24 hours of travel and lifestyle benefits with the American Express Platinum Card

As a longtime American Express® Platinum Card holder, I’ve been given a challenge. The brief? To use as many travel and lifestyle benefits as I possibly can over a jam-packed 24 hours.

How did I fare? Read on to discover the verdict!

Day 1, 12 pm: Dining credit

My American Express Platinum Card unlocks up to $400 Global Dining Credit¹ until 31 December 2024 when I dine out at a curated collection of restaurants locally and abroad.

That’s up to $200 to spend at participating restaurants in Australia plus up to $200 at incredible participating restaurants overseas in 20 countries.

I’m putting this benefit to the test at Arkhe, one of Adelaide’s most exciting restaurants.

Featuring fun and fiery flavours, Arkhe is the brainchild of chef, Jake Kellie. Cooking with wood, smoke and fire, Arkhe’s punchy flavours are the perfect place to kick off my decadent 24-hour escape.

My meal starts with the signature parfait tartlet (a dish Jake crafted while cooking at Singaporean institution, Burnt Endz), before moving onto a progressive feast of punchy vegetable, meat and seafood dishes.

American Express Platinum Card benefit: I’ve received a $200 Dining Credit back to my Card, enough for a lavish meal for two plus drinks.

Day 1, 2 pm: Car hire with Hertz benefits

After a satisfying lunch, it’s time to hit the road. There’s no better way to experience the Adelaide Hills than on an Autumn road trip.

A quick journey across town has me heading to Hertz where I’m picking up a vehicle for today’s scenic drive.

The American Express Platinum Card gets me access to a range of car hire benefits. This includes a fast track into the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards loyalty program² which offers:

• Up to 15% discount off standard rates, and up to 15% off Prestige Collection vehicles
• One-car-class upgrade whenever possible
• Up to a 4-hour grace period when returning the vehicle

Together, these benefits can offer significant savings.

My American Express Platinum Card also offers complimentary travel insurance³ with Loss Damage Waiver Cover on eligible rental vehicles. Please note terms, conditions and exclusions apply (such as maximum age limits, pre-exisiting medical conditions and cover limits).

Before deciding to use any insurance product, it’s important to do your own research to make sure it meets your needs. Access the insurance PDS here.

American Express Platinum Card benefit: Access to Hertz Gold Plus Rewards perks plus Collision Damage Waiver Cover

Day 1, 3 pm: $450 Platinum Travel Credit and Fine Hotels & Resorts

Each year, American Express Platinum Card Members receive a $450 Travel Credit⁴. This flexible credit can be used to book eligible flights, accommodation or car rental with American Express Travel.

Today, I’m putting my $450 annual Travel Credit towards accommodation for the night, a stay at the luxurious Sequoia Lodge.

I’ve also booked my stay via American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts⁵. By using Fine Hotels & Resorts, I can access a range of exclusive benefits at Sequoia Lodge (think a $100 USD room credit to spend at the property, breakfast for two, a late 4 pm and more – subject to availability).

Boasting just 14 adults-only suites, Sequoia is arguably South Australia’s most exclusive property.

Spread across 30 acres, this is the place to visit when you’re craving nature and relaxation. The estate boasts award-winning restaurants, artesian hot pools and access to some of South Australia’s best nature-based experiences.

My suite features a luxurious king-size bed and sitting area, plus a private balcony overlooking the rolling countryside of the Adelaide Hills.

American Express Platinum Card benefit: I’ve scored a $450 Travel Credit back to my Card, plus Fine Hotels & Resorts benefits

Day 1, 5 PM: Accor Plus dining discount and FHR

After a busy afternoon exploring the stunning grounds of Sequoia Lodge, it’s time to head next door to check out Mt Lofty House.

Mt Lofty House is operated by the Accor group, so I’ll be able to put my complimentary Accor Plus membership⁶ to the test.

Accor Plus is one of the most valuable annual benefits of the American Express Platinum Card in my opinion and it’s a benefit I use frequently when I’m travelling for work and leisure. The Accor Plus membership is valued at $399 each year and it offers:

• One complimentary night’s stay at selected Accor hotels (subject to availability)
• Up to 50% off on food at a participating property’s restaurant
• Fast track to Accor Hotels ALL Silver membership status
• Access to deeply discounted Red Hot Room sales

Since I’m dining with another person this evening, I’m using my membership to access 50% off on late afternoon nibbles at Hardy’s Bar.

After sunset nibbles, it’s time to head through to dinner at 3-hat Hardy’s Restaurant.

Hardy’s Verandah is one of South Australia’s best regional dining destinations, and it serves a seasonally changing degustation experience, known as the ‘Valley to Verandah’ concept.

As a guest of Sequoia Lodge you have access to the unique dining and entertainment experiences on the Mount Lofty Estate. This allows me to use my $100 USD Fine Hotels and Resort credit for this meal at Hardy’s Verandah, offering significant savings.

American Express Platinum Card benefit: Since I dined with one other person, I’ve received 50% off the cost of food at Hardy’s Bar via the Accor Plus dining discount, plus a $100 USD credit at Hardy’s Restaurant via Fine Hotels & Resorts

Day 2, 7 am: Breakfast and a morning hike

After a heavenly sleep in Sequoia’s signature king bed, I wake to a crisp morning in the Adelaide Hills.

I’ve chosen to start my day with complimentary breakfast in bed, dining on local fruits, bircher muesli and smashed avocado on toast.

Following my meal, it’s time to head on a hike.

Along with frequent flyer points, hiking in the Adelaide Hills is one of my favourite pastimes. Autumn is a great time to see this part of South Australia on foot, and I’m off to explore the beautiful Cleland National Park.

There are many synergies between frequent flyer points and hiking. Just like hunting down first class flight redemptions, an immersive hike in nature requires focus, patience and persistence.

These days, there’s significant competition for reward seats, so it’s necessary to make your points work smarter to win the spoils of the day.

Earning points into the American Express Membership Rewards® program offers a key advantage here.

As a flexible rewards program, it allows me to transfer to 12 leading airline programs⁷ such as Qatar Airways Avios, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, along with Qantas Frequent Flyer which is a transfer partner that is available for Platinum Card Members.

It’s also possible to transfer my points to two hotel programs – Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors⁷.

As a result, rather than being locked into one frequent flyer scheme, I can search for flight availability across multiple airline partners, giving me a greater chance of locking in my dream redemption. Membership Rewards allows me to earn points now and decide what to do with them later.

American Express Platinum Card benefit: Complimentary breakfast via Fine Hotels & Resorts

Day 2, 9AM: Shopping (earn up to 2.25 MR points per dollar spent plus purchase protection)

After a brisk hike in the forest, I’m heading down the road through to Hahndorf, a charming town founded in 1839 with German heritage.

The main street here features quaint old buildings and lots of interesting shops to explore. There are more than one hundred shops here, including artisans, cellar doors, chocolatiers, German-style pubs, bakeries, restaurants and cafés.

The American Express Platinum Card offers 2.25 points per $1 on spend, except with government bodies where you’ll earn 1 point per $1⁸. Better still, there’s no cap on how many points you can earn each month or year.

My Platinum Card also offers 90-days Card Purchase Cover³, providing reimbursement for repair, replacement or accidental damage for new eligible items purchased using my Card. Please note terms, conditions and exclusions apply.

American Express Platinum Card benefit: Earn rate of up to 2.25 Membership Rewards Points per $1 on purchases

Day 2, 12 PM: Lazy checkout, The Australian subscription, Amazon Prime shopping

It’s now 12 pm, and I’m back at Sequoia.

While 24 hours have now passed, thanks to my Fine Hotels & Resorts benefit, I’ve received a late 4 pm checkout which is guaranteed, giving me more time to relax and enjoy the facilities here.

After a busy morning, I’m going to spend the time relaxing in my suite.

Thanks to the Platinum Card, I can catch up on the latest news with my complimentary The Australian Premium subscription⁹ and enjoy online shopping with my Amazon Prime subscription¹⁰.

American Express Platinum Card benefit: 4 pm checkout via Fine Hotels & Resorts, complimentary The Australian Premium subscription and a credit towards my Amazon Prime subscription

Conclusion

The American Express Platinum Card is packed with travel and lifestyle benefits, including a $450 travel credit each year, up to $400 dining credits until 31 December 2024, elite hotel status, Accor Plus membership, complimentary insurances and a high points earning rate.

To learn more about the Platinum Card and current offer, head here.

This post has been prepared in partnership with American Express.

Annual Card fee is $1,450.

Cards are offered, issued, and administered by American Express Australia Limited ABN 92 108 952 085. American Express income and credit approval criteria applies.

Terms and Conditions

1. Global Dining Credit.
   • These Benefit terms (including the benefit description) set out the key terms of our Platinum Global Dining Benefit, which includes the Local Dining Credit and the Abroad Dining Credit.
   • Enrolled Card Members will be eligible to receive a maximum of $200 back on spend at participating local restaurants (Local Dining Credit) and a maximum of AUD$200 back on spend at participating abroad restaurants (Abroad Dining Credit) per redemption period. Spend can be in one or more transactions.
   • Participating restaurants can be found here. For clarity: “participating local restaurants” are participating restaurants located in Australia, and “participating abroad restaurants” are participating restaurants located outside Australia. Participating restaurant list subject to change, please check before you dine as you may not be eligible for the credit.
   • A separate one-time enrolment is required for the Local Dining Credit and the Abroad Dining Credit via your Amex Offers from 5 July 2022 and Card Members will automatically be enrolled for the following redemption periods from their enrolment date and do not need to re-enrol. The final date to enrol and spend for both the Local and Abroad Dining Credits is 31 December 2024.
   • Benefit resets annually on 1 January until 31 December 2024. The redemption periods are:
     • 05 July – 31 December 2022
     • 1 January – 31 December 2023
     • 1 January – 31 December 2024
   • Credit not redeemed during the applicable redemption period will not roll over to the following redemption period and will expire. Your Card must be charged prior to the end of each redemption period (31 December) to be eligible for the credit within that redemption period.
   • For the Abroad Dining Credit, valid transactions will be converted to Australian Dollars based on the rate of exchange at the time your Card is charged. A currency conversion fee of 3% applies when payment is charged in a currency other than Australian Dollars. This fee does not count toward the offer spend requirement.
   • This Benefit is available to Primary American Express Australia Platinum Card Members only. If you switch to a new Card product that is not eligible for this benefit, enrolment will be removed from your Card Account. If a Card you hold is ineligible, you will not be able to see the benefit, nor will you be able to save the benefit to the Card. If you are no longer eligible for this benefit due to a change in Account status, including but not limited to fraudulent flags, suspension or cancellation, it will be removed from your Account.
   • Benefit only available for dine in services. Benefit excludes purchases of gift cards and vouchers, transactions made towards deposits charged upfront by the venue, cancellation and no-show charges, take away or dine-at-home services.
   • Benefit limited to the Card to which the offer is saved and only spend on this Card counts towards the benefit. Transactions made with an Additional Card are not eligible for the credit.
   • Excludes transactions made through a third-party establishment or payment processor.
   • Credit is not redeemable for cash or other payment form.
   • Credit should appear on your billing statement within 5 business days from qualifying spend but may take up to 150 days from the offer end date.
   • Credit may be reversed if your qualifying purchase is refunded or cancelled.
   • Full Offer Terms available here.
2. Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Five Star status:
   Benefits vary by market and location of rental, and may be subject to availability. Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® enrolment is required to enjoy all benefits. Terms and Conditions apply. Visit the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards website for full Terms and Conditions.  American Express Terms and Conditions apply. American Express reserves the right to instruct Hertz to cancel your membership if you cease to be a Platinum Card Member or your Account is not in good standing. Valid only for new car rental bookings made through Platinum Travel Service. Available for the American Express Platinum Card Member. Payment must be made in full with an American Express Platinum Card in the Platinum Card Member’s name. Eligible Platinum Card Member must travel on itinerary booked to be eligible for benefits described. 
3. Platinum Card Insurance.
   IMPORTANT INFORMATION: If the unexpected happens on your travels and a medical emergency arises, your first port of call is Chubb Assistance. In the event of an incident and to ensure you get appropriate, and fast, treatment from a doctor who speaks your language, you must call Chubb Assistance on +61 2 9335 3492 or the number on the back of your Card before seeking medical treatment, or you may be responsible for your medical expense costs. The insurance on American Express Cards is subject to terms, conditions and exclusions (such as maximum age limits, pre-existing medical conditions and cover limits). You must use your American Express Platinum Card to pay for your trip in order to be covered under the travel insurance and pay for eligible items for those items to be covered under the retail insurance benefits. It is important you read the American Express Platinum Card Insurance Terms and Conditions and consider whether the insurance is right for you. We do not provide advice about the insurance or whether it is appropriate for your objectives, financial situation or needs. This insurance is underwritten by Chubb Insurance Australia Limited (ABN 23 001 642 020, AFSL No. 239687) under a group policy of insurance held by American Express Australia Limited (ABN 92 108 952 085, AFSL No. 291313). Access to this insurance is provided solely by reason of the statutory operation of section 48 of the Insurance Contracts Act 1984 (Cth). Card Members are not a party to the group policy, do not have an agreement with Chubb and cannot vary or cancel the cover. American Express is not the insurer, does not guarantee or hold the rights under the group policy on trust for Card Members and does not act on behalf of Chubb or as its agent. American Express is not an Authorised Representative (under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)) of Chubb.
4. Travel Credit.
   If your Card has a Travel Credit benefit, the Primary Card Member is eligible for an annual Travel Credit, subject to the full Travel Credit Terms and Conditions at amex.com.au/platinumtravelcreditterms. The Travel Credit can be redeemed through American Express Travel Online on a single eligible travel booking by selecting the Travel Credit when you checkout. To redeem the Travel Credit, the full value of the Travel Credit (or more) must be charged to the eligible Primary Card. Eligible travel includes flights, hotels and car hire when you prepay in advance. The Travel Credit can be used for 365 days from the benefit anniversary date and cannot be used past the expiration date. To check the expiration date of your Travel Credit if you have not already redeemed it, please visit americanexpress.com.au/travel; log in and click ‘Travel Credit’. If your booking is cancelled, and your Travel Credit has already been used and associated statement credit applied to your account, you will forfeit your annual Travel Credit benefit and American Express may reverse the statement credits issued. You need to be able to spend on the Card to access the Travel Credit benefit and it should be credited to your Card Account within 3 business days but may take up to 30 days. Your account must be in good standing and you must have paid the annual fee and minimum payment by the due date. If you cancel your Card, change your rewards program or Card type, you will no longer be eligible for the Travel Credit.​
5. Complimentary Accor Plus Membership.
   An annual Accor Plus membership is valued at AU$399, found at accorplus.com/au/benefits as at 1 August 2022. Enrolment is required to receive a complimentary Accor Plus membership. An Accor Plus membership is available only to the Primary Platinum Card Member. Membership privileges will only be granted on presentation of a valid membership card and a member must identify themselves as an Accor Plus member at time of booking. Accommodation bookings must be made through all.accor.com or accorplus.com. American Express reserves the right to instruct Accor Plus to cancel your membership if you cease to be a Platinum Card Member or your account is not in good standing. Complimentary membership is a continuing benefit of your American Express Platinum Card, however American Express reserves the right to discontinue the benefit, upon providing you with reasonable notice. Once enrolled, enrolment continues for at least 12 months. If you become ineligible for this benefit or if this benefit ends, the Accor Plus membership standard eligibility criteria will apply to you. Visit accorplus.com for full membership conditions, benefits and participating properties. Room allotment for Stay Plus complimentary night stays are limited each night per participating property and must be made by visiting and booking through all.accor.com or accorplus.com. Membership privileges are subject to exceptions listed at accorplus.com/au/benefits-exceptions.
6. Fine Hotels + Resorts.
   Average AU$800 value based on Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings in 2021 for stays of two nights. Actual value will vary based on property, room rate, upgrade availability and use of benefits. Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade; call Platinum Travel for details. Special amenity and / or Experience Credit and Platinum benefits vary by property; call Platinum Travel for details. Experience credit[s] will be applied to eligible charges up to the amount of the Experience Credit. Advance reservations are recommended for certain Experience Credits. Valid only for new Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings made through Platinum Travel Service, Business Platinum Travel Service, Centurion Travel Service, or American Express Travel Online. Available for Australian Platinum Charge Card Members and Centurion® Members only, and excludes Platinum Credit Card Members such who are not also Australian Platinum Charge Card Members or Centurion Members. Payment must be made in full with an American Express Card in the Australian Platinum Card Member’s or Centurion® Member’s name. Primary Card Member may be able to use Membership Rewards® points and /or Travel Credit on the American Express Travel website or on request through Platinum Travel Service or Centurion Travel Service, as payment towards Fine Hotels + Resorts, if the selected hotel and room type provides you the option to prepay in advance. Platinum Card Member or Centurion Member must travel on itinerary booked to be eligible for benefits described. Noon check-in and room upgrade are based on availability and are provided at check-in. Benefit restrictions vary by Fine Hotels + Resorts property and cannot be redeemed for cash, and may not be combined with other offers unless indicated. Benefits and additional Fine Hotels + Resorts promotions are only applied at checkout and expire at checkout. Participating Fine Hotels + Resorts properties and benefits are subject to change. Limit one benefit package per room, per stay. Three room limit per Card Member, per stay. Back-to-back stays booked by a single Card Member, Card Members staying in the same room or Card Members traveling in the same party within a 24-hour period at the same property are considered one stay and are ineligible for additional Fine Hotels + Resorts benefits (“Prohibited Action”). American Express and the Property reserve the right to modify or revoke Fine Hotels + Resorts benefits at any time without notice if we or they determine, in our or their sole discretion, that you may have engaged in a Prohibited Action, or have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with your Fine Hotels + Resorts benefits.
   • Benefits vary by property; call Platinum Travel Service or Centurion Travel Service for details.
   • The type and value of the daily breakfast (for two) varies by property; breakfast will be valued at a minimum of US$60 per room per day.
   • Complimentary In-Room Wi-Fi is provided. In the case where a Property includes cost of Wi-Fi in a mandatory resort fee, the Card Member will receive a daily credit from the Property in the standard amount that the Property charges for Wi-Fi. The credit will be issued on the Card Member’s final statement upon check-out.
7. Transfer Points to Airline and Hotels: To redeem points to any Frequent Traveller Program you must be a member of the applicable Program. Enrolment in such Programs is solely your responsibility and fees may apply. The minimum requirement and transfer rate varies. Subject to the Membership Rewards Terms and Conditions (link: https://www.americanexpress.com/en-au/rewards/membership-rewards/terms
8. Membership Rewards Program.
   Subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Membership Rewards program available here. You will earn 1 point per dollar spent with Merchants classified as ‘government’, including the Australian Taxation Office, the Australian Postal Corporation (Australia Post), Federal/State and Local Government bodies, including where you use a payment account, payment aggregator, services of a third party or online retailers that sell goods for another merchant.
9. The Australian Premium Subscription.
   The Australian Premium Subscription benefit offer (‘Benefit’) is available to eligible American Express Australia Card Members (‘Card Members’).
   Once you have requested to enrol in The Australian Premium Subscription, American Express Australia Limited (‘American Express’) will determine your eligibility to enrol in the Benefit via the enrolment process. If eligible then American Express will share your enrolment information with Nationwide News Pty Ltd (‘News Corp’). News Corp may use this enrolment information in accordance with its privacy policy available here.
   The Benefit will provide eligible Card Members with; (a) a 12 month digital access to The Australian which provides premium content at theaustralian.com.au and via The Australian app; (b) eligibility to activate a digital subscription to the Wall Street Journal which will run concurrently with the subscription in (a) above; (c) a bespoke The Australian Premium e-newsletter sent every week and exclusive to subscribers of The Australian Premium subscription; and (d) access to The Australian Insiders’ Briefing virtual event held twice per calendar year. Eligible Card Members must activate the Benefit described in (a) above in order to be provided with the opportunity to activate or enjoy the other parts of the Benefit.
   Card Members are not required to pay for the Benefit. Subscriptions provided under the Benefit will be automatically renewed every 12 months provided American Express and News Corp continue their arrangements in relation to this Benefit. Under the Benefit, you are limited to one digital subscription per eligible Card Member; not to be used in conjunction with any other offer; subscription is for digital content only; physical newspapers are not included. In addition to these terms and conditions, your use of the Benefit is subject to News Corp’s full digital subscription terms and conditions available here. For avoidance of doubt, terms and conditions contained here will take precedent in the event of inconsistency. Eligible Card Members will be required to agree to News Corp’s terms and conditions and privacy policy to activate the Benefit.
   News Corp may cancel any digital subscription provided under the Benefit at any time if the Card Member subscriber is in breach of these terms and conditions or the News Corp terms and conditions for any part of the Benefit, if notified by American Express that a Card Member is no longer eligible for this subscription or if American Express and News Corp cease to have an agreement relating to the continued provision of the Benefit. The value of the Benefit is not redeemable for cash or any other payment form. American Express may end this Benefit at any time.
10. Amazon Prime Subscription Credit.
    • Benefit Limit is $84 per calendar year: The benefit value is capped at $84 in each calendar year, whether you are on a monthly or annual subscription. You cannot carry any unused benefit value from one calendar year into the next. If Amazon increases its subscription fees at any time, this benefit will not cover any amount exceeding the benefit limit and you must cover the difference.
    • Primary Card Member Only: The benefit is only available to the Primary American Express Australia Platinum Card Member using their Platinum Card; it is not available for payments made with any Additional Card.
    • Enrol Your Card First: You must first enrol your Platinum Card before paying your Amazon Prime subscription to qualify for the benefit. Only subscriptions paid after enrolment are eligible for the benefit. You should ensure that your Platinum Card is set as your default payment method with Amazon Prime to avoid missing the benefit. If you use another card to pay your Amazon Prime at any time, you will not be eligible for the benefit for payments made on that card.
    • Eligible Payments: Both monthly and annual subscriptions are eligible. The benefit only applies to Amazon Prime subscription payments, and excludes any additional purchases or charges, such as Prime Video purchases.
    • Expiry or Withdrawal of Prime Benefit: The Amazon Prime benefit will expire on 31 December 2025. American Express can withdraw the Amazon Prime benefit at any time by giving you 60 days’ notice. After the expiry or withdrawal of the benefit, credits will cease but your Amazon Prime subscription will continue unless you cancel it. You may cancel your Amazon subscription at any time by accessing ‘Manage Prime Membership‘ on your Amazon account and changing your membership settings.
    • Direct Payments Only: Your Amazon Prime subscription must be made in Australian Dollars online at amazon.com.au/prime or via the Amazon Prime app to be eligible for the benefit. If you pay using third party payment providers, such as PayPal or Buy Now Pay Later providers, you will not be eligible for the benefit.
    • About Credits: Credit(s) should appear on your billing statement within 30 days from the date of subscription payment but may take longer. Credit(s) are not redeemable for cash or any other payment form.
    • Your use of Amazon Prime: Your use of the Amazon Prime service (including your subscription) is governed solely by Amazon Prime’s terms and conditions (including privacy policies). American Express is not responsible in any way for Amazon or its services. Inquiries or complaints related to the Amazon Prime service should be directed to Amazon Customer Service. Amazon, Amazon Prime, Prime Video, Amazon Music and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. and its affiliates.
    • Our General Offer Terms: Our General Offer Terms also apply to the Amazon Prime benefit and contain important additional terms.

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