If there’s one travel tool I’d never give up, it’s my American Express Platinum Card. It’s not just a flashy metal card — it’s my secret weapon for hacking travel, turning everyday purchases and points into incredible adventures, and accessing perks that make flying feel more like floating.
Here’s a look into the exact ways I use the Platinum Card to maximize value and travel smarter — from secret airport lounges to $1,000 hotel stays I only paid $150 for.
The Amex Global Lounge Collection® gives me access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, but I definitely have my favorites. Nothing beats Centurion Lounges when they’re available — spacious seating, premium food spreads, and cocktail bars that actually serve you a real Negroni. The Las Vegas Centurion Lounge stands out with its dramatic decor and a full library wall, while the JFK Centurion Lounge has a literal speakeasy tucked in the back. Yep, an airport lounge with a secret bar.
When Centurion isn’t an option, I dip into Delta Sky Clubs® — especially the shiny, modern one in Terminal D of ATL (it’s a gem), or even the Haneda Airport lounge in Japan, where the service and food were better than many hotels I’ve stayed in.
I always plan my travel with lounge access in mind. Since Centurion lounges only allow entry up to 3 hours before departure, I arrive early, check my bags, clear security, and relax. This is clutch when flying budget airlines like Spirit, which are notorious for delays. One time, I knocked out breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a Centurion Lounge while waiting for a delayed flight — saving me close to $70 in airport food and snacks.
This one’s easy to overlook, but it adds up fast. When I’m abroad, I don’t pay any foreign transaction fees on purchases with my Platinum Card — a benefit that easily saves me 2-3% on every food, cab, or souvenir bill.
Pro tip: always pay in the local currency, not the converted USD price that pops up on the card reader. The local rate is almost always better, and Amex gives you a fair conversion with zero fees.
Here’s where things get technical — but stick with me.
The Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance covers up to $10,000 per trip (and $20,000 per year) if something unexpected ruins your plans — like illness or weather cancellations. BUT: you must pay for all major travel costs on your Platinum Card to activate this.
I once called Amex's insurance team to confirm how it works, and they told me something critical: if you buy your departure flight with Amex but your return flight with points from another card — you’re not covered. You need a full “loop” on the card: both departure and return paid in cash on Amex, then the rest (hotels, cruises, etc.) will be protected too.
I don’t always use this benefit, but it’s a big reason I sleep easier when booking trips.
Let’s talk car rentals — I never pay for the overpriced insurance at the counter. Instead, I enrolled in Amex’s Premium Car Rental Protection, which charges a flat $29 per rental and covers damage, theft, and even medical costs. It’s primary coverage, so I don’t need to file claims with my personal insurance first.
I also only rent from Hertz, thanks to the automatic Presidential Circle status I get with the card. That means I book a sedan and can just walk up and drive off in an SUV or luxury car — no paperwork, no waiting. I once booked a standard car and drove away in a brand-new 3-row SUV — worth well over $120 extra per day.
If I’m not booking an international flight with points, I use the International Airline Program. It gives real savings on premium economy, business, and first-class seats — sometimes hundreds off.
Even as an infrequent international traveler, I’ve found premium economy through this program to be the sweet spot: affordable but still comfy enough for a 10-hour flight. It’s way better than buying direct from the airline.
When it comes to hotels, I usually stick with Marriott (to earn Bonvoy points), but once a year I make sure to use the $200 Hotel Credit on a stay booked through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts®.
These bookings come with guaranteed perks:
Daily breakfast for two
$100 experience credit (like spa or dining)
4pm checkout, early check-in
Possible room upgrades
All told, you’re getting an average value of $550 per stay, according to Amex. I’ve used this hack in Spain, Denmark, and Florida — always for one-night stays before cruises or long flights. The trick is to find a luxury hotel with one-night availability under $200, so you squeeze maximum value from the perks.22
Between all the perks, the Platinum Card includes over $1,500 in credits per year if you know how to use them. Here’s how I do it:
$200 Airline Fee Credit → I choose Spirit Airlines (yep, you read that right). Since Spirit makes its money on bag fees, seat upgrades, and boarding priority, I use the credit for these fees after buying the ticket at the airport (cheapest method). I call it fighting Spirit with Spirit.
$200 Hotel Credit → I book a one-night stay at a top-tier hotel before a cruise and treat it like a luxury pre-game.
Amex also now tracks your credits right in your app, so I don’t bother with spreadsheets anymore.
Without a doubt. Between free food and drinks in lounges, waived insurance fees, $400 in travel credits, rental car upgrades, and hotel perks, I save well over $2,000 a year using this card strategically.
The Amex Platinum Card isn’t just a credit card — it’s a travel tool. One that rewards you for knowing the rules and playing the game well. And once you learn the hacks, it’s hard to imagine traveling without it.
If you’ve got an Amex Platinum or points from other cards and want help turning them into flights, upgrades, or hotel savings — check out my Points to Paradise and Redemption Concierge services. I’ll help you get the most out of every mile.