American Express Platinum Credit Card

Quick summary

Earn 1.5 points per R5 spent • 30,000 welcome bonus points • R10 million travel insurance • Unlimited global lounge access • Annual fee from R3,500+

Can you afford a premium credit card? Use our free budget calculator to see if premium card fees and required income fit your financial profile, and take control of your financial life.

What is the Nedbank American Express Platinum Credit Card?

This premium credit card is designed for high earners who value exceptional travel benefits, luxury experiences, and accelerated rewards earning. It's more than just a payment method; it's your passport to premium lifestyle experiences worldwide.

How does the Nedbank American Express Platinum Credit Card work?

Membership rewards programme:

For every R5 you spend, you'll earn 1.5 Membership Rewards points, equivalent to 0.96% back in value. This accelerated earning rate is significantly better than standard credit cards, helping you accumulate points faster for redemptions.

If you have an Amex Platinum Card, you're enrolled automatically in the programme as part of your annual fee. Your Membership Rewards points never expire, giving you unlimited time to save for that dream vacation or luxury purchase.

Welcome bonus:

You get 30,000 bonus Membership Rewards points when you spend R10,000 within the first three months of activating your new card. Your points never expire, and you earn points every time you or your supplementary Card members spend on the cards. 

How points accumulate:

Every eligible purchase earns you 1.5 points per R5 spent, whether you're buying groceries, booking flights, paying for dining, or making online purchases. Supplementary cardholders also earn points that contribute to your account, accelerating your rewards accumulation.

Redemption flexibility:

Transfer points to other frequent flyer and hotel programmes. Buy foreign currency and book your travel through Tourvest. Purchase pre-paid airtime. Donate to charitable organisations. Pay for annual or monthly card and Membership Rewards fees. Spend points on your Membership Rewards Card at any Amex-accepting merchant.

Membership Rewards is the only rewards programme in South Africa to offer its members the ability to choose from five airlines worldwide. We have partnered with four global airline rewards programmes, enabling you to exchange your Membership Rewards points for miles with the British Airways Executive Club, EL AL Matmid Frequent Flyer Club, SAA Voyager and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.

Understanding how premium credit cards work can help you maximise benefits while using them responsibly.

What are the benefits of the Nedbank American Express Platinum Credit Card?

Premium travel benefits:

• Receive travel insurance of up to R10 million when you buy your travel tickets with your Platinum Credit Card

• Automatic worldwide travel insurance for you, your partner, children, and Supplementary Card Members

• Enjoy access to The Centurion Lounges and The Global Lounge Collection worldwide

• Priority Pass membership with access to more than 1,200 lounges in 400 cities

• Unlimited access to any Bidvest Premier airport lounge locally

• If your luggage is delayed, spend up to R3,500 on clothes and other essential items on your Platinum Credit Card

• Access to a wide range of additional travel service benefits, including optional top-up cover with enhanced benefits

• Cover for pre-existing medical conditions for travelers between three months and 74 years 

Accelerated rewards earning:

• Earn 30,000 bonus Membership Rewards points when approved and spend R10,000 within first three months

• Get automatic enrollment to the Membership Rewards Programme

• Earn an accelerated 1.5 points for every R5 eligible spend

• Points earned can be used to pay for local and international flights, hotels, cruises and holiday packages

• Points can be redeemed for gifts or a large choice of household items

• Your points never expire

• Earn unlimited Membership Rewards points with no caps 

Lifestyle and entertainment:

• Get 50% off on Nu Metro movie tickets and a medium popcorn-and-soda combo

• Enjoy exclusive Hertz and Avis car hire discounts

• Access to discounts on exclusive brands, streaming services, movie and dining experiences

• Private invitations to exclusive events

• Airline and hotel upgrades 

Financial flexibility:

• Get up to 55 days' interest-free credit

• Pay zero fees on card swipes

• Use your budget facility and pay off your purchase over a chosen term

• Preferential debit interest rates (for premium cardholders)

• Balance transfers at preferential rates

• Get credit life insurance

Card features and security:

• Your card is chip- and PIN-enabled for added security

• Transactional SMS notifications (free)

• Set your transfer and withdrawal limits using the Money app

• Block and replace or freeze and unfreeze your card using the Nedbank Money app

• Stop or block your card at any time

• Tap and go contactless payments

• Link your card to Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay or Garmin Pay

• You can create up to 10 virtual cards for free, with enhanced security features

• Each virtual card has its own unique number and security code

• Same-day card replacement service (including delivery)

• Protection against fraudulent use locally and internationally 

Supplementary cards:

Get 1 complimentary additional card for your spouse or partner and earn Membership Rewards faster. Additional supplementary cards are available for a monthly fee, helping your family earn points together.

Digital banking:

• Get unlimited free access to your credit score on the Money app

• Use our free MoneyTracker feature on the Money app to track your spending

• You can draw up budgets, manage cash from side hustles, monitor your business finances

• Get instant electronic access to your bank statement with Nedbank eStatements

• For convenient Cellphone Banking, dial 120001#

• Manage your card through the Money app or Online Banking 

Learn more about maximising credit card rewards while maintaining responsible financial habits.

Note: The credit facility service fee may vary depending on your risk profile (maximum of R69). The credit facility service fee covers the costs associated with providing the credit facility, up to 55 days' interest-free credit, routine administration and maintenance of the credit facility, as well as the cost of capital associated with providing the credit facility.

All fees are subject to change. Always verify current fees with Nedbank before applying.

Premium Investment: With significant annual fees, this card requires substantial spending to justify the cost. Use the JustMoney Budget Calculator to determine if premium card benefits outweigh costs for your lifestyle and spending patterns.

Eligibility requirements

To apply for the American Express Platinum Credit Card:

• You need to be over 18 years old

• You need to live in South Africa, and have a valid South African ID or a valid passport and work permit

• You need to earn at least R62,500 a month before tax and have a healthy credit score 

Minimum income requirement: R62,500 per month equals R750,000 per year. This is a premium card designed for high earners.

Credit score matters: a healthy credit score is essential for approval at preferential rates. Check your credit score for FREE to see where you stand before applying.

Who should consider this card?

The American Express Platinum Credit Card is ideal for:

1. High-income earners (R62,500+ monthly) who want premium travel benefits and luxury lifestyle perks.

2. Frequent international travellers who will use unlimited lounge access, comprehensive travel insurance, and global benefits.

3. Business professionals who travel regularly and can expense card fees while enjoying personal benefits.

4. Luxury lifestyle enthusiasts who value exclusive access to hotels, restaurants, entertainment, and premium experiences.

5. Rewarders who spend substantially (R50,000+ monthly) and want accelerated points earning on all purchases.

6. Status seekers who appreciate the prestige and recognition that come with a Platinum Amex card.

7. Responsible spenders who pay off balances monthly and can justify premium annual fees through benefits usage

8. Family travellers who will maximise lounge access for spouse/partner and children with supplementary cards.

Not sure if premium credit cards are worth it? Read our guide on choosing the right credit card and learn about responsible credit use.

Take control of your financial health today

Premium credit cards are powerful financial tools for high earners, but only when used strategically. At JustMoney, we provide the tools and resources you need to take complete control of your financial life.

Free budget calculator

Can you afford R62,500+ monthly income and premium card fees? Our Budget Calculator helps you:

• Assess whether your income supports premium card eligibility 

• Calculate if annual fees are justified by your spending patterns 

• Determine your disposable income for substantial monthly spending 

• Plan to pay off full balance monthly (CRITICAL for premium cards) 

• Evaluate if premium benefits match your lifestyle and travel habits 

Check your credit score: Free and instant

Premium cards like the Amex Platinum require excellent credit scores for approval. Understanding your credit health is essential before applying for high-end credit products.

Register on the JustMoney platform today and get:

1. Free credit score check - See if you qualify for premium cards 

2. Credit report analysis - Understand what affects premium card approval 

3. Personalised recommendations - Get tips to achieve excellent credit 

4. Application readiness assessment - Know if you're premium-card ready 

5. Regular updates - Track how premium card use affects your score 

6. Financial education resources - Learn to manage premium credit responsibly

Register now and check your credit score for FREE - it only takes a few minutes, won't affect your score, and tells you exactly where you stand before applying for premium products. Don't waste time applying if you don't qualify; know your readiness first.