New applications paused in India
American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card Review (2026)
American Express · Premium lifestyle card · ₹10,000 + GST
TL;DR
American Express has temporarily paused new card applications in India, so this review is mainly for existing cardmembers. The Platinum Reserve costs ₹10,000 + GST a year (renewal waived on ₹10 lakh spend). It earns only 1 Membership Rewards point per ₹50 — about 1% — so its value is in benefits: a ₹1,000 voucher every month you spend ₹50,000, Taj Epicure Plus, Accor+ Explorer and EazyDiner Prime memberships, 12 domestic and 2 international lounge visits a year, and golf on ₹50,000 monthly spend.
Pros & cons
- Monthly ₹1,000 voucher — up to ₹12,000 a year if you spend ₹50,000 every month
- Taj Epicure Plus, Accor+ Explorer and EazyDiner Prime included every year
- 12 domestic lounge visits (max 3 a quarter) and 2 Priority Pass international visits
- Renewal fee waived on ₹10 lakh annual spend
- Up to 4 free supplementary cards
- New applications are paused in India
- Base reward rate of about 1% is low
- No points on fuel, insurance, utilities, cash or EMI
- 3.5% forex markup
- Amex acceptance is narrower than Visa or Mastercard
Fees
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Joining fee | ₹10,000 + GST |
| Annual fee | ₹10,000 + GST, waived on ₹10 lakh spend in the previous membership year |
| Supplementary cards | Free for up to 4, then ₹1,500 each |
| Forex markup | 3.5% |
| Fuel | No surcharge waiver: nil at HPCL below ₹5,000; 1% at HPCL from ₹5,000 and at BPCL/IOCL; 2.5% at other outlets |
Rewards and vouchers
The card earns 1 Membership Rewards point per ₹50 on eligible spends. Fuel, insurance, utilities, cash transactions and EMI at point of sale earn nothing.
Each calendar month you spend ₹50,000, you get a ₹1,000 voucher from a list of brands (enrolment required). The same ₹50,000 monthly spend unlocks 2 complimentary golf rounds that month at 30+ courses.
Worked example: spend ₹50,000 every month (₹6 lakh a year). You earn 12,000 MR points and twelve ₹1,000 vouchers (₹12,000). The vouchers alone roughly match the ₹11,800 fee including GST; the points, memberships and lounges are the margin.
Memberships and travel
- Taj Epicure Plus membership (valued by American Express at ₹10,000 + GST a year)
- ALL Accor+ Explorer and EazyDiner Prime memberships, every year
- 12 domestic lounge visits a year (max 3 a quarter) and 2 international visits with a complimentary Priority Pass membership
- ₹1 crore air-accident cover when the ticket is bought on the card; 60-day purchase protection
Who it’s for
- You spend ₹50,000 most months and use Taj, Accor or EazyDiner
- You want a lifestyle card more than a points card
- You want a high base reward rate or low forex markup
- Your spend is uneven — months under ₹50,000 earn no voucher
- You need a card you can apply for today
Verdict
For existing cardmembers who spend ₹50,000 a month, the Platinum Reserve roughly pays for itself through monthly vouchers, with the hotel and dining memberships on top. As a rewards card it is weak at about 1%. With new applications paused, anyone shopping for a card now should compare alternatives in our card finder.
FAQ
Can I apply for the Amex Platinum Reserve now?
American Express has temporarily paused new card applications in India. Check the American Express India website for updates.
What is the annual fee?
₹10,000 + GST, waived if you spent ₹10 lakh or more in the previous membership year.
How many lounge visits do I get?
12 domestic visits a year (max 3 a quarter) and 2 international visits via Priority Pass.
Which spends do not earn points?
Fuel, insurance, utilities, cash transactions and EMI at point of sale.