Santander American Express The Platinum Card
Santander's premium American Express card, with Esfera points that never expire and international VIP lounge access.
Overview
The Santander American Express The Platinum Card is a high-income credit card issued by Santander under the American Express network. It earns 2.2 points per dollar in the Esfera program (Membership Rewards), with no expiration, and points transfer to airline programs such as LATAM Pass, Smiles and Azul Fidelidade. It bundles classic Amex Platinum benefits: 24h concierge, Fine Hotels & Resorts, robust travel insurance and VIP lounge access. Note: in 2026 Santander suspended new American Express card applications; confirm availability through official channels.
Who it's for
Aimed at high-income clients who travel frequently, value non-expiring points, Amex Platinum benefits (concierge, Fine Hotels & Resorts, insurance) and want to transfer points to airline mileage programs.
Points earning
Earns 2.2 points per dollar spent on all purchases, with no point expiration.
Points program and transfers
Points accrue in the Esfera program (linked to Amex Membership Rewards) and do not expire. From Esfera, points can be transferred to airline mileage programs, notably LATAM Pass, Smiles and Azul Fidelidade, often with promotional transfer bonuses of 50% to 100%.
Related promotions and news
Transfer bonuses and updates from the programs linked to this card, updated live.
Transfer promotions
Miles news
Annual fee and waiver rules
The standard annual fee is R$ 1,449.96, with no current regular waiver program. Old lifetime-waiver promotions (ended in 2022) are no longer available. Up to 4 supplementary cards free of charge; extra additional cards carry a cost. Confirm current terms with Santander.
How to apply
Applications are made through Santander channels (app, website or relationship manager), subject to credit analysis and income verification. Note: new issuances may be suspended in 2026 — verify through official channels before applying.
Income or net worth range
R$ 20,000
Typical requirements
- Minimum income of R$ 20,000
- Minimum age of 18 (primary holder)
- Credit approval by Santander
- A Santander relationship/account may be required
Ways to obtain
- Apply via the Santander app or website
- Undergo credit analysis and income verification
- Await approval and card issuance
VIP lounges
Access to VIP lounges including Centurion Lounges (note: the Guarulhos unit closed in 2025), W Premium Lounges, and Priority Pass with limited complimentary visits (about 2 per year), with additional access at reduced cost.
Network benefits
- 24h American Express concierge
- Fine Hotels & Resorts program with upgrades and late check-out
- Amex Selects / Selects Dining discounts
- Car rental status benefits (Hertz Gold Plus, Sixt)
- Up to 4 supplementary cards at no cost
- Exclusive Platinum benefits platform
Insurance
- International travel medical expense insurance (high US$ coverage)
- Baggage insurance
- Travel accident insurance
- Purchase protection (90 days)
Travel protections
- Trip cancellation/interruption coverage
- Virtual medical assistance on international trips
- Travel assistance via 24h concierge
Airline benefits
- Transfer of Esfera points to LATAM Pass, Smiles and Azul Fidelidade
- Airport VIP lounge access
Hotel benefits
- Fine Hotels & Resorts with room upgrade and late check-out
- Status benefits with partner hotel chains (e.g., Hilton Honors, Meliá)
Car rental benefits
- Hertz Gold Plus Rewards status
- Sixt Platinum benefits
✅ Advantages
- Points that never expire
- Earns 2.2 points per dollar on all purchases
- Transfers to LATAM Pass, Smiles and Azul
- Robust Platinum benefits (concierge, Fine Hotels & Resorts, insurance)
- Up to 4 supplementary cards at no cost
⚠️ Disadvantages
- High annual fee (R$ 1,449.96) with no regular waiver
- High minimum income (R$ 20,000)
- Limited complimentary Priority Pass visits (about 2/year)
- New issuances possibly suspended in 2026
Frequently asked questions
What is the Santander Amex Platinum points program?
The card earns points in the Esfera program (linked to Amex Membership Rewards), with no expiration, at 2.2 points per dollar spent.
Which airline programs can I transfer to?
From Esfera you can transfer to LATAM Pass, Smiles and Azul Fidelidade, among others, often with promotional bonuses.
What are the annual fee and minimum income?
The annual fee is R$ 1,449.96 per year (12x R$ 120.83) and the required minimum income is R$ 20,000.
Does the card provide VIP lounge access?
Yes, it includes Centurion Lounges and W Premium lounges, plus Priority Pass with limited complimentary visits (about 2 per year).
Can I still apply for the card in 2026?
Santander suspended new American Express card applications in 2026; existing clients keep their benefits. Confirm through official channels.
Sources consulted
Information gathered from official and specialized sources in 2026-07. Annual fee, income and rules change — always confirm on the issuer's official website.