The Platinum Card® and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express are both premier choices for those seeking luxurious travel perks. Given their similar features and rewards systems, you might be wondering which card is better suited for you or if you should consider adding the other to your wallet.
In fact, holding both cards could be beneficial, even with their $695 annual fees each (check the rates and fees for both the Amex Platinum and Amex Business Platinum). Each card offers unique benefits that can enhance your travel experience, helping you easily recuperate their annual costs and provide significant value during your travels.
Here’s why you might consider having both cards:
Exceptional Welcome Offers
Currently, new members of the Business Platinum Card can earn 150,000 bonus points by spending $20,000 in the first three months. On the other hand, new Amex Platinum Card members can earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 within six months (higher offers may be available through the CardMatch Tool, though availability varies).
By acquiring both cards and unlocking the full welcome bonuses, you could receive at least 230,000 Membership Rewards points. According to Flying Frugal’s March 2025 valuations, this amounts to a value of $4,600, which significantly surpasses the combined annual fees.
Card Credits
Both cards come with various annual credits to ensure ongoing value for cardholders. Enrollment may be required for specific benefits; terms apply.
One of the simplest perks to utilize is the annual airline fee statement credit, worth up to $200 each year (enrollment needed). Although this is less generous compared to the $300 travel credit offered by the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, it remains a useful benefit.
The personal Platinum card features an array of additional annual offers (some require enrollment), while the Business Platinum also includes:
- Up to $400 in Dell statement credits each year (up to $200 semi-annually)
- Up to $360 in statement credits for Indeed (up to $90 quarterly)
- Up to $200 in Hilton credits annually (up to $50 quarterly)
- Up to $150 in Adobe statement credits each year (subject to auto-renewal)
- Up to $120 annually for U.S. wireless phone providers (up to $10 monthly)
Both cards also provide credits for Clear Plus and Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees, which can be used for a travel companion’s application.
Amex Offers
All American Express cards, including the Platinum and Business Platinum, offer access to Amex Offers. You can find available offers on your account page under "Amex Offers & Benefits" or via the Amex app. Offers include deals from various merchants, and may involve earning bonus points or getting money back on certain purchases.
Important Note:
When using Amex Offers, be cautious, as the terms of the offer may affect eligibility – promotional codes or online portals could cause the offer to not activate. However, these offers can also stack well with existing Amex benefits, maximizing your rewards. Enrollment is required to redeem these offers.
Travel Benefits
Both cards come with a range of insurance policies that provide coverage when traveling or shopping with the card, including:
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance*
- Trip delay insurance*
- Cellphone protection*
- Baggage insurance**
- Purchase protection**
- Return protection**
- Extended warranty**
*Benefit eligibility varies; review terms at americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
**Eligibility and benefit levels differ by card; terms apply, with coverage provided by AMEX Assurance Company.
These cards not only offer valuable protections but also enhance your travel experience. They grant access to The Global Lounge Collection, which allows free entry into Amex Centurion Lounges and other lounges, totaling over 1,400 locations in 140 countries—a significant perk for frequent travelers.
Additionally, Platinum Travel Service counselors assist in crafting and optimizing your travel itinerary, while Global Dining Access by Resy facilitates reservations at sought-after restaurants. Preferred Access can help secure exclusive seating at both cultural and sporting events.
Hotel Benefits
Both versions of the Amex Platinum card provide access to various hotel perks. Cardholders receive complimentary Gold status at Hilton and Marriott, along with entry to the Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts program, requiring enrollment.
Gold status at Hilton offers benefits like complimentary breakfast, room upgrades (subject to availability), and an 80% point bonus on paid stays. Marriott Bonvoy Gold status includes perks like priority late checkout and 25% bonus points.
Through the Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts program, you can enjoy elite-level benefits globally, such as guaranteed late checkout, daily breakfast for two, room upgrades (when available), and unique property amenities valued at $100 or more. Some properties also offer a free night with a multi-night stay, which can be advantageous if you’re not using hotel points.
While either card grants you access to these benefits, having both maximizes your rewards, providing additional earning and savings opportunities, whether your trips are for business or leisure.
Maximizing Personal and Business Spending
A significant advantage of holding both Platinum cards is that it allows you to earn an effective return of 7.7% on airfare purchases made with the personal Platinum card. Flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel yield 5 points per dollar on up to $500,000 spent annually (1 point per dollar thereafter).
Additionally, with the Business Platinum Card, booking flights through Amex Travel allows you to utilize your points for purchases, earning 35% of your points back (up to 1 million per year)—equating to approximately 1.54 cents per point. This return effectively boosts your airfare rewards.
Moreover, the Business Platinum card accrues 1.5 points per dollar on purchases from U.S. construction, electronics, cloud systems, and shipping providers, including purchases of $5,000 or more. This can lead to significant point accumulation, enhancing the value of your rewards.
Conclusion
Holding both the personal and Business Amex Platinum Cards allows you to maximize value through rewards earning and redemptions while enjoying various cardmember benefits. This pairing is particularly advantageous for business travelers aiming to leverage savings, extensive credits, and luxurious travel experiences.
While the annual fees are substantial, those who use these cards effectively can easily reap substantial value. Both cards stand out individually, but when combined, they can elevate your Membership Rewards earnings and stretch your points even further for travel.
To dive deeper, check out our comprehensive reviews of the Amex Platinum and Amex Business Platinum.
Apply here: Amex Platinum
Apply here: Amex Business Platinum
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum card, click here.
