Yeah I didn't even get to mention that here, but makes a lot for sense to have when active duty with the waived annual fee! Agreed though, not an everyday use type of card
Dawg… I currently got 5 platinum’s. Not sure how long you plan on staying in but… there’s so much cheap travel I’ve been able to do thanks to being active duty also best of luck when they ship us out to Iran 🇮🇷 and Ukraine 🇺🇦
Do you have a chart that shows what cards you recommend for certain transactions??? For instance, I’d be using Capital One Venture or Chase Reserve for car rentals over the Platinum.
@@JoseGonzalez-lp6nj MSgt… please forgive me I failed you… 😢 But jokes aside these are the following that are free for AD: Chase, Amex, BoA, Citi, & US Bank
Currently working through a 175K SUB. The last 2 months I’ve been making use of the entertainment credit, Uber credit , Walmart + subscription for cheaper gas. Tomorrow my gf and I will be trying out our airports delta lounge and the one at LaGuardia👌
But would you use those entertainment credits if you had to pay for them? Would you pay for the Walmart subscription. I buy Costco gas which is top tier. Check it out.
I essentially break even with the benefits, but one big thing people never mention is Purchase Protection. I’ve lost items or had vendors not accept returns after 30 days, and AMEX would refund me without any issues after filing a claim. Also the one year added warranty is a big plus
I've known a lot about credit itself for a long time, but a few weeks ago I started thinking about my future and dove into the YT credit card community. Daniel quickly became my go-to and convinced me that I'm team travel...the way this content is presented is so elite, at this point I know my card plan and I'm literally just watching his content because it's interesting and entertaining.
If you live out in rural America perhaps you're best served by a gas card. I suggest Citi Custom Cash. If there's a Costco near you, get the Costco Citi card (5x on gas, any gas station, unlimited). I believe they have rotisserie chickens sign on bonus.
@@atomicgiraffe250 I'm a rural American with no plans to change that, but I do want to fly more often to see family all across the US. Good to know I should avoid this one 👍
@@clifzheng1453 lol its like you said: the whole point of freedom in America is vote for democrats .... lol no thanks, you do you and your progressive MUSTR use coupon card 🤣
Card is worthless. Catered to luxury market yet offers Walmart credit 🤡 entire benefits suck outside of lounge access and booking flights but at $695 that's terrible. The benefits used to be way better before. They increased the price and lowered the benefits.
I disagree. Just because the credits are garbage for you, it doesn’t mean that the credits don’t benefit their business model by appealing to a wider range of customers. Suburban families get a bunch more value out of the card.
Exactly. Walmart isn't luxury at all. And having to carry another card that's Visa or MasterCard is downright embarrassing. So much for a "luxury card". More like an "embarrassment of a card".
If you travel a lot it is undeniably worth it. I have gotten around or more than 7cpp with my plat with some bookings. After 2 anual fee payments maybe $15,000 of value from transfers alone thanks to flying blu, Cathay, aero Mexico, etc… Gold status for Hilton. I’ve been to so many priority pass lounges when flying economy international and have used the LAX or HKG Amex lounge over a dozen times each. The lounges alone are worth it if you travel a lot. 2 reasons I’m considering cancelling is to switch to CSR and get that sub or because I won’t be traveling as much for leisure. Most people complaining about the card saying it’s a coupon book are not the ones who should be using it anyways. 5x on flights is not a “coupon book” and I know many people who spend tens of thousands of flights who then get tens of thousands of flights free in points and it is a no brainer.
Great video. You can actually enroll in the premium car rental protection which will give you primary CDW. You can choose to pay either $20 or $25 when you rent a car. You only pay that fee when you rent a car and it’s a one time charge. You can add this benefit to most of the Amex cards. Joe Baretto mentioned this a little ways back.
Definitely an option as well. But to me I view that as an added cost because it’s an extra fee to do that. When there’s no annual fee cards like the Bilt Mastercard and $95 cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred that offer primary CDW, I don’t want to have to pay an extra fee for the same thing on my $695 Amex Platinum. To me this needs to be something that they add if they update the Platinum card. But thanks for mentioning this here because I didn’t include it in the video 👍
The resort credits, food discounts at hotels, access to lounges do add up, especially for the AMEX preferred hotels. The fee actually can be absorbed quite fast, and if you travel a lot, the lounge access is huge.
Exactly for certain people who get value from those benefits, Platinum card works well. It’s all about running the numbers though because not everyone will enjoy it
It works for me as well! But, what was left unsaid, AMEX builds for the upper middle class. I watch a whole news story that talked about how they target young professionals. Folks that can afford Saks, but grew up with in a family that went to Walmart so they will shop at both! A purse from Saks, but gas and food from Walmart+ 😊
Amex Platinum is awful use on everyday expenses only if you fly a lot. And the prepaid credits are worthless if you don’t use those services in your normal spending.
Agreed about the card being bad for everyday spending. The value of the credits is different for everyone, but I think that’s important to consider before thinking about getting this card 👍
Chase Sapphire Reserve ($550) isn't as good as Sapphire Preferred ($95) combo Ritz Carlton ($450). Ritz Card gives you same Sapphire lounge access as Reserve and has no AU fee. Reserve has $75 AU fee. Do the math CSR $625 for family of 2. CSP and Ritz $545 for family of 4 or more.
I looked at an equinox once in Manhattan they tried to sign me up for something that was like 1K per month for a gym membership. No thank you. The $300 is like a not so good coupon I'm not sure one month is even $300 anywhere. I checked a few gyms and that was pre-inflation. I have had the platinum card for 10+ years I used to love it but now it feels like all the perks don't keep up with inflation. You don't feel like you get anything other than cheap coupons. Like who even can do an Uber ride for $15 anymore. The reason I keep it is for return protection, and purchase protection I use that a lot.
Yes I did! They’ve been on my list of sponsors that I wanted to work with for the past 2 years so I’m really happy that we were able to make this happen
It complements the AMEX Gold card really well. I have several international trips lined up this year and don’t have the points to use for airlines yet but a benefit of the platinum card that is saving me hundreds of dollars that barely gets talked about is the International Airline Program. On top of that, I justify the annual fee easily with Clear ($189), Hotel ($200), Uber ($200), and Digital Entertainment ($240) that I already spend and everything else are bonus.
I’ve enrolled with the Premium Car Rental Protection thru Amex that is just like the Primary Collision Waiver on the Sapphire and Venture X Cards… it covers up to $100,000 and only pay $24.95 per rental which is a one time charge everytime you book a rental… 13:23
Definitely an option as well. But to me I view that as an added cost because it’s an extra fee to do that. When there’s no annual fee cards like the Bilt Mastercard and $95 cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred that offer primary CDW, I don’t want to have to pay an extra fee for the same thing on my $695 Amex Platinum. To me this needs to be something that they add if they update the Platinum card. But thanks for mentioning this here because I didn’t include it in the video 👍
Canadian AMEX Platinum is $800, with only a signup bonus of 70,000 in the first year and 30,000 in the second year. The card only gives us a $200 travel and $200 Dining. The lounges that we have access to in Canada suck if it's not Maple Leaf Lounge.
@@Lovethe416CaTeam I would say all of them are basically the same. Plaza, Maple Leaf and all the other ones from all the banks and airlines offered at Canadian airports.
I’m already net positive around $200 after the AF on things I’m already paying for, it’s a good card for me. I realize it’s a perk/lifestyle/coupon card, but that’s why you always get other cards in addition to supplement. This is NOT a single set it and forget it card. The people screaming “this card sucks!! DO NOT GET IT!” clearly it’s not for you.
Agreed! The thing with credit cards is that everyone spends their money and values things differently. There no single credit cards that’s perfect for everyone, and so this card is the same. Just important to run the numbers like you do and then decide Glad to hear that the card makes sense for you, thanks for watching and commenting!
I got 500 worth of benefits using the card, from a 4 day trip. In addition to the annual Uber credits, Saks credit, 200 hotel credit, etc. If you take a couple of trips per year and you can't get at least triple the annual fee back in benefits, you may just be an idiot.
No one ever mentions the $189 CLEAR every year…the Amex Plat has that none of the competition cards offer. Which I think is HUGE especially when majority of these videos are centered around on traveling.
Do you know the updated benefits for additional card holders versus the companion card? I can’t even get a clear answer from AMEX. Seems like this has changed and now additional users do not receive MOST of the benefits, even for the $195 fee. It’s all so confusing!!
Yeah I think that the only way to truly value a credit at 100% is when the credit fits into your spending habits organically with no effort. The more effort to use a credit, the more the credit should be discounted when figuring out the value
Late comment, but I got the Amex Platinum largely for Sky Club lounge access since Delta / Atlanta hub almost always work best for me. Once the 10 visits per year limit goes into effect, the card loses most of its value. I go through 6 lounge visits every time I fly (before flight, during layover, and after flight x 2). There is ether not a Priority Pass lounge or it's in a far distance terminal, so that's not much of an inducement. I'm going to have to give it a lot of thought when renewal time comes up very soon.
Yeah it really depends on what you value in your life and what you are already spending. I love the Amex platinum due to the fact I have an amex lounge near me, as well as the transfer partners being really valuable. All the credits really work for me, so it’s worth it. But if you travel once or twice a year, it’s not really worth it imo
I have 4 of these cards just for the credits. I never use it as a daily driver. If your active duty, apply for the green, gold and platinum and upgrade the first 2 after a year. Maybe find a NLL for the CS platinum if u can
My biggest thing about Amex is that yes it is a great card and has many benefits but if you’re not actively keeping up or using those benefits then it’s not worth it, also many merchants and places overseas doesn’t accept Amex so it’s not the most desirable card for overseas purchases
Not worth it. You will spend way more trying to use the coupons. Lounge acess not woth it if you are married and need to pay to take your spouse in the lounge . Just to use the 200$ hotel credit you have to book something around 500 to 600$ hotel. Clear credit not any better than regular check in unless you fly out of busy airports all the time. I never had a reson to use it. Most of the times they were down or slower than regular line. US bank altitude reserve and CSR are better alternatives
Centurion lounges are a joke, + the waiting list and no seats when let in. Delta Sky Clubs are constantly full, not relaxing & food is meh. Coupons are worthless, and useless. Multipliers are lame. Definitely not worth the 695AF. This card is only good for your 1 time SUB, that's it.
Hey Daniel, unrelated to the video but had a question that’s been bugging lately. I am currently at 24 months from a Southwest card bonus. June 8th 2022 is when the bonus was put into my account. Would you take your chances and apply today or wait another month?
Daniel, as always this video was very easy to follow and super informative! I have the Platinum card because of the lounge access for the most part. The FHR can still be quite pricey even with the credit. Thanks again!
People are hard on that Saks credit, fax sales, some of the exact same stuff you could buy at Macy’s. So you can get value back. There is skin care, fragrances, and even underwear, which you can never have too many of lol. And then I double dip by making the Sachs purchase through a Delta or American Airlines shopping portal so that I get airline miles at the same time I get the $50 credit from Amex.
Their Trip Cancellation/Interruption insurance SCREWED ME!!! I charged a $14,000 Alaska cruise from Vancouver to Anchorage. We got covid halfway through. They denied our claim because the it was not a ROUND TRIP CRUISE. We made the mistake of not booking our airfare back to Vancouver on the same card.
so they didn't properly screw you didn't they? it's specified you must buy tickets with their card in order to get advantage of the insurance, still sucks though, they could have made an exception considering the sum maybe.
YOU made an error and got mad at AMEX because they didnt make an exception just for you because you didnt pay attention when booking? Man people can be entitled as fuck.
@@AJGaS I made an error. True. What was I thinking? I assumed if I booked a cruise with their credit card it would be covered by their insurance. Stupid me. When the card advertises $20K trip cancellation/interruption as a major perk, and I paid the $600 for the privilege of owning it, I have no right to complain because I didn't read the fine print.
I think for some people it does work. But the headache of using the coupon book is there and the savings are not that much. For example you can usually get annual subscription and save money over paying monthly. Or you can usually find Uber gift cards for 20%off. The lounge access is a perk especially if you travel a lot. But if you travel for work usually you would just go to any restaurant you like and expense it. From experience, platinum was a better deal back in the days.
As an American Express card holder, they've been begging me almost every month for the last year to get this ridiculously priced card as I qualify for it. I looked over the perks and not one of them applies to me. I might enjoy the perk of airport lounge rooms, but I only travel once a year to Oregon 😂
I don't have this card yet but I will likely get it sometime next year. The hotel credit, the entertainment credit and the airline fee credit are all easy to use even if you rarely fly. Those almost make the card free and since I occasionally use doordash I could just use uber instead to pick up that credit meaning AMEX is now paying me to use the card. Thats makes the card worth it for the lounge access alone. Plus AMEX has good monthly offers and I prefer their customer service to Chase. I have the chase trifecta and I will be adding this card sometime.
In deciding if this card is worth it one should consider the opportunity cost of putting 8k on the card. I see the opportunity cost as $160 since one could use a 2% back card for the 8k in spend.
Bro, you should make a video of what would fit someone's needs better better the CSP, CSR, C1Venture, C1VentureX. I've been trying to decide which card to get and all or the videos aren't helping me. Lol😂
Hi Daniel, Do you know if individuals have applied for this card internationally? Specifically, instead of applying for the U.S. version, they apply in another country where they hold citizenship. Were they able to do so successfully? Thanks!
Nice video and I would say mostly fair. I would just say you should point out it would be a good idea to have a Green and or Gold along with the Platinum to maximize your points. One thing about Equinox that another YT personality did point out was that you can use the Platinum to go and get a massage and use the credit. I am going to use this benefit soon to try it out. Who does not love a free massage? I do agree with others that $20 for car rental Primary Insurance is a good deal. The last few times I booked I looked for deals on a premium larger SUV using my CSP, Platinum and CVX between their different rental programs and even with paying the one time $25 insurance fee the Amex Platinum was the better deal.
Dan, great videos! Would you recommend AMEX Debit specifically for ACH transactions for us homeowners? Trying to find a good multiplier for largest expense.
Hey Brandon, can you talk more about the President’s Circle status perk on the Venture X? I’ve had my Venture X for a little over a year now and, not a single Hertz location has honored my President’s Circle status. I’ve called Capital One to try to figure out what’s going on and they just keep telling me that I definitely have that status and that Hertz should 100% be honoring it. However, Hertz simply refuses to honor that status so, I haven’t been able to take advantage.
You likely have to enroll in Hertz Presidents Circle with the Venture X (if you haven’t done that already. I had to do that with the Amex Platinum as well. After that it should be as simple as showing them your account information which will display the status Also a heads up, but the Venture X is losing Presidents Circle access by December 31, 2024 so it’s not going to be around much longer for that card
The card is really good if you travel internationally at least once a year. Stayed at one of the most luxurious hotels in Korea and with my platinum card, I got to really enjoy it. I got upgraded to their executive business room (high floor and very spacious) plus the free breakfast for two (normally cost $60 per person) and $100 credit plus other benefits like early and late checkout. I think that alone really made me happy to have the platinum card.
At the rate Chase has expanded their lounge footprint they are trying their best to make the Amex Platinum obsolete. I think its a good thing for Amex customers though as maybe the horrible crowding will be reduced.
AMEX Platinum does have Primary coverage on Rental Cars: Premium Car Rental Protection‡ When you use your enrolled Card to pay for rental charges for a Rental Car, you can enjoy primary coverage for Theft of or Damage to a rental vehicle and excess medical coverage if you are injured in an accident. Fees, coverage limits and coverage areas apply. Please read important exclusions and restrictions. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Refer to your description of coverage for a complete list of excluded vehicles. This product does not include liability coverage.
Correct, however it is not included as it is with other travel cards. To get this coverage you have to pay a flat fee which covers up to a certain number of days. Still a better deal than buying coverage from rental car company directly, but in my opinion this should absolutely be included as a free benefit for the price we pay with the annual fee! Hoping that Amex makes this change if they decide to increase the annual fee on this card again in the future - I think it’s something that must happen if they’re going to do that
Nothing wrong with that! It’s up to American Express to convince each customer that the card’s value is worth it, so if they can’t do that then just cancel like you said 👍
Thanks as usual Danny. By the way, any thoughts on the AMEX Green? It's rarely talked about, but it's a decent lower grade combined food/travel card. The annual credit for Clear blows the annual fee away. I think the card is actually underrated, but is overshadowed by the gold and platinum. Thoughts?
Thanks Scott! So personally I’m not a fan of the green card. I’d use the Clear credit, but probably wouldn’t pay out of pocket for it if I didn’t have a credit that covers it, so I don’t put as much value on it. The multipliers are fine, but other cards offer similar multipliers. The sign up bonus is also really bad usually compared to even cheaper cards. So personally I never considered getting the card, but for some people it’s good. Would love to see a refresh of the green card honestly and I could see that as an underrated move that Amex pulls in 2024
I get enough value out of the card. 240 credit for disney+/hulu, 200 uber (mostly for eats), and 200 hotel (basically a free night at a luxury hotel =D), and $100 saks. All the other coupons are a bonus. I mostly got this for a 175K bonus and it has my preferred airlines as transfer partners.
I get reasonable “coupon book” value with my Platinum with the digital credit, Walmart credit, and Clear. I love the lounge access too. As Daniel illustrates, the multipliers are underwhelming.
Not to long ago I applied & got approved for the Capital One Venture X, excellent decision on my end even though Capital One does not have a Lounge in Florida (I hope there could be one in TPA, FLL, and/or MIA). I know it may not be a good idea, I find the Venture X to be the cheapest Premium Travel Card I can find.
It's not so much that I'm actively only trying to use half of it, it's just that over the past 2 year that's how much of it I've used in my normal spending habits. Trying harder to use it would fall out of my normal spending habits, which is what I'm against doing with this credits. I use it when I can, but valuing it at $100 for me personally is the best way for me to compare that with the other credits vs the annual fee. I have used it in the past to upgrade to seats with more legroom on United though, so I do look to use it like that 👍
If you transfer it to travel credit you can use to purchase flight. I’m also in a united hub. Same with Saks credit can get in store gift card to roll into $100. You can also add max to your Hulu subscription for better deal on subscription credit.
Yessir! It definitely feels so much better on my wrist than the Apple Watch lol. I’m hooked now - gonna need to pick up another couple of watches eventually
Im just waiting to see a 175k sign up bonus, hit that, take a nice round trip to Japan, then cancel the card. I cant see myself keeping that card long enough to renew lol
Gold card may even become less valuable if they increase the annual fee. Amex definitely has a very different approach to their cards compared to other issuers
What is the point of this video? “How bad is the Amex platinum?” According to the clickbait image, 2* Actually, let’s list all of the benefits that I personally get value out of (15 minutes) and come out ahead of the annual fee. And to wrap it up, call it a good tool that you’ll continue to use?
The title is to address the fact that so many people hate this card (as I said in the intro, it’s the most polarizing card that I’ve ever talked about on my channel over the years) So to do that, I just add my own experience and thoughts with the card over the past 3 years - plus I wanted to talk about how people in general might view certain things (both good and bad). I think credit card TH-cam can get repetitive at times, so I tried approaching this from a different angle starting with the title. Just trying to be open about things here, but I appreciate any feedback so thanks for the comment 👍
Thank you for the video. We share some of the same reasons why we keep the card. My home airport Has a centurion lounge. My wife and I visit them about eight times a year. I find it rather amusing.The people always refer to putting in the work to get the benefits of the card. Which is actually putting in about five minutes a week. I am much older than you as you might have guessed. But I can assure you of this. It's a lot easier today. Looking up information.
Thanks for watching! Yeah it can be a bit of work to get value from the card, but it’s different for everyone. Glad to hear that you and your wife are able to visit the lounges though!
Everyone complaining are clearly on tight budget. My wife and I travel 6-10 times per year. Use clear credit and entertainment credit. We use the Uber and dining. I like the gold status with Marriott, Hertz, etc. If you are complaining you just don’t travel and that’s okay. I like the centurion lounge and I am always at slc airport and they have an amazing delta lounge and I’ve drank 800 dollars worth of drinks with my wife 😂. The fee really isn’t that big.
This! My partner and I do around 5-10 vacations a year plus other travel for family visits (I don’t count visiting my family a vacation lol). It’s worth it. If you’re someone who doesn’t travel at all I don’t understand why they would even have the card it’s pointless. I unlocked my guest access so that’s also nice
If you only use $100 of the $200 travel credit, you’re doing it so poorly. For example, pick United as your airline, and buy $200 worth of miles. Store those for later flights. Easy to make the credit worth it and not go to waste by not using it…
The Amex Plat can be combined with Gold or Blue Cash. The most important thing is that you have to sign up for the Amex Gold first if you want to get both Gold and Platinum benefits. Unfortunately, you can’t get the bonus from Amex Gold if you already have the Platinum. Blue Cash is great for people who go grocery shopping a lot, while Gold is great for dining. But of course they are fees to both of these cards, but it’s really depending on how much you spend yearly.
Totally a waste of money unless you are active duty and can get the steep annual fee waived. CSP at net $45 annually after the $50 hotel credit or the CSR at $250 after the $300 travel credit are much better choices for a travel card.
I got it and turned the table on them. Got the 150k bonus and cancelled the card within 30 days of the AF. $695 refund and transferred the bonus out before cancelling!
@@dtsang508That pretty much guarantees you’ll be blacklisted by Amex. If anyone has even the smallest desire to get another Amex card / bonus do not do this!
Sorry that you don’t like the editing style, but it’s something that is very standard across many of my favorite TH-cam channels which is why I’ve adopted it into my own editing style. I’ll continue playing around with the editing, but overall I personally really love what my editor does for the visuals in my videos. I understand that everyone has their own preferences though 👍
Why don't you take time off from playing Fantasy Finance or Fantasy Football - The benefits of Amex Platinum is vast - Read and take advantage the card.
We may see an increase in the Annual fee from $ 695 to maybe $800 .
And to offset the cost, you will receive monthly a bag of Jolly Ranchers 😂😂.
😂
995 with more airport credit and a hotel credit
I hardly use it in my everyday life but the benefits while being active duty are undeniable
Yeah I didn't even get to mention that here, but makes a lot for sense to have when active duty with the waived annual fee! Agreed though, not an everyday use type of card
Yup...it's just a coupon book. Very few reasons to use it without some amex offer. Really questionable business strategy from Amex.
Dawg… I currently got 5 platinum’s. Not sure how long you plan on staying in but… there’s so much cheap travel I’ve been able to do thanks to being active duty also best of luck when they ship us out to Iran 🇮🇷 and Ukraine 🇺🇦
Do you have a chart that shows what cards you recommend for certain transactions??? For instance, I’d be using Capital One Venture or Chase Reserve for car rentals over the Platinum.
@@JoseGonzalez-lp6nj MSgt… please forgive me I failed you… 😢
But jokes aside these are the following that are free for AD: Chase, Amex, BoA, Citi, & US Bank
Currently working through a 175K SUB. The last 2 months I’ve been making use of the entertainment credit, Uber credit , Walmart + subscription for cheaper gas. Tomorrow my gf and I will be trying out our airports delta lounge and the one at LaGuardia👌
how was the lounge?
But would you use those entertainment credits if you had to pay for them? Would you pay for the Walmart subscription. I buy Costco gas which is top tier. Check it out.
I found the last-minute restaurant booking service through the Amex Platinum concierge to be particularly helpful.
I essentially break even with the benefits, but one big thing people never mention is Purchase Protection. I’ve lost items or had vendors not accept returns after 30 days, and AMEX would refund me without any issues after filing a claim. Also the one year added warranty is a big plus
I've known a lot about credit itself for a long time, but a few weeks ago I started thinking about my future and dove into the YT credit card community. Daniel quickly became my go-to and convinced me that I'm team travel...the way this content is presented is so elite, at this point I know my card plan and I'm literally just watching his content because it's interesting and entertaining.
Since I live out in rural America, that big ass coupon book won’t do me much good. Congrats on the sponsor, it’s a fresh fit.
It's a premium travel card. The whole point is to get out of rural America
If you live out in rural America perhaps you're best served by a gas card. I suggest Citi Custom Cash. If there's a Costco near you, get the Costco Citi card (5x on gas, any gas station, unlimited).
I believe they have rotisserie chickens sign on bonus.
News flash: Rural Americans were never the target customer for this card
@@atomicgiraffe250 I'm a rural American with no plans to change that, but I do want to fly more often to see family all across the US. Good to know I should avoid this one 👍
@@clifzheng1453 lol its like you said: the whole point of freedom in America is vote for democrats .... lol no thanks, you do you and your progressive MUSTR use coupon card 🤣
Card is worthless. Catered to luxury market yet offers Walmart credit 🤡 entire benefits suck outside of lounge access and booking flights but at $695 that's terrible.
The benefits used to be way better before. They increased the price and lowered the benefits.
$240 towards entertainment sucks?
@@tylercrowley2510 That's the only one that I value fully.
I disagree. Just because the credits are garbage for you, it doesn’t mean that the credits don’t benefit their business model by appealing to a wider range of customers. Suburban families get a bunch more value out of the card.
Exactly. Walmart isn't luxury at all. And having to carry another card that's Visa or MasterCard is downright embarrassing. So much for a "luxury card". More like an "embarrassment of a card".
I wish they would offer Amazon prime or something instead of Walmart
If you travel a lot it is undeniably worth it.
I have gotten around or more than 7cpp with my plat with some bookings. After 2 anual fee payments maybe $15,000 of value from transfers alone thanks to flying blu, Cathay, aero Mexico, etc… Gold status for Hilton.
I’ve been to so many priority pass lounges when flying economy international and have used the LAX or HKG Amex lounge over a dozen times each. The lounges alone are worth it if you travel a lot.
2 reasons I’m considering cancelling is to switch to CSR and get that sub or because I won’t be traveling as much for leisure. Most people complaining about the card saying it’s a coupon book are not the ones who should be using it anyways. 5x on flights is not a “coupon book” and I know many people who spend tens of thousands of flights who then get tens of thousands of flights free in points and it is a no brainer.
Great video. You can actually enroll in the premium car rental protection which will give you primary CDW. You can choose to pay either $20 or $25 when you rent a car. You only pay that fee when you rent a car and it’s a one time charge. You can add this benefit to most of the Amex cards. Joe Baretto mentioned this a little ways back.
This. It also has really high coverage, up to $100K I think.
Definitely an option as well. But to me I view that as an added cost because it’s an extra fee to do that. When there’s no annual fee cards like the Bilt Mastercard and $95 cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred that offer primary CDW, I don’t want to have to pay an extra fee for the same thing on my $695 Amex Platinum.
To me this needs to be something that they add if they update the Platinum card. But thanks for mentioning this here because I didn’t include it in the video 👍
@@Daniel_Braun valid point
The resort credits, food discounts at hotels, access to lounges do add up, especially for the AMEX preferred hotels. The fee actually can be absorbed quite fast, and if you travel a lot, the lounge access is huge.
Exactly for certain people who get value from those benefits, Platinum card works well. It’s all about running the numbers though because not everyone will enjoy it
It works for me as well! But, what was left unsaid, AMEX builds for the upper middle class. I watch a whole news story that talked about how they target young professionals. Folks that can afford Saks, but grew up with in a family that went to Walmart so they will shop at both! A purse from Saks, but gas and food from Walmart+ 😊
This! Recently came back from Korea and with my Amex benefits it made the travel luxurious
Amex Platinum is awful use on everyday expenses only if you fly a lot. And the prepaid credits are worthless if you don’t use those services in your normal spending.
Agreed about the card being bad for everyday spending. The value of the credits is different for everyone, but I think that’s important to consider before thinking about getting this card 👍
Just got the Venture X, in a few months I’ll add the Savor One for my setup 😊
Chase Sapphire Reserve ($550) isn't as good as Sapphire Preferred ($95) combo Ritz Carlton ($450). Ritz Card gives you same Sapphire lounge access as Reserve and has no AU fee. Reserve has $75 AU fee. Do the math CSR $625 for family of 2. CSP and Ritz $545 for family of 4 or more.
I looked at an equinox once in Manhattan they tried to sign me up for something that was like 1K per month for a gym membership. No thank you. The $300 is like a not so good coupon I'm not sure one month is even $300 anywhere. I checked a few gyms and that was pre-inflation. I have had the platinum card for 10+ years I used to love it but now it feels like all the perks don't keep up with inflation. You don't feel like you get anything other than cheap coupons. Like who even can do an Uber ride for $15 anymore. The reason I keep it is for return protection, and purchase protection I use that a lot.
Love the videos!! Is that a speedmaster you’re wearing?? Sorry I’m a watch guy too lol
Thank you! And yes it is haha, just got it last month for my upcoming wedding so I love wearing it now
Finally got the Cuts sponsorship! Nice!
Yes I did! They’ve been on my list of sponsors that I wanted to work with for the past 2 years so I’m really happy that we were able to make this happen
It complements the AMEX Gold card really well. I have several international trips lined up this year and don’t have the points to use for airlines yet but a benefit of the platinum card that is saving me hundreds of dollars that barely gets talked about is the International Airline Program.
On top of that, I justify the annual fee easily with Clear ($189), Hotel ($200), Uber ($200), and Digital Entertainment ($240) that I already spend and everything else are bonus.
Good luck. Amex isn’t accepted almost anywhere internationally.
I’ve enrolled with the Premium Car Rental Protection thru Amex that is just like the Primary Collision Waiver on the Sapphire and Venture X Cards… it covers up to $100,000 and only pay $24.95 per rental which is a one time charge everytime you book a rental… 13:23
Definitely an option as well. But to me I view that as an added cost because it’s an extra fee to do that. When there’s no annual fee cards like the Bilt Mastercard and $95 cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred that offer primary CDW, I don’t want to have to pay an extra fee for the same thing on my $695 Amex Platinum.
To me this needs to be something that they add if they update the Platinum card. But thanks for mentioning this here because I didn’t include it in the video 👍
Love this card so much I have 5 of them. Only because I get the annual fee waived being active duty military
The active duty military waiver is a great benefit for this card 👍
Canadian AMEX Platinum is $800, with only a signup bonus of 70,000 in the first year and 30,000 in the second year. The card only gives us a $200 travel and $200 Dining. The lounges that we have access to in Canada suck if it's not Maple Leaf Lounge.
Maple leaf lounge actually suck the most in Canada
@@koolaidpucToronto's Terminal 1 choices are Maple Leaf Lounge or Plaza Premium Lounge. Do you honestly thing Plaza Premium is better than Maple Leaf?
@@Lovethe416CaTeam I would say all of them are basically the same. Plaza, Maple Leaf and all the other ones from all the banks and airlines offered at Canadian airports.
@@koolaidpuc Not in Toronto. There is a big difference in Lounges.
@@Lovethe416CaTeam I’ve been at Pearson many times, it sucks but to each its own.
My local airport has a centurion lounge which is the only thing causing me to keep the card. Hate the coupons
Correct. I ABSOLUTELY hate the coupon book and just keeping it for the Centurion lounge access in my airport, as I travel frequently.
I’m already net positive around $200 after the AF on things I’m already paying for, it’s a good card for me. I realize it’s a perk/lifestyle/coupon card, but that’s why you always get other cards in addition to supplement. This is NOT a single set it and forget it card. The people screaming “this card sucks!! DO NOT GET IT!” clearly it’s not for you.
Agreed! The thing with credit cards is that everyone spends their money and values things differently. There no single credit cards that’s perfect for everyone, and so this card is the same. Just important to run the numbers like you do and then decide
Glad to hear that the card makes sense for you, thanks for watching and commenting!
I got 500 worth of benefits using the card, from a 4 day trip. In addition to the annual Uber credits, Saks credit, 200 hotel credit, etc. If you take a couple of trips per year and you can't get at least triple the annual fee back in benefits, you may just be an idiot.
No one ever mentions the $189 CLEAR every year…the Amex Plat has that none of the competition cards offer. Which I think is HUGE especially when majority of these videos are centered around on traveling.
The amex green costs 150 per year and has the same 189 credit for CLEAR each year
@@DeletedDenizen oh didn’t know thanks
@@biglar23 it was added less than a year ago, iirc. This means it doesn't make sense for anyone to pay full price for Clear, really
Do you know the updated benefits for additional card holders versus the companion card? I can’t even get a clear answer from AMEX. Seems like this has changed and now additional users do not receive MOST of the benefits, even for the $195 fee. It’s all so confusing!!
Its bad, save yourselves some cash and get something better. Custom cash + Citi premier covers all the bases for $95
I like that setup - wait until you see my next what's in my wallet video later this month 👀
Don't forget the time and energy wasted just to get back "value" from those credits.
Yeah I think that the only way to truly value a credit at 100% is when the credit fits into your spending habits organically with no effort.
The more effort to use a credit, the more the credit should be discounted when figuring out the value
Yea it’s a part time job, I’m getting rid of mine. I don’t travel anymore
I highkey want to see a massive cancellation so the lounge can be less crowded.😂
I think that is honestly a very realistic possibility! But maybe Amex wants that, so idk haha
Late comment, but I got the Amex Platinum largely for Sky Club lounge access since Delta / Atlanta hub almost always work best for me. Once the 10 visits per year limit goes into effect, the card loses most of its value. I go through 6 lounge visits every time I fly (before flight, during layover, and after flight x 2). There is ether not a Priority Pass lounge or it's in a far distance terminal, so that's not much of an inducement. I'm going to have to give it a lot of thought when renewal time comes up very soon.
325 for gold is wild might have to change tbh
Yeah it really depends on what you value in your life and what you are already spending. I love the Amex platinum due to the fact I have an amex lounge near me, as well as the transfer partners being really valuable. All the credits really work for me, so it’s worth it. But if you travel once or twice a year, it’s not really worth it imo
I have 4 of these cards just for the credits. I never use it as a daily driver.
If your active duty, apply for the green, gold and platinum and upgrade the first 2 after a year. Maybe find a NLL for the CS platinum if u can
My biggest thing about Amex is that yes it is a great card and has many benefits but if you’re not actively keeping up or using those benefits then it’s not worth it, also many merchants and places overseas doesn’t accept Amex so it’s not the most desirable card for overseas purchases
Not worth it. You will spend way more trying to use the coupons. Lounge acess not woth it if you are married and need to pay to take your spouse in the lounge .
Just to use the 200$ hotel credit you have to book something around 500 to 600$ hotel.
Clear credit not any better than regular check in unless you fly out of busy airports all the time. I never had a reson to use it. Most of the times they were down or slower than regular line.
US bank altitude reserve and CSR are better alternatives
Centurion lounges are a joke, + the waiting list and no seats when let in. Delta Sky Clubs are constantly full, not relaxing & food is meh. Coupons are worthless, and useless. Multipliers are lame. Definitely not worth the 695AF. This card is only good for your 1 time SUB, that's it.
Hey Daniel, unrelated to the video but had a question that’s been bugging lately. I am currently at 24 months from a Southwest card bonus. June 8th 2022 is when the bonus was put into my account. Would you take your chances and apply today or wait another month?
Can you use the points to go towards paying of the balance
Daniel, as always this video was very easy to follow and super informative! I have the Platinum card because of the lounge access for the most part. The FHR can still be quite pricey even with the credit. Thanks again!
Lawl checking in and loved the Henley sponsor.
People are hard on that Saks credit, fax sales, some of the exact same stuff you could buy at Macy’s. So you can get value back. There is skin care, fragrances, and even underwear, which you can never have too many of lol. And then I double dip by making the Sachs purchase through a Delta or American Airlines shopping portal so that I get airline miles at the same time I get the $50 credit from Amex.
What if i use 5% cash back cards on everything and then buy points when they are on sale. Would this strategy out earn the points strategy ?
Their Trip Cancellation/Interruption insurance SCREWED ME!!! I charged a $14,000 Alaska cruise from Vancouver to Anchorage. We got covid halfway through. They denied our claim because the it was not a ROUND TRIP CRUISE. We made the mistake of not booking our airfare back to Vancouver on the same card.
so they didn't properly screw you didn't they? it's specified you must buy tickets with their card in order to get advantage of the insurance, still sucks though, they could have made an exception considering the sum maybe.
YOU made an error and got mad at AMEX because they didnt make an exception just for you because you didnt pay attention when booking?
Man people can be entitled as fuck.
@@AJGaS I made an error. True. What was I thinking? I assumed if I booked a cruise with their credit card it would be covered by their insurance. Stupid me. When the card advertises $20K trip cancellation/interruption as a major perk, and I paid the $600 for the privilege of owning it, I have no right to complain because I didn't read the fine print.
I just got approved for the Capital One Savor One card. I will cancel my Amex Gold this year
good info-- thanks Dan....
Thanks so much, appreciate the support as always!
I think for some people it does work. But the headache of using the coupon book is there and the savings are not that much. For example you can usually get annual subscription and save money over paying monthly. Or you can usually find Uber gift cards for 20%off. The lounge access is a perk especially if you travel a lot. But if you travel for work usually you would just go to any restaurant you like and expense it. From experience, platinum was a better deal back in the days.
As an American Express card holder, they've been begging me almost every month for the last year to get this ridiculously priced card as I qualify for it.
I looked over the perks and not one of them applies to me. I might enjoy the perk of airport lounge rooms, but I only travel once a year to Oregon 😂
I don't have this card yet but I will likely get it sometime next year. The hotel credit, the entertainment credit and the airline fee credit are all easy to use even if you rarely fly. Those almost make the card free and since I occasionally use doordash I could just use uber instead to pick up that credit meaning AMEX is now paying me to use the card. Thats makes the card worth it for the lounge access alone. Plus AMEX has good monthly offers and I prefer their customer service to Chase. I have the chase trifecta and I will be adding this card sometime.
Is there a no AF Amex ro downgrade the platinum or gold? Cheers
In deciding if this card is worth it one should consider the opportunity cost of putting 8k on the card. I see the opportunity cost as $160 since one could use a 2% back card for the 8k in spend.
Bro, you should make a video of what would fit someone's needs better better the CSP, CSR, C1Venture, C1VentureX. I've been trying to decide which card to get and all or the videos aren't helping me. Lol😂
Hi Daniel, Do you know if individuals have applied for this card internationally? Specifically, instead of applying for the U.S. version, they apply in another country where they hold citizenship. Were they able to do so successfully? Thanks!
Nice video and I would say mostly fair. I would just say you should point out it would be a good idea to have a Green and or Gold along with the Platinum to maximize your points. One thing about Equinox that another YT personality did point out was that you can use the Platinum to go and get a massage and use the credit. I am going to use this benefit soon to try it out. Who does not love a free massage? I do agree with others that $20 for car rental Primary Insurance is a good deal. The last few times I booked I looked for deals on a premium larger SUV using my CSP, Platinum and CVX between their different rental programs and even with paying the one time $25 insurance fee the Amex Platinum was the better deal.
Totally agree 👍
Would it be possible todo an updated video on the apple credit card? Thx!
The real issue is if you are relying on credits to see value for this card then it's not for you.
350 for the annex gold don’t make that much sense when u can her higher tier cards for less money
Dan, great videos! Would you recommend AMEX Debit specifically for ACH transactions for us homeowners? Trying to find a good multiplier for largest expense.
Hey Brandon, can you talk more about the President’s Circle status perk on the Venture X? I’ve had my Venture X for a little over a year now and, not a single Hertz location has honored my President’s Circle status. I’ve called Capital One to try to figure out what’s going on and they just keep telling me that I definitely have that status and that Hertz should 100% be honoring it. However, Hertz simply refuses to honor that status so, I haven’t been able to take advantage.
You likely have to enroll in Hertz Presidents Circle with the Venture X (if you haven’t done that already. I had to do that with the Amex Platinum as well. After that it should be as simple as showing them your account information which will display the status
Also a heads up, but the Venture X is losing Presidents Circle access by December 31, 2024 so it’s not going to be around much longer for that card
The card is really good if you travel internationally at least once a year. Stayed at one of the most luxurious hotels in Korea and with my platinum card, I got to really enjoy it. I got upgraded to their executive business room (high floor and very spacious) plus the free breakfast for two (normally cost $60 per person) and $100 credit plus other benefits like early and late checkout. I think that alone really made me happy to have the platinum card.
Not really. Many international places don't accept it.
When do they charge you the 695..? I’m almost at the end of the first month and it has not hit my account.
At the rate Chase has expanded their lounge footprint they are trying their best to make the Amex Platinum obsolete. I think its a good thing for Amex customers though as maybe the horrible crowding will be reduced.
AMEX Platinum does have Primary coverage on Rental Cars:
Premium Car Rental Protection‡
When you use your enrolled Card to pay for rental charges for a Rental Car, you can enjoy primary coverage for Theft of or Damage to a rental vehicle and excess medical coverage if you are injured in an accident. Fees, coverage limits and coverage areas apply. Please read important exclusions and restrictions. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Refer to your description of coverage for a complete list of excluded vehicles. This product does not include liability coverage.
Correct, however it is not included as it is with other travel cards. To get this coverage you have to pay a flat fee which covers up to a certain number of days.
Still a better deal than buying coverage from rental car company directly, but in my opinion this should absolutely be included as a free benefit for the price we pay with the annual fee! Hoping that Amex makes this change if they decide to increase the annual fee on this card again in the future - I think it’s something that must happen if they’re going to do that
Got the 175k bonus so we’re doing that then cancelling at 1 yr 1 day
Most optimal plan, good on you!
@@jun.oshima yeah, I really wasn’t planning on another card for a minute but couldn’t pass that up
Nothing wrong with that! It’s up to American Express to convince each customer that the card’s value is worth it, so if they can’t do that then just cancel like you said 👍
@@Daniel_Braun are the potential negative credit implications to cancelling a card after 1 yr 1 day?
Possibly the infamous Amex popup jail😅
Thanks as usual Danny. By the way, any thoughts on the AMEX Green? It's rarely talked about, but it's a decent lower grade combined food/travel card. The annual credit for Clear blows the annual fee away. I think the card is actually underrated, but is overshadowed by the gold and platinum. Thoughts?
Thanks Scott! So personally I’m not a fan of the green card. I’d use the Clear credit, but probably wouldn’t pay out of pocket for it if I didn’t have a credit that covers it, so I don’t put as much value on it. The multipliers are fine, but other cards offer similar multipliers. The sign up bonus is also really bad usually compared to even cheaper cards. So personally I never considered getting the card, but for some people it’s good. Would love to see a refresh of the green card honestly and I could see that as an underrated move that Amex pulls in 2024
If I ever have to fly monthly I will probably get it, but neither are very likely
Flying monthly and accessing the Amex lounges a lot could make it worth it. But only if some of the credits give value as well
@@Daniel_Braun flying monthly would automatically make the hotel statuses more valuable as well and would guarantee the flight credits get used up.
I get enough value out of the card. 240 credit for disney+/hulu, 200 uber (mostly for eats), and 200 hotel (basically a free night at a luxury hotel =D), and $100 saks. All the other coupons are a bonus. I mostly got this for a 175K bonus and it has my preferred airlines as transfer partners.
Great video 📹 👍
Thank you!
@@Daniel_Braun you're welcome!
I get reasonable “coupon book” value with my Platinum with the digital credit, Walmart credit, and Clear. I love the lounge access too. As Daniel illustrates, the multipliers are underwhelming.
Love it can't leave home without it.🍷😉
How can we get rid of credit card with out affecting the credit score?
U really can't! It will ding ur credit score..
Downgrade. Platinum to Gold.
Not to long ago I applied & got approved for the Capital One Venture X, excellent decision on my end even though Capital One does not have a Lounge in Florida (I hope there could be one in TPA, FLL, and/or MIA). I know it may not be a good idea, I find the Venture X to be the cheapest Premium Travel Card I can find.
Curious on why you only use half of the airline credit? Have you looked into United?
It's not so much that I'm actively only trying to use half of it, it's just that over the past 2 year that's how much of it I've used in my normal spending habits. Trying harder to use it would fall out of my normal spending habits, which is what I'm against doing with this credits.
I use it when I can, but valuing it at $100 for me personally is the best way for me to compare that with the other credits vs the annual fee.
I have used it in the past to upgrade to seats with more legroom on United though, so I do look to use it like that 👍
If you transfer it to travel credit you can use to purchase flight. I’m also in a united hub. Same with Saks credit can get in store gift card to roll into $100. You can also add max to your Hulu subscription for better deal on subscription credit.
Can you make a video about the new Wells Fargo attune card and if a Wells Fargo trifecta with it would be good?
Annual fees are so annoying!!! 🤢🤮🤢🤮🤢🤮
Definitely not for everyone!
I see that Speedmaster. So much more adult than that Apple Watch!!!
Yessir! It definitely feels so much better on my wrist than the Apple Watch lol. I’m hooked now - gonna need to pick up another couple of watches eventually
Im just waiting to see a 175k sign up bonus, hit that, take a nice round trip to Japan, then cancel the card. I cant see myself keeping that card long enough to renew lol
The Green Card is an essential compliment to the Platinum Card. Airfare + Benefits: Platinum Card. Points Earning: Green Card.
If you travel, literally three times a year, it’s worth it
Besides the Gold Amex has subpar cards.
Gold card may even become less valuable if they increase the annual fee. Amex definitely has a very different approach to their cards compared to other issuers
What is the point of this video? “How bad is the Amex platinum?” According to the clickbait image, 2*
Actually, let’s list all of the benefits that I personally get value out of (15 minutes) and come out ahead of the annual fee. And to wrap it up, call it a good tool that you’ll continue to use?
The title is to address the fact that so many people hate this card (as I said in the intro, it’s the most polarizing card that I’ve ever talked about on my channel over the years)
So to do that, I just add my own experience and thoughts with the card over the past 3 years - plus I wanted to talk about how people in general might view certain things (both good and bad).
I think credit card TH-cam can get repetitive at times, so I tried approaching this from a different angle starting with the title. Just trying to be open about things here, but I appreciate any feedback so thanks for the comment 👍
Great for business.
How Bad Is The Amex Platinum Actually? Very bad!
I love AMEX!
Thank you for the video. We share some of the same reasons why we keep the card. My home airport Has a centurion lounge. My wife and I visit them about eight times a year. I find it rather amusing.The people always refer to putting in the work to get the benefits of the card. Which is actually putting in about five minutes a week. I am much older than you as you might have guessed. But I can assure you of this.
It's a lot easier today.
Looking up information.
Thanks for watching! Yeah it can be a bit of work to get value from the card, but it’s different for everyone. Glad to hear that you and your wife are able to visit the lounges though!
AMEX Platinum no longer gets you in the Delta Sky Club.
Previous to 2025 the delta lounge made it a good value for delta travelers
Zero use if you are not traveling.
Everyone complaining are clearly on tight budget. My wife and I travel 6-10 times per year. Use clear credit and entertainment credit. We use the Uber and dining. I like the gold status with Marriott, Hertz, etc. If you are complaining you just don’t travel and that’s okay. I like the centurion lounge and I am always at slc airport and they have an amazing delta lounge and I’ve drank 800 dollars worth of drinks with my wife 😂. The fee really isn’t that big.
This! My partner and I do around 5-10 vacations a year plus other travel for family visits (I don’t count visiting my family a vacation lol). It’s worth it. If you’re someone who doesn’t travel at all I don’t understand why they would even have the card it’s pointless. I unlocked my guest access so that’s also nice
If you only use $100 of the $200 travel credit, you’re doing it so poorly.
For example, pick United as your airline, and buy $200 worth of miles. Store those for later flights. Easy to make the credit worth it and not go to waste by not using it…
Don’t use the card only use it for the benefits my monthly bill is usually under $50 a month.
The Amex Plat can be combined with Gold or Blue Cash. The most important thing is that you have to sign up for the Amex Gold first if you want to get both Gold and Platinum benefits. Unfortunately, you can’t get the bonus from Amex Gold if you already have the Platinum. Blue Cash is great for people who go grocery shopping a lot, while Gold is great for dining. But of course they are fees to both of these cards, but it’s really depending on how much you spend yearly.
Totally a waste of money unless you are active duty and can get the steep annual fee waived. CSP at net $45 annually after the $50 hotel credit or the CSR at $250 after the $300 travel credit are much better choices for a travel card.
😊
Number 1 again! 🥇
I gotta start keeping track of these first comments for you starting now. So far you are 1 for 1 (100%)
Hello
This card sucks!! DO NOT GET IT!
I had an offer for 125k had to spend 10k. My recent offer 75k for 6k spent.
I got it and turned the table on them. Got the 150k bonus and cancelled the card within 30 days of the AF. $695 refund and transferred the bonus out before cancelling!
@@dtsang508 😂 got any other Amex cards?
@@dtsang508That pretty much guarantees you’ll be blacklisted by Amex. If anyone has even the smallest desire to get another Amex card / bonus do not do this!
They will take away your points for sure @@dtsang508
The Sebby style jump zooms you use are annoying. I know you guys think it is an attention getter, but it’s not, it’s annoying as hell.
Sorry that you don’t like the editing style, but it’s something that is very standard across many of my favorite TH-cam channels which is why I’ve adopted it into my own editing style.
I’ll continue playing around with the editing, but overall I personally really love what my editor does for the visuals in my videos. I understand that everyone has their own preferences though 👍
I need your help!
most mid card ever. it’s free for military but really it’s still not as good as other cards
Only a good card for certain people who travel a lot - but plenty of other cards out there that can be cheaper and better
Why don't you take time off from playing Fantasy Finance or Fantasy Football - The benefits of Amex Platinum is vast - Read and take advantage the card.
Amex Platinum is a trash tier card. Mostly worthless. It should have an AF of $95 max.
😮
Thanks for watching, Frances!