Your Benefit Guide to Amex Rewards System (US Based) - Part 2 - Platinum Card Guide

I just added the Amex Platinum Card to my wallet—and with it, a massive stash of Membership Rewards points. Since optimizing Amex points has always been a focus of mine (Read more : Here), I’ll now be zeroing in on how to fully maximize this card’s benefits and justify its $695 annual fee.

Membership Rewards: Earning Points

Welcome Offer

• Earn 80,000 - 175,000 (Targeted) Membership Rewards Points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months.

The Earning Structure for Platinum Card

• 5x points on flights (booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel, up to $500,000/year)

  • I ALWAYS SUGGEST BOOKING DIRECTLY WITH AIRLINES

• 5x points on prepaid hotels via Amex Travel. ( I don't really enjoy booking through their travel portal)

• 2x points on other eligible travel via Amex Travel

• 1x point on all other purchases

Similar to the gold card - Amex Offers

• Add exclusive merchant offers to your card for bonus points or statement credits. Enrollment required.

All the Statement Credits you can maximize

These credits can quickly offset the annual fee if used wisely:

Credit Type	Annual Value	Do I use it
Airline Travel Bank	$200	Yes, how to use below
Uber Rides (Uber Cash)	$200 ($15/month + $35 in Dec)	Yes, how to use below
Prepaid Hotel Bookings	$200	Not yet
Equinox Membership	$300	Unfortunately no
SoulCycle Bike Purchase	$300	Unfortunately no
Digital Entertainment (Disney+, Hulu, Peacock etc.)	$240, it goes by 20 per month	Yes and I love free TV shows, wish Netflix is here
CLEAR Membership	$189	Yes
Global Entry or TSA Pre✓ Fee	$100 (every 4-4.5 years)	Yes
Saks Fifth Avenue	$100 ($50 semi-annually)	Yes
Walmart+ Membership	$155.40/year (value varies)	No, but I should

How to use the credits?

The $200 airline incidental credit reimburses separate fees charged by your selected airline (must choose one via your Amex account). Eligible charges include:

• Checked baggage and overweight/oversized bag fees

• Seat selection and upgrades (only if not bundled with the ticket)

• In-flight food and drinks

• In-flight entertainment (except Wi-Fi)

• Pet travel fees

• Phone booking fees

• Lounge day passes and annual memberships (not guaranteed; depends how it’s coded)

Uber credits

1. Add your Amex Card: Go to your Uber account wallet and add your Amex Platinum or other eligible Amex (the gold card has $10 dollars as well, so you can use both) card as a payment method. 

2. Look for Uber Cash: When placing an order or requesting a ride, select your payment method and make sure Uber Cash is toggled on. 

3. Choose Amex as Payment Method: Select your Amex card as the payment method for the transaction. 

4. Uber Cash Applied: Uber will automatically apply the Uber Cash benefit to the transaction. 

5. Check for Overages: If the Uber Cash isn't enough to cover the full amount, the Amex card will be charged the difference. 

6. Expiration: Remember, Uber Cash benefits expire at the end of each month and don't roll over

   
   

Lounge Access & Travel Perks

• Amex Global Lounge Collection: Access to Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass (enrollment required), Delta Sky Clubs (10 visits per year or unlimited if you spend $75,000+ for both Sky Club and Centurion Lounge).

  • I would suggest just get the Delta Reserve if you only fly Delta

• Fine Hotels + Resorts: Room upgrades, daily breakfast, late checkout, $100 amenity credit.

• The Hotel Collection: $100 credit (2-night minimum stay).

• Gold Elite Status at Hilton & Marriott: Enjoy upgrades, bonus points, and late checkout.

  • Late Check out is a really nice benefits

• Car Rental Privileges: Status and perks with Avis, Hertz, and National.

  • Super helpful if you drive a lot, you get late returns too.

Lifestyle & Experience Benefits

• Concierge Service: 24/7 help for dining, tickets, travel and more.

  • Not helpful at all

• Amex Auto Purchasing Program: Use your card at select dealerships.

  • If anyone tried this, I would love to know how it works

• InCircle Rewards: Earn $100 card for every 10,000 points (Neiman Marcus, etc.).

Amex Platinum Guide for Travel Protections & Insurance

Protection	Coverage
Trip Delay Insurance	Up to $500 after 6+ hour delay
Trip Cancellation/Interruption	Up to $10,000 per trip
Baggage Insurance	Up to $3,000 per trip
Car Rental Coverage	Secondary (up to $75K); Premium option available
Cell Phone Protection	Up to $800/claim (max 2 claims/year)
Purchase Protection	90 days, up to $10K per claim
Return Protection	Up to $300/item (max $1,000/year)
Extended Warranty	Adds up to 1 year to manufacturer warranty