If you’ve recently received an upgrade offer for the Amex Platinum Travel Credit Card, you’re probably wondering whether you should accept it. With so many credit card options available today, choosing the right card based on your spending habits and lifestyle is important. American Express is known for offering exclusive benefits, and the Platinum Travel Credit Card is no exception.
This article is designed to help you make an informed decision. We’ll explain all the card features, milestone benefits, annual charges, and current upgrade offers in simple, easy-to-understand language. Whether you hold a Membership Rewards or SmartEarn Card, you’ll know by the end of this article whether upgrading makes sense for you.
You’ll also learn about the reward rate, Taj hotel vouchers, Amazon vouchers, lounge access, and how to maximize your benefits. So, let’s explore the full picture and find out if this card upgrade suits your needs in 2025.
What Is the Amex Platinum Travel Credit Card?
The American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card is a premium travel credit card that is best suited for those who spend between ₹1.90 lakh and ₹4 lakh per year. The card offers great value through milestone rewards, travel perks, and bonus points. Unlike many other cards, the Platinum Travel Credit Card rewards you more as you spend more.
It is known for giving Taj hotel vouchers, airport lounge access, and bonus Membership Rewards (MR) points when you hit specific spending targets. With the ongoing upgrade offer, existing Amex cardholders can also enjoy extra benefits like a ₹2,500 Amazon voucher and 10,000 bonus MR points.
Now, let’s explore the major benefits and understand whether this upgrade makes sense for you.
Benefits of Upgrading to Amex Platinum Travel Credit Card
Description:
Upgrading to the Amex Platinum Travel Credit Card gives access to premium travel and lifestyle benefits, especially for frequent travelers or high spenders.
Key Benefits:
- Welcome Bonus
- 10,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points on card issuance.
- Additional ₹2,500 Amazon voucher for upgrade applicants.
- Milestone Benefits
- Spend ₹1.90 lakh annually and get 15,000 bonus MR Points.
- Spend ₹4 lakh annually and get an additional 25,000 bonus MR Points and a ₹10,000 Taj hotel voucher.
- Airport Lounge Access
- 8 free domestic lounge visits per year through Lounge Key.
- Complimentary Priority Pass membership for international lounge access (worth $499, access charges apply after the first use).
- Rewards Multiplier
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards points on purchases made through the Amex Rewards Multiplier platform.
- Total Reward Value
- You can earn benefits worth up to ₹41,500 with spends of ₹4 lakh annually.
How Does the Upgrade Offer Work?
Description:
American Express is offering a limited-time upgrade offer valid from 1st January 2025 to 15th January 2025, especially for users holding Amex Membership Rewards or SmartEarn Cards.
Offer Details:
- Eligibility: Must receive a personalized upgrade invitation from Amex.
- Bonus Offer:
- 10,000 bonus MR Points
- ₹2,500 Amazon gift voucher
- Spend Requirement: Spend ₹15,000 within 90 days of card issuance.
This offer provides more value than the usual referral program and lowers your effective joining cost to ₹2,500 (excluding GST), compared to ₹3,500 standard.
Detailed Value Calculation
Let’s look at the total benefits and actual value you get from the card.
| Milestone | Reward/Benefit | Estimated Value (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome Gift | 10,000 MR Points + ₹2,500 Amazon voucher | ₹7,500 |
| Spends of ₹1.90 lakh | 15,000 Bonus MR Points | ₹7,500 |
| Spends of ₹4 lakh | 25,000 MR Points + ₹10,000 Taj Voucher | ₹22,500 |
| Regular reward points on ₹4 lakh | 8,000 MR Points | ₹4,000 |
| Total Estimated Value | ₹41,500 |
Final Reward Rate:
- Total Spend (including joining fee): ₹4,04,130
- Total Benefit: ₹41,500
- Effective Reward Rate: 10.26%
Note: This assumes MR Points value at ₹0.50 per point, which is achievable when redeemed for Taj or Marriott vouchers.
Who Should Upgrade?
Best Suited For:
- Users who can spend ₹1.9 to ₹4 lakh per year.
- Those who prefer Taj stays and lifestyle perks.
- Frequent travelers needing airport lounge access.
- Amex cardholders who received the upgrade invitation.
Things to Consider Before Upgrading
Description:
While this card offers many benefits, it is important to see if it aligns with your usage pattern.
Points to Think About:
- Annual Fee from Second Year Onwards
- ₹5,000 + GST (can be waived or reduced on request).
- No Milestone Benefits Beyond ₹4 Lakh Spend
- Spending more than ₹4 lakh doesn’t give additional benefits.
- Limited Lounge Access
- Only 8 free domestic visits.
- Priority Pass is free, but usage is charged.
- MR Points Redemption
- Best value only when redeemed for Taj/Marriott stays.
May 2025 Update
Many users who accepted the upgrade offer earlier this year have now received the ₹2,500 Amazon voucher and bonus MR Points. If you upgraded your card and haven’t checked yet, make sure to go through your email or account dashboard.
Final Verdict: Should You Upgrade?
Short Answer: Yes – If you spend ₹4 lakh/year
If your annual spending is ₹1.9 lakh or more, especially close to ₹4 lakh, then this card is highly rewarding. You get access to luxury benefits, valuable hotel vouchers, and a reward rate of over 10%, which is rare in the credit card space.
Plus, with the limited-time upgrade offer, the effective cost is reduced, making it even more attractive. As always, consider your actual usage before upgrading. But for regular Amex users and travelers, the Platinum Travel Credit Card is a solid choice in 2025.
FAQs – Amex Platinum Travel Credit Card Upgrade
Q1: Is the Amex Platinum Travel Credit Card worth it in 2025?
Yes, especially if you can spend ₹1.9–₹4 lakh in a year. The reward rate can go up to 10.26%, making it very attractive.
Q2: What is the annual fee after the first year?
The second-year fee is ₹5,000 + GST. However, many users get waivers or offers by contacting customer support.
Q3: Can I upgrade without receiving an invitation?
No. Only users who receive the official upgrade offer from American Express are eligible for this promotional upgrade.
Q4: What’s included in the upgrade offer?
10,000 bonus Membership Rewards Points + a ₹2,500 Amazon voucher after spending ₹15,000 within 90 days.
Q5: Is Priority Pass lounge access free?
The membership is free, but you must pay per visit for international lounges under Priority Pass.
Q6: What is the best way to redeem MR Points?
The best value is through Taj vouchers or Marriott conversions, where 1 MR Point = ₹0.50 or more.
Q7: What’s the maximum benefit on ₹4 lakh spend?
You can get benefits worth up to ₹41,500, including Taj vouchers, MR Points, and welcome gifts.
Read Also- Best American Express Credit Cards in India