How to Get the Amex Platinum Travel Credit Card in 2026 (India): Simple 2026 Guide
A practical 2026 India guide to Amex Platinum Travel: who it suits, milestones, fees, and the safest ways to get it (including upgrade routes).
If you live in a metro city like Mumbai and you travel a few times every year, the American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card is still one of the most rewarding travel cards in India in 2026. The reason is not just “points”. The real value comes from milestone rewards—bonus points and vouchers you unlock after hitting yearly spend targets.
At the same time, many users have noticed that direct applications are not always available for some Amex cards. In such cases, people are still getting the Platinum Travel card through upgrade routes (when offered inside their Amex account). This article explains what the card is good for, who should get it, and the safest way to try getting it in 2026.
Why Amex Platinum Travel is Popular in 2026
This card is designed for people who spend consistently and want those spends to turn into travel benefits like flights and hotel stays. Unlike basic cashback cards, Amex rewards you more when you plan spending around the card’s structure.
It works best for:
- People spending ₹3–4 lakh per year on a credit card
- Users who travel 2–4 times a year
- People who want travel redemptions like hotel stays (Marriott) or airline miles
If you spend very little and don’t hit milestones, the value drops. So it’s not a “one-card-fits-all” product.
Annual Fee and Eligibility (Quick Reality Check)
In India, the Platinum Travel card usually comes with an annual fee of around ₹5,000 + GST (offers and fees can vary by channel). Many people confuse milestone spends with fee waivers, but milestones are separate rewards, not a fee waiver rule.
Eligibility depends on your profile and Amex internal checks, but generally you’ll need:
- Stable income (salaried or self-employed)
- Good repayment history
- Strong credit score (higher is better)
- Serviceable city address (metros like Mumbai usually qualify)
- ₹1.9 lakh spend in a card year
- ₹4 lakh spend in a card year
- Hotel partners (commonly Marriott Bonvoy)
- Airline partner transfers (where available)
- Vouchers and other options
- Excellent rewards if you hit milestones
- Strong travel redemption ecosystem
- Premium service experience compared to many banks
- Not ideal for low spenders
- Acceptance can be weaker than Visa/Mastercard in some offline stores
- Travel benefits and partner value can change in future
- Apply for another Amex card that is currently open for new applications
- Activate the card and use it normally
- Check your account for upgrade offers
- If Platinum Travel is offered, upgrade through the official route
- Log in to your Amex online account
- Go to card services / upgrade offers
- If Platinum Travel is available, apply for the upgrade
- You earn points on regular spending
- You unlock the higher milestone rewards
- The bonus value can easily offset the annual fee
- Track yearly spend so you don’t miss milestones
- Pay the full bill every month (interest kills rewards value)
- Use the card for predictable big spends: travel, shopping, insurance, utilities (where accepted)
- Redeem points smartly (hotel/airline transfers often beat vouchers)
Key Benefits You Should Know
Earn Membership Rewards (MR) Points
You earn MR points on eligible spends. These points are useful because they can be redeemed in multiple ways, including travel and vouchers. The best value usually comes from travel-style redemptions rather than basic voucher redemptions.
Milestone Rewards (Main Reason People Choose This Card)
This is the biggest reason the Platinum Travel card is recommended. The card offers bonus rewards when you cross yearly spend milestones, typically around:
If you can reach the higher milestone, the card becomes very rewarding compared to many other options in the same fee range.
Lounge and Travel Benefits
Depending on the current Amex program terms, you may get complimentary lounge access and travel-related benefits. Lounge programs can change over time, so always check the latest card page and terms before relying on any specific lounge name.
Redemption Flexibility
Amex points are valuable because you can redeem them for:
If your goal is travel, partner transfers usually give better value than simple vouchers.
Pros and Cons (Honest Summary)
Pros
Cons
How to Get Amex Platinum Travel in 2026 (Practical Routes)
Many users report that direct application availability can vary. If you don’t see the card open for direct apply, these are the most realistic methods:
Option 1: Apply for an Available Amex Card and Upgrade Later
If Platinum Travel isn’t showing for direct application:
This is the “upgrade method” that people talk about in 2026.
Option 2: Upgrade From Your Existing Amex Card
If you already hold an Amex card:
Approval can be quick if your profile qualifies.
Important note: upgrade offers are not guaranteed. They depend on Amex’s internal eligibility and ongoing acquisition policies.
Example: Who Gets Maximum Value?
Let’s say you spend around ₹35,000 per month, which is about ₹4.2 lakh per year. This profile typically benefits the most because:
This is why the Platinum Travel card is often recommended as a “milestone card” and not a pure everyday cashback card.
Tips to Maximize Value (Without Stress)
To get the best results:
Final Verdict: Should You Get It in 2026?
If you can spend ₹3–4 lakh+ per year and you want travel benefits, the Amex Platinum Travel Credit Card is still a strong option in India in 2026. If direct application isn’t available, the best approach is to get an eligible Amex card first and upgrade when offered.
If your spending is low or you want simple guaranteed cashback, you may be better with a cashback-first card instead of a milestone-based travel card.