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The newly updated American Express Platinum Card with it’s hefty new $895 annual fee wants to be known as your VIP travel pass. ‘Centurion lounges! Hotel upgrades! Dom before takeoff!’ (results may vary). But here’s the question: what if you only fly a handful of times a year—does it still make sense? The short answer: yes, but only if you use the perks wisely. Let’s break it down…
With the Platinum, you get a free CLEAR Plus membership. In theory, this helps you breeze past ID check lines at the airport. In reality? Sometimes the pre-check or normal TSA lines move faster. If you’re flying midweek from a smaller airport, CLEAR might feel unnecessary. But on those chaotic travel days when the terminal looks like a mall on Black Friday, being able to skip ahead feels like magic. Think of it as insurance—you won’t always need it, but you’ll be glad when you do.
Amex throws in a $50 Saks Fifth Avenue credit (twice a year) and a Lululemon credit every quarter. Nice, right? Well, yes… if you were already going to buy something there. If you end up grabbing a random candle at Saks or yet another pair of leggings just to use the credit, you’re not really “saving”—you’re just spending. The trick is to treat these credits like an occasional bonus, not a shopping assignment.
Here’s where the new Platinum shines, even if you’re a homebody: the RESY dining credit. You get $100 every quarter, which adds up to $400 a year. And unlike the Saks credit, it’s ridiculously easy to use—especially if you live in or near a city with plenty of RESY-listed restaurants. Whether it’s date night or grabbing small plates with friends, this one practically pays for itself.
Even if you’re only flying two or three times a year, the $200 airline incidental credit is gold. Checked bags? Seat upgrades? Onboard snacks? It all counts. And if you’re flying Spirit or another ultra-low-cost carrier, where even printing a boarding pass feels like an upcharge, this credit disappears fast—in the best way possible. It makes those “nickel and dime” fees sting a lot less.
If you’re not a frequent flyer, the Platinum Card isn’t an automatic no. Used right, the dining and airline credits alone can justify a big chunk of the annual fee. CLEAR is a nice safety net, and the retail perks are the cherry on top—as long as you’re not forcing them. So even if you only travel a few times a year, the Platinum can still feel pretty first-class.
Modhop Host & Founder Jake Redman brings years of global exploration and travel tips to the podcast and our videos at Modhop. Jake is also a Producer and Host for SiriusXM.
Even those who find deep rejuvenation in travel will likely admit that yes, sometimes exploring this world can be a little stressful. It takes time, energy, organizational might, and financial […]
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