American Express Platinum Travel Credit: Maximize Your Rewards

The American Express Platinum card offers a generous travel credit that can be redeemed for a wide range of travel-related expenses. This credit can be a game-changer for frequent travelers, and with the right strategy, you can maximize your rewards.

You can earn up to $200 in travel credits each year, which can be used towards flights, hotels, and other travel expenses. This credit can be applied to a single booking or split across multiple bookings throughout the year.

To take full advantage of this credit, consider booking your travel during the first three months of card membership, when the credit is most valuable. This is because the credit will be applied to your account within a few days of your first purchase, giving you a head start on your travel plans.

The Amex Platinum Card offers a range of benefits and perks that can enhance your travel experience. You can earn 5X Membership Rewards points when you book with your Platinum Card, including up to $500,000 per calendar year on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel.

The Fine Hotels + Resorts Program offers a range of benefits, including noon check-in and room upgrade, subject to availability. You'll also receive a $100 credit, which can be used towards eligible charges, such as food and drinks.

To take advantage of the Fine Hotels + Resorts Program, you'll need to book a stay through American Express Travel using your eligible Card. The program is available for new bookings made with participating properties and is valid for eligible U.S. Consumer, Business, and Corporate Platinum Card Members, and Centurion Members.

The Hotel Collection Program offers similar benefits, including a $100 credit and room upgrade, subject to availability. This program is available for new bookings of two consecutive nights or more made through American Express Travel with participating properties.

You can also take advantage of the Amex Platinum Card's Airline Incidental Fee Credit, which offers up to $200 per year in statement credits for airline incidental fees, such as checked bag fees and inflight refreshments.

Here's a summary of the benefits and perks offered by the Amex Platinum Card:

The Amex Platinum Card offers an impressive array of benefits, but some shine brighter than others. One of the most valuable perks is the Airline Incidental Fee Credit, which can cover inflight expenses like checked bag fees and inflight refreshments, up to $200 per calendar year.

This credit is automatically applied to your card, and you can use it to cover expenses on your selected airline. Some eligible expenses include checked bag fees, gate agents' service fees, and in-flight meal purchases.

To take advantage of this perk, you need to select your airline through the Amex app or website. Once you've done that, you can charge these expenses to your card, and the credit will be applied within 6-8 weeks.

Another valuable perk is the $200 hotel credit, which can be used for prepaid hotel bookings through Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts or The Hotel Collection. This credit can be used for a one-night stay, and you can even combine it with the hotel's property credit.

Here are some key details to keep in mind:

The Amex Platinum Card also offers a 5X Air and Hotel benefit, which can earn you 5 Membership Rewards points for every dollar charged for eligible travel purchases. This includes flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, and prepaid hotel reservations booked through American Express Travel.

To qualify for this benefit, your purchase must be made through American Express Travel, and you must have a Basic Card Member account. Some ineligible purchases include charter flights, private jet flights, and flights that are part of tours or cruises.

Lastly, the Amex Platinum Card offers up to $500,000 per calendar year in 5X Air and Hotel points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel. This can add up to a significant amount of points, especially if you're a frequent traveler.

Uber Cash is a convenient way to pay for your Uber rides. You can add funds to your Uber Cash balance using a credit or debit card.

With Uber Cash, you can earn rewards and discounts on your rides. For example, you can earn 5% cash back on your Uber rides with the Uber credit card.

You can use Uber Cash to pay for rides, food delivery, and other services offered by Uber. This can be especially helpful if you frequently use Uber services and want to save money on fees.

Uber Cash can be added in increments of $10, $20, $50, or $100, making it easy to manage your balance.

Booking your travel through American Express Travel is a great way to maximize your Platinum Card benefits. You can earn extra Membership Rewards points and take advantage of special offers.

Punta Mita, Mexico is one of the destinations you can book through American Express Travel. I've heard it's a beautiful place to relax and unwind.

You can earn up to $200 back in statement credits each year for prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings, or stays of two nights or more with The Hotel Collection. This is a great way to save money on your next trip.

Lounge access is one of the most coveted benefits of the American Express Platinum card. With this card, you can get into some of the best airport lounges in the country, including Alaska Lounge, American Airlines Admirals Club, Delta Sky Club, and United Club.

You can purchase day passes for these lounges, but be sure to select the applicable airline for the lounge charge to be covered. For example, if you choose Delta as your preferred airline, your charges to the Admirals Club won't be covered by your incidental fees.

Here are some airline-specific lounge access options:

If you purchase an annual lounge membership with your Amex Platinum card that costs more than $200, you'll be credited the entirety of the incidental fee credit at once.

The Global Lounge Collection is a perk offered by the Amex Platinum card. You can use your card to buy day passes to lounges like the Alaska Lounge, American Airlines Admirals Club, Delta Sky Club, and United Club.

These day passes can be a lifesaver on long layovers, especially if you don't have access to a lounge through your airline. United American and American Airlines both sell day passes, which can be purchased for $59 each.

To get reimbursed for your lounge fee, you'll need to select the applicable airline for the lounge charge to be covered. So if you choose Delta as your preferred airline, your charges to the Admirals Club won't be covered by your incidental fees.

Some lounges, like Delta Sky Clubs, have guest access available for purchase. Guest access can be bought for $50 for a standard day pass, and you'll be reimbursed for your entry fee if you pay with your Amex Platinum card and have Delta selected as your airline.

Here are some of the airlines that sell single-visit day passes to their lounges:

Keep in mind that Delta Sky Club access for guests now costs $50 per visit, and you can use your Amex Platinum airline credits to cover this cost.

Global Dining Access is a benefit available to eligible Card Members, including those with Platinum Card, Centurion Card, and other select American Express cards.

To be eligible, your Card account must not be cancelled and you must be an account holder of one of the specified cards. Some features of Global Dining Access, like Priority Notify, may not be available through Concierge.

You can access Global Dining Access through the Resy iOS App, Website, or Concierge. A badge will be placed on your Resy profile, letting restaurants know that you are a member of the Global Dining Access program.

Reservations are based on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to the restaurant's cancellation policy. You are responsible for informing the restaurants of any dietary restrictions.

There is no cost to you for booking services through Global Dining Access, although you are responsible for any purchases or fees you authorize to be charged to your Card account.

As you travel, you'll likely want to stay comfortable and entertained on your flight. Most budget carriers provide blankets for passengers, but you'll need to purchase them.

You can also use your credit to buy food and drink on the plane, and headphones are usually available for purchase as well. The airline will charge you directly for these amenities, but your Amex Platinum card's incidental fee credit will reimburse you automatically.

American Express Platinum Card Members have access to exclusive airline partners through the International Airline Program. This program offers discounts on select first class, business class, and premium economy tickets with participating airlines.

You can book these discounted tickets through American Express Travel, but be aware that Companion Card Members and Additional Business Gold and Business Expense Card Members are not eligible for this benefit. Discounts are applied to the base airfare and are not combinable with other offers unless indicated.

One-way travel is permitted on some airlines, and eligible Card Members can book for themselves and up to seven passengers traveling on the same itinerary. However, tickets are non-refundable unless otherwise indicated and are non-transferable; name changes are not permitted.

As a Platinum Card Member, you can upgrade to Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status without meeting any stay requirements. This perk is a great bonus for frequent travelers.

You'll enjoy 25% more Marriott Bonvoy points, which can add up quickly if you're already a loyal member of the program.

The Cruise Privileges Program is a great perk for American Express Card Members. It offers onboard credits and amenities on new bookings with participating cruise lines.

To be eligible, you'll need to be a U.S. Consumer and Business Platinum or Centurion Card Member, and make the booking through American Express Travel. The benefits are non-transferable, so you'll need to be the one traveling on the itinerary.

Onboard credits vary by cruise line, but here are some examples: with Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International, you'll get $100 for inside and outside staterooms, $200 for balcony and mini-suite staterooms, and $300 for suites. With Cunard, you'll get $300 for Queen Mary ocean-view staterooms in category EF or higher.

For new bookings with Ama Waterways, Oceania, Regent, Azamara, Seabourn, Silversea, Uniworld, Windstar, Explora Journeys, and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, you'll get a $300 onboard credit for all stateroom categories. And if you're a Centurion Member, you'll get an extra $200 onboard credit on Explora Journeys, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Seabourn, and Silversea.

Onboard credits will be applied at checkout upon completion of the cruise, and credit amounts may vary due to foreign exchange rates. Credits can't be used for casino charges, gratuities, or other similar charges.

As a Platinum Card Member, you're eligible for complimentary status in the Avis Preferred, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, and National Car Rental Emerald Club programs.

To receive these benefits, you must enroll in each car rental program through your American Express online account, and payment must be made using your Platinum Card.

Complimentary status in these programs is subject to each car rental company's terms and conditions, including age restrictions.

The minimum rental age is 25, with exceptions applying, and the minimum age to join Hertz Gold Plus Rewards is 21.

Standard rental terms and conditions apply, and National collects a Frequent Flyer Tax Recoupment Surcharge to cover the federal tax on the cost of the miles awarded at the time of rental.

Discounts apply to base rates only, and taxes, governmentally authorized or imposed surcharges, and other fees are extra.

To be eligible for this benefit, your Card Account must not be canceled or past due, and you must ensure that the most up-to-date account information is on file with the eligible partners.

Delta E is a type of credit that can be used to book flights on Delta. This credit can be used to trigger an Amex airline credit, making it a valuable option for travelers.

To use a Delta eCredit, you'll need to apply it when booking a new flight. This can be done by selecting the eCredit as a form of payment.

If you're using an eCredit, be sure to charge less than $250 to your Amex travel credit card. This is a crucial step, as it will ensure that the credit kicks in.

You can use a Delta eCredit in combination with Delta Pay with Miles to maximize your Amex airline credits. This method has been tested repeatedly and confirmed to still work as of 2024.

Just remember to select Delta as your preferred airline when using this method. This will ensure that you can apply the eCredit and Pay with Miles to your flight.

Phone Booking Fees can be a hassle, but with the American Express Platinum card, you're covered. You can usually avoid these fees by booking online, but sometimes you need to call to book an award ticket or a flight with special routing.

If you can't get the agent to waive this fee, your Amex Platinum card's incidental fee credit should cover it. This is according to Example 3 of the benefits, which states that your Amex Platinum card's incidental fee credit should cover phone booking fees.

To redeem your Annual Travel Credit, log in to your American Express account and check the top right corner of the page for the available credit amount.

The credit can only be used in one single booking, so plan your trip carefully to maximize its value.

You can combine your Annual Travel Credit with American Express Membership Rewards points and your American Express Card to book your trip.

Your Annual Travel Credit can be used towards flights, hotels, and car rentals, making it a versatile travel companion.

To book your trip, follow the steps outlined by American Express, which include selecting the '$$$ Annual Travel Credit' button on the checkout page.

The full dollar amount of your Annual Travel Credit will be charged to your American Express Card at the time of booking.

It will take 2 business days for the credit to appear on your account, so be patient and keep an eye on your statement.

Remember, your Annual Travel Credit must be redeemed within the same anniversary year and cannot be carried forward to any subsequent year.

The American Express Platinum card offers a range of programs and services to enhance your travel experience. The Cruise Privileges Program provides exclusive benefits to eligible Card Members, including onboard credits and amenities.

You can earn an onboard credit of up to $300 per stateroom, depending on the participating cruise line and stateroom category. For example, Card Members receive an onboard credit of $200 for balcony, verandah, and mini-suite staterooms on Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International.

Additional onboard credits and amenities are available on select cruise lines, such as Ama Waterways, Oceania, Regent, and Silversea, where Card Members receive an onboard credit of $300 for all stateroom categories.

You deserve the best from every journey. We’re here to help you get it.

Enjoy access to lounges, which is a great way to relax and unwind before or after your flight.

Priority tables at premier restaurants are also available, giving you a chance to dine in style.

Eligible travel purchases, such as air tickets and prepaid hotel reservations, earn you 5X points, making your travel experiences even more rewarding.

The Amex Platinum card offers a ton of value, even with its airline incidental fee credit being limited compared to other premium credit cards.

Fine Hotels + Resorts program benefits, such as noon check-in and room upgrades, are available for new bookings made through American Express Travel with participating properties.

The Hotel Collection Program is a great benefit for eligible American Express cardholders. It's available for new bookings of two consecutive nights or more made through American Express Travel with participating properties.

To be eligible, you'll need a Consumer or Business Gold Card, Platinum Card, or Centurion Card, and you'll need to book your stay using one of these cards. Additional card members on Consumer and Business Platinum Card accounts, and additional card members on Consumer and Business Centurion accounts, are also eligible.

The program offers benefits like noon check-in, late check-out, and room upgrades, subject to availability. Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrades, so be sure to check with the hotel before booking.

The type of $100 credit and additional amenity varies by property, so it's best to check with the hotel directly for details. The $100 credit will be applied to eligible charges up to $100, and it must be charged to your hotel room to receive the credit.

To receive the $100 credit, you'll need to have eligible spend charged to your hotel room, and it will be applied at check-out. Advance reservations are recommended for certain credits, so be sure to plan ahead.

Benefits are applied per room, per stay, with a three-room limit per stay. This means that if you're traveling with a group, you can take advantage of the benefits for up to three rooms.

International Program benefits are valid only for eligible U.S. Consumer, Business, and Corporate Platinum Card Members and Centurion Members.

To be eligible, you must book international tickets through American Express Travel for select first class, business class, and premium economy tickets with participating airlines, subject to availability.

Discounts are applied to the base airfare, but they're not combinable with other offers unless indicated and may not apply to codeshare partners.

You can book for yourself and up to seven passengers traveling on the same itinerary as you, but bookings must be made using an eligible Card in your name.

Tickets are non-refundable unless otherwise indicated and are non-transferable; name changes are not permitted.

Lufthansa is one of the participating airlines, but benefits, participating airlines, and ticket availability are subject to change.