium card aimed towards travelers, but has a smaller annual fee (See Rates & Fees). In general, it's best if you have a credit score of 700 or above. But scores in the 600s can be approved too if you have strong credit history or good income.

Does Amex Platinum have a credit limit?

AMEX Platinum has no official preset credit limit. That does not mean there is unlimited spending. Instead, your purchasing power adjusts over time depending on factors such as your use of the card, your payment history, credit record and financial resources known to American Express.

Your balance MUST be paid in full each month. If not, you cannot make new charges to the card. Or if you try to spend too much, AMEX may freeze your card until you first pay off your balance. These restrictions ensure you don't spend more than you can afford.

What income do I need to qualify?

There is no official income requirement for the Platinum card. But AMEX will consider your income to make sure you can support the high $695 annual fee (See Rates & Fees), particularly if your credit score is lower. Most Platinum cardholders have higher incomes in the six digits. However, those with lower incomes of around $50,000 have reported being approved too.

Since your spending limit is based on your ability to pay in full, you don't necessarily need a super high income to qualify. If you have a lower income, make sure you have a strong positive credit history to balance that out. A history of paying your credit card in time is important.

Can I carry a balance on American Express Platinum?

No, you are responsible for paying off the card balance in full each month. The Platinum card is not for people who need to carry a balance even on the occasional month.

Which is better Amex Platinum or Gold?

Amex Gold has a lower $250 annual fee (vs $695) and is better for people who spend mostly on dining out and include a monthly dining credit benefit. While Platinum is better for people who value premium travel benefits such as Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and airport lounges. Read our in-depth comparison for the differences between Amex Gold and Platinum to see which is worth it for you.

Keep in mind, the welcome bonus offer is not available to existing or previous cardholders of the product. They may also consider the number of American Express products you have opened and closed to determine your eligibility for the bonus.

Does Amex Platinum impact credit score?

Credit utilization makes up for 30% of your credit score. This is how much credit you're using compared to how much you're given. But some cards such as American Express Platinum don't have a pre-set credit limit. In this case, your usage does not get calculated into your credit utilization. So a high balance on your card won't negatively affect your credit score.

However, cards will still be factored into your:

  • Payment history
  • Total open accounts
  • Types of credit
  • Length of credit history

All these have an impact to your credit score. For example, if you haven't been paying your card on time, it will ding your score.

What are the approval odds?

The AMEX Platinum is a luxury card targeted towards high spenders and frequent travelers. However, the approval requirements may not be as strict as you imagine. If you have a strong payment history and good income, there's a good chance you could be approved for the card.

Bottom Line

Be responsible with your personal credit. That means you should not:

  • Max out your credit cards every month. That will increase your credit utilization ratio (the higher the worst).
  • Apply for a lot of credit cards. That will increase the number of inquiries on your credit report (the higher the worst).
  • Forget to pay your bills. That will show up on your payment history.

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Editorial Note: This content is not provided by American Express. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. This site may be compensated through the Advertiser's affiliate programs.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. This site may be compensated through the Advertiser's affiliate programs.

For rates and fees of the American Express Platinum card, please click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express Gold card, please click here.

American Express Platinum Review: Is It Worth It?

American Express Platinum Review: Is It Worth It?

American Express Platinum Benefits

American Express Platinum Benefits

American Express Platinum Credit Score

American Express Platinum Credit Score


The Platinum Card from American Express
Apply for The Platinum Card from American Express
At American Express' Secure Site
  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
  • 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.
  • $200 Hotel Credit: 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 you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card®. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: 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 Platinum Card®.
  • $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
  • $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
  • $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®. Learn more.
  • $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card®. An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
  • Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
  • $695 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.
  • See Rates & Fees
  • Go to issuer's official application, terms, and details
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferRegular APRAnnual Fee
N/AN/ASee Pay Over Time APR
$695

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About CreditDonkey
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Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed on this page are those of the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.

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CreditDonkey does not know your individual circumstances and provides information for general educational purposes only. CreditDonkey is not a substitute for, and should not be used as, professional legal, credit or financial advice. You should consult your own professional advisors for such advice.

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