The Indigo Platinum Mastercard is a premium travel rewards card aimed at frequent travellers who want access to luxury perks and benefits. With a $550 annual fee, it sits at the higher end of the market – but for jet-setters who maximize the card’s rewards, the annual fee can easily pay for itself.
Generous Rewards Program
One major advantage of the Indigo Platinum card is its lucrative rewards program. Cardholders earn:
- 5x points on flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises, and other travel purchases
- 3x points at restaurants, grocery stores, and gas stations
- 1x point per dollar on all other purchases
These bonus category earnings rates are among the highest offered by rewards cards. For instance, the 5x earning on travel purchases matches or beats most competitor’s cards. By spending heavily in these categories, it’s possible to rack up points quickly.
Points can be redeemed for cash back, gift cards, travel, and more. There’s no limit on the number of points that can be earned, and points don’t expire as long as the account remains open.
Up to 60,000 Bonus Points
New cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus points by spending $3,000 on the card within the first 3 months. This provides an easy way to accumulate a large stash of points quickly. The 60,000 point bonus is worth around $600 in cash back or can cover the cost of multiple free hotel nights or flights.
Automatic Elite Status
Upon approval, cardholders are granted automatic Platinum Elite status with Indigo’s travel loyalty program. This confers a range of upgrades, perks, and benefits when booking travel through Indigo. Expect room upgrades, priority check-in, late checkout, and more. Higher status means better treatment.
Premium Travel Benefits
Beyond its earnings potential, some of the top value of the Indigo Platinum card comes from its luxury travel benefits:
$200 Annual Travel Credit
Each cardmember year, Indigo offers a $200 annual travel credit automatically applied to the first eligible travel purchases charged to the card. This helps offset the annual fee or can fund a weekend getaway. Flights, hotels, vacation rentals, car rentals, taxis, rideshares and more all qualify.
Airport Lounge Access
Gain complimentary access to over 1,300 airport VIP lounges across the Indigo network. Escape busy terminals and enjoy free food and drinks, Wi-Fi, newspapers, showers, and more before your flight. Some lounges even offer spa services. Authorized users also get lounge access when travelling with the primary cardholder.
TSA PreCheck or Global Entry Credit
Every 4-5 years, Indigo offers up to a $100 statement credit towards applying for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. These programs provide expedited airport screening, allowing members to leave on shoes, belts, and light jackets and avoid lengthy security lines. The credit effectively makes the program free.
Premium Rental Car Coverage
When renting a car paid for with the Platinum card, you’re covered for damage or theft. Unlike some cards, there’s no deductible to pay – coverage is primary. Avoid paying extra for rental company insurance and file no claims with your auto insurer.
Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance
If illness, severe weather or another covered reason forces you to cancel or cut short a trip booked with the card, you may be reimbursed up to $10,000 per trip for pre-paid, non-refundable expenses like travel and accommodations. This can save a ruined vacation.
Trip Delay Reimbursement
Few things are more frustrating than a significantly delayed flight or other common carrier trip. With the Platinum card, you get up to $500 per purchased ticket to cover additional costs like meals and lodging when a trip is delayed 12+ hours or requires an overnight stay.
Premium Shopping Protections
Beyond travel benefits, Indigo Platinum also protects your purchases with features like:
Extended Warranty Protection
When you purchase an item with your Platinum card, the standard 1-year manufacturer’s warranty is automatically extended by an additional year. This benefit applies to warranties of 3 years or less and covers up to $10,000 per claim.
Purchase Protection
Have a new purchase damaged, stolen, or lost within 120 days? You may be covered up to $1,000 per claim and $50,000 per account. This takes the sting out of accidents ruining new belongings.
Return Protection
Ever have a merchant refused to accept a return even though their policy still allows it? Return Protection can refund you up to $300 per item within 90 days of purchase, up to a $1,000 annual maximum.
Price Protection
Find a lower published price within 120 days on something you bought with the Platinum card and you may be reimbursed the difference up to $250 per item. There’s an annual limit of $1,000 per account. This ensures you always pay the lowest price.
Additional Premium Perks
Beyond rewards and protections, the Indigo Platinum card confers a range of luxury perks and elite services:
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Avoid pesky foreign transaction fees of up to 3% on the Indigo Platinum card. This makes the card ideal for international travellers who want to make purchases abroad without extra charges. Most cards impose these fees.
Premium Travel Services
As an Indigo Platinum holder, you get access to a dedicated premium travel service for help booking flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises and more. Expect special rates, perks, and elite treatment not available to the general public. Consider the concierge your travel agent.
Global Dining Collection
Dine in style across the globe with the Global Dining Collection. This program provides exclusive access to over 3,000 top-tier restaurants worldwide, with preferred reservations and VIP treatment. Try coveted tables that are booked months in advance.
Concierge Service
Platinum’s 24/7 concierge service assists with everything from booking event tickets to securing restaurant reservations. The concierge acts as your assistant. On-site representatives in top destinations can greet you at the airport or hotel and handle special requests during your stay.
Complimentary Anniversary Gift
Each year on your cardmember anniversary, enjoy a premium hotel stay gift – up to 2 consecutive complimentary nights at a luxury Indigo hotel or resort. This is a unique benefit few competitors offer.
Drawbacks and Fine Print
The Platinum card isn’t perfect. Here are a few potential drawbacks to consider:
- The $550 annual fee is steep – but can be offset by using the card’s credits and benefits
- No introductory APR offer – purchases accrue interest immediately unless paid in full
- Cap on the amount of bonus points earned from spending caps in key categories
For certain benefits like purchase protection, there are limits in fine print on claim amounts and eligible items. Read the details to understand coverage and restrictions fully.
Luxury Card, Luxury Perks
With an exceptionally strong combination of travel perks, shopping benefits, and premium services, the Indigo Platinum Mastercard caters to affluent travellers who want luxury treatment and rewards. The high annual fee is offset for frequent travellers who can maximize point earnings and take advantage of elite benefits like airport lounge access and hotel elite status.
While it carries a high fee compared to no-frills cards, the Platinum card’s exceptional rewards value makes it well worth considering for those who travel regularly and spend heavily on dining, shopping, and entertainment. Use the card strategically to tap into exclusive VIP access and treatment worldwide.