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The US version American Express Platinum Card offers a tremendous amount of value for cardholders, despite a large $550 annual fee. For instance, during my first year with the card, I got more than $2,000 in value, netting me more than three times the value of the annual fee.
In addition to perks like airport-lounge access and travel credits, one big benefit of the Platinum Card is that just by holding it you’re eligible for complimentary mid-tier elite status at Hilton, Marriott, and Starwood hotels — Marriott and Starwood used to operate independently but have recently merged under one unified set of benefits.
Without the Platinum Card, you’d generally need to spend at least 25 nights in Marriott or Starwood hotels to earn Gold status in that joint program, or a whopping 40 nights (or 20 stays) in Hilton hotels to earn Hilton Honors Gold.
While the benefits of elite status are obviously more useful the more you use them — so the more often you stay in hotels — the status you get from the Platinum Card can still be worthwhile even if you just spend five or so nights in hotels each year. Just make sure to link your card to your loyalty accounts to activate the status.
While both hotel statuses are called Gold, there are actually some pretty big differences between the benefits that this level of status comes with at each brand.
Keep in mind that we’re focusing on the rewards and perks that make the Platinum Card a great option, not things like interest rates and late fees, which can far outweigh the value of any rewards — plus, the Platinum Card is a charge card, meaning you have to pay the balance off in full each month.
When you’re working to earn credit-card rewards, it’s important to practice financial discipline, like paying your balances off in full each month, making payments on time, and not spending more than you can afford to pay back. Basically, treat your credit card like a debit card.
Marriott and Starwood
After announcing a new unified set of benefits in April, Marriott and Starwood spent a big part of August implementing the new program. While both loyalty programs will continue to exist separately but be linked for the rest of 2018, they’ll eventually combine into one program, under one brand and with one website, in 2019.
With the unified program came revised benefits for each status level. Here’s what you can get with Marriott-Starwood Gold status from your Platinum Card (keep in mind that you’ll have to book directly with the hotel to get your elite benefits, not through a third-party site).
You can also get complimentary Gold status with the new SPG Luxury Card.
25% bonus points on each stay
This is fairly self-explanatory. You’ll get a 25% bonus on every point you earn during your stay — this includes the points you earn on your room, plus the ones you earn when you charge incidentals to your room, such as the hotel restaurant or spa services.
Room upgrades
This benefit is pretty self-explanatory too. When you check in, you’ll get an upgraded room type as long as there’s availability. This can mean you get more space, a better view, or some other improvement.
Late checkout
As long as there’s availability in the hotel, you can get a checkout time as late as 2 p.m. as a Gold elite member. Just make sure to request it at the front desk.
Welcome gift
When you check in for your stay, you’ll get 250 to 500 bonus points as a thank you. It’s not huge, but it’s a nice way to help pad your points balance.
Complimentary premium internet access in the room
This one can be especially useful. When you have Gold status and log into the hotel’s in-room WiFi network, you’ll get the enhanced-speed option at no charge.
Hilton Honors
Hilton Honors as a reward program has undergone some changes over the past few years, but generally I find it to be a useful program. Its Gold level comes with a handful of extremely valuable perks, of which I’m definitely a fan.
Keep in mind you can also get complimentary Gold status with the Hilton Honors Ascend Card, or Diamond status with the Aspire Card.
Here’s what you get:
80% bonus points
While Hilton points are generally worth a bit less than Marriott points — though not by that much anymore — Hilton makes up for this and more with a higher bonus on your earned points. Like with Marriott and Starwood, this includes just about every room charge.
Free breakfast
This is a big one — enough that I’m leaning toward staying at Hilton hotels more than Marriott ones now.
Hotel breakfasts can be expensive, and unfortunately sometimes it’s the best option — especially if you want to maximize your vacation time. As a Gold member, you and a travel companion who’s in the same room as you can get a free breakfast every morning. The savings from this can add up quickly, especially since the continental-breakfast buffet can be $20 or more per person.
Late checkout
The details on this benefit are a bit ambiguous, but as a Hilton Honors Gold member, you can get a late checkout time on request, subject to availability.
Fifth reward night free
Anytime you book a four-night stay using points, you can stay for a fifth night for free. Obviously this can be an excellent benefit if you’re saving up points for a vacation — you’ll have enough for your stay sooner.
Two free bottles of water
There’s nothing quite as frustrating as checking into your room, tired and thirsty after a long flight or drive, and grabbing a water bottle waiting for you on your nightstand only to realize it’s a wildly inflated hotel-minibar price. If you’re a Gold elite member, there’s nothing to worry about — two water bottles are free.
Room upgrade
You’ll get a room upgrade when you check in if it’s available. While this generally excludes executive suites, some hotels will give you a top upgrade anyway. Keep in mind that you may need to ask for the upgrade.
Learn more about the AmEx Platinum Card from Insider Picks’ partner The Points Guy »
