Is it Worth the American Express Card in Belgium?

Introduction

For many Belgians, an American Express card is associated with premium travel, airport lounges, and exclusive experiences. But with higher annual fees than most Belgian credit cards, a question arises: is it really worth it? The answer depends on your lifestyle and spending habits. For frequent travelers, food enthusiasts, and those who enjoy luxury perks, American Express can offer value that far outweighs the cost.

👉 Get 150,000 Points for the American Express Platinum Card in Belgium

👉 Get 60,000 Points for the American Express Gold Card in Belgium

What Makes American Express Different?

Unlike traditional credit cards offered by Belgian banks, American Express focuses on rewards and lifestyle benefits rather than just payments. Every euro you spend earns Membership Rewards points, which can be redeemed for flights, hotels, upgrades, and even shopping.

Amex also offers some of the highest welcome bonuses in Belgium. With the American Express Platinum Card, you can currently receive up to 150,000 bonus points via referral, while the American Express Gold Card comes with 60,000 points. These bonuses alone can cover flights or hotel stays, making the first year’s membership incredibly rewarding.

Key Benefits of American Express in Belgium

Membership Rewards

The Membership Rewards program is at the heart of Amex. Unlike some loyalty schemes, points never expire. You can save them up for major redemptions like business-class flights or luxury hotel stays. This flexibility makes the program especially attractive to frequent travelers.

Airport Lounge Access

One of the most valuable perks for Belgian travelers is lounge access.

American Express Platinum cardholders get unlimited access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide through Priority Pass Prestige (value: €459 per year).
American Express Gold cardholders enjoy four lounge passes per year, worth up to €200.

If you fly regularly from Brussels Airport or other European hubs, this benefit alone can justify the annual fee.

Exclusive Dining Experiences

Amex has recently improved its dining benefits in Belgium.

With the American Express Platinum Card, you receive three three-course dinners for two people every year at select Belgian restaurants.
With the American Express Gold Card, you enjoy one dinner for two each year in the Benelux region.

This new format feels more tangible than the old “restaurant credit” system and offers real experiences that you can enjoy with friends or family.

Travel Insurance and Purchase Protection

Booking trips with your American Express card gives you access to comprehensive travel insurance covering cancellations, lost luggage, and medical costs abroad. Purchases are also protected against theft or damage, and many items come with extended warranty. These protections add peace of mind whenever you shop or travel.

What Does It Cost?

Premium benefits come at a price. In Belgium, the annual fees are:

Amex Platinum: approx. €700 per year
Amex Gold: approx. €300 per year

At first glance, these fees may seem high compared to standard Belgian cards. But when you add up the value of lounge visits, insurance, exclusive dinners, and welcome bonuses, many cardholders find that the benefits outweigh the costs.

For example, a single frequent traveler who uses lounges and claims the three Platinum dinners can easily get several hundred euros’ worth of value each year, not counting the welcome bonus.

Who Should Get an Amex in Belgium?

An American Express card makes sense if you:

Travel regularly for business or leisure
Want access to lounges, fine dining, and exclusive experiences
Spend enough annually to make the most of Membership Rewards
Value premium perks over basic cashback

If you rarely travel and only need a card for everyday purchases, then a standard bank-issued credit card may be more suitable.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

So, is an American Express card worth it in Belgium? For the right type of cardholder, the answer is a clear yes. Between welcome bonuses, airport lounge access, exclusive dining experiences, and strong insurance coverage, Amex provides far more than just a payment method.

If you travel often, dine out a few times a year, and want to enjoy premium benefits, American Express can easily deliver more value than its annual fee. It’s not just a card—it’s a lifestyle upgrade.

How to Apply for Amex in Belgium

If you’re ready to take advantage of the benefits, the best way to apply is through a referral. Referral offers provide the highest welcome bonuses currently available in Belgium.