American Express Travel Card Offers and Benefits Explained

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The American Express Travel Card is a popular choice for travelers, and for good reason. You can earn 5x Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com.

One of the biggest benefits of the American Express Travel Card is the Earn and Redeem flexibility. You can earn points on travel purchases and redeem them for travel, gift cards, or other rewards.

The American Express Travel Card also offers a $200 statement credit after you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months, which can be a great incentive to start using the card.

American Express Travel Card Offers

American Express is offering a suite of limited-time offers on its travel cards, including The Platinum Card and The Business Platinum Card.

These offers are available to cardholders who have specific Membership Rewards-earning cards.

The new offers are limited-time, so be sure to check your card details to see what's available to you.

Amex is also enhancing its travel resources, making it easier for consumers to find everything they need in one place.

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The new card member travel resource page has tips on planning a trip and details on your card's travel offers and benefits.

You can also learn about your card's travel insurance benefits, such as car rental insurance and trip delay insurance.

The Amex Travel COVID-19 Info Hub has information about hotel and airline travel policies and health and safety procedures.

This can be a huge help if you're planning a trip during uncertain times.

You can even modify your Amex Travel reservations through this hub.

Travel Benefits

Travel Benefits are a major perk of the American Express Platinum Card. You can earn a complimentary night or property credit when booking an eligible stay at over 200 participating Fine Hotels + Resorts properties through American Express Travel.

Some offers are repeatable, so you have the potential to receive multiple complimentary nights. The required booking and travel dates vary by property.

Here are a few examples of offers you can take advantage of:

  • Ritz Carlton Denver: Receive a $250 property credit when booking a paid stay of at least three nights.
  • Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead: Receive a complimentary third night plus $100 property credit when booking a paid stay of at least three nights.
  • Wynn Las Vegas and Encore: Receive a complimentary third night when booking a paid stay of at least three nights.

Fine Hotels + Resorts Complimentary Night Offer

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The Fine Hotels + Resorts complimentary night offer is a fantastic perk for Consumer Platinum card members. They can receive a complimentary night or property credit when booking an eligible stay at over 200 participating properties through American Express Travel.

Some offers allow for repeat bookings, giving you the potential to receive multiple complimentary nights. For example, the Ritz Carlton Denver offers a $250 property credit when booking a paid stay of at least three nights.

The Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead is another great option, offering a complimentary third night plus a $100 property credit when booking a paid stay of at least three nights.

Wynn Las Vegas and Encore also participate in this offer, giving you a complimentary third night when booking a paid stay of at least three nights.

Here are some details on the offers mentioned above:

Global Lounge Collection

With The Platinum Card from American Express, you'll have access to an impressive Global Lounge Collection. Over 1,400 lounges worldwide are part of the program, making it easy to find a comfortable spot to relax before your flight.

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You'll have the opportunity to enjoy full meals and an open bar at The Centurion Lounge. This benefit is included with Priority Pass Select membership, which also grants access to affiliated lounges around the world.

Cardholders can bring a guest with them to the lounges, making it a great perk for couples or families. Enrollment is required to access these benefits.

Lounge access is changing in 2025, so it's essential to understand the new rules. Starting February 1, 2025, cardmembers will receive six visits to Delta Sky Clubs per program year.

Cardmembers can earn unlimited access to Delta Sky Clubs after spending $75,000 in a program year. This spend tracking begins on January 1, 2024, and unlimited access remains through January 31 of the following year.

Insurance

Travel benefits often come with a range of insurance options to protect your investment.

The American Express Gold Card offers travel protections, but it's not the only one. The Platinum Card from American Express takes it a step further with added travel insurance for trip cancellation and trip interruption.

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Having this kind of insurance can be a lifesaver if you need to cancel a trip due to unforeseen circumstances. It's always a good idea to review the terms and conditions to understand what's covered and what's not.

Some travel cards offer more comprehensive insurance than others, so it's worth doing your research to find the one that best fits your needs.

Discounts on Domestic Flights

If you're a Platinum card or Centurion card member, you can access lower fares on select domestic routes. Consumer and business card members can save up to 22% off the public fare.

Book your flights online with American Express Travel or over the phone for travel through March 31, 2021. Flight arrangements must be made by December 31, 2020 to take advantage of these discounts.

Amex Gold Benefits

The American Express Gold Card has a mid-level annual fee, which might not be worth it for travelers who want luxurious perks.

It's a solid card for earning points, especially in bonus categories.

Travelers might miss having lounge access and a credit toward TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.

This card is a good option for plumping up your Membership Rewards balance.

Rewards and Earning

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You can earn rewards with American Express travel cards in various ways, including earning points or miles for every dollar spent on flights or hotel stays with the airline or hotel chain named on the card.

Some cards offer bonus points for specific categories, such as dining out or shopping at U.S. supermarkets.

General rewards cards are typically more versatile, allowing you to earn points on travel purchases, as well as purchases in other categories.

With some cards, you can earn up to 7X points on hotel and resort purchases, or 4X points at restaurants worldwide.

You can also earn points on everyday eligible purchases, not just purchases made when traveling, which can help your points add up faster.

Here are some ways to earn rewards with American Express travel cards:

Three Main Types of Rewards

There are three main types of travel rewards credit cards, each with its own unique characteristics. These types can help you decide which card is best for your travel needs.

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Co-branded airline credit cards are a great option if you frequently fly with a specific airline. For example, The Delta SkyMiles American Express Platinum Card allows you to earn 3X SkyMiles on Delta and hotel purchases.

Co-branded hotel credit cards are ideal for those who regularly stay with a specific hotel chain. However, if you travel with a variety of different airlines and hotel chains, you might be better off with a general rewards credit card.

General rewards credit cards offer more flexibility when it comes to earning and redeeming rewards. The value of your rewards will fluctuate depending on how you choose to redeem it and which transfer partners you choose to redeem with.

Some general rewards cards have an annual fee, which can range from $95 to $695 or more. However, no-annual fee rewards credit cards are also available, making them a more affordable option for those who don't want to pay an annual fee.

Here's a breakdown of the three main types of travel rewards credit cards:

The specific rewards and benefits you receive will vary greatly from card to card, so make sure you check your card's terms and conditions to see what's included.

Credits

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Travel rewards can be a game-changer, and one of the best perks is the credits you can earn and use towards various expenses.

Cardholders receive a $200 statement credit on prepaid Fine Hotels & Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings through the American Express Travel website.

You can also use up to $200 in credits towards Uber, which breaks down to $15 each month, plus a $20 bonus in December, and you must use your card for the purchase to use the credits.

A $199 credit is available towards Clear membership, making it a great option for those who want to skip airport security lines.

Additionally, you can use up to a $120 credit towards Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, making international travel a breeze.

Ways to Earn Rewards

Earning rewards with a rewards credit card is a great way to accumulate points and miles, which can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, or other rewards. You can earn points on everyday eligible purchases, not just purchases made when traveling.

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Some cards offer bonus points on specific categories, such as dining or shopping at U.S. supermarkets. For example, the American Express Gold Card earns 4x points at restaurants worldwide and 4x points when shopping at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year).

You can also earn points on travel purchases, such as flights or hotel stays. Some cards earn points on airline or hotel purchases, while others earn points on travel purchases in general.

To jumpstart your points accumulation, take advantage of a welcome offer if there is one. For example, The Platinum Card from American Express offers 80,000 Membership Rewards Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Here are some examples of rewards earning structures:

Some cards earn points on a variety of purchases, while others focus on specific categories. The key is to choose a card that aligns with your spending habits and rewards goals.

Redeeming Rewards Points

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Redeeming Rewards Points can be a great way to get value from your credit card rewards. One point is equal to 1 cent when redeeming for airfare.

You can also transfer your Membership Rewards points to one of the AmEx hotel or airline partners at varying ratios depending on the program. Many airlines transfer at a 1:1 ratio, meaning that one AmEx point equals one mile in a frequent flyer program.

If you're a Delta SkyMiles, Hilton Honors or Marriott Bonvoy card member, you can receive 40% more points when you transfer Membership Rewards points to those loyalty programs through October 31, 2020.

You can also use Membership Rewards points to Pay with Points for prepaid car bookings with American Express Travel. This new benefit is part of a larger set of updates, including limited-time offers and expanded Pay Over Time auto-enrollment to business Green, Gold and Platinum cards.

Card Comparison and Selection

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If you're considering the American Express Gold Card or The Platinum Card from American Express, it's essential to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each. The American Express Gold Card offers a welcome bonus of 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months, while The Platinum Card from American Express offers 80,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months.

The Platinum Card from American Express has a significantly higher annual fee of $695, but it also offers more earning rates, including 5 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, and 5 points per $1 on prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel.

Here's a comparison of the two cards:

Select Point Transfer Value

If you're looking to maximize your points, consider transferring to select loyalty programs. You can receive 40% more points when you transfer Membership Rewards points to Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors through October 31, 2020.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Hdfc Bank Credit Card Bonus Points

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This limited-time offer is a great opportunity to boost your points balance. For more details on how to transfer points, click here.

If you're not sure which loyalty program to transfer to, Amex has a total of 15 hotel and airline partners to choose from. You can transfer points to partners like Delta Air Lines, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, or Marriott Hotels & Resorts.

Here's a list of some of Amex's hotel and airline loyalty program partners:

Keep in mind that transfer ratios may vary, so be sure to check Amex's website for the latest information.

Choose the Right Offer

Choosing the right credit card can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. Consider the annual fee, as it can range from $325 to $695, as seen in the American Express Gold Card and The Platinum Card from American Express.

The welcome bonus is another factor to consider, with the American Express Gold Card offering 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in the first six months, and The Platinum Card from American Express offering 80,000 points after spending $8,000 in the first six months.

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The earning rates are also important, with the American Express Gold Card offering up to 4x points and The Platinum Card from American Express offering up to 5x points. The bonus points earned on specific categories can also make a big difference, such as earning 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide with the American Express Gold Card, and earning 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel with The Platinum Card from American Express.

Lounge access is another benefit to consider, with The Platinum Card from American Express offering access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, including Priority Pass Select, while the American Express Gold Card does not offer lounge access.

Here's a quick comparison of the two cards:

This comparison can help you decide which card is best for your needs. Consider your spending habits, travel plans, and other factors to choose the card that offers the most benefits and value.

Dining and Travel Deals

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If you're looking to save some cash on your next dining or travel adventure, you're in luck. Amex offers a range of deals that can help you earn rewards or get discounts on your purchases.

Some of the top dining deals include earning $3 back on purchases of $15 or more at Chopt, up to 2 times, and earning $5 back on purchases of $25 or more at Blue Bottle Coffee, up to 2 times.

Here are some of the best dining and travel deals currently available:

Some travel deals include earning 10% back on purchases up to $300 at Luxury Escapes and getting $50 back on spending $250 or more at Stay Pineapple.

One-Time $150 Discount on Hotel Bookings

If you're planning a luxurious getaway, you'll want to know about the one-time $150 discount on hotel bookings. This offer is exclusive to consumer Platinum card members and can be redeemed on Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings made through American Express Travel.

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To qualify for the discount, you'll need to spend a minimum of $800 on one or multiple prepaid bookings. The offer is only available for bookings made by December 7, 2020, so be sure to plan ahead.

The discount is a great addition to the existing Fine Hotels + Resorts perks, which include daily breakfast for two, early check-in and late check-out, and a $100 property credit. Some perks are subject to availability, so be sure to check with the hotel before booking.

Here's a quick rundown of the offer details:

By taking advantage of this offer, you can enjoy a luxurious hotel stay while saving some money. Just be sure to enroll your card and make your booking through American Express Travel before the deadline.

Current Dining Deals

If you're looking to indulge in some great dining deals, you've come to the right place. The American Express offers a range of dining credits that can be used towards your favorite restaurants.

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You can earn up to $10 monthly in statement credits towards Uber Eats or Uber rides, as well as Grubhub orders or dining at eligible restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory and Five Guys.

If you prefer wine over food, you can choose to use the $10 monthly dining credit at wine.com instead. Enrollment is required, and terms apply.

For a more specific dining experience, consider using the Amex offers for food and dining. Here are some of the current deals:

These offers are subject to change, so be sure to check the expiration dates before making your purchases.

Welcome and Bonus Offers

The welcome and bonus offers of American Express travel cards can be quite enticing. The Platinum Card from American Express offers a hefty welcome bonus of 80,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases in the first 6 months.

The American Express Gold Card, on the other hand, has a smaller introductory offer of 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months. This is a notable difference in the minimum spend requirement between the two cards.

If you're willing to meet the higher spend requirement, the high welcome bonus of the Platinum Card may make it worth considering.

New

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American Express is offering a range of new travel benefits, including a one-time $75 credit on Marriott bookings for cardholders who enroll in the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Offer.

To qualify for this offer, you'll need to spend at least $250 on room rate and room charges with participating Marriott Bonvoy properties by December 31, 2020, and make your reservations directly through Marriott.

Consumer Platinum card members can also earn a one-time $150 statement credit on Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings, but only if they spend at least $800 on one or multiple prepaid bookings with American Express Travel by December 7, 2020.

In addition to these offers, Amex is enhancing its travel resources to provide a one-stop-shop for all your travel needs. The new card member travel resource page offers tips on planning a trip and details on your card's travel offers and benefits.

Fine Hotels + Resorts properties offer a range of perks, including daily breakfast for two, early check-in and late check-out, and a $100 property credit, although some perks are subject to availability.

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Consumer Platinum card members also receive a complimentary night or property credit when booking an eligible stay at over 200 participating Fine Hotels + Resorts properties through American Express Travel.

Here are some examples of offers:

  • Ritz Carlton Denver: Receive a $250 property credit when booking a paid stay of at least three nights.
  • Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead: Receive a complimentary third night plus $100 property credit when booking a paid stay of at least three nights.
  • Wynn Las Vegas and Encore: Receive a complimentary third night when booking a paid stay of at least three nights.

These new offers and benefits are available to cardholders of The Platinum Card from American Express, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, and other Membership Rewards-earning cards.

Welcome Bonus

The welcome bonus is a great incentive to sign up for a new credit card. The Platinum Card from American Express offers an impressive 80,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months.

You can earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points with the American Express Gold Card, but you'll need to spend $6,000 in the first 6 months to meet the minimum requirement. The higher spend requirement might be worth it for the Platinum Card's bigger welcome bonus.

To get the most out of the welcome bonus, it's essential to understand the terms and conditions. Both cards have terms that apply, so be sure to read the fine print before signing up.

A Closer Look at Welcoming

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If you're considering applying for a new American Express card, you're likely interested in the welcome bonus. The Platinum Card from American Express offers a high welcome bonus of 80,000 Membership Rewards Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases in the first 6 months.

To put that in perspective, the American Express Gold Card offers a smaller welcome bonus of 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months.

If you're looking to maximize your welcome bonus, The Platinum Card from American Express may be worth it for you, but be aware that you'll need to spend more to meet the minimum spend requirement.

Here's a comparison of the two cards' welcome bonuses:

Keep in mind that these offers are subject to change, so be sure to check the fine print before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is 100000 Amex points worth in travel?

100,000 Amex points are worth at least $1,000 in travel value, but can be redeemed for premium flights like business class to Europe.

How much are 50,000 Amex points worth for travel?

50,000 American Express points are worth $500 in travel redemptions, redeemable at a rate of 1 cent per point

What is the best Amex for travel points?

The American Express Platinum card is the top choice for travel points, offering 5 points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex. Earn up to 5 points per dollar on flights and hotels with this premium rewards card.

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Antoinette Cassin is a seasoned copy editor with over a decade of experience in the field. Her expertise lies in medical and insurance-related content, particularly focusing on complex areas such as medical malpractice and liability insurance. Antoinette ensures that every piece of writing is clear, accurate, and free of legal and grammatical errors.

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