American Express® Platinum Travel Credit Card

The American Express® Platinum Travel Credit Card is designed for moderate to high spenders who can strategically achieve annual spending milestones to unlock significant travel rewards. With its milestone-based reward structure offering up to 50,000 bonus points annually (worth approximately ₹15,000 in travel redemptions), complimentary domestic lounge access, and non-expiring Membership Rewards points, this card excels at converting everyday spending into meaningful travel benefits. The card's true value emerges for cardholders who can comfortably reach the ₹4 Lakh annual spending threshold, where they receive 40,000 total milestone bonus points plus a ₹10,000 Taj Hotels voucher, effectively providing returns that far exceed the annual fee. Whilst it lacks the ultra-premium perks of American Express's flagship charge cards and carries a moderate 3.5% foreign currency markup, the Platinum Travel Credit Card offers excellent value for domestic travellers and those building towards significant travel redemptions through its no-expiry points policy and versatile redemption options including travel bookings, e-vouchers, and statement credits. 

Overview 

Milestone-Driven Value Proposition: Unlike traditional reward cards that offer flat earning rates, the American Express® Platinum Travel Credit Card employs a milestone-based reward structure that delivers exceptional value at specific spending thresholds. This approach rewards disciplined, high-volume spenders who can strategically plan their annual expenditure to unlock substantial bonus point pools. 

Base Earning Structure: Earn 1 Membership Rewards Point for every ₹50 spent across all categories except fuel, insurance, utilities, cash transactions, and EMI conversions at point of sale. This translates to an effective 2% reward rate when points are redeemed at optimal value (₹0.30 per point for travel and vouchers), providing consistent returns on everyday spending. 

Welcome Bonus Package: New cardmembers receive 10,000 Membership Rewards points (redeemable for ₹3,000 via Pay with Points on Amex Travel Online) upon spending ₹15,000 within the first 90 days of membership. This substantial welcome benefit effectively reduces the first-year fee from ₹5,900 to approximately ₹2,900, making the card highly attractive for new applicants. 

First Milestone - ₹1.9 Lakh Annual Spend: Upon reaching ₹1.9 Lakh in eligible annual spends, cardmembers unlock 15,000 bonus Membership Rewards points. These points can be redeemed through the Platinum Travel Collection or via Pay with Points option on Amex Travel Online, delivering approximately ₹4,500 in travel value. Combined with base earning on this spend level (3,800 points), cardholders accumulate 18,800 total points at this threshold. 

Premium Milestone - ₹4 Lakh Annual Spend: The most lucrative benefit tier activates at ₹4 Lakh in annual spending, delivering an additional 25,000 bonus Membership Rewards points (₹7,500 travel value) plus a Taj Experiences E-Gift Card worth ₹10,000 redeemable at Taj, SeleQtions, and Vivanta Hotels. This milestone provides ₹17,500 in combined value, alongside 8,000 base-earned points, for a total of 48,000 Membership Rewards points at year-end. 

Comprehensive Domestic Lounge Access: Enjoy 8 complimentary visits per year (capped at 2 visits per calendar quarter) to select airport lounges across India. This quarterly allocation ensures regular domestic travellers can utilise lounge benefits throughout the year, valued at approximately ₹6,000 annually (₹750 per visit). 

Global Lounge Network via Priority Pass: Receive complimentary Priority Pass membership with US$99 annual fee waived, providing theoretical access to over 1,700 airport lounges worldwide. Note that whilst the membership is complimentary, actual lounge usage incurs per-visit charges at prevailing retail rates (approximately US$35 or ₹3,000 per visit), making this benefit most valuable for occasional international travellers who can strategically use it for premium lounge experiences. 

Non-Expiring Membership Rewards Points: Since 3rd May 2022, Membership Rewards points accumulated on the Platinum Travel Credit Card no longer expire whilst the card remains active and in good standing. This industry-leading feature allows cardholders to accumulate substantial point balances over multiple years, planning for high-value redemptions such as long-haul flights or luxury hotel bookings without the pressure of expiry deadlines. 

3X Rewards Through Reward Multiplier Programme: Accelerate point earning by shopping at 50+ partner brands including Apple, Nykaa, Tanishq, Flipkart, and MakeMyTrip through the American Express Reward Multiplier programme. Earn 3 Membership Rewards points per ₹50 spent (effective 6% reward rate) at participating merchants, tripling your accumulation rate for strategic purchases. 

Flexible Redemption Options: Membership Rewards points offer versatile redemption pathways including travel bookings via Amex Travel Online (₹0.30 per point value), e-vouchers from popular brands like Flipkart and Amazon (₹0.30 per point), statement credit against expenses (₹0.25 per point), airline partner transfers, mobile/DTH recharges, and premium merchandise through the rewards catalogue. 

Platinum Travel Collection: Access curated travel redemption options through the exclusive Platinum Travel Collection, featuring enhanced value on select premium travel brands. This programme periodically offers bonus value on specific hotel chains, airlines, and travel experiences, maximising the utility of accumulated points. 

Fuel Convenience Fee Benefit: Pay zero convenience fee on fuel purchases at HPCL (Hindustan Petroleum) for transactions below ₹5,000. For fuel transactions of ₹5,000 and above, a reduced 1% convenience fee applies, providing modest savings for regular fuel purchasers. 

Premium Dining Discounts: Enjoy discounts of up to 20% when dining at select partner restaurants across India. This benefit complements the card's travel focus by providing everyday lifestyle value beyond airport and flight-related perks. 

Flexible EMI Conversion: Convert purchases into easy EMIs either at point of sale (merchant terminals and online checkouts) or post-purchase through American Express SafeKey. Minimum transaction value of ₹5,000 required for EMI conversion, with the flexibility to split large purchases into manageable monthly instalments. 

Zero Lost Card Liability: Provided you've acted in good faith and report unauthorised transactions within 3 working days, your liability arising from unauthorised card use is nil. This industry-leading fraud protection ensures complete peace of mind when using your card domestically and internationally. 

24×7 Platinum Services: Access dedicated customer support around the clock for card-related queries, transaction disputes, travel assistance, and account management. American Express is renowned for its exceptional customer service, consistently rated amongst the best in the Indian credit card industry. 

Contactless Payment Technology: Make quick, secure payments up to ₹5,000 by simply tapping your card at contactless-enabled terminals, eliminating the need for PIN entry on smaller transactions whilst maintaining robust security through tokenisation technology. 

American Express Network Acceptance: Whilst historically limited compared to Visa and Mastercard, American Express acceptance in India has significantly expanded, with most major retailers, restaurants, online platforms, and travel service providers now accepting Amex cards, particularly in tier-1 and tier-2 cities where this card's target demographic resides. 

The Platinum Travel Credit Card occupies a unique position in American Express's Indian portfolio, bridging the gap between entry-level cashback cards and ultra-premium charge cards. Its milestone-based structure rewards financial discipline and strategic spending, whilst the non-expiry feature of Membership Rewards points aligns with long-term travel planning. For cardholders who can comfortably achieve the ₹4 Lakh annual spending threshold, this card delivers exceptional returns through its combined benefits of 48,000 Membership Rewards points plus a ₹10,000 Taj voucher, alongside regular lounge access and dining perks. 

Rewards and Benefits 

Earning Membership Rewards Points 

Standard Earning Rate: 1 Membership Rewards Point per ₹50 (2% Value) 

Earn 1 Membership Rewards Point for every ₹50 spent across all eligible retail transactions. At optimal redemption value (₹0.30 per point for travel and vouchers), this translates to an effective 2% reward rate on everyday spending. 

Eligible Spending Categories: 

• Retail purchases at physical and online merchants 

• Dining at restaurants and cafes 

• Travel bookings (flights, hotels, holiday packages) 

• Entertainment and leisure activities 

• Department stores and shopping 

• Healthcare and wellness services 

• Education fees (excluding certain restricted categories) 

• All other retail merchant transactions 

Reward Exclusions 

No Membership Rewards Points on: 

• Fuel purchases (petrol, diesel, CNG from oil marketing companies) 

• Insurance premium payments (life, health, motor, other insurance policies) 

• Utility bill payments (electricity, water, gas bills from government/municipal providers) 

• Cash withdrawals and cash advances 

• EMI conversions at point of sale (merchant terminals or online checkouts) 

• Quasi-cash transactions 

• Balance transfers 

• Card fees and charges 

Note: You will continue to earn Membership Rewards points on all EMI conversions done post-purchase through American Express® SafeKey and on regular EMI repayments. 

3X Accelerated Earning Through Reward Multiplier 

Triple your earning rate by shopping at 50+ partner brands through the American Express Reward Multiplier programme. Earn 3 Membership Rewards points per ₹50 spent (effective 6% reward rate) at participating merchants including: 

• Technology: Apple, Croma, Vijay Sales 

• Fashion & Beauty: Nykaa, Tanishq, Lifestyle, Shoppers Stop 

• E-commerce: Flipkart, Amazon (select offers) 

• Travel: MakeMyTrip, Goibibo, Yatra 

• Food Delivery: Swiggy, Zomato (select periods) 

• Home & Living: IKEA, HomeLane, Urban Ladder 

Access the Reward Multiplier portal through your Amex account to discover current participating brands and activate offers before making purchases. 

Redeeming Membership Rewards Points 

Redemption Value: ₹0.25 to ₹0.50 per Point 

Membership Rewards points offer flexible redemption across multiple categories, with values varying based on redemption channel: 

Travel Bookings via Amex Travel Online (₹0.30 per point) 

Use your Membership Rewards points for flight bookings, hotel stays, holiday packages, and car rentals through the American Express Travel Online platform. Points redeem at ₹0.30 value, making this one of the most attractive redemption options. 

Example: 33,333 points = ₹10,000 in travel bookings 

Platinum Travel Collection (Enhanced Value) 

Access exclusive, higher-value redemption options through the Platinum Travel Collection, featuring premium travel brands with enhanced point utility: 

• Air India vouchers: Periodic bonus offers providing up to ₹0.40-₹0.50 per point value 

• Taj Hotels vouchers: 25,000 points for ₹10,000 Taj voucher (₹0.40 per point) 

• The Postcard Hotels: 12,500 points for ₹5,000 voucher (₹0.40 per point) 

• Select premium travel experiences: Varying enhanced values 

Note: Platinum Travel Collection values are subject to periodic changes. As of April 2025, Taj voucher redemption rates were adjusted; verify current rates before redeeming. 

E-Vouchers from Top Brands (₹0.30 per point) 

Redeem points for e-gift vouchers from popular retailers: 

• Flipkart: 4,400 points for ₹1,000 voucher; 22,000 points for ₹5,000 voucher 

• Amazon Pay: 3,333 points for ₹1,000 voucher 

• Lifestyle, Shoppers Stop, Westside: Various denominations at ₹0.30 value 

• Tanishq, Titan, Kalyan Jewellers: Jewellery vouchers 

• Yatra, Goibibo: Travel vouchers 

• Pantaloons, Big Bazaar: Fashion and grocery 

Statement Credit / Pay with Points (₹0.25 per point) 

Apply points directly against card charges and outstanding balances at ₹0.25 per point. Whilst offering lower value than travel redemptions, this option provides ultimate flexibility for cardholders looking to reduce their credit card bills. 

Example: 40,000 points = ₹10,000 statement credit 

Airline Partner Transfers 

Transfer Membership Rewards points to select airline frequent flyer programmes: 

• Club Vistara Points: Transfer to Vistara for flight redemptions and upgrades 

• Other airline partners: Check American Express website for current transfer partners and conversion ratios 

Note: Transfer ratios vary by programme and may change. Airline miles typically offer best value for premium cabin redemptions. 

Mobile/DTH Recharges 

Use points for mobile prepaid recharges and DTH service top-ups, providing everyday utility value for accumulated points. 

Merchandise from Rewards Catalogue 

Browse and redeem points for electronics, home appliances, lifestyle products, and luxury goods through the American Express Membership Rewards catalogue. Note that vouchers typically offer superior value per point compared to physical merchandise. 

Welcome Benefits 

Welcome Gift: 10,000 Membership Rewards Points (₹3,000 Value) 

Upon card activation and spending ₹15,000 within 90 days of membership, receive 10,000 Membership Rewards points as a welcome gift. These points are redeemable through: 

• Platinum Travel Collection: ₹3,000 value towards premium travel vouchers 

• Pay with Points on Amex Travel Online: ₹3,000 towards flight/hotel bookings 

• Flipkart/Amazon vouchers: Approximately ₹3,000 in e-vouchers 

• Any standard redemption option: Flexibility to use as preferred 

Effective First-Year Cost Calculation: 

First-year fee: ₹5,000 + ₹900 GST = ₹5,900 
Less: Welcome bonus value = ₹3,000 
Net first-year cost: ₹2,900 

This substantial welcome benefit makes the Platinum Travel Credit Card highly attractive for new applicants, essentially subsidising over 50% of the first-year annual fee. 

Milestone Benefits 

First Milestone: ₹1.9 Lakh Annual Spending 

Reward: 15,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points (₹4,500 Travel Value) 

Upon reaching ₹1.9 Lakh in eligible retail spends during your card membership year (12 months from card issuance/renewal), unlock 15,000 bonus Membership Rewards points. These milestone points comprise: 

• Threshold Membership Rewards points (credited automatically upon milestone achievement) 

• Bonus Membership Rewards points (claim by contacting American Express customer service) 

Redemption Options: 

• Platinum Travel Collection: ₹4,500 towards premium travel vouchers 

• Pay with Points - Amex Travel Online: ₹4,500 for flight/hotel bookings 

• Combined with base earning: 3,800 base points + 15,000 milestone bonus = 18,800 total points at this threshold 

Second Milestone: ₹4 Lakh Annual Spending 

Reward: 25,000 Additional Bonus Points (₹7,500 Value) + ₹10,000 Taj Hotels Voucher 

Achieve ₹4 Lakh in eligible annual retail spends to unlock the premium milestone tier, receiving: 

25,000 Additional Bonus Membership Rewards Points: 

• Redeemable via Platinum Travel Collection (₹7,500 value) 

• Usable for Pay with Points on Amex Travel Online 

• Can be combined with other points for high-value redemptions 

Taj Experiences E-Gift Card Worth ₹10,000: 

• Valid at Taj Hotels, SeleQtions, and Vivanta Hotels across India 

• Can be used for room bookings, dining, spa services, and other hotel experiences 

• Typically valid for 6-12 months from issuance (check terms and conditions) 

Combined Annual Value at ₹4 Lakh Spending: 

• Base earnings: 8,000 Membership Rewards points (₹2,400 value) 

• First milestone bonus: 15,000 points (₹4,500 value) 

• Second milestone bonus: 25,000 points (₹7,500 value) 

• Taj voucher: ₹10,000 value 

• Total rewards: 48,000 points + ₹10,000 voucher = ₹24,400 total value 

Return on Annual Spending: For ₹4 Lakh annual spend, the effective reward rate is 6.1% (₹24,400 rewards ÷ ₹4,00,000 spend), significantly exceeding the card's ₹5,900 annual fee and delivering outstanding value for milestone achievers. 

Milestone Calculation Notes: 

• Eligible spends exclude cash advances, express cash, drafts, balance transfers, fees, and returns 

• Special category spends (fuel, insurance, utilities) do not count towards milestone thresholds 

• Card membership year is 12 months from card issuance or renewal date 

• Threshold Membership Rewards points credit automatically; bonus points require customer service contact 

Travel Benefits 

Domestic Airport Lounge Access 

8 Complimentary Visits Per Year (2 Per Quarter) 

Enjoy access to select airport lounges across India with 8 complimentary visits per card membership year, subject to a quarterly cap of 2 visits per calendar quarter. This structured allocation ensures you can utilise lounge benefits throughout the year for domestic travel. 

Access Details: 

• Valid at participating lounges in major Indian airports (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, and other tier-1 cities) 

• Lounge list subject to periodic updates; verify current participating lounges before travel 

• Access typically includes complimentary refreshments, Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, charging points, and basic business facilities 

• Present your American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card at lounge reception for complimentary entry 

Quarterly Allocation System: 

• Q1 (Jan-Mar): Maximum 2 complimentary visits 

• Q2 (Apr-Jun): Maximum 2 complimentary visits 

• Q3 (Jul-Sep): Maximum 2 complimentary visits 

• Q4 (Oct-Dec): Maximum 2 complimentary visits 

Value Assessment: 
With domestic lounge access typically valued at ₹750-₹1,000 per visit, the 8 annual complimentary visits provide approximately ₹6,000-₹8,000 in annual value for regular domestic travellers. 

Priority Pass Membership - Global Lounge Access 

Complimentary Membership with US$99 Annual Fee Waived 

Receive complimentary Priority Pass membership (US$99 annual membership fee waived) providing theoretical access to over 1,700 airport lounges across 140+ countries worldwide through the Priority Pass network. 

Important Clarification on Usage Fees: 

Whilst the Priority Pass membership itself is complimentary, actual lounge visits incur per-use charges at prevailing retail rates: 

• Typical cost per visit: US$35 (approximately ₹3,000) charged to your American Express card 

• Usage not complimentary: Each lounge access is billed separately; this is not a free unlimited lounge access benefit 

• Value proposition: Best utilised strategically for premium international lounge experiences or when complimentary alternatives are unavailable 

How to Enrol: 

1. Visit the American Express Priority Pass enrollment link provided in your card welcome materials 

2. Complete the online enrollment form with your card details 

3. Receive Priority Pass digital membership within 5-7 business days 

4. Download the Priority Pass app to locate participating lounges worldwide 

5. Present both your Priority Pass card and American Express card at participating lounges 

Strategic Use Cases: 

• Accessing premium international lounges not covered by other programmes 

• Long layovers in airports with superior Priority Pass lounge offerings 

• Travelling to destinations where alternative lounge access is limited 

• Occasions where paying ₹3,000 for a premium lounge experience provides value 

Lounge Locator: 
Use the Priority Pass mobile app or website to discover participating lounges at your destination airports before travel. 

Entertainment Benefits 

Premium Dining Discounts 

Up to 20% Discount at Select Restaurants 

Access exclusive dining offers delivering up to 20% savings at a curated selection of partner restaurants across India. This benefit complements the card's travel focus by providing lifestyle value on everyday dining experiences. 

How to Access Dining Offers: 

1. Visit the American Express dining offers page on the official website 

2. Browse current participating restaurants in your city 

3. Review specific discount percentages and terms for each venue 

4. Make reservations (where required) and present your Platinum Travel Credit Card for payment 

5. Discount typically applies automatically; verify with restaurant staff before ordering 

Typical Participating Categories: 

• Fine dining restaurants 

• Casual dining chains 

• Specialty cuisine establishments 

• Hotel restaurants 

• Café and bistro concepts 

Note: Participating restaurants, discount percentages, and offer terms are subject to change. Always verify current offers before visiting. 

Fuel Benefits 

HPCL Fuel Convenience Fee Waiver 

Zero Convenience Fee for Transactions Below ₹5,000 

Pay no convenience fee on fuel purchases at Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) petrol pumps for all transactions below ₹5,000, saving the typical 1-2.5% fuel surcharge imposed by most credit cards. 

Reduced 1% Fee for Transactions ₹5,000 and Above 

For fuel purchases of ₹5,000 or above at HPCL outlets, pay a reduced 1% convenience fee instead of standard 2-2.5% charged by other cards. 

Cost Savings Example: 

• Monthly fuel expense: ₹4,000 at HPCL 

• Typical credit card surcharge: 2.5% = ₹100 

• Platinum Travel Card surcharge: ₹0 

• Monthly savings: ₹100 | Annual savings: ₹1,200 

Usage Notes: 

• Benefit valid only at HPCL (Hindustan Petroleum) outlets 

• Other fuel stations (Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, Shell, Reliance) charge standard convenience fees 

• Fuel transactions do not earn Membership Rewards points (category exclusion) 

Insurance Coverage 

Lost Card Liability Protection 

Zero Liability on Fraudulent Transactions 

Provided you've acted in good faith and report unauthorised card use to American Express within 3 working days of discovering the fraud, your liability for fraudulent transactions is nil. This industry-leading protection ensures you won't be held financially responsible for unauthorised purchases made with your lost, stolen, or compromised card. 

Reporting Procedure: 

1. Immediately call American Express Customer Care (number on card back) 

2. Report the lost/stolen card or suspected fraud 

3. Confirm fraudulent transactions via email/documentation 

4. American Express blocks the card and investigates 

5. Fraudulent charges reversed; replacement card issued 

Additional Protections: 

• Early fraud detection systems: Monitors potentially fraudulent activity in real-time 

• SMS/email alerts: Instant notification of all card transactions 

• SecureCode/SafeKey: Additional authentication layer for online transactions 

Emergency Card Replacement 

In case of lost, stolen, or damaged card, receive an emergency replacement card delivered to your address within 2-3 business days free of charge, anywhere in India. 

American Express Offers Hub 

Exclusive Discounts Across Categories 

All American Express cardholders, including Platinum Travel Credit Card members, receive access to the Amex Offers Hub featuring curated discounts and special deals across multiple categories: 

Offer Categories: 

• Travel: Discounts on flights, hotels, holiday packages, car rentals 

• Healthcare: Savings on health check-ups, diagnostic tests, medicines 

• Salon & Spa: Exclusive offers at premium salons and wellness centres 

• Retail: Fashion, electronics, home goods, luxury products 

• Dining: Restaurant vouchers and dining credits 

• Grocery: Supermarket and online grocery discounts 

• Education: Savings on courses, tutoring, and educational platforms 

• Subscriptions: OTT platforms, software, digital services 

How to Access Offers: 

1. Log in to your American Express account online or via the Amex mobile app 

2. Navigate to the 'Offers' section 

3. Browse available offers by category or merchant 

4. Activate desired offers before making purchases 

5. Use your registered Platinum Travel Credit Card for payment 

6. Discounts/cashback automatically applied or credited within billing cycles 

Rotating Offers: 
The Amex Offers Hub refreshes regularly with seasonal, festival, and limited-time promotions, providing ongoing value beyond the card's core benefits. 

Contactless Payments 

Tap & Pay Technology for Transactions Up to ₹5,000 

Make quick, secure contactless payments up to ₹5,000 by simply tapping your American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card at NFC-enabled payment terminals, eliminating the need for PIN entry or signature on smaller transactions. 

How Contactless Payments Work: 

1. Look for the contactless payment symbol (curved waves) on the card terminal 

2. Hold your card near the terminal (within 4cm distance) 

3. Wait for the beep or confirmation message 

4. Transaction complete - no PIN or signature required for amounts under ₹5,000 

5. For amounts above ₹5,000, PIN or signature may be required as per merchant settings 

Security Features: 

• Tokenisation technology replaces actual card numbers during transmission 

• Encryption protects transaction data 

• Same fraud protection as chip-and-PIN transactions 

• Contactless transactions tracked in real-time via SMS/email alerts 

Flexible EMI Conversion 

Post-Purchase EMI Through American Express SafeKey 

Convert retail purchases into easy EMIs after the transaction has been completed, providing financial flexibility for large purchases: 

Eligibility: 

• Minimum transaction value: ₹5,000 

• Available for billed and unbilled transactions 

• Multiple transactions can be clubbed for EMI conversion 

Conversion Channels: 

• American Express Mobile App: Select transactions and convert to EMI instantly 

• Customer Care: Call the number on your card back for assistance 

• Online Account: Log in and navigate to EMI conversion section 

Tenure Options: Choose from flexible repayment periods ranging from 3 to 24 months based on transaction value and your preference. Interest rates and processing fees apply; verify rates before conversion. 

Point-of-Sale EMI 

Convert eligible purchases into EMIs directly at merchant terminals and online checkouts: 

Online Checkouts: 

• Select EMI option during payment at participating e-commerce platforms 

• Choose tenure and confirm conversion before completing purchase 

• Instant approval for eligible transactions 

Merchant Terminals: 

• Inform merchant of EMI preference before swiping card 

• Complete Chip-and-PIN transaction with EMI selection 

• Conversion processed immediately 

Note: EMI conversions at point-of-sale (both online and offline) do not earn Membership Rewards points. However, post-purchase EMI conversions through American Express SafeKey continue to earn points on the original transaction.