American Express Platinum Card Review (2025)

The Platinum Card® by American Express offers lounge access and a variety of statement credits that can provide significant value. However, the benefits come at a high cost, making it ideal only for those who can fully maximise its perks. For frequent travelers and individuals who can take full advantage of its offerings, this card offers tremendous value. For others, the high annual fee may outweigh the rewards.

SingSaver’s take

The American Express Platinum Card®, with its S$1,744 annual fee, is one of the most sought-after premium travel cards. It provides exclusive access to airport lounges, elite status with select hotel loyalty programmes, and various travel, shopping, and entertainment credits. Ideal for frequent travellers, this card enhances the overall travel experience with luxury perks.

Cardholders gain entry to Centurion Lounges, often praised as some of the best airport lounges worldwide, offering gourmet meals, handcrafted cocktails, and premium amenities like shower suites.

Beyond lounge access, the travel and retail credits can further offset the card’s cost — but only if you can maximise them. Many credits are limited to specific brands, requiring strategic spending to take full advantage.

Read full review

DBS Vantage Visa Infinite Credit Card

The DBS Vantage Visa Infinite Credit Card offers customers the flexibility to switch between cashback and miles, making it a perfect choice for semi-frequent travellers who may not make full use of the perks offered by the AMEX Platinum Card.

Despite this, it doesn’t skim on travel perks, coming with 10 complimentary PriorityPass lounge visits per year and Accor Plus Explorer Membership, which entitles cardholders to deals and discounts at participating hotels.

>>MORE: Read the DBS Vantage Visa Infinite Credit Card review

Citi Prestige Card

Does the thought of excellent golf sessions, winding down at the finest airport lounges and being chauffeured around in a limousine on your travels excite you? If so, the Citi Prestige Card just may be the one for you. On top of that, you get to earn points (that can be converted into miles) on all your purchases, making it a truly two-in-one card. As supplementary cards are free for life, your extended family can also benefit from select cardholder perks!

>>MORE: Read the Citi Prestige Card review

Automatic credits in various lifestyle categories

• S$200 Airline Credit

• S$400 Global Dining Credit

• S$400 Lifestyle Credit

• S$204 Entertainment Credit

• S$150 Fashion Credit

The combined value of these credits exceeds S$1,000, but how useful they are depends on your spending habits and how you use them. As certain credits are tied to premium services, they may not provide as much value if these services aren’t part of your usual routine.

For instance, while the S$400 Global Dining Credit can be appealing for food lovers, it may not fully offset the cost of dining at high-end restaurants. Similarly, the S$200 Airline Credit is only applicable to qualifying purchases with Singapore Airlines or Scoot, and it only covers incidental fees like checked luggage. Unless you travel frequently with these airlines and incur those fees, you may similarly not benefit much from this credit.

On the other hand, credits like the S$400 Lifestyle Credit and S$150 Fashion Credit can  be more easily utilised for those who enjoy indulging in luxury experiences. The monthly S$17 Entertainment Credit can come in useful for those who already subscribe to streaming services.

Ultimately, how valuable these credits are depends on how well they align with your lifestyle and how frequently you use them. If you regularly engage with the services they cover, these credits can help to offset the annual fee. Otherwise, they might go unused.

Airport lounge access

Enjoy complimentary access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, including:

• Centurion Lounges and International American Express Lounges.

• Delta Sky Clubs when flying with Delta 

• Priority Pass Select lounges (enrollment required).

• Lounges within the Plaza Premium and Airspace networks.

Many of the lounges in the network offer amenities like showers and buffet meals, enhancing the overall airport experience. For frequent travellers, having access to a lounge can make the wait between flights more comfortable, especially in airports with high-end amenities and good food. If you travel frequently through airports with well-serviced lounges, the Platinum Card® could provide significant value. 

» MORE: Best credit cards with airport lounge access

Hotel benefits

• Marriott Bonvoy: Marriott's Bonvoy programme offers a few valuable perks, like room upgrades and a 2 p.m. late checkout (subject to availability), though it doesn't include free breakfast.

• Hilton Honors: When you enroll, you'll receive automatic Gold status in the Hilton Honors programme. Hilton's Gold status is more beneficial than Marriott’s, offering perks like daily food and beverage credits, which can enhance your hotel experience.

• The Hotel Collection: When booking a stay of at least two nights at participating properties, you'll receive an automatic room upgrade (subject to availability) and a S$100 credit for dining, spa, resort, or other hotel activities.

• Fine Hotels & Resorts: Booking a stay at select luxury hotels grants you benefits valued at an average of S$550 per stay. These perks include room upgrades (subject to availability), early check-in, late checkout, complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and other unique amenities. 

Other benefits

• Concierge service: Platinum Card® holders have access to 24/7 concierge services, available by phone for a range of requests.

• Global dining access: Enjoy special access to reservations and exclusive events, such as meet-and-greets with chefs at high-end restaurants.

• Preferred seating: With your Platinum Card®, you may receive priority access to buy tickets for select sports and cultural events.

While the AMEX Platinum Card offers premium benefits, it may not be the best fit for everyone. The card's high annual fee, limited rewards structure, and specific credit restrictions mean that its value depends on your lifestyle and spending habits.

For those who frequently access airport lounges, the card’s lounge benefits alone can justify the cost. However, if you don’t travel often, the hefty annual fee may be harder to justify. It’s worth assessing how often you’ll use the included perks and whether the cost per lounge visit and other benefits make sense for your travel habits.

High annual fee

The Platinum Card® comes with a high annual fee of S$1,744, which  is notably higher in comparison to other premium travel cards. Many travel cards charge annual fees well below that while still offering solid rewards and perks. 

Limited rewards earning

While the Platinum Card® offers some attractive rewards, its ongoing earning rates are generally lower than other cards. For everyday spending outside travel-related purchases, its rewards may not be as competitive compared to other cards in the market. 

Limited-use credits

Some of the credits that come with the Platinum Card®—such as airline fee credits or hotel benefits—are limited in use or specific to certain categories. These credits may not align with your regular spending habits, meaning you will not get the full value of these perks. 

Platinum vs. Sapphire Reserve

A key competitor to the AMEX Platinum Card is the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, which provides a similar range of travel benefits, including transferable points, flexible travel credits, and strong travel perks. If you're considering a premium travel card, it's worth comparing the benefits of both cards to determine which one aligns best with your spending and travel preferences. 

For a more detailed comparison of the Platinum Card® and other top travel cards, check out our best credit cards list here.

The AMEX Platinum Card is ideal for high-spending travellers who can fully leverage its luxury benefits. If you regularly access airport lounges, book hotels via American Express Travel, or use the annual credits, the card’s high annual fee can be worth it.

However, if you don’t utilise these perks, the value may not justify the steep annual fee. Consider your travel habits and spending patterns before committing to this premium card.

For full details on rates and fees for the American Express Platinum Card, click here.

Decided that the AMEX Platinum Card is right for you? Applicants must be at least 21, and while there’s no explicitly stated income requirement, this is subject to applicants passing an internal assessment and meeting regulatory minimum income requirements.

Besides a valid form of ID (NRIC for Singaporeans/PRs, EP or passport for foreigners), these are the documents you will need to prepare for application:

• Salaried employees: Payslips from the last three months or CPF contribution history from the past 12 months (Singaporeans/PRs only). If your length of employment is less than three months, you will need to provide an employment letter that states your start date and monthly salary.

• Self-employed individuals: IRAS Notice of Assessment (NoA) for the past two years. If your billing address differs from that on your NRIC, you are also required to submit proof of address.

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