Many users are tempted by American Express’s massive 125,000 Membership Rewards (MR) point upgrade or welcome bonus on the Platinum Card but the high annual fee makes them hesitate. Does the value of lounge access, Fine Hotels + Resorts benefits, and luxury travel credits truly justify the ₹60,000+ (or $695 in the US) yearly fee? For those who received the targeted 125K upgrade offer, is it financially smart to upgrade from Amex Gold to Platinum, or are there better alternatives for maximizing MR value?
Is the Amex Platinum 125,000 Membership Rewards (MR) Upgrade Offer Worth Paying the High Annual Fee?
Yes but only if you can fully use the lifestyle and travel ecosystem Amex Platinum offers.
The 125,000 MR point offer is one of the highest-value upgrade or welcome bonuses American Express provides. In India, that’s roughly worth ₹70,000–₹1,00,000+ in flight redemptions when transferred to airline partners like Emirates Skywards, British Airways Avios, or Singapore KrisFlyer.
However, the annual fee of ₹60,000+GST (₹70,800 total) only makes sense if you:
- Travel frequently and use Priority Pass + Centurion Lounge access (these alone can justify the fee).
- Use Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings, which give free breakfast, late checkout, and room upgrades worth ₹15,000–₹25,000 per stay.
- Take advantage of statement credits like Taj vouchers, Amex Travel offers, and dining discounts.
If you’re upgrading from Amex Gold to Platinum, consider whether you’ll hit the required minimum spend (₹50K–₹90K) to earn the 125K MR bonus within 90 days.
If you use at least 70% of the Platinum benefits (lounges, hotel perks, airline transfers), the card easily pays for itself. But if you just want cashback or casual rewards, Amex Gold or HDFC Infinia might offer better practical value.