The American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card is a distinguished offering tailored for the discerning Indian traveler. It combines a robust rewards system with exclusive travel benefits, making it a sought-after companion for those who frequently traverse domestic and international landscapes. This comprehensive review delves into the card’s features, benefits, fees, and more, providing an in-depth understanding for potential cardholders.
Card Overview
The American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card is designed to cater to the needs of frequent travelers, offering a plethora of benefits that enhance travel experiences. Its features are meticulously crafted to provide value through milestone benefits and reward points, making it a compelling option for those who prioritize travel in their lifestyle.
Fees and Charges
Understanding the fee structure is crucial for any potential cardholder. The American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card has the following fees:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | ₹5,000 plus applicable taxes |
| Annual Renewal Fee | ₹5,000 plus applicable taxes |
| Welcome Benefit | 10,000 Membership Rewards Points upon spending ₹15,000 within the first 90 days of card issuance |
While the card does not offer a direct renewal fee waiver, cardholders may be eligible for retention offers based on their spending patterns and relationship with American Express. It’s advisable to contact customer support to inquire about potential retention benefits.
Rewards Structure
The card offers a straightforward rewards system:
| Spending Category | Rewards Earned |
|---|---|
| Regular Spending | 1 Membership Rewards Point for every ₹50 spent, except on fuel, insurance, utilities, cash transactions, and EMI conversions at the point of sale |
This structure ensures that everyday expenses contribute to accumulating rewards, making each transaction more rewarding.
Milestone Benefits
The Platinum Travel Credit Card truly shines with its milestone benefits, offering substantial rewards as you reach specific annual spending thresholds:
- Welcome Gift: Upon spending ₹15,000 within the first 90 days of card membership, you receive 10,000 Membership Rewards Points, redeemable for a Flipkart voucher or Pay with Points option in Amex Travel Online worth ₹3,000.
- First Milestone: Upon spending ₹1.9 lakhs in a card membership year, you earn 15,000 Membership Rewards Points, redeemable for a Flipkart voucher or Pay with Points option worth ₹4,500. Additionally, you accumulate approximately 3,400 regular Membership Rewards Points, translating to benefits worth ₹1,020.
- Second Milestone: Reaching ₹4 lakhs in annual spending unlocks 25,000 Membership Rewards Points, redeemable for a Flipkart voucher or Pay with Points option worth ₹7,500. Additionally, you receive a Taj Experiences E-Gift Card worth ₹10,000, valid at Taj, SeleQtions, and Vivanta Hotels. You also earn approximately 3,600 regular Membership Rewards Points, equating to benefits worth ₹1,080.
Cumulatively, upon spending ₹4 lakhs in a year, you can accrue benefits totaling up to ₹30,000, yielding an effective reward rate of approximately 7.5%.
Redemption Options
The Membership Rewards Points earned can be redeemed in several ways:
- Flipkart Vouchers: Redeem points for Flipkart vouchers, facilitating purchases across a wide range of products.
- Taj Experiences E-Gift Cards: Utilize points for luxury stays and dining experiences at Taj, SeleQtions, and Vivanta Hotels.
- Pay with Points: Offset travel bookings made through Amex Travel Online using accumulated points.
It’s noteworthy that points can also be transferred to Marriott Bonvoy at a ratio of 1:1, offering flexibility for those who prefer hotel loyalty programs.
Airport Lounge Access
The card enhances travel comfort by providing:
- Domestic Lounge Access: Eight complimentary visits per year (two visits per quarter) to select domestic airport lounges across India.
- Priority Pass Membership: Complimentary membership to Priority Pass, granting access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. However, lounge visits are chargeable at US$32 per visit.
Additional Benefits
- Amex Offers: Access to exclusive cashback offers, discounts, and bonus points across various categories, including travel, shopping, and dining.
- Supplementary Cards: Option to apply for supplementary cards for family members, allowing them to enjoy similar benefits and aiding in consolidated point accumulation.
- Emergency Card Replacement: Global assistance for card replacement in case of loss or theft, ensuring peace of mind during travels.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card, applicants should meet the following criteria:
- Age: Must be over 18 years old.
- Income: For salaried individuals, a minimum annual income of ₹6 lakhs is required. Self-employed applicants should have an annual income of ₹6 lakhs as per the latest income tax return.
- Credit Score: A good credit score is essential for approval.
Application Process
Prospective cardholders can apply through the American Express website or via referral links that may offer additional benefits, such as bonus Membership Rewards Points upon approval and meeting initial spending criteria.
Pros:
- High Reward Rate: Achieving the annual spend milestones unlocks a reward rate of up to 7.5%, which is substantial compared to many other credit cards.
- Exclusive Travel Benefits: Access to domestic lounges and the ability to earn vouchers for luxury hotel stays enhance the travel experience.
- Flexible Redemption Options: Multiple avenues for redeeming