AMEX Gold vs Platinum: Rewards vs Benefits

The differences between the Gold Card and the Platinum Card are more stark than just metallic colors. Read this in-depth comparison to decide which card from American Express, a CreditDonkey partner, is right for you.

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The Platinum Card takes amenities to another level with travel benefits and concierge service. You'll pay for that higher level though — Platinum charges a $695 annual fee (See Rates & Fees) while the Gold charges a $250 annual fee (See Rates & Fees).

Platinum or Gold: Which is Better

Which card is right for you? Read on to see our comparison of the many benefits of the Gold and Platinum cards.

Why Either Card Is a Good Choice

Both the Platinum and Gold cards come with a variety of benefits and membership with a company that is consistently ranked high in customer satisfaction. With either the Platinum or Gold, you get:

• Reward points. Platinum and Gold cards earn Membership Rewards points, which can be used to book flights on American Express Travel or be transferred to 20 airline and hotel partners for potentially more value. However, the amount of rewards points you earn differs for each card.

• No foreign transaction fee. Platinum (See Rates & Fees) and Gold (See Rates & Fees) cardholders won't get charged American Express' typical 2.7% fee for international transactions, which can add up to substantial savings for frequent international travelers.

• Entertainment benefits. With both cards, you get access to American Express' Entertainment Access and Preferred Seatings programs, giving you discounted tickets and exclusive seats to select concerts and shows. Unlike Gold members, Platinum members also have access to Platinum Concierge, which, among other services, can help book tickets to shows and events.

• Purchase protection. Platinum and Gold Card members both get extended warranties for one year past the manufacturer's warranty on eligible purchases made with their card.

• Travel protection. Platinum and Gold cardholders receive travel protection, including rental car loss and damage insurance and a baggage insurance plan for lost or stolen luggage.

Why American Express Platinum Is Better

Here's how rewards work:
Platinum cardholders earn 1 reward point for every dollar spent on eligible purchases. 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. Earn 5X points on eligible hotels booked with American Express Travel. As a welcome bonus offer, Platinum cardholders earn 80,000 points after making $8,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of owning the card.

Rewards points can be redeemed for merchandise, gift cards, or travel.

Here is why you may prefer Platinum to the Gold Card:

• Airline fee credit. Every year, Platinum cardholders get up to a $200 airline fee credit towards incidental airline fees on an airline of their choice, which covers things like checked baggage fees and inflight meals. To receive the statement credit, you need to select a qualifying airline. As long as you travel frequently (and if you don't, this card may not be for you anyway), this credit helps justify a big chunk of the annual fee.

• Up to $200 for Uber rides annually. You enjoy a $15 Uber credit each month ($35 in December). That's up to $200 in annual savings. Keep in mind, unused credits do not roll over and the credit may only be applied to rides within the United States. Credit and Uber VIP status available to Basic Card Member only.

• 5x points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel. If you spend a lot on airfare, the Platinum Card should be worth considering. In comparison, the Gold earns 3x points for flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.

• 5x points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. In comparison, the Gold does not offer bonus points for hotels.

• Concierge access. Platinum Card Concierge staff is available 24/7 to assist with various needs at home or while travelling, including restaurant reservations, tour recommendations, or special event planning. Concierge staff is essentially at your disposal to field requests, small or large, which is a huge benefit for Platinum members. Platinum cardholders also have 24/7 access to American Express travel consultants for travel booking.

• Airport lounges. Platinum cardholders get access to the American Express Centurion Lounge, as well as access to Airspace Lounges, and Delta Sky Clubs. In addition, with membership in Priority Pass Select, cardholders gain access to more than 1,000 airport lounges worldwide.

• Hotel perks. Platinum cardholders have access to deals and benefits at hotels and resorts around the world. This includes Marriott Bonvoy Gold status (requires enrollment), Hilton Honors Gold Status (requires enrollment), complimentary benefits (when booked through American Express' Fine Hotels & Resorts Program) at more than 750 Fine Hotels and Resorts locations, as well as benefits worth up to $500 per booking through American Express' Platinum Villas travel agency.

• Dining Perks. The Platinum Dining Program holds reservations at more than 1,000 top restaurants around the world. These reservations and VIP treatment are available to Platinum cardholders on a first come, first serve basis.

• Expedited airport screening. Platinum Card Members are eligible to receive a statement credit every 4.5 years for the application fee for TSA PreCheck® or every 4 years for Global Entry. Platinum Card Members can receive no more than one credit for up to $85 for TSA PreCheck or $100 credit for Global Entry (but not both programs).
  The [Global Entry] interview process started online with a questionnaire, then in person at the airport. Overall, it was a simple process. I waited longer to get in the interview room than the actual interview process. They took some fingerprints, verified some info, and then I was on my way! The benefits of no lines, no paperwork, expedited entry in other countries, reduced wait lines, and the fact that it doubles as TSA Pre-Check made it completely worth the investment.

  Courtnie Nichols, CEO and Founder, TravelBash
  

• Car rental perks. Platinum cardholders get complimentary membership in Avis Preferred Club, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, and National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive. Subject to limitation including age restrictions.

• Invitation-only events. American Express holds exclusive events around the country, such as private tours and access to special events and top-tier hotels and restaurants. Holding a Platinum Card can help you get an invitation to one of American Express' top events.

Why Gold Is Better

Here's how rewards work:
Gold cardholders earn:

• 4X Membership Rewards® points at restaurants
  
• 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
  
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.

Rewards points can be redeemed for merchandise, gift cards, or travel.

Here is why you may prefer Gold to the Platinum Card:

• Lower annual fee. Gold Card has a $250 annual fee. Conversely, the Platinum Card is more expensive with a $695 annual fee.

• Rewards structure. Gold cardholders earns more points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets. The same purchases on a Platinum card earn only 1x point.

• You don't travel internationally too much. A lot of the Platinum's benefits are better for international travelers, such as lounge access and Global Entry application fee credit. If you don't need these benefits when you travel, then it might be better to save yourself the annual fee and just go with the Gold.

Both Cards Do Have Downsides

Why the American Express Platinum may not be for you:

• Expensive annual fee. The annual fee of $695 can be justifiable if you take advantage of the available perks and bonuses. However, this card is too expensive to be used infrequently.

• Points program. Although the Platinum Card offers rewards points for purchases, including 5x points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel. In our opinion, the value of the card lies in its travel and concierge perks.

Why the Gold Card may not be for you:

• Annual fee. The $250 annual fee may be worth considering if you regularly make purchases at restaurants, U.S. supermarkets or book flights directly with airlines. Otherwise, you may want to consider a no annual fee credit card instead.

Bottom Line

So, Should You Get the Gold Card or the Platinum Card?

Both cards come with perks, rewards, and the prestige of carrying a premium card. The Platinum Card most notably comes with complimentary access to select airport lounges and 24/7 Platinum Card Concierge support; it is targeted to people who frequently travel internationally and who can take advantage of the airline fee credit, lounge access, expedited airport security, and more.

The Gold Card is best for travelers who aren't inclined to use Platinum's concierge service or who don't visit airport lounges multiple times a year to justify the $695 annual fee of the Platinum card. The card is also good for those who can take advantage of the reward structure.

As with all card offers, terms and limitations apply.