If you’re someone who daydreams about airport lounges more than coffee shops and feels more at home in a hotel lobby than your own living room, the American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card might just be your travel soulmate.
I still remember the first time I used this card on a last-minute trip to Goa. Flight was delayed, I was exhausted, but thanks to the complimentary lounge access, I found a quiet corner, a hot coffee, and some much-needed peace. That one moment made me realize this card isn’t just about spending—it’s about enhancing the journey.
Now, if you’re wondering whether it’s worth the annual fee, or how it stacks up against other travel cards like HDFC Infinia or Axis Magnus, you’re in the right place. In this in-depth review, I’ll walk you through the real value this card brings—from reward points and travel perks to lifestyle privileges that go beyond the airport terminal.
You’ll also find answers to the burning questions most travelers have:
- Is it the best travel credit card in India?
- Can you truly redeem points for luxury stays or flights without hidden catches?
- What’s the deal with those Taj gift vouchers everyone talks about?
Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a corporate jet-setter, or a casual vacationer looking to elevate your trips without overspending, this guide is built for you. I’ll also sprinkle in a few personal stories and travel-tested insights to help you make the smartest choice possible.
Let’s dive into what makes the Amex Platinum Travel Credit Card a potential game-changer—or not—for Indian travelers in 2025.
Key Features of the American Express Platinum Travel Card
Annual Fee, Eligibility & Welcome Benefits
If you’re thinking of getting this card, here are the first things you need to know. The American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card charges a yearly fee. In the first year, you pay ₹3,500 + taxes. From the second year, it’s ₹5,000 + taxes.
But you get value for that fee. When you sign up, you can earn 10,000 Membership Rewards® Points. That’s equal to travel vouchers worth ₹4,000. You can find more details about this on the official American Express India page.
To apply, you need a monthly income of at least ₹50,000. Also, your location matters. This card is available in top cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and a few others.
From my experience, the welcome bonus alone covered most of the first year’s cost. If you travel even a few times a year, you’ll see real value fast.
Travel & Lifestyle Benefits
This card shines when it comes to travel perks. You get complimentary airport lounge access at over 30 locations in India. That includes lounges at major airports like Delhi T3, Mumbai T2, and Bengaluru. Amex partners with Priority Pass for lounge access, which is a huge plus.
One of my favorite perks? The Taj Group gift vouchers. When you hit spending targets (usually ₹1.9L and ₹4L per year), you get up to ₹10,000 worth of vouchers. These are valid at Taj, SeleQtions, and Vivanta hotels.
There are also BookMyShow offers, so you can enjoy movies or shows with discounts or free tickets. Amex often runs seasonal offers, which can be tracked through the Amex India Offers page.
Reward Points System Explained
This is where many users get confused. But it’s simple once you break it down. You earn 1 Membership Rewards Point for every ₹50 spent, except on fuel, insurance, and utility bills.
But when you spend ₹1.9L or ₹4L in a year, you unlock bonus reward points. These points can be redeemed for travel vouchers, Taj gift cards, and more.
Here’s how it breaks down:
| Spend Level (Yearly) | Bonus Points | Gift Vouchers |
| ₹1.9 Lakhs | 7,500 | ₹3,000 |
| ₹4 Lakhs | 15,000 | ₹7,000 (Total ₹10,000) |
I’ve used the ₹10,000 Taj vouchers for both business stays and weekend getaways. The experience always feels premium.
If you’re not sure what to do with the reward points, check the Amex Membership Rewards catalog for options like flights, hotels, or gift cards.
How to Redeem American Express Reward Points in India
Redemption for Travel
If you travel often, this is where the card pays off big time. You can use your Amex Membership Rewards® Points to book flights, hotels, and even full vacation packages.
Amex runs its own Travel Portal where you can book directly using points. It includes top airlines like Indigo, Vistara, Emirates, and more. I’ve booked both domestic and international flights here—super smooth process.
Points value varies depending on how you use them. On average, 1 point equals ₹0.25 to ₹0.50 when used for travel. The best value comes when you redeem large blocks for vouchers or tickets with Amex’s airline and hotel partners.
There’s also an option to transfer points to loyalty programs. For example, you can move points to Marriott Bonvoy or British Airways Executive Club. Details on transfer rates can be found on Amex’s rewards partners page.
I once redeemed my points for a weekend trip to Goa—all flight costs covered just by smart point usage.
Redemption for Lifestyle & Vouchers
Not flying soon? You can still use your points for everyday treats. Amex lets you redeem them for gift vouchers from top brands like Amazon, Flipkart, Taj Hotels, and even Croma.
You can browse the full list in the Membership Rewards catalog. Here’s a quick idea of what you can get:
| Points | Voucher Type | Value |
| 4,000 | Amazon Gift Card | ₹1,000 |
| 5,000 | Taj Hotels Voucher | ₹1,250 |
| 7,500 | Flipkart Gift Card | ₹2,000 |
| 10,000 | Statement Credit | ₹2,500 |
I like using the Taj vouchers the most—they feel like a luxury bonus just for using your card. I’ve also used points during festive seasons for Amazon shopping, which adds real savings to my monthly spend.
Vouchers are delivered via email, usually within 24–48 hours. They’re simple to apply during checkout or booking.
Hidden Charges & Limitations You Should Know
Foreign Transaction Fees & Surcharges
Many users love Amex for its premium feel, but you should know about foreign exchange fees. When you use the card outside India or for international websites, there’s a 3.5% foreign currency mark-up fee plus GST.
This means if you’re shopping from a US-based site or booking hotels abroad, you’re paying extra. You can read more on the Amex India FAQ.
If you’re a frequent international traveler, you might want to look into cards with zero forex mark-up, like Niyo Global or HDFC Infinia.
Partner Network Limitations (Non-Acceptance at Small Merchants)
American Express is known for elite perks—but not for wide acceptance. Many local shops, kirana stores, and petrol pumps don’t accept Amex due to higher transaction fees charged to merchants.
I’ve personally faced this issue in smaller towns. Even some e-commerce platforms or payment gateways don’t list Amex as a top choice. For this reason, I always carry a backup Visa or Mastercard for full coverage.
However, Amex is widely accepted at major brands, airlines, luxury hotels, and most online platforms. You can check the list of partners and merchants where the card works smoothly.
Low Reward Rate for Non-Travel Spending
The reward system favors travel and milestone spend. For basic, day-to-day shopping like groceries or utility bills, the point earnings are not impressive.
You earn just 1 point per ₹50 spent, and some categories like fuel, insurance, and rent payments may not earn any points at all. That’s why I use this card mainly for flights, hotel stays, and high-ticket purchases. For groceries or utility bills, I use cashback cards like Amazon Pay ICICI or Axis Ace.
To get the most out of this card, you need to plan your spending around milestones and travel redemptions. That’s the sweet spot.
Real User Reviews: What People Say About the Amex Platinum Travel Card
Common Praise & Positive Experiences
Many cardholders love the travel benefits this card offers. On forums like Reddit India, users often share how lounge access and Taj vouchers feel like a “luxury travel hack.”
A lot of users talk about how smooth the American Express customer service is. Whether it’s a lost card or a billing issue, help is fast and polite. I’ve used their customer support a few times through the Amex support portal, and the response has always been quick.
Another point users love is the rewards program clarity. Unlike some banks where redemptions feel confusing, Amex makes the reward process clean. You see your points, options, and value clearly.
I also like how the Amex app works. It’s simple, clean, and has all the info you need—from spending history to upcoming offers.
Reported Drawbacks
Of course, no card is perfect. Some users feel the acceptance rate is low, especially in smaller towns or local stores. You’ll often find that Visa or Mastercard is accepted, but Amex isn’t.
People also mention that the foreign currency fee (3.5%) can be high, especially if you shop on websites like AliExpress or make bookings through international travel sites. This can be avoided by using zero-forex cards like Niyo Global or IndusInd Pioneer Infinite.
Finally, not everyone likes the milestone-based rewards. If you don’t hit ₹1.9L or ₹4L in a year, you won’t unlock the full value of the card.
Amex Platinum Travel vs Competitors (2025 Update)
Comparison Table: Amex vs. HDFC Infinia vs. Axis Magnus
To help you decide better, here’s a comparison of this card with two other popular travel cards in India.
| Feature | Amex Platinum Travel | HDFC Infinia | Axis Magnus |
| Annual Fee | ₹3,500 1st yr, ₹5,000 renewal | ₹12,500 + GST | ₹10,000 + GST |
| Welcome Bonus | 10,000 MR Points (₹4,000 value) | 12,500 Points (₹12,500 value) | Vouchers + 25,000 EDGE Miles |
| Lounge Access | Domestic (Amex Lounge) | Unlimited domestic + international | Domestic + Priority Pass (Intl.) |
| Reward Rate | 1 point/₹50 | 3.3% (on SmartBuy) | Up to 5X on travel spends |
| Redemption Options | Travel, vouchers, Taj stays | Flights, vouchers, hotel bookings | Flights, vouchers, hotel stays |
| Forex Mark-up | 3.5% + GST | 2% + GST | 2% + GST |
If you travel abroad often, HDFC Infinia or Axis Magnus may give you more value. But for India-only travel, the Amex Taj voucher program is hard to beat—especially if you enjoy luxury stays.
For a deeper breakdown of features, visit each card’s official page:
- American Express Platinum Travel
- HDFC Infinia Credit Card
- Axis Bank Magnus Card
Final Verdict: Should You Get This Card in 2025?
So, is the American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card worth it in 2025?
Here’s my take: If you travel inside India, enjoy fine hotels, and can plan your spending to hit the ₹1.9L and ₹4L targets, then yes—it’s 100% worth it.
The Taj vouchers, lounge access, and smooth rewards redemption add a touch of luxury without breaking the bank. But if your spends are low or you travel abroad often, other cards may offer better return on spend.
I’ve used this card for over three years. Every year, the value I get—from hotel stays to flight bookings—easily outweighs the annual fee. It’s also a great way to start building a strong credit profile with a premium brand like Amex.
Bottom line? If you love travel and value great service, you’ll likely love this card too.
