Amex Platinum Bonus MCC Categories
The Amex Platinum earns bonus rewards when you spend at merchants with specific MCC (Merchant Category Code) codes. Here's a breakdown of which categories earn bonus rates:
1. Flights (Direct Booking) — 5x Points
Flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel earn 5x points.
| Category | MCC Codes | Top Merchants |
|---|---|---|
| Flights (Direct Booking) | 3000-3299 | Delta, United, American Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest, Alaska Airlines |
2. Hotels (Amex Travel) — 5x Points
Hotels booked through American Express Travel earn 5x points.
| Category | MCC Codes | Top Merchants |
|---|---|---|
| Hotels (Amex Travel) | 3500-3999, 7011 | Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, Booking.com (via Amex Travel) |
Tips to Maximize Amex Platinum Rewards
- Always book flights directly with airlines to earn 5x points
- Use Amex Travel for hotel bookings to unlock 5x (vs 1x for direct hotel bookings)
- The $240 digital entertainment credit offsets streaming subscriptions
- Take advantage of the $200 airline fee credit for baggage and upgrades
- Centurion Lounge access alone can be worth the annual fee for frequent flyers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Amex Platinum earn rate?
Amex Platinum earns 5x on flights (direct booking or Amex Travel), 5x on hotels (Amex Travel only), and 1x on everything else.
Does Amex Platinum earn 5x on all travel?
No. Only flights booked directly with airlines earn 5x. Hotels must be booked through Amex Travel for 5x. Other travel (car rental, rideshare) earns 1x.
Amex Platinum vs Chase Sapphire Reserve?
Amex Platinum is better for flights (5x vs 3x) and lounge access. Chase Sapphire Reserve is better for dining (3x vs 1x) and general travel. Many travelers carry both.
Last Updated: June 2026 | MCC codes and card rewards may change. Always verify with CheckMCC and your card issuer.