Amex Platinum Annual Fee: Is It Worth It in 2024? Resy, Uber One & Updated Benefits Analyzed

Sep 19, 2025

Is the Amex Platinum Annual Fee Worth It? A 2024 Deep Dive

The American Express Platinum card is a status symbol and a powerhouse of travel and lifestyle benefits. However, its significant annual fee often prompts the question: is it truly worth it? This comprehensive guide dissects the card's updated offerings, including Resy membership, Uber One access, and other enhanced perks, to help you determine if the Platinum card aligns with your spending habits and lifestyle in 2024.

Understanding the Amex Platinum Card's Core Benefits

Before diving into the newer additions, let's recap the core benefits that have historically made the Amex Platinum attractive:

Welcome Bonus: Often a substantial sum of Membership Rewards points earned after meeting a spending requirement.
5x Points on Flights and Hotels: Earn 5x Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, and on prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel.
$200 Hotel Credit: Use this credit for prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel, requiring a minimum two-night stay for The Hotel Collection.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Reimburses incidental fees charged by your selected airline (e.g., baggage fees, seat upgrades).
$240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Up to $20 per month in statement credits for eligible subscriptions like Peacock, Audible, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Enrollment required.
$155 Walmart+ Credit: Covers the cost of a Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) and includes Paramount+ streaming.
Global Lounge Collection Access: Access to a vast network of airport lounges, including Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), and more.
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit: Receive a statement credit to cover the application fee for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
Elite Status: Automatic Gold status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy (enrollment required).
Premium Car Rental Privileges: Benefits and discounts with car rental companies like Hertz, Avis, and National.
Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty: Provides coverage for eligible purchases in case of damage or theft, and extends manufacturer's warranties.

These established perks form the foundation of the Amex Platinum's value proposition. Now, let's examine the newer additions that enhance its appeal.

The Resy Membership: A Dining Enthusiast's Delight

One of the more recent and significant additions to the Amex Platinum card is a complimentary Resy membership. Resy is a popular restaurant reservation platform known for its access to sought-after dining establishments. This perk is especially valuable for those who frequently dine out in major cities.

What Does the Resy Membership Offer?

Resy Global Dining Access: Provides access to exclusive reservations at top restaurants worldwide.
Priority Notifications: Receive notifications when tables become available at fully booked restaurants.
Special Events and Experiences: Access to exclusive culinary events and experiences curated by Resy.
Resy App Integration: Seamless integration with the Amex app for easy booking and management of reservations.

How to Maximize the Resy Benefit

Utilize Resy Global Dining Access: Take advantage of the exclusive reservation opportunities at high-demand restaurants. Plan ahead and book in advance.
Set Up Priority Notifications: If your desired restaurant is fully booked, enable priority notifications to be alerted when a table opens up.
Explore Special Events: Keep an eye on the Resy app for special culinary events and experiences in your area or when you travel.

Real-World Example: Resy in Action

Imagine you are visiting New York City and want to dine at a popular restaurant that is consistently booked months in advance. With your Amex Platinum card and Resy membership, you have a significantly higher chance of securing a reservation through Resy Global Dining Access or by setting up priority notifications. This access can transform your dining experience, turning what would have been an impossible reservation into a memorable evening.

Uber One Membership: Seamless Transportation and Food Delivery

Another valuable addition to the Amex Platinum card is complimentary Uber One membership. This membership streamlines your transportation and food delivery experiences through Uber and Uber Eats.

What Does the Uber One Membership Include?

$15 Monthly Uber Cash: Receive $15 Uber Cash each month to use on Uber rides or Uber Eats orders in the US.
Unlimited $0 Delivery Fees: Enjoy unlimited $0 delivery fees on eligible Uber Eats orders over $15 and rides from select merchants.
Up to 10% Off Select Uber Eats Orders: Get up to 10% off eligible Uber Eats orders.
Priority Service: Receive priority service on rides and deliveries.

How to Maximize the Uber One Benefit

Consistently Use Your $15 Uber Cash: Make sure to use your monthly $15 Uber Cash to avoid losing it. This can be used for rides to and from the airport, daily commutes, or meals ordered through Uber Eats.
Order from Eligible Restaurants: When using Uber Eats, prioritize ordering from restaurants that offer discounts and $0 delivery fees through Uber One.
Utilize Priority Service During Peak Times: Take advantage of priority service during rush hour or other busy periods to get rides and deliveries faster.

Real-World Example: Uber One Convenience

Consider a scenario where you frequently use Uber for your daily commute and order lunch through Uber Eats several times a week. The $15 monthly Uber Cash, combined with waived delivery fees and discounts on Uber Eats orders, can result in significant savings over the course of a year. The priority service also ensures that you get rides and deliveries faster, saving you valuable time.

Evaluating the Updated Benefits: A Comprehensive Overview

Beyond Resy and Uber One, the Amex Platinum card has undergone several updates to its existing benefits. Let's explore these changes and their potential impact on the card's value.

Digital Entertainment Credit

The $240 Digital Entertainment Credit, distributed as $20 monthly statement credits, can be applied towards subscriptions like Peacock, Audible, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. This benefit is particularly valuable for individuals who already subscribe to these services or are considering doing so.

Walmart+ Membership Credit

The Amex Platinum now includes a credit to cover the cost of a Walmart+ membership. This membership offers free shipping, discounts on gas, and access to Paramount+ streaming. If you regularly shop at Walmart, this benefit can be a significant cost-saver.

Hotel and Airline Credits: Maximizing Redemption

The $200 hotel credit and $200 airline fee credit remain important benefits. To maximize their value, it's essential to understand the specific terms and conditions:

Hotel Credit: Book prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection stays through American Express Travel. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
Airline Fee Credit: Select an eligible airline and use the credit for incidental fees like baggage charges, seat upgrades, or in-flight purchases.

Global Lounge Collection: Unparalleled Travel Comfort

The Amex Platinum's access to the Global Lounge Collection remains one of its most compelling features. The ability to relax in comfortable airport lounges, enjoy complimentary food and beverages, and access Wi-Fi can significantly enhance your travel experience, especially during long layovers or delays.

Quantifying the Value: Is the Annual Fee Justified?

To determine if the Amex Platinum's annual fee is justified, it's crucial to quantify the value of its benefits based on your individual spending habits and travel patterns. Let's break down how to estimate the potential value you can derive from the card.

Step 1: Calculate Your Potential Points Earnings

Estimate your annual spending in categories that earn bonus points, such as flights, hotels, and everyday purchases. Use these estimates to calculate your potential Membership Rewards points earnings.

Step 2: Determine the Monetary Value of Your Points

The value of Membership Rewards points varies depending on how you redeem them. A conservative estimate is around 1 cent per point when redeemed for travel through Amex Travel. However, transferring points to airline or hotel partners can potentially yield higher value.

Step 3: Add Up the Value of Statement Credits

Calculate the total value of statement credits you expect to receive, including the hotel credit, airline fee credit, digital entertainment credit, and Walmart+ credit.

Step 4: Assess the Value of Other Benefits

Consider the value of other benefits, such as Resy membership, Uber One membership, Global Lounge Collection access, elite status with Hilton and Marriott, and premium car rental privileges. Estimate how much these benefits are worth to you based on your usage patterns.

Step 5: Compare Total Value to the Annual Fee

Add up the estimated value of your points earnings, statement credits, and other benefits. If the total value exceeds the annual fee, the Amex Platinum card is likely worth it for you. However, if the total value falls short of the annual fee, you may want to reconsider whether the card aligns with your needs.

Example Calculation

Let's assume the following scenario:

Annual spending on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel: $5,000 (earning 25,000 Membership Rewards points)
Annual spending on prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel: $2,000 (earning 10,000 Membership Rewards points)
Value of 35,000 Membership Rewards points (at 1 cent per point): $350
Hotel credit: $200
Airline fee credit: $200
Digital entertainment credit: $240
Walmart+ credit: $155
Uber One membership value (estimated): $300 ($15/month Uber Cash, discounts, and waived fees)
Resy membership value (estimated): $100 (based on access to exclusive reservations)

Total Estimated Value: $350 + $200 + $200 + $240 + $155 + $300 + $100 = $1545

In this example, the estimated value of the Amex Platinum's benefits far exceeds the annual fee, making it a worthwhile investment.

Who is the Amex Platinum Card Right For?

The Amex Platinum card is best suited for individuals who:

Travel frequently: The card's extensive travel benefits, including lounge access, elite status, and hotel/airline credits, are ideal for frequent travelers.
Dine out often: The Resy membership provides access to exclusive reservations at top restaurants, making it a valuable perk for dining enthusiasts.
Utilize Uber and Uber Eats: The Uber One membership offers significant savings and convenience for those who regularly use these services.
Value premium travel experiences: The Amex Platinum card offers a range of benefits designed to enhance the travel experience, such as personalized service, travel insurance, and access to exclusive events.
Can maximize the statement credits: Actively using the various statement credits offered is essential to offset the annual fee.

Who Should Consider Other Options?

The Amex Platinum card may not be the best choice for individuals who:

Do not travel frequently: If you rarely travel, you may not be able to fully utilize the card's travel benefits.
Prefer cash back rewards: The Amex Platinum card primarily offers Membership Rewards points, which are best redeemed for travel. If you prefer cash back, other cards may be more suitable.
Are not comfortable with high annual fees: The Amex Platinum's annual fee is significant, and it requires a commitment to maximizing its benefits to justify the cost.
Have difficulty meeting spending requirements: To earn the welcome bonus and maximize the card's rewards, you need to be able to meet the required spending thresholds.

Alternatives to the Amex Platinum Card

If the Amex Platinum card doesn't quite align with your needs, consider these alternative premium travel cards:

Chase Sapphire Reserve

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers a similar range of travel benefits, including lounge access, travel credits, and bonus points on travel and dining. It features a slightly lower annual fee than the Amex Platinum.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card offers a compelling combination of travel rewards and benefits, including lounge access, travel credits, and bonus miles on travel purchases. It boasts a lower annual fee compared to the Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve.

American Express Gold Card

If you spend heavily on dining and groceries, the American Express Gold Card may be a better option. It earns 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per year, then 1x) and at restaurants worldwide. It has a lower annual fee than the Platinum, but fewer travel benefits.

Tips for Maximizing the Value of Your Amex Platinum Card

To ensure you're getting the most out of your Amex Platinum card, follow these tips:

Enroll in all eligible benefits: Make sure to enroll in benefits like Hilton Honors Gold status, Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status, Priority Pass Select membership, and any other applicable programs.
Track your statement credits: Keep a close eye on your statement credits to ensure you're utilizing them before they expire.
Redeem your Membership Rewards points strategically: Explore different redemption options to maximize the value of your points. Consider transferring points to airline or hotel partners for potentially higher returns.
Take advantage of Amex Offers: Regularly check your Amex Offers for additional discounts and statement credits on purchases with participating merchants.
Utilize the card's travel insurance and purchase protection benefits: These benefits can provide valuable coverage in case of unexpected travel disruptions or damage to your purchases.

The Final Verdict: Is the Amex Platinum Worth It for You?

The decision of whether the Amex Platinum card is worth its annual fee ultimately depends on your individual circumstances and spending habits. If you are a frequent traveler who can maximize the card's travel benefits, dining perks, and statement credits, the Amex Platinum can be a valuable asset. However, if you rarely travel or cannot fully utilize the card's benefits, other credit cards may be a better fit.

Carefully evaluate your spending patterns, travel plans, and lifestyle preferences to determine if the Amex Platinum's premium benefits align with your needs and justify its significant annual fee. By understanding the card's offerings and maximizing its value, you can make an informed decision that benefits your financial well-being and enhances your experiences.

Potential Future Updates to Amex Platinum Benefits

The landscape of credit card benefits is ever-evolving, and American Express frequently updates the Platinum card's offerings to remain competitive. While we can't predict the future with certainty, here are some potential areas where we might see changes:

Enhanced Travel Benefits

Given the Amex Platinum's focus on travel, we could see further enhancements to its travel benefits. This could include:

New airline or hotel transfer partners: Adding new transfer partners could provide more flexibility and value for Membership Rewards points.
Increased bonus categories for travel spending: Offering higher bonus points on specific travel categories could incentivize cardholders to use the card for more travel purchases.
Expanded lounge access: Adding more lounges to the Global Lounge Collection or improving the quality of existing lounges could further enhance the travel experience.
New travel insurance benefits: Enhancing travel insurance coverage could provide cardholders with greater peace of mind during their travels.

Lifestyle and Entertainment Perks

American Express may also introduce new lifestyle and entertainment perks to appeal to a broader audience. This could include:

New streaming or subscription credits: Adding new eligible subscriptions to the digital entertainment credit could cater to different interests and preferences.
Exclusive access to events and experiences: Offering exclusive access to concerts, sporting events, or other cultural experiences could provide unique value for cardholders.
Partnerships with luxury brands: Collaborating with luxury brands could offer exclusive discounts and benefits on premium products and services.

Changes to Existing Benefits

It's also possible that American Express could modify existing benefits to better align with cardholder needs and market trends. This could include:

Adjustments to statement credit amounts: American Express may adjust the amounts of various statement credits based on usage patterns and cost considerations.
Changes to bonus point categories: American Express may modify bonus point categories to incentivize spending in specific areas.
Updates to terms and conditions: American Express may update the terms and conditions of various benefits to clarify eligibility requirements and usage guidelines.

Staying informed about potential changes to the Amex Platinum card's benefits is crucial for maximizing its value and ensuring it continues to align with your needs. Regularly check the American Express website and monitor industry news for updates.