Why I’m Still Holding Onto My Amex Platinum, Even at (Almost) $900

When the Amex Platinum fee jumped to $895, I thought hard about whether to keep it. That’s no small chunk of change. But once I looked at how we actually use the card, the math still works — and in our family’s case, the value is undeniable.

The credits we actually use

• Lululemon: $75 each quarter, $300 a year. With three women in the house, this credit never goes to waste.

• Streaming: $300 a year toward Disney+, YouTube, and more. It literally pays for our Disney+ subscription.

• Hotel: $300 every six months, $600 a year. Last year, when it was just $200, we used it at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok and got a free third night — saving nearly $1,000 on a hotel we’ll never forget.

• Resy: $100 per quarter, $400 a year. And in Atlanta, that’s an easy win at places like Kevin Rathbun Steak.

Travel perks that matter in Atlanta

• Delta Sky Club access: This might be the single biggest reason we keep the card. Flying out of ATL, lounges are our second home — and they make travel so much smoother.

• Airline incidental credit: $200 a year that we often use to cover guest fees when friends or family join us in the lounge.

Everyday protections and perks

• Rental car insurance: Instead of paying the counter’s daily fee, we rely on Platinum’s coverage — a big savings every trip.

• Cell phone insurance: Paying our monthly bill with the Platinum means our phones are covered if something happens. With kids, that peace of mind is priceless.

• Other extras: Uber Cash, Saks credits, CLEAR, hotel status, and travel protections. They may not grab headlines, but they add real value.

The amazing Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok is an Amex Fine Hotels and Resort.

Bottom line

Yes, $895 is steep. But between quarterly credits, Disney+, hotel stays, Delta lounge access (for us and our guests), and built-in protections like rental car and phone insurance, we easily come out ahead. The Platinum isn’t just a “luxury card” in our house — it’s a tool. One that pays for itself every year, as long as you actually use it.