Earning points and miles can seem like an uphill struggle.

American Express Membership Rewards points are not only one of the most valuable credit-card currencies, they’re also quite easy to earn. The points are especially useful if you’re a Delta Air Lines flyer.

Membership Rewards is a transfer partner of the Delta SkyMiles program as well as several airline loyalty programs whose miles can be used to book Delta-operated flights for fewer miles than what the SkyMiles program would charge.

For the avid traveler, American Express Platinum Card® could quickly become a favorite. With a range of travel-related credits, Hilton and Marriott Bonvoy elite status (enrollment required), and access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection (for eligible card members), the card could make your jet-setting dreams a reality. 

If all that wasn’t enough, there’s even a way to avoid the hefty annual fee of $895 (see rates and fees), making the card free to hold.

All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by MileValue. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Regardless of where you’re traveling, hotel bookings always make for a large expense on any trip.

If you’re looking for a solid, do it all travel card, then American Express Platinum Card® should be on your radar. This one card brings you great airport lounge access, hotel status, and more.

Let’s keep it short, because there’s a lot to get into with this great card and we’re going to take a deep dive into everything you need to know about the Platinum Card®.

The Basics of The Platinum Card from American Express

Before we dive deep into the perks of the Platinum Card®, we need to go over all the basics.

As awesome as using points and miles are to book flights, sometimes you have to pay cash for your flights. Whether you found a great deal on airfare, or there just isn’t award availability and you’re absolutely itching to take a trip, sometimes paying for flights just works better. When you’re looking to buy a flight, you should be using the best credit card to buy a flight.

Even when you are booking an award flight, there are inevitable taxes and fees that you just can’t avoid.

But that’s easier said than done.

With a wallet full of credit cards, it's best practice to commonly assess your credit card portfolio to ensure that the benefits you receive from the cards outweigh the annual fees that you pay. If not, it's time to close that card or cards in most cases.

Amazon is offering 20% off purchases sold by Amazon, in addition to various gift cards not sold by Amazon, for those that apply at least 1 Membership Rewards point to their order and pay with the Amex card that earned it. The maximum discount is $50 on a $250 order. Note that while widely available, it does appear that this is a targeted offer.

This week I helped my dad decide what to do with his Platinum Card® from American Express.

These are the questions I pose when looking at year two of a card with an annual fee.
Are you getting a retention bonus for keeping the card that is worth more than the annual fee?
The retention bonus he was offered was not worth more than $550 annual fee, as he did not put a significant amount of spending on it past meeting the minimum spending requirement.

Right now you can get 20% off your purchase of a product (or products) sold and shipped by Amazon, up to a $100 discount, when you apply at least one Membership Reward point to payment.

This is especially pertinent as Amazon Prime Day just kicked off: 36 hours of massive sales for Amazon Prime members. Prime Day started at 12 pm PT today. Don't have a Prime membership but want to take advantage of the sales? Sign up for a free trial.