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Unlock the Amex Platinum’s Full Potential

The Amex Platinum Card is undeniably a top-tier travel rewards card, packed with benefits that can significantly enhance your travel experiences. Because of the card’s fantastic earning structure and plethora of perks, you can easily justify the annual fee of $695. In this post, I’ll guide you through how to maximize the value of this card, ensuring you get the most out of every benefit. I love this card because of its ability to make travel comfortable and effortless.

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Grabbing the Welcome Bonus: First Steps to Big Rewards

Firstly, let’s talk about the welcome bonus. Currently, the public offer is 80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 within the first six months. While this is a decent offer, I always recommend exploring other avenues. Therefore, consider using tools to check for targeted offers. I’ve personally seen (and, admittedly, drooled over) Amex Platinum bonuses as high as 175,000 points floating around in the past. Though remember, these offers can change without notice, so act fast if you find a great one!

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Amex Platinum: A Benefit-Rich Overview

Beyond the initial welcome bonus, the real magic of the Amex Platinum lies in its ongoing perks. The ongoing perks are why I have had this card for years, and I see myself holding it for the long term. These perks, especially the annual statement credits, are where you can derive consistent, significant value. Let’s break down the key benefits:

* 5x Points on Flights and Hotels: You’ll earn 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, and on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. I book all flights directly with airlines using my Amex Platinum because the 5x multiplier helps me reach my travel goals quicker. * $200 Annual Uber Cash: Receive $15 in Uber Cash each month for use on Uber Eats and rides in the U.S., plus a $20 bonus in December. This benefit is great for getting around town and helps me save money on meals during busy work weeks. * $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 back annually in statement credits toward incidental fees with a U.S. airline of your choice. This credit can cover things like baggage fees or seat upgrades. * $200 Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts Credit: Receive up to $200 back annually on prepaid Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings of two nights or more through American Express Travel. * Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit: Get reimbursed for the application fee for either Global Entry (every 4 years) or TSA PreCheck (every 4.5 years). This is an easy way to streamline your airport experience. * Up to $199 Clear Plus Membership Credit: This benefit covers the full cost of a Clear Plus membership, allowing you to expedite security at participating airports. * Up to $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 annually in statement credits on select Equinox memberships or a digital subscription to Equinox+. * Up to $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive up to $155 annually in statement credits toward your monthly Walmart+ membership fees. * Up to $100 Saks Fifth Avenue Credit: Get up to $50 back each semester (January-June and July-December) on purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue. * Up to $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Receive up to $20 in statement credits each month for eligible subscriptions like Disney+, Hulu, and The New York Times. * Airport Lounge Access: Enjoy access to Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (limited visits), and Priority Pass lounges (excluding restaurants). * Hotel Elite Status: Receive complimentary Gold elite status with both Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors. * Car Rental Elite Status: Get complimentary elite status with Hertz, Avis, and National car rental programs. * Travel and Shopping Protections: Benefit from trip delay coverage, trip cancellation/interruption protection, extended warranty, purchase protection, and return protection. * Cruise Privileges Program: Access exclusive benefits and perks when booking cruises through American Express Travel. * International Airline Program: Take advantage of discounted fares on international flights. * American Express Concierge Service: Get assistance with travel planning, dining reservations, and more.

Enrollment required for select benefits. Terms apply.

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Maximizing the $200 Uber Cash Benefit

The Uber Cash benefit is a fantastic perk that I utilize every single month. You’ll receive $15 each month, with a bonus $20 in December, totaling $200 annually. I make sure to add my Amex Platinum to my Uber account, and the credit automatically applies to my first domestic ride or Uber Eats order each month.

* Tips for Maximizing: Remember that these credits are for U.S. services only, and they expire at the end of each month. To ensure you use the credit, set a reminder on your phone to order a meal from Uber Eats before the month ends!

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Unlocking the $200 Airline Fee Credit

With the Amex Platinum, you can get up to $200 in statement credits each year toward incidental fees with one U.S. airline. Enrollment is required.

* Tips for Maximizing: Although you must select one airline for the entire year, you might be able to change your selection by contacting customer service. While airline tickets are excluded, you can use this credit for things like baggage fees, seat upgrades, and lounge access. I have often used this to buy airline lounge day passes.

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Redeeming the $200 Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts Credit

You can redeem up to $200 annually in statement credits when you book a prepaid rate through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts with American Express Travel. (This benefit also applies to stays of at least two nights at properties in The Hotel Collection.)

* Tips for Maximizing: Booking through Amex FHR with your Platinum card can be particularly beneficial for shorter stays at eligible properties, especially with the added perk of an on-property credit usually worth at least $100. Keep in mind, however, that booking through Amex FHR may mean you won’t earn points or receive elite benefits with hotel loyalty programs.

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Utilizing the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit

This is a must-use benefit for any traveler. You can get a credit to cover the application fee for Global Entry ($120 every four years) or TSA PreCheck (up to $85 every 4.5 years).

* Tips for Maximizing: Simply charge the application fee to your Platinum card to get the credit. Consider that authorized users can also receive these fee credits.

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Enjoying the $199 Clear Plus Membership Credit

Clear Plus lets you skip the regular security lines at participating airports by using biometric identification.

* Tips for Maximizing: Families can maximize this perk by combining it with other discounts. For example, Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus members can enroll in Clear Plus for a discounted rate.

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Reaping the Benefits of the $300 Equinox Credit

With the Amex Platinum, you’ll get up to $300 in statement credits annually on select Equinox memberships or on a digital subscription to Equinox+. Subject to auto-renewal; enrollment is required.

* Tips for Maximizing: The most practical use is a digital subscription to Equinox+, $39.99 monthly, so you can take live and on-demand classes online.

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Taking Advantage of the $155 Walmart+ Credit

Walmart+ is a service that offers various benefits, including free grocery delivery, free shipping, and discounts on fuel.

* Tips for Maximizing: Ensure you’re subscribed to the monthly membership instead of the annual one, as the monthly credit will cover the full cost.

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Getting the Most From the $100 Saks Fifth Avenue Credit

This perk comes in the form of two up-to-$50 statement credits per calendar year.

* Tips for Maximizing: There is no minimum purchase required, so you could make a purchase of $50 (or less) twice a year and essentially get it for free.

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Maximizing the $240 Digital Entertainment Credit

You’ll receive up to $20 in statement credits each month when you pay for eligible purchases with your Amex Platinum at one or more of the following providers (enrollment required): Disney+, The Disney+ Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, The New York Times, or The Wall Street Journal.

* Tips for Maximizing: You can get up to a $20 monthly credit, so you can stack multiple subscriptions to get the most value. For example, a Peacock subscription ($7.99 per month) and a Disney Bundle Basic subscription ($16.99 per month) will allow you to use the full $240 in statement credits each year.

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Making the Most of Airport Lounge Access

One of the most valuable benefits of the Amex Platinum is the complimentary access to American Express Centurion Lounges.

* Tips for Maximizing: The Amex Platinum Card also provides access to Delta Sky Clubs (limited visits), Priority Pass lounges (excluding restaurants), and several others.

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Leveraging Elite Status with Hilton and Marriott

The Platinum Card allows members to register for automatic Gold Elite status in the Marriott Bonvoy program and Hilton Honors Gold elite status.

* Tips for Maximizing: Hilton Honors Gold elite status includes an 80% points bonus on stays and complimentary breakfast at most hotel brands, while Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status includes a 25% points bonus on stays and upgrades to enhanced rooms.

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Using Car Rental Program Elite Status

In addition to Hilton and Marriott elite status, you’ll get status with a few car rental programs. You’ll get Avis Preferred Plus, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards President’s Circle and National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status. You’ll need to enroll for these benefits on the Amex website.

* Tips for Maximizing: Regardless of how often you rent cars, go ahead and register for these programs since doing so may allow you to skip the counter and/or get upgraded cars when you rent with these companies. With demand (and prices) for rental cars remaining high, having elite status may be a big help when getting the transportation you want.

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Understanding Travel and Shopping Protections

American Express offers extensive shopping protections and travel coverage when you use your card to make eligible purchases.

* Tips for Maximizing: When making a purchase for which you might later benefit from shopping or travel protections, be sure to save your receipt. Start a claim as soon as possible if you need to use your card’s protections.

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Is the Amex Platinum Worth It?

In conclusion, while the Amex Platinum might not be the best card for everyday spending, its array of perks makes it easy for the average consumer to recoup the annual fee. To make sure this card is right for you, add up the spending habits for each category and determine whether you would likely use the associated benefits. Remember to understand the terms of each benefit and maximize the value of this card each and every year.