When you think of American Express, particularly the Platinum Card, rewards and bonuses might first come to mind. But the card packs a myriad of lesser-known perks that can grant exclusive access to high-end retailers, services, and even save you money. If you're an existing holder or considering adding this card to your wallet, here's a deep dive into the uncommon benefits of the Amex Platinum.
1. Shop Till You Drop – With Free Shipping!
Complimentary ShopRunner membership provides free two-day delivery on purchases from over 100 stores, including Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus. Plus, enjoy free returns shipping. Perfect for those impromptu online shopping sprees.
2. Monthly Uber Eats Credit
The Platinum card offers up to $15 in Uber Cash monthly for Uber Eats orders in the U.S, with a bonus $20 in December. That's a total of $200 per year in food delivery credits. The only catch is you must add your Platinum card as the payment method in your Uber Eats account. Card holders also get exclusive access to Resy, which allows priority restaurant reservations.
3. Flexible Payment Options
The Pay It Plan It® feature is Amex's take on the buy now, pay later trend, letting you manage how you handle larger purchases.
4. Stretch Your Payments
With Amex Pay Over Time, you can finance eligible purchases, spreading out payments in manageable increments.
5. Split & Send Simplified
Say goodbye to the math headaches. AmEx Send & Split allows easy bill division and fee-free transfers to PayPal and Venmo users.
6. Cell Phone Protection
The Platinum card offers up to $800 per claim (with a limit of 2 claims per 12 month period) if your cell phone is stolen or damaged. You don't need insurance to use this benefit - just pay your monthly cell phone bill with your Platinum card. It covers damage and theft minus a $50 deductible.
7. Extended Warranty Protection
One underrated benefit of the Platinum card is extended warranty protection. When you purchase an item with your Platinum card, AmEx will extend the manufacturer's warranty by up to 1 additional year. For example, if you buy a TV with a 1-year warranty, Amex would extend that to 2 years. This benefit applies to warranties of 5 years or less and has a maximum of $10,000 per item. It's an easy way to get more coverage on big purchases.
8. Purchase Protection
Purchase protection is a valuable insurance benefit offered on American Express cards. It covers new items that are stolen, accidentally damaged, or lost within the first 90 days after purchase. To file a claim, you must have used your eligible Amex card to purchase at least a portion of the item. AmEx will reimburse you for the amount charged to the card, up to coverage limits.
The benefit applies to eligible new purchases with an Amex car. It covers theft, accidental damage, or loss within 90 days of purchase. The platinum card offers up to $10,000 per incident, up to $50,000 per year.
9. Return Protection
Another overlooked benefit is return protection. This perk gives you an extended 90-day return window on purchases when the merchant's standard policy is less. Return protection kicks in if a retailer won't accept a return that would otherwise fall within the Amex 90-day policy. American Express will refund up to $300 per item, up to a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year.
10. $200 Hotel Credit
Enjoy a $200 annual statement credit on your prepaid bookings with Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection1 when made through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. Furthermore, by reserving Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel, you can reap benefits averaging $600 in value, such as complimentary daily breakfast for two, assured 4pm check-out, among other perks.
11. Other credits
- Airline Incidental Fees Credit: Enjoy up to $200 annually as a statement credit for incidental fees with your chosen qualifying airline. This covers charges like checked baggage or in-flight snacks.
- Equinox Fitness Advantage: Benefit from up to $300 in credits annually, applicable towards an Equinox fitness club membership or the Equinox+ fitness app.
- SoulCycle Offer: A special $300 statement credit awaits you when you purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike. Note: An Equinox+ subscription is a prerequisite.
- Digital Entertainment Perks: Get a monthly $20 credit, up to $240 yearly, when you pay for selected digital services like Peacock, Disney+, Hulu, SiriusXM, The New York Times, and more using your card.
- Clear Membership Benefit: A yearly $189 credit offsets the cost of Clear membership, enabling quicker security checks at select airports and stadiums.
- TSA Precheck & Global Entry: Get a statement credit every 4 years for Global Entry or every 4.5 years for TSA Precheck.
- Saks Fifth Avenue Bonanza: Enjoy up to $100 in statement credits each year for your purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue, split into two $50 segments for the first and second half of the year. Do ensure enrollment. Maximize this credit using this trick.
12. Exclusive AmEx Offers
Your card opens the door to exclusive travel and merchant offers, which can be availed via the American Express app or online account.
13. Your 24/7 Assistant – Concierge Service
From booking tables at exclusive restaurants to helping with travel inquiries, the concierge service ensures a smooth experience.
14. Drive Home with the AmEx Auto Purchasing Program
Find your next car with access to over 10,000 dealerships, and enjoy the convenience of using your card for payments.
These are just a few of the lesser-known benefits that come with the Amex Platinum card. Understanding all the perks can help you maximize value from the card beyond just the rewards and travel credits. The Platinum card has a high annual fee but taking advantage of benefits like these can easily offset the cost when used strategically.
To further sweeten the deal, if you're considering getting an American Express card, check out this link for an exclusive offer that can fetch you 80,000 bonus Membership Rewards points. Not only will you have access to these fantastic perks, but you'll also start off with a points headstart!
