Synopsis: American Express Platinum Travel is a milestone type premium credit card that has gone devaluation effective from March 9, 2026. This article compares the Amex Platinum Travel Card with the Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Credit Card to evaluate whether it can serve as the best alternative.
The recent devaluation of the Amex Platinum Travel Credit Card has significantly weakened its value for mid-tier spenders, with key milestones benefits pushed to ₹7 lakh from ₹4 lakh. In this context, the Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card is emerging as a strong, if not superior, alternative for credit card users focused on hotel rewards and consistent benefits.
American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card
Earlier, this was a Milestone-based card and you would earn 2 points for every ₹100 spent. If you spent a total of ₹4 lakhs annually on the card, you would earn ₹40,000 total bonus reward points and an additional ₹10,000 worth of Taj voucher. Now, the milestone structure has changed.
- Joining Fee: ₹5,000+ taxes (no change)
- Annual Fee: ₹5,000+ taxes (no change)
- Forex Markup: 3.5%+ taxes
The milestone benefit has been broken down into three different milestones now:
- ₹1.9 Lakh Spend: Now earns 7,500 MR points (previously 15,000 points).
- ₹4 Lakh Spend: Now earns 10,000 MR points (previously 25,000 points).
- ₹7 Lakh Spend (New Top Tier): Now earns 22,500 MR points + ₹10,000 Taj Voucher.
Reduced Value: The previous high-value, ₹4 lakh milestone is gone, meaning users must spend ₹7 lakh to get similar benefits to what they once earned at ₹4 lakh.
Welcome Benefit: The American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card offers a welcome gift of 10,000 Membership Rewards points. The welcome benefit is unlocked on a total spend of ₹15,000 under the initial 90 days of card issuance.
Also read: 3 Best Credit Card Alternatives After Airtel Axis Credit Card’s Major Devaluation in 2026
Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Credit Card
The Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Credit Card is a co-branded travel credit card. This means its value is directly linked to the Marriott hotel coverage. This card is best suited for those who like staying within a particular luxury hotel chain.
- Joining Fee: ₹3,000+ taxes
- Annual Fee: ₹3,000+ taxes
- Forex Markup: 3.5%+ taxes
Welcome Benefit: On a minimum spend of ₹500 spent within the 90 days of card issuance earns a Free Night Award (valued at 15,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points) along with 10 Elite Night Credits and Silver Elite Status.
Base Rewards:
- 2 complimentary golf lesson per quarter in India where session is limited to 30 minutes each
- 8 Marriott Bonvoy points on each ₹150 spent on Marriott hotel stays
- 4 points per ₹150 on travel and dining
- 2 points per ₹150 on all other spends
- Lounge Access:12 domestic and12 international airport lounge access annually.
- Benefits: You will earn 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 15,000 points) when you reach these spend thresholds within your Card anniversary year. Additional free night 1 voucher each on higher annual spends of ₹6L, ₹9L, ₹15L
Insurance Coverage:
- Delay or loss of checked-in baggage: Cover up to $250
- Loss of travel documents: Cover up to $250
- Flight delay cover: Up to $250
- Air accidental cover: Up to $12,500
- Emergency medical expenses: Covered up to $18,750
- Credit shield protection: Up to ₹1,00,000
- Loss liability cover: Up to ₹9,00,000
| Feature | Amex | Marriott |
|---|---|---|
| Lounge Access | 8 domestic | 12 domestic + 12 international |
| Hotel Flexibility | Taj, ITC, Marriott, etc. | Only Marriott |
| Elite Status | NA | Silver Elite |
To apply for Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Credit Card, please visit the Official Website
The Verdict
The Amex Platinum Travel Credit Card is still a strong option if you want flexible travel rewards across multiple hotel and airline partners and your yearly spend is ₹7 lakhs and above to unlock its full value, but its recent devaluation has reduced its milestone benefits for mid-level spenders. On the other hand, the Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card offers more consistent and predictable value through free night stays, elite status, and lower fees, making it a better choice for those loyal to Marriott p
Written by Kenbi Riba
