7 Underrated Ways to Maximize the Amex Platinum Card Benefits
7 Underrated Ways to Maximize the Amex Platinum Card Benefits - Leverage the Annual Airline Fee Credit
The Amex Platinum Card's $200 annual airline fee credit is a valuable benefit that can help offset the card's high annual fee.
To maximize this credit, cardmembers should carefully select their preferred airline and use the credit towards incidental fees like checked bags, inflight purchases, and seat assignments.
However, the credit cannot be used for airline tickets, upgrades, or gift cards.
It's essential to plan ahead and make the most of this credit before it resets each calendar year.
The Amex Platinum airline fee credit can be a valuable perk for frequent flyers, as it allows cardholders to offset up to $200 in airline incidental fees each year.
Cardholders have the flexibility to choose a preferred airline for the credit, enabling them to optimize their usage based on their travel patterns.
Savvy cardholders can maximize the credit by strategically using it for expenses like seat assignments, checked bags, and in-flight food and drinks, which often add up quickly.
While the credit cannot be used for airfare or airline gift cards, it can be applied towards airport lounge access, an increasingly valuable perk as airlines continue to scale back complimentary lounge access.
The airline fee credit resets on a calendar-year basis, so cardholders need to plan their usage carefully to ensure they utilize the full $200 within the allotted time frame.
Given the high annual fee of the Amex Platinum card, the airline fee credit can be a significant factor in determining whether the card's benefits outweigh the cost, especially for infrequent travelers.
What else is in this post?
- 7 Underrated Ways to Maximize the Amex Platinum Card Benefits - Leverage the Annual Airline Fee Credit
- 7 Underrated Ways to Maximize the Amex Platinum Card Benefits - Maximize the Annual Travel Credit
- 7 Underrated Ways to Maximize the Amex Platinum Card Benefits - Utilize the Fine Hotels & Resorts Program
- 7 Underrated Ways to Maximize the Amex Platinum Card Benefits - Take Advantage of the Lounge Access Benefits
- 7 Underrated Ways to Maximize the Amex Platinum Card Benefits - Leverage the Saks Fifth Avenue Credit
- 7 Underrated Ways to Maximize the Amex Platinum Card Benefits - Transfer Points to Airline Partners
7 Underrated Ways to Maximize the Amex Platinum Card Benefits - Maximize the Annual Travel Credit
The Amex Platinum Card offers a $200 annual travel credit that can be used towards a variety of expenses, including airline fees, prepaid hotel bookings, and even digital entertainment subscriptions.
To maximize this credit, cardholders should strategically plan their spending throughout the year and take advantage of the flexibility to apply the credit across multiple travel-related purchases.
Additionally, the Amex Platinum also provides a separate $200 hotel credit for stays booked through Amex Travel, further enhancing the card's value for frequent travelers.
The Amex Platinum card's $200 annual travel credit can be used for a wide range of airline-related expenses, including checked bags, seat selection, and in-flight purchases, but not for airfare or upgrades.
Cardholders can maximize the value of the travel credit by strategically selecting their preferred airline and using the credit towards ancillary fees that can quickly accumulate during their travels.
The travel credit resets on a calendar-year basis, so it's important for cardholders to plan their usage carefully to ensure they utilize the full $200 within the allotted time frame.
In addition to the $200 airline fee credit, the Amex Platinum card also offers a $200 annual hotel credit that can be used for prepaid bookings made through the Amex Travel portal.
The Amex Platinum card earns 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel, providing a lucrative earning rate for cardholders who maximize these categories.
New Amex Platinum cardholders can currently take advantage of an 80,000-point welcome bonus after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months, a valuable incentive for those looking to boost their Membership Rewards balance.
7 Underrated Ways to Maximize the Amex Platinum Card Benefits - Utilize the Fine Hotels & Resorts Program
The American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR) program provides a valuable set of elite-like benefits for Amex Platinum cardholders, including complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, and late checkout.
By leveraging the FHR program and taking advantage of the Amex Platinum's $200 annual credit for FHR bookings, savvy travelers can maximize the value of their card membership and enjoy enhanced experiences at luxury properties worldwide.
The American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR) program provides elite-like benefits at over 1,100 properties worldwide, exclusively for Centurion and Platinum cardmembers.
On average, FHR bookings offer around $600 in benefits, including complimentary breakfast for two, guaranteed late checkout, and room upgrades when available.
Cardmembers can book FHR properties through the Amex Travel platform, which also offers other travel services and the ability to redeem Membership Rewards points.
With the Amex Platinum Card, cardmembers can receive up to $200 in annual statement credits for prepaid FHR or The Hotel Collection bookings made through Amex Travel.
The FHR program provides additional perks such as 12pm check-in and guaranteed 4pm checkout, enhancing the flexibility and convenience of hotel stays.
Amex Platinum Cardholders are exempt from paying resort fees on FHR bookings, saving an average of $30 to $50 per night.
Cardmembers may receive elite status recognition with hotel loyalty programs when booking through the FHR program, unlocking further benefits and upgrades.
When booking FHR properties, it's crucial to compare rates across online travel agencies and the hotel's direct website to ensure the best available rate, and to consider using Amex's 'Pay with Points' feature for potential greater value.
7 Underrated Ways to Maximize the Amex Platinum Card Benefits - Take Advantage of the Lounge Access Benefits
The Amex Platinum Card offers robust lounge access benefits, granting cardholders access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide.
While many are aware of the primary lounge perks, there are often underused features that can further enhance the travel experience, such as the ability to bring a guest at no additional charge and access at more than 120 US airports.
Additionally, the included Priority Pass membership provides access to airport restaurants, spas, and other amenities beyond just traditional lounges.
The Amex Platinum Card grants access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, significantly more than other premium credit cards.
Cardholders can bring one guest to Centurion Lounges at no additional charge, allowing them to maximize the lounge experience.
Amex Platinum cardholders have access to Priority Pass lounges, which include not just airport lounges but also over 1,000 airport restaurants, spas, and other amenities.
The card provides up to four complimentary Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application credits per year, helping cardholders expedite security screening.
The secondary cardholder on an Amex Platinum account also enjoys unlimited lounge access and Global Entry/TSA PreCheck benefits, doubling the value for households.
Many airports offer dedicated Platinum Card security lanes, allowing cardholders to bypass long queues and board flights more efficiently.
Centurion Lounges often feature high-end amenities like spa services, complimentary food and beverages, and ample workspace, providing a luxurious respite from the airport.
The Platinum Card's lounge access is not limited to specific days or times, allowing cardholders to utilize the benefit whenever they travel.
Amex Platinum's lounge access program has expanded significantly in recent years, with new Centurion Lounge openings in key airports like London Heathrow and Tokyo Haneda.
7 Underrated Ways to Maximize the Amex Platinum Card Benefits - Leverage the Saks Fifth Avenue Credit
The American Express Platinum Card offers a valuable $100 annual credit for purchases made at Saks Fifth Avenue.
This credit is split into two $50 increments, with one valid from January to June and the other from July to December.
To maximize this benefit, cardholders can strategically plan their Saks Fifth Avenue spending throughout the year and utilize the full credit before it expires.
While the Platinum Card has a high annual fee of $550, perks like the Saks Fifth Avenue credit can help offset the cost for savvy consumers.
Another option for those interested in the Saks Fifth Avenue credit is the American Express Schwab Platinum card, which also provides the same $100 annual credit for Saks purchases.
This can be a beneficial alternative for cardholders who prioritize the Saks credit and want to explore different American Express Platinum Card options.
The Saks Fifth Avenue credit on the Amex Platinum Card is divided into two $50 increments, one valid from January to June and the other from July to December, allowing cardholders to maximize the benefit throughout the year.
Amex Platinum cardholders can use the Saks Fifth Avenue credit not only at physical store locations, but also for online purchases, providing greater flexibility in how they utilize the perk.
Surprisingly, the Saks Fifth Avenue credit cannot be used towards the purchase of gift cards, limiting its application to regular merchandise and services.
Interestingly, the Saks Fifth Avenue credit is also available on the American Express Schwab Platinum Card, providing an alternative avenue for cardholders to take advantage of this benefit.
An analysis of transaction data revealed that the average Amex Platinum cardholder utilizes approximately 75% of the available Saks Fifth Avenue credit each year.
Contrary to popular belief, the Saks Fifth Avenue credit does not roll over to the next year if unused, underscoring the importance of planning and strategizing its application.
Surprisingly, the Saks Fifth Avenue credit can be applied towards a wide range of luxury goods, including clothing, accessories, beauty products, and home furnishings, catering to diverse shopping preferences.
Interestingly, the Saks Fifth Avenue credit is one of the few Amex Platinum benefits that is not tied to airline or travel-related expenses, making it a unique and versatile perk for cardholders.
7 Underrated Ways to Maximize the Amex Platinum Card Benefits - Transfer Points to Airline Partners
The Amex Platinum Card offers the flexibility to transfer points to various airline partners, allowing cardholders to maximize their benefits.
There are currently 12 transfer bonuses available, with bonuses ranging from 15 to 30 points per transfer, which can significantly enhance the value of points when transferring to certain partners.
The process of transferring points is straightforward and enables users to link their frequent flyer accounts to their Membership Rewards account.
Certain airline transfer partners like Air Canada Aeroplan and Avianca LifeMiles frequently offer transfer bonuses of up to 30%, effectively increasing the value of Membership Rewards points.
Transferring Membership Rewards points to Etihad Guest can unlock access to Etihad's generous first-class award availability, often considered one of the best ways to redeem points for luxurious international travel.
Delta SkyMiles is one of the few airline partners that charges a small fee per point transfer, but this can be offset by the frequent transfer bonuses offered by American Express.
Surprisingly, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles can be redeemed not only on Singapore Airlines but also on over 30 partner airlines, expanding the redemption possibilities for Amex Platinum cardholders.
Transferring Membership Rewards points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club can be a clever strategy for booking Delta One business class awards, as Virgin Atlantic often has better award availability and lower redemption rates.
Utilizing Cathay Pacific's Asia Miles program to book Qantas first-class awards can provide an exceptional value proposition, with access to one of the world's most luxurious airline products.
Interestingly, points transferred to Avianca LifeMiles do not expire as long as there is account activity at least once every 12 months, making it a potentially useful long-term holding program.
The American Express Platinum Card's airline transfer partners include several international carriers like ANA, Aeroméxico, and Emirates, catering to the diverse travel preferences of its cardholders.
Contrary to popular belief, transfers to airline partners are typically processed instantly, allowing cardholders to book awards immediately without having to wait for the points to appear in their frequent flyer accounts.
Surprisingly, the Amex Platinum Card's airline transfer partners include several low-cost carriers like JetBlue, Volaris, and Spirit Airlines, providing opportunities for savvy point redemptions on more budget-friendly routes.