Here's the Credit Score You Need to Get the Amex Platinum Card
KEY POINTS
- A 670 or higher FICO® Score is recommended when applying for The Platinum Card® from American Express.
- American Express looks at more than your credit score, including your income, payment history, and debt-to-income ratio.
- Before you apply, it could help to pay down credit card debt and use the American Express online pre-qualification tool.
The Platinum Card® from American Express is one of the most feature-packed rewards cards. It's also one of the most expensive, with a $695 annual fee (see rates and fees). Since it's a premium card, you might be wondering if your credit score is high enough for it.
Here's the latest information on the credit score it takes to get this American Express card. We'll also go over some tips that could help you get approved.
Good or excellent credit is recommended for the Amex Platinum Card
Like most card issuers, American Express doesn't provide minimum credit score requirements for its cards. But based on available data, a FICO® Score of 670 or higher is suggested when you apply for The Platinum Card® from American Express.
Approved applicants are typically in that score range, according to online reports. Most credit card review sites also state that it takes good credit or excellent credit to get this card, just like with other top travel cards. Good credit starts at a FICO® Score of 670.
Keep in mind that not every credit score tool provides this type of credit score. Many of the popular ones show you your VantageScore, which is different and often higher. If you don't know yours, Experian has a free tool called CreditWorks that you can use to check your FICO® Score.
On American Express' Secure Website.
Terms apply
On American Express' Secure Website.
Terms apply
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR
Purchases: n/a
Balance Transfers: n/a
APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Rewards Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Earn 1X Membership Rewards® Points on other purchases. Terms and limitations apply.
1X-5X Membership Rewards® Points
Annual Fee
$695
Welcome Offer Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
80,000 Membership Rewards® Points
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This luxury travel card has some of the most prestigious perks you'll find — access to over 1,400 airport lounges, elite status with Hilton and Marriott Bonvoy, and spending credits worth over $1,500 in value every year. Just be ready for the hefty annual fee, which can be offset in the first year with a welcome bonus worth $800 in points. Terms apply.
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- Big welcome offer
- Substantial spending credits
- Airport lounge access
- Hotel benefits
- Flexible travel points
- Annual fee
- Limited bonus categories
- Spending credits can be complicated to manage
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- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
- $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
- The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
- $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
- $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
- Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
- Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
- $695 annual fee.¤
- Terms Apply.
Your credit score isn't the only factor that matters
Your credit score is important when you fill out a credit application, but it's one of several factors that get taken into consideration. The card issuer, in this case American Express, will look at your credit history and financial situation as a whole. Other key factors include:
- Your income
- Your payment history
- The number of credit cards you've opened recently
- Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio
- Your history with American Express
There's no credit score that guarantees you'll be approved or denied. Some applicants have reported getting approved for The Platinum Card® from American Express with scores of 650 and 660. Others have been denied with scores above 700 and 750.
How to get approved for the Amex Platinum Card
While it's impossible to guarantee approval for a card, you can make it more likely. Try to get your credit score within the recommended range first. A credit score of at least 670 is a good goal, and going even higher doesn't hurt. Here are a few more tips that can help:
- Pay down credit card debt. If you have a large amount of debt, American Express may be reluctant about approving your application. Paying down your credit cards can also improve your credit score.
- See if you're pre-qualified. American Express offers a pre-qualification tool on its website. To use it, open the "Cards" drop-down menu, and then select "Interested in Amex? See If You're Pre-Qualified."
- Don't fill out too many credit applications. When people with high credit scores get denied, it's often because they've applied for several cards in a short period. Consider waiting three to six months after any credit applications to apply with American Express.
If you have any other American Express cards, make sure to use them regularly and always pay on time. American Express has a reputation for valuing good cardholder relationships. If you're a model client, you could qualify for The Platinum Card® from American Express, even if your credit score is a little below 670.
Our Research Expert
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For rates and fees for the The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here
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