Is It Easy to Get an American Express Credit Card
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Of all the cards that have gotten a bit of a makeover over the past few months, The Platinum Card® from American Express is still one of the best. It has perks valued at over $1,400! It also comes with an exciting welcome bonus offer that can set you up for the future—one of several incredible 100k bonuses available now.
New The Platinum Card® from American Express cardmembers can earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 on purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, new cardholders can choose new Platinum Card designs! Select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu. Terms apply.
Learn more: Johnny Jet's Recommended Credit Cards
But is the Amex Platinum hard to get? We'll break down the approval factors below.
Approval Factors and Benefits for The American Express Platinum Card
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
Use this guide to jump to specific approval factors and benefits:
- Credit Score Needed for American Express Platinum
- Other Amex Credit Cards to Build Credit
- Do You Need to Be 21 for the American Express Platinum?
- Required Salary
- Annual Fee
- Little-Known Benefits of the Platinum Card
- Summary
With its generous welcome bonus, tiered purchase rewards, annual travel credits, and fringe benefits that will make any frequent flier drool (as exemplified in our comprehensive American Express Platinum review), the Amex Platinum metal credit card is highly sought after.
But, the Amex Platinum has a high annual fee of $695 (See Rates & Fees) .
While many travelers have their eyes on it, how hard is it to get The Platinum Card® from American Express? Let's find out what the Amex Platinum requirements are.
Related: Are Credit Cards Worth Their Annual Fees? Things To Consider
Credit Score Needed for American Express Platinum
The credit score needed for the American Express Platinum is generally above 700. According to Credit Karma, the average score is 715. Although, several applicants with credit scores in the 600s have also been approved, even as low as 643.
If your credit score is borderline 700, you might wait until your score crosses that threshold. That way, you can be considered to have good or above-average credit. A few ways to quickly boost your credit score include paying any current credit card debt, paying off a financial loan, and not trying for any new credit accounts. This includes not trying for any additional credit card accounts, as each inquiry will drop your score a few points.
If your credit score is in the 600s, you can still get approved for The Platinum Card® from American Express, but it depends on your credit quality. Your approval chances will be highest if you have a low debt-to-income ratio and have not applied for many new credit accounts recently. This tells American Express that while you might have a low score, you can responsibly manage your credit.
Too Many Accounts
Having too many new accounts can jeopardize your approval chances because the reviewer might think you are going on a spending spree and will not afford the monthly payment. While American Express doesn't have the rigorous 5/24 rule like Chase, where your application is declined if you have five new credit cards within the most recent 24 months, too many recent applications can still raise a red flag.
You can only receive a welcome bonus on American Express cards once per lifetime. This is very important concerning the American Express Platinum requirements.
Consider Getting Another Amex Credit Card First
If you are concerned about your credit score, you might consider getting another American Express credit card first. If you don't own a credit card already, this can be a wise move. Your approval odds increase if you can responsibly manage a credit card.
The Amex Platinum is one of the most prestigious travel credit cards you can own.
Trying for an American Express credit card lets you establish a relationship with Amex. Plus, it can make it easier to add the Amex Platinum Card to your wallet in the near future. Several of the best no annual fee travel credit cards are offered by American Express.
Other Options
You might consider the American Express® Gold Card as it also offers travel and dining benefits and is cheaper than the Platinum Card (the annual fee for the Gold Card is $250; See Rates & Fees ). But, it doesn't come with all the additional travel benefits nor earn purchase rewards as quickly on travel purchases.
You may also want to check out some of the other best credit cards for travel miles options that come with lower annual fees.
Some experts recommend waiting two years to try for the Amex Platinum after you get your first credit card. It largely depends on your credit history. If you have a credit score in the 700s or upper 600s, you might be able to try for one in as little as six months, provided you have never missed a payment.
Do You Need to Be 21 for the American Express Platinum Card?
Your approval chances are much better if you're 21 years old or older when you try for The Platinum Card® from American Express. To be an authorized user, you must be 18 years old. As most teenagers do not have the credit score or income to pay the annual fee, this restriction won't disqualify too many applicants.
Basically, American Express wants to know their applicants have shown they can honor their commitments by being steadily employed or graduating college in the four years between when they graduate high school at age 18 and usually get their first "real" job at age 21.
You can still submit an application if you are under age 21. But, you might have to submit additional documentation to verify your income for this metal credit card.
Is the Amex Platinum's $695 Annual Fee Worth It?
Unlike other credit cards that waive the annual fee for the first year, the $695 annual fee will be charged on your first monthly billing cycle. If you don't have $695 to pay the annual fee, don't try for the card.
If you want to add an authorized user, you will also need to pay $175 upfront for each additional card. Note that your authorized users can receive an American Express Gold card for free.
The fee isn't due as soon as you activate the American Express Platinum. You do have a month to come up with the money.
Benfits
Cardholders earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, and earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
Cardholders can get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, with American Express Travel when paying with their Platinum Card®.
Also, get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline.
Plus, American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. Now there are even more places your Platinum Card® can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks.
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The Platinum Card from American Express Benefits
There's also a new digital entertainment credit. Cardholders can get up to $20 in statement credits each month when you pay for eligible purchases with The Platinum Card® from American Express at your choice of one or more of the following providers: Peacock, Audible, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Enrollment required. This can be one of the best cards for streaming services.
In addition to enjoying TSA PreCheck or Global Entry access, cardholders can also enjoy CLEAR perks. Cardholders can use their Card and get up to $189 back per year on their CLEAR® membership. Terms apply.
Another exciting new benefit is the ability for cardholders to enjoy up to $25 back each month on select Equinox memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card®. This amounts to up to $300 annually. Enrollment required.
There is also a $155 Walmart+ credit to enjoy. This covers the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax.
Get the full details and learn more in our in-depth The Platinum Card from American Express review.
Learn more: Johnny Jet's Recommended Credit Cards
Salary Needed for Amex Platinum Credit Card
There are no published salary requirements in order to qualify for The Platinum Card® from American Express. But, the more you earn, the better. If you make near $100,000 a year and have good credit, you should have no issue getting approved. But, applicants with annual incomes as low as $40,000 have also been approved if they have a low debt-to-income ratio and pay their other credit cards in full every month.
Having a lower income means you will most likely get a lower credit limit. But, it still means you get the Platinum Card and can enjoy all the benefits. You just might have to make other purchases on your secondary cards to keep your monthly balance below 30% of your Platinum Card's credit limit.
This will help maximize your credit score.
Related: Best Places To Get A Free Credit Score
Going for the Amex Platinum Card
The last step is to try for The Platinum Card® from American Express. The easiest way is online as you enter all your personal information and your salary to receive an instant decision. If American Express has a few questions about your credit history, they might hold your application for additional review and give you a decision within a few business days.
You will also need the full name and social security number of all people you wish to add as an additional cardholder. If you do not want to try for the card online, you can also try by phone.
Related: How Much Are 60k Miles Worth? Here Are Some Examples
How Hard is it to Get the American Express Platinum?
Getting approved for the American Express Platinum is like any new credit card application. You have better chances with a credit score above 700, a clean credit history, and a low debt-to-income ratio. If you think you might have to work on these factors, take the time to improve your credit to enjoy the benefits.
Little Known Benefits of the American Express Platinum Card
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
The Platinum Card® from American Express is one of my favorite premium credit cards. There are many well-known benefits, such as the ability to earn 5X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases made directly with airlines or at amextravel.com, up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
There are also some great hotel perks, helping it land on some of the best hotel card offers list. Terms apply, and enrollment may be required.
But there are a ton of other great benefits jam-packed into this card that you might not know about.
10 Little-Known Benefits of the Platinum Card
Here are ten little-known American Express benefits of The Platinum Card. Note that enrollment may be required for the benefits below. Terms may apply.
Related: The Best Premium Credit Cards To Use For Rewards in 2022
1. Emerald Club Executive Membership with National
This is one of the benefits of the Platinum card that you'll love if you do a lot of driving. You can enroll in the National's Emerald Club program and automatically be upgraded to their Executive status level. When you're Executive, you can select from a special aisle of cars at participating locations, usually including many great rental options!
This benefit of the Platinum card has made National my favorite car rental company. Recently, I've been able to upgrade to a VW Bug convertible, a Jeep Wrangler, and a Cadillac XTS, even though I paid for the cheapest economy car possible!
The Amex Platinum is also one of the best credit cards for car rental insurance.
2. American Express Concierge
If you want to be known as the person who scores seats to the sold-out events, you'll love the benefits of the Platinum card. Do you need help with a tough-to-nail restaurant reservation or event tickets? Need assistance with your Christmas shopping?
The American Express Concierge can help. Simply call (800-525-3355) or email with your request and they'll do what they can to meet your needs.
3. Presale Tickets Access
Similar to the above, this is one of the benefits of the Platinum card that will help you score those impossible seats. Cardholders have access to presale tickets to concerts and events from Ticketmaster. This is a great benefit if there's a show you've had your eye on.
American Express also regularly offers early or exclusive access to other events, such as the theater production of Hamilton.
4. Reserved Seating
Another concert benefit – get preferred seating when you reserve your tickets with Ticketmaster using the offer code on the back of your card. This is one of my favorite benefits of the Platinum card. You can sit in front and center and enjoy the show.
5. By Invitation Only Events
If small, intimate events are your thing, this benefit is going to come in handy. American Express books events for cardholders with celebrity chefs and other celebrities. They tend to be expensive, but are small, intimate, and incredibly unique.
More conventional but still highly desirable events, like the ball dropping in Times Square for New Year, are also available.
Learn more: Johnny Jet's Recommended Credit Cards
6. Cruise Privileges
You'll get $100-$300 in onboard credit for each stateroom you book when you book a cruise through Amex cruises. You'll also be eligible for additional amenities that vary by the cruise line. This is definitely of the better benefits of the Platinum card if you like to vary your travel between air, land, and sea.
There's a reason why the Platinum Card from American Express is one of the best rewards credit cards!
7. Global Dining Collection
Certain restaurants reserve a table specifically for American Express card members. You may book these tables through the Amex Platinum Concierge.
Additionally, cardholders have access to special events and experiences at some restaurants, such as kitchen tours.
8. InCircle Loyalty Program
After enrolling in InCircle, you'll get a $100 InCircle Point Card for every $10,000 you spend at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Last Call, Horchow, and Cusp. Points are not earned on sales tax, shipping, alterations, gift packaging, and several other things. This is one of those great little additional benefits of the Platinum card if you shop at these stores anyway.
9. Premium Private Jet Program
If there's ever a time you need to hire a private jet, you can book it directly through American Express Travel. While not a benefit that most people will need regularly, it's a nice option to have in your back pocket.
10. Global Boingo Wi-Fi Membership
This is probably one of the most useful and widely used benefits of the Platinum card. While it's usually not too difficult to find free WiFi, your American Express Platinum card gives you access to a Boingo WiFi membership. Boingo has over one million hotspots available worldwide.
This could be the difference between WiFi and no WiFi or lightning-fast speeds and slower connections. However, you must register to access these hotspots.
Summary
As you can see, The Platinum Card® from American Express has a ton of benefits packed in. It's likely that you don't know about these benefits because they don't get as much attention. There's also The Business Platinum Card® from American Expressif you are looking for a business version of the Platinum card.
Personally, I really love that I have access to the Executive Aisle cars when I rent from National. I also occasionally use the Boingo membership that comes with my card. Which of these benefits of the Platinum card from American Express is your favorite?
Learn more: Johnny Jet's Recommended Credit Cards
Related Posts:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Amex Platinum Review
- American Express Platinum Review
- Amex Business Platinum Card Review
- How Hard is it to get the Amex Business Platinum Card?
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here .
For rates and fees of The American Express® Gold Card, please click here.
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