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 2026 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: ALL Accor+ Explorer 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 ALL Accor+ Explorer membership⁶ to the test.

The ALL Accor+ Explorer membership 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 ALL Accor+ Explorer membership is valued at $349 each year and it offers:

• Enjoy two ‘Stay Plus’ complimentary nights stay (each complimentary night must be booked in conjunction with a paid night) at over 1,300 participating hotels in Asia Pacific.
• 30% off dining, for up to 10 guests at over 1,600 participating restaurants.
• 15% off drinks in Asia Pacific.
• ALL Accor Gold status with bonus 30 status nights
• Access to deeply discounted Red Hot Room sales

Since I’m dining with another person this evening, I’m using my membership to access 30% 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 30% off the cost of food at Hardy’s Bar via the ALL Accor+ Explorer 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 over 10 airline and hotel partners⁷ including Qatar Airways Avios, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, along with Qantas Frequent Flyer, 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.

Note that the American Express Membership Rewards program will change on 15 December 2025, with adjustments to selected airline transfer rates, the removal of Thai Airways, and updated program details.

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 and The Australian subscription

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.

American Express Platinum Card benefit: 4 pm checkout via Fine Hotels & Resorts and complimentary The Australian Premium 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 2026, elite hotel status, ALL Accor+ Explorer 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
   Maximum amount back is $200 on spend at participating local restaurants (Local Dining Credit) and AUD$200 on spend at participating abroad restaurants (Abroad Dining Credit) per redemption period: Each redemption period resets on 1 January until the offer end date of 31 December 2026. The redemption periods are: 1 January – 31 December 2025 and 1 January – 31 December 2026. Spend can be in one or more transactions. You cannot carry any unused offer value from one redemption period into the next.
   Primary Card Member Only: The Benefit is only available to Primary American Express Australia Platinum Card Members using their Platinum Personal Charge Card. Transactions made with an Additional Card is not eligible for this Benefit.
   Save this Benefit First: A one-time enrolment is required. You must first save the Benefit to your Platinum Card before making your payment to qualify for the Benefit. Benefit limited to the Card to which the offer is saved and only spend on this Card counts towards the Benefit. If you use another Card to make a payment at any time, you will not be eligible for the Benefit on that Card. 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.
   Eligible Transactions: Benefit only available for dine-in services made in-person at a participating restaurant in Australia. Full participating restaurant list can be found here. Participating restaurant list subject to change without notice, please check before you dine as you won’t be eligible to receive a credit if the restaurant isn’t on the list at the time of your transaction.
   Excluded Transactions: Benefit excludes purchases of gift cards and vouchers, transactions made towards deposits charged upfront by the venue, booking, cancellation, and no-show charges, takeaway or dine-at-home services. 
   Direct Payments Only: If you pay using payment processors such as QR payment or restaurant in-app purchases, you may not be eligible for the Benefit. Please request to pay at the restaurant’s designated checkout register. 
   Award of Credits: Credit(s) should appear on your billing statement within 30 days from the date of payment but may take longer. Credit(s) are not redeemable for cash or any other payment form. Credit may be reversed if your qualifying purchase is refunded or cancelled. 
   Expiry or Withdrawal of Benefit: The Benefit will expire on 31 December 2026. American Express can withdraw the Benefit at any time by giving you 60 days’ notice.
   Your use of participating restaurants: Your purchase of goods and/or services from the participating brands is governed by their respective terms and conditions (including privacy policies). American Express is not responsible in any way for the goods and/or services of the participating brands. Inquiries or complaints related to the participating brands’ goods and/or services should be directed to their customer service. 
   Our General Offer Terms: Our General Offer Terms also apply to the Benefit and contain important additional terms.
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. ALL Accor+ Explorer Membership
   An annual ALL Accor+ Explorer Membership is valued at AU$349, found at accorplus.com/au/benefits as at 1 October 2025. Eligible American Express Card Members are required to enrol to receive a complimentary ALL Accor+ Explorer membership. An ALL Accor+ Explorer 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 ALL Accor+ Explorer member at time of booking. Accommodation bookings must be made in advance through the ALL.com app. 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 ALL Accor+ Explorer membership standard eligibility criteria will apply to you. A Stay Plus Free Night may be subject to availability at participating properties. Use of the Stay Plus is subject to the conditions as listed on accorplus.com/au/terms-and-conditions. Membership privileges are subject to exceptions listed at accorplus.com/au/benefits-exceptions. Dining and drinks discounts do not apply to room service, mini bars, meeting rooms, selections from the kids’ menus or takeaways; and public holidays or during special events. For more information, please visit here: accorplus.com/benefits/more-flavours. Dining privileges are subject to the Accor Plus membership terms and conditions which are found here: accorplus.com/au/terms-and-conditions.
6. Fine Hotels + Resorts.
   Average US$550 value based on FHR bookings in 2023 for stays of two nights. Actual value will vary based on property, room rate, upgrade availability and use of benefits. Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) program benefits are available for new bookings made through American Express Travel with participating properties and are valid only for eligible Platinum Charge Card Members and Centurion® Members. Platinum Credit Card Members who are not also Australian Platinum Charge Card Members or Centurion® Members, are not eligible for FHR program benefits. Bookings must be made using an eligible Card and must be paid using that Card, or another American Express® Card, in the eligible Card Member’s name, and that Card Member must be travelling on the itinerary booked. Noon check-in and room upgrade are subject to availability and are provided at check-in; certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade. The US$100 credit will be applied to eligible charges up to the amount of the credit. To receive the US$100 credit, the eligible spend must be charged to your hotel room. The US$100 credit will be applied at check out. Advance reservations are recommended for certain US$100 credits. 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. To receive the breakfast credit, the breakfast bill must be charged to your hotel room. The breakfast credit will be applied at check out. If the cost of Wi-Fi is included in a mandatory property fee, a daily credit of that amount will be applied at check out. Benefits are applied per room, per stay (with a three room limit per stay). Back-to-back stays booked by a single Card Member, Card Members staying in the same room or Card Members travelling in the same party within a 24-hour period at the same property are considered one stay and are ineligible for additional FHR benefits (“Prohibited Action”). American Express and the property reserve the right to modify or revoke FHR 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 FHR benefits. Benefit restrictions vary by property. Benefits cannot be redeemed for cash and are not combinable with other offers unless indicated. Benefits must be used during the stay booked. Any credits applicable are applied at check out in USD or the local currency equivalent. Benefits, participating properties, and availability and amenities at those properties are subject to change. To be eligible for FHR program benefits, your eligible Card Account must not be cancelled. For additional information, please call the number on the back of your Card.
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.

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