Last weekend, I wrote a post about American Express offering Pay Pal credits on the personal version of the Platinum Card throughout the first half of 2021. Doctor of Credit (H/T) has reported that American Express has added more Platinum Card benefits for 2021. The perks can be enticing for American Express Platinum and Business Platinum cardholders, many of which are trying to find value in their cards during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What’s Going On?
American Express Platinum and Business Platinum cardholders are in luck starting on January 10. Amex is introducing four new benefits to help justify the sky-high annual fees associated with the Platinum cards. Terms and condition apply to all four benefits.
The Hotel Collection Complimentary Night or Property Credit
The Hotel Collection is one of the lesser-known Amex perks. Access to the Hotel Collection is a perk of the Platinum Cards, Centurion (or Black) Card, the Gold Card, and the Business Gold Card.
Gold and Platinum cardholders can receive a complimentary night or a property credit worth at least $150 with this benefit. But cardholders must book a hotel stay through American Express Travel at participating Hotel Collection properties. Required booking dates and travel dates depend on the property.
Furthermore, The Points Guy (H/T) has reported that bookings must be made from January 5 through March 31, 2021 for stays starting on January 5 and finished by April 30, 2021.
Fine Hotels + Resorts Complimentary Night or Property Credit
Similarly, Platinum cardholders can receive a complimentary night or property credit worth at least $250 with this benefit. Cardholders must book a hotel stay through American Express Travel at participating Fine Hotels + Resorts properties. Required booking dates and travel dates depend on the property.
This perk is nearly identical to the Hotel Collection perk, including booking dates. But the credit is worth at least $100 more and cardholders must pick from a different collection of hotels altogether for this perk.
Recommended Flights
Furthermore, Platinum cardholders can save up to 20% on select flights, seats, and routes. Lower fares are available with participating airlines for eligible flights, seats, and routes for travel occurring between January 10 and May 31, 2021. However, the airfare must be booked between January 10 and March 31, 2021.
This perk is a nice alternative to the traditional $200 airline credits that come with all versions of the Platinum Card. The airline credits can potentially be used on a flight booked with the Recommended Flights perk. Cardholders must choose an eligible airline for the credits and then book a flight with the Recommended Flights to stack the perks.
Pay with Points on Prepaid Car Rental Bookings
Furthermore, Platinum cardholders can either Pay with Points or earn 2x Membership Rewards (MR) points on prepaid car rental bookings. Cardholders may not pay with points AND earn 2x MR points at the same time. Those who do not pay with points will earn 2x MR points for future redemptions. And those who do pay with points will not earn any points.
One caveat is that prepaid car rental bookings must be booked through amextravel.com. Amex’s travel website might not be the best deal. Pricing around is strong recommendation before blindly booking.
Final Draw
The announcement of the new American Express Platinum Card benefits is enticing for many Platinum cardholders. Amex is offering a minimum of $400 in hotel credits, a chance to redeem or earn points on car rentals, and a new flight book feature.
However, the introduction of such travel-heavy perks was a risky move on Amex’s part during this global pandemic. The current travel landscape, particularly air travel, is uncertain at best. Therefore, Platinum cardholders will have to be creative and cautious in how they use these perks. For example, the hotel credits and free nights can be used for staying over for a night during a road trip.
Nonetheless, Platinum cardholders can possibly justify their card’s annual fee with proper use of these new perks. This is especially true for luxury hotel dwellers and those who often rent cars.
Hi, I have been trying to get more clarification on the $150, and $250 hotel credits. I read about them here, as well as somewhere else. Have you been able to get clarification on exactly how they will work?
Hi Where2Next,
Thanks for reading! I have updated the post with booking dates for both credits. Otherwise, the post describes how they work for Platinum cardholders.
Best Regards,
Anthony
You’re welcome! Ok, I knew there were offers where you go a free night, or something like that. I was thinking this was related to those promotions, but it sounds like it is not.
Are these credits for an individual night up to the specified amount even if you book just one night?
The credits are separate from Amex Offers and they are for an individual night worth at least the specified amount.
Can you elaborate on the free night? Amex chat is telling me we only get $100 credit towards expenses, not even towards the room rate
Hi Delta Hater,
Thanks for reading! I think you’re referring to the Fine Hotels + Resorts Experience Credit that normally comes with being a Platinum cardholder via FHR. The benefits mentioned in this post will become available on January 10. More information will be likely revealed from Amex this weekend.
Best Regards,
Anthony
I probably got a bad agent. I’ll wait for next week. Cheer