If you’re looking to get the most out of your American Express Platinum card, you’re in the right place. The AMEX Platinum, one of the most prestigious credit cards accessible to the general public, comes with a hefty $695 annual fee. However, with the right approach, you can claw back much more in value from the array of benefits on offer. Here’s a rundown of 14 essential things you should do when you get your Platinum card to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth.
Key Points:
- Unlock
Over $1,500 in Credits: With various credits and perks available,
there’s a lot of potential value to be gained.
- Complimentary
Hotel and Car Rental Statuses: Elevate your travel experience with
free upgrades and extra perks.
- Maximize
Lounge Access and Airport Benefits: Save time and relax during travel
with Priority Pass and other airport perks.
- Annual
Fee Offset: Effectively using even a portion of the available credits
can significantly offset the card's $695 annual fee.
1. Activate Hilton Gold Status
The Platinum card grants complimentary Hilton Gold status,
the second-highest tier in the Hilton Honors program. With it, you can enjoy
room upgrades, 80% bonus points on stays, and either a free breakfast or a food
and beverage credit at participating hotels. To activate, log into your AMEX
online account, go to Rewards and Benefits, and enroll. Be sure to do this at
least 72 hours before your next Hilton stay.
2. Enroll in Marriott Gold Status
Like Hilton, AMEX Platinum offers complimentary Marriott
Gold status. Although not as extensive as Hilton's benefits, Marriott Gold
still provides perks like 2 p.m. late checkout and room upgrades. Enrollment
can be completed on the same benefits page where you activate Hilton Gold
status.
3. Car Rental Program Enrollment
The AMEX Platinum gives you elevated status with three major
car rental agencies: Avis, Hertz, and National. By enrolling, you can enjoy
perks like priority service and vehicle upgrades. There’s even a trick to
upgrade to National's Executive Elite status using your Hilton Gold status,
allowing for more flexible rental options.
4. Sign Up for Priority Pass Lounge Access
Access to Priority Pass lounges is one of the most valuable
benefits of the Platinum card. With over 1,600 lounges worldwide, it’s a great
way to make your airport experience more comfortable. While the Centurion
Lounges are more exclusive, Priority Pass ensures that you’ll find a relaxing
spot no matter where you travel.
5. Enroll in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
You can get a $120 credit towards TSA PreCheck or Global
Entry every four years, allowing you to skip the longer lines at airport
security. Note that Global Entry also includes TSA PreCheck, making it the
better choice if you frequently travel internationally.
6. Activate the Uber Credit
Platinum cardholders receive $15 in Uber Cash each month,
and $35 in December, totaling $200 per year. Use these credits for Uber rides
or Uber Eats orders. Make sure your AMEX Platinum is added as a payment method
in the Uber app to take full advantage of the benefit.
7. Choose Your Airline for the $200 Airline Fee Credit
The AMEX Platinum offers a $200 airline credit that can be
used towards incidental fees like checked bags or in-flight purchases. Select
your preferred airline each year through the benefits page. You may also be
able to change your airline mid-year if you haven’t used any of the credits
yet.
8. Enroll in the $240 Digital Entertainment Credit
Receive up to $20 per month in statement credits for
subscriptions to services like Disney+, Hulu, Peacock, ESPN+, The New York
Times, and The Wall Street Journal. Simply add your AMEX Platinum as the
payment method for your subscriptions.
9. Activate the Walmart+ Membership Credit
Walmart+ membership fees are covered by the Platinum card,
providing $12.95 per month plus tax in statement credits. This membership
offers benefits like free delivery from Walmart and gas discounts at
participating stations.
10. Sign Up for Clear Membership
Clear is another airport security program that can speed up
your entry. The $189 membership fee is fully covered by the card, but you must
enroll in person at a Clear enrollment center, typically found at airports.
11. Use the $300 Equinox Credit
The $300 credit can be used towards an Equinox membership or
SoulCycle bike purchases. This is particularly useful if you’re near an Equinox
location or interested in their digital fitness offerings.
12. Take Advantage of the $200 Hotel Credit
AMEX Platinum offers a $200 credit for bookings made through
the Fine Hotels & Resorts or The Hotel Collection. These bookings come with
additional perks like free breakfast, early check-in, and late checkout. Make
sure to book through the AMEX Travel portal to enjoy these benefits.
13. Enroll in the $100 Saks Fifth Avenue Credit
The Platinum card provides a $100 annual credit for
purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue, split into two $50 credits for the first and
second halves of the year. Even if Saks isn't your go-to store, it’s worth
using the credit for smaller purchases or during sales.
14. Carry the Physical Card
Some benefits, like lounge access at certain locations, may
require a physical card for entry. Don’t forget to keep it in your wallet for
easy access and to show off that Platinum status.
Conclusion
By taking advantage of these 14 benefits, you can save up to
$1,500 annually, effectively offsetting the $695 fee and getting more value
from your Platinum card. Even using just half of these credits will
significantly reduce the annual cost, so be proactive and make sure you’re not
missing out on any of these perks.
Let us know in the comments how much value you’re getting
from the card and share any tips you might have missed!