Note: This review dates back to 2016. For the latest review, please consult the most recent review on CardExpert.
My first American Express card was the Platinum Travel card. When I considered a second Amex card two years later, the Jet Airways American Express Card was an obvious option. I passed on the Gold Charge Card because I prefer cards with clear credit limits over charge cards, which use dynamic limits tied to past usage and payment behavior. Though a charge card can feel like it has no preset limit, the issuer actually enforces a limit the cardholder may not directly know.
The Jet Amex looked attractive because it offered 6 JP miles for every Rs. 100 spent. However, an October 2014 devaluation reduced mileage earnings and removed reward points for fuel, insurance and utility spends. Since a large portion of my spending fell into those categories and I already held a Jet card issued by ICICI with lower fees and similar benefits, I decided not to switch to the Jet AmEx card.
An Amex representative suggested the Platinum Reserve Card. At first glance its reward points seemed similar to the Platinum Travel card but with a higher fee and without milestone benefits. After reviewing the additional perks and benefits in more detail, I applied and planned to use the card for at least a year.
Overall, I have been satisfied with the card, largely due to excellent AmEx customer service and occasional targeted offers such as:
- BookMyShow vouchers and other entertainment promotions
- Periodic fuel cashback offers
These occasional benefits help offset the relatively weak base reward structure. The Platinum Reserve sits at the top of the American Express consumer credit card lineup in terms of lifestyle privileges.
Features of American Express Platinum Reserve
Joining Benefits:
A welcome reward of 11,000 Membership Rewards points, which partly offsets the first-year fee.
Joining Fee: Rs. 5,000 + service tax
Lounge access:
The Platinum Reserve Card provides 12 complimentary visits per year to American Express Lounges at Delhi and Mumbai airports. At the time of my application, only a few other Amex cards provided access to these lounges.
Golf benefits:
For golf enthusiasts, the card offers complimentary access (green fee waivers) at select premier courses, along with golf lessons at designated venues. Specific details and participating courses are listed by American Express.
Taj InnerCircle & Epicure Plus membership:
The card includes complimentary Gold tier membership to Taj InnerCircle and Epicure Plus, giving benefits such as 25% off dining at Taj properties and additional discount or upgrade vouchers. This membership typically carries a standalone cost.
- The standalone cost of this membership is approximately Rs. 9,750 + service tax.
Other elite hotel memberships:
The card also offers complimentary Gold tier privileges with select Trident and Preferred hotels and additional-night benefits at certain Oberoi properties.
Other Benefits
- Occasional special offers such as vouchers or spend-based promotions
- Healthcare discounts and privileges with select hospital groups
- Dedicated Platinum concierge services from American Express
- Priority Pass membership for airport lounge access globally
- Air accident insurance coverage up to Rs. 1 crore
- Ability to issue up to four supplementary cards plus one additional account card for separating business expenses
In summary, the effective annual cost—around Rs. 10,000 including taxes—may feel high unless you make use of the lifestyle benefits. This card is designed primarily as a lifestyle and privileges card rather than a high-reward cashback or points card.
Recap
Pros: Elite lodging and dining memberships, golf and wellness privileges, access to AmEx lounges, concierge services, and higher credit limits.
Cons: High annual fees and a relatively modest rewards earning structure, with no significant milestone bonus points.
CardExpert Rating: 4/5