Strategy Guide: How to Get the Most Value from Your Amex Platinum

Posted by

Becca Alves

January 15, 2026

The American Express Platinum Card has an $895 annual fee, which on the surface sounds… unhinged. But here’s the thing: I’ve held multiple Amex Platinum cards for years, and every single year I extract thousands of dollars in real, tangible value from them. The Platinum isn’t a “set it and forget it” card. It’s a benefits optimization card. And if you understand how each perk works — and more impo…

Full access requires Frequent Flyer or First Class membership 💎

Upgrade Now
Log In

2 responses to “Strategy Guide: How to Get the Most Value from Your Amex Platinum”

Peter Leblanc

January 15, 2026 at 5:10 pm

Can you check about Marriott Gold and breakfast. I think this statement is not accurate for Marriott Gold:

“The biggest, most consistent win is free breakfast for two at Hilton and Marriott properties.”

Loading…

Reply
1. Becca Alves
  
  January 15, 2026 at 8:45 pm
  
  You’re right to question that! Marriott Gold is a bit more nuanced. Free breakfast isn’t a consistent Gold benefit anymore since it shifted to kick in at Platinum and above. Some Marriott brands include breakfast for everyone, and some individual hotels are generous with property credits, but it really varies by brand and property.
  
  Totally fair callout, and definitely always worth checking the specific hotel details.
  
  I’ll update the post to clarify that free breakfast isn’t always included at Marriott!
  
  Loading…
  
  Reply