American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card

American Express

American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card

4.5

Card Type
Travel and Rewards

Best Suited For

Joining Fee
Rs. 5000 + GST

Annual Fee
Rs. 5000 + GST

Card Details

The American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card is an excellent choice for those who can leverage its travel benefits, especially if they travel internationally often or stay at luxury hotels like the Taj. However, its value is maximized only by those who can meet the spending thresholds for additional rewards and perks. If you’re not a frequent traveler or can’t justify the annual fee through benefits, you might look at other cards offering similar luxuries with more flexible reward structures or lower fees.

Available Networks: Amex

Reward Details

1 Membership Rewards Point (MRP) for every ₹50 spent on all purchases (excluding fuel, insurance, utilities, and cash transactions).
3X rewards on transactions through the Amex Reward Multiplier platform.

Best Suited For

You will get high Reward Points as compared to other credit cards

Milestone Details

15,000 MRPs on spending ₹1.9 lakh annually.

25,000 MRPs + ₹10,000 Taj voucher on spending ₹4 lakh annually.

Reward Redemptions

Points can be redeemed for travel, vouchers, products, or transferred to travel partners. Each MRP typically has a value of ₹0.50 when used for travel through Amex or for vouchers, but value can vary with different redemption methods.

Here’s an overview of the points redemption program for the American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card in India:

Membership Rewards Points (MRPs) Redemption Options:

Travel:

Direct Booking: Use points to book flights, hotels, car rentals, or vacation packages through the American Express Travel portal where 1 MRP typically equals ₹0.50.

Airline and Hotel Partners: Transfer points 1:1 to several travel loyalty programs for potentially better value, especially for premium travel:

Airlines: Air India, Singapore Airlines (KrisFlyer), Etihad Guest, Emirates Skywards, among others.

Hotels: Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, etc.

Note: Transfer ratios and partners might change, so always check current options.

Shopping and Vouchers:

Vouchers: Redeem points for shopping vouchers from popular brands like Amazon, Flipkart, or for dining at restaurants. Typically, 1 MRP = ₹0.50 for vouchers, but this can vary.

Products: You can use points to buy products from the Amex rewards catalogue, though this often yields less value per point than travel or vouchers.

Statement Credit:

Points can be applied towards your credit card bill, but this is usually the least valuable way to redeem points, with 1 MRP often equating to ₹0.25 or less.

Experiences and Events:

Occasionally, Amex offers exclusive experiences or event tickets for redemption, which might provide unique value.

Redemption Tips:

Maximize Value: Transferring points to travel partners can sometimes yield higher value than direct redemption, especially for business or first-class flights.

Check for Promotions: Amex sometimes runs promotions where points transfer bonuses are offered, doubling or tripling the value of points for specific partners.

Plan Redemptions: For travel, booking well in advance can secure better availability and potentially more value from your points.

Understand Point Value: Know that the value of points can vary; travel redemptions generally offer the highest value, while cashback or statement credits tend to be lower.

How to Redeem:

Online: Through the American Express website or mobile app, where you can browse and choose your redemption options.

Customer Service: For more complex redemptions or if you need assistance, you can call customer service, especially for transferring points to travel partners.

Redemption Rates:

Travel: 1 MRP = ₹0.50 when redeemed through Amex Travel.

Vouchers: Approximately 1 MRP = ₹0.50, though exact values can depend on the voucher.

Statement Credit: Often 1 MRP = ₹0.25 or less, making this the least efficient redemption option.

Important Note: Values and redemption options are subject to change, so always check the latest terms on the American Express website or by contacting their customer service for the most current information.

Excluded Spend Categories

You wont get any Reward Points for following spend types

Pros of American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card

😊

High Reward Rate: Especially beneficial for travel-related spends, with the reward multiplier platform enhancing value.

😊

Luxury Travel Benefits: The Taj voucher and extensive lounge access are significant draws for luxury travelers.

😊

No Forex Markup: Saves money on international purchases or travel.

Cons of American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card

⚠️

High Annual Fee: The fee is substantial, and without a waiver, it needs to be justified by the card’s benefits.

⚠️

Spending Requirements: To maximize rewards, you must hit considerable spending milestones.

⚠️

Acceptance: American Express card acceptance can be less widespread in India compared to Visa or MasterCard.

Why We Like It

Here are compelling reasons why someone might want to get the American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card in India:

1. High Reward Rate for Travel:

3X Rewards on Amex Reward Multiplier: This feature allows you to earn three times the usual Membership Rewards Points (MRPs) on travel-related spending through their platform, making it highly lucrative for frequent travelers.

2. No Foreign Transaction Fee:

Save on International Purchases: With no forex markup, you save on every international transaction, whether you’re traveling or shopping online from international merchants.

3. Exclusive Travel Perks:

Lounge Access: 8 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year and a complimentary Priority Pass membership for international lounge access can significantly enhance your travel experience.

Taj Voucher: A ₹10,000 voucher for Taj hotels upon reaching ₹4 lakh in annual spend, offering luxury accommodations at a discount.

4. Attractive Milestone Bonuses:

15,000 MRPs at ₹1.9 Lakh: An extra boost to your points for a relatively achievable spend.

25,000 MRPs + Taj Voucher at ₹4 Lakh: If you can leverage this spending, the reward is substantial, especially for luxury travel enthusiasts.

5. Welcome Bonus:

10,000 MRPs: Easy to achieve by spending ₹15,000 within 90 days of card activation, providing an immediate boost to your rewards.

6. Flexibility in Rewards Redemption:

Versatile Redemption Options: Points can be used for flights, hotels, vouchers, or transferred to various airline and hotel loyalty programs, potentially increasing their value.

7. Dining Benefits:

Restaurant Discounts: Up to 20% off at select restaurants adds value if you dine out often, enhancing your lifestyle perks.

8. Premium Card Status:

Luxury and Prestige: Owning an American Express Platinum card carries a certain status, with the card often made from metal, emphasizing its premium nature.

9. Comprehensive Travel Insurance:

Peace of Mind: While specifics can vary, the card typically includes travel insurance benefits like air accident coverage, which can be an additional layer of security for travelers.

10. Customer Service:

High-Quality Support: American Express is known for its customer service, which can be particularly beneficial if you encounter issues while traveling or with card usage.

11. Strategic Spending Benefits:

Maximize High-Value Purchases: With a good strategy, you can use the card for high-value purchases where the rewards outweigh the annual fee or interest costs if managed well.

12. Synergy with Lifestyle:

If You Already Travel Luxuriously: If your lifestyle naturally aligns with luxury travel, dining, and shopping, this card complements those habits by offering rewards and benefits that enhance your experiences.

Considerations:

High Annual Fee: At ₹5,000 + GST without a waiver, the card’s value needs to be justified through its benefits.

Spending Thresholds: To get the most out of the card, you’ll need to reach certain spending levels, which might not suit everyone.

Acceptance: In some areas, Amex might not be as widely accepted as other card networks, though this is improving.

If your spending habits and lifestyle match the card’s rewards structure, the American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card could be a valuable addition to your wallet, offering significant savings and perks in travel and luxury experiences.

Application Process

Online Application:

Visit American Express Website:

Go to the American Express India website.

Navigate to the credit cards section and find the Platinum Travel Credit Card.

Click on ‘Apply Now’ or a similar call-to-action.

Fill Application Form:

Provide the following details:

Personal Information (Name, Date of Birth, Address, etc.)

Employment Details (Company Name, Salary, etc.)

Financial Information (Annual Income, Existing Credit Cards, Liabilities)

KYC Verification:

Digital KYC: You’ll need to:

Upload or provide identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport)

Address proof

Income proof (Salary slips, Bank Statements, ITR for self-employed)

Video KYC:

Might be required for identity verification. You’ll receive instructions if this is needed.

Digital Submission:

Submit your application with all the required documents online.

Application Review:

American Express reviews your application, which might take a few days to a few weeks. They’ll check your creditworthiness, income, and other factors.

Approval and Card Issuance:

If approved, you’ll receive a notification via email or SMS. Sometimes, you might get a digital card for immediate use, followed by a physical card dispatch.

Offline Application:

Contact Amex Directly:

Although Amex encourages online applications, you can call their customer service for more personalized assistance or if you prefer to apply through traditional means. They might direct you to apply online or provide an application form by mail.

Visit a Partner Location:

American Express doesn’t have extensive branch networks like traditional banks, but in some cities, it has service centers or partners with other financial institutions where you might apply in person.

Additional Tips:

Pre-Approval: Sometimes, Amex reaches out with pre-approval offers to existing customers based on their records. If you receive one, this can simplify the application process.
Monitor Application: Keep track of your email and registered mobile number for application status updates.
Customer Service: If you have any queries or issues during the application, Amex’s customer service can be quite helpful, offering guidance through the process.
Credit Score: If you’re unsure about your credit standing, consider checking your credit score before applying or work on improving it if necessary.

Card Eligibility

Age: Applicants should be between 18 to 65 years old.
Income:

Salaried Individuals: Typically, a minimum annual income of ₹6 lakh is required.

Self-Employed: Might require an annual income of around ₹10 lakh or more.

Residency: Must be an Indian resident, and the card is generally available in major metropolitan areas where Amex has a presence.
Credit Score: A high credit score, ideally above 750, significantly improves your chances of approval due to the card’s premium nature.
Credit History: A solid credit history with no defaults or delays in payments is crucial.