You were just approved for your new American Express Card… Congratulations! As with any new credit/charge card, there are often benefits that you need to enroll in in order to maximize their potential. For this post, we are going to focus on the American Express Platinum and its outsized intro bonus and benefits!
Enroll in Airline Credit
As a benefit of your American Express Platinum, you earn a $200 annual Airline Incidental fee that can be used on things such as onboard food and beverage, seat selection fees, baggage fees, seat upgrade fees, and airline lounge fees. The caveat to this is that you must select your airline each year for this credit, and typically ticket fares and gift cards will not apply towards this. If you are signing up halfway through the year, your credit will reset again come January 1st!
Sign up for your Uber/Uber Eats Credit
Amex platinum card holders receive Uber VIP status, Uber Eats Pass, and $15 a month credit that can be used for either service($35 in December). This benefit resets monthly, so make sure you don’t let it go to waste!
Marriott and Hilton Gold Status
If you are someone who travels often, this perk can be a gamechanger! If you already have Marriott and Hilton accounts, simply follow the prompts on the benefits tab of your American Express Platinum card on americanexpress.com to link them to your card. You will typically be upgraded to gold status within 48 hours but it may certainly be sooner.
Sign up for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
Another great perk of the American Express Platinum is the credit(every 4 years) for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. If you plan on not leaving the country, TSA PreCheck is an easier process and allows you to expedite airport security screenings as well as keep your shoes on and laptops in your bag! If you plan on traveling outside of the country, I recommend going the extra mile and signing up for Global Entry, as this includes TSA PreCheck as a part of its process.
Enroll In CLEAR
A new benefit to the American Express platinum is a yearly $179 credit for CLEAR. If you are unfamiliar with CLEAR, it is biometric service that expedites your time in airport security even more than TSA PreCheck. It is only available at certain airports, however the credit is free… so don’t let it go to waste!
Sign Up For Elite Car Rental Status
I personally am a fan of National Rental Car, however as a part of your benefits you earn National Executive, Avis Preferred, and Hertz Gold Plus Status. This can save you hundreds of dollars in a trip and often results in some pretty cool cars. Arguably my greatest grab was a brand new 2019 Camaro with 1 mile on the odometer!
Sign Up For Digital Entertainment Credits
New to the revamped American Express Platinum is the $20 a month entertainment credit for Audible, The New York Times, SiriusXM or Peacock. If you have already signed up for SiriusXM or Peacock on a yearly plan, call and switch to a monthly option to use your credits!
Use Your $200 Hotel Credit
As a part of Fine Hotels and Resorts, the American Express Platinum is now giving a $200 hotel credit if you book online using the AMEX Travel site. Keep in mind you most likely won’t earn points or reward nights for this stay but its also highly possible it will be free!
Use Your $100 Saks 5th Avenue Credit
This is arguably the most difficult credit to use… because everything on Sak’s website is insanely overpriced. This credit is divided into two $50 statement credits(Jan-June and July-December). Check the clearance section and buy things you normally wouldn’t spend money on… like a $45 cocktail shaker!
Sign Up For Free Two-Day Shipping
Included in your annual fee is free Two-Day Shipping with ShopRunner… for those times Amazon Prime just isn’t cutting it!
American Express Offers
Don’t forget to check out the “offers” section on your main portal site. You can often find extra membership rewards points or dollars off a certain spend for different stores. Ensure you click “add to card” and follow the requirements!
Delta SkyClub
This isn’t a benefit you need to sign up for, but ensure you link your American Express Platinum to your Fly Delta app on your phone to gain access to the Delta SkyClub while flying Delta. This lounge gives you access to free food and drinks(including alcohol), as well as a quieter place to hang out before you board your plane. Fun fact my favorite SkyClubs are the following:
- Detroit Metro Airport(DTW)
- There are actually 3 Delta Sky Clubs in the McNamara Terminal but the main hub location is my favorite.
- Austin, TX(AUS)
- Tampa, FL(TPA)
American Express Centurion Lounge
If you are in an airport with a Centurion Lounge… GO! These lounges are the best lounges you will find in an airport with top shelf liquor, gourmet food, and quiet atmosphere that allows you to either work or relax while traveling.
What is your favorite American Express Platinum benefit? Leave a comment below!
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