The American Express Platinum card has a lot of different benefits and credits. Last fall, Amex updated a bunch of benefits on the Platinum card. However, there’s one benefit on the Amex Platinum card that wasn’t changed, that’s the airline fee credit benefit.
Amex Platinum Card: Airline Fee Credit Benefit Workaround
As per the terms and conditions, the airline fee credit benefit only works if certain creiteria is met:
- Firstly, you need to select an airline before you make a purchase.
- Only US based airlines qualify for the benefit
“Qualifying airlines include Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Spirit Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, and are subject to change. Only the Basic Card Member or Authorized Account Manager(s) on the Card Account can select the qualifying airline. Card Members who have not chosen one qualifying airline will be able to do so at any time. Card Members who have already selected one qualifying airline will be able to change their choice one time each year in January through their American Express Online Account or by calling the number on the back of the Card.”
- You can earn up to a maximum of $200 during every calendar year
The terms and conditions clearly state that the credit won’t be triggered for airline ticket purchases or when you purchase gift cards or other equivalents.
“Card Members who do not change their airline selection will remain with their current airline. Incidental airline fees must be separate charges from airline ticket charges. Fees not charged by the Card Member’s selected airline (e.g. wireless internet and fees incurred with airline alliance partners) do not qualify for statement credits. Incidental airline fees charged prior to selection of a qualifying airline are not eligible for statement credits. Airline tickets, upgrades, mileage points purchases, mileage points transfer fees, gift cards, duty free purchases, and award tickets are not deemed to be incidental fees. The airline must submit the charge under the appropriate merchant code, industry code, or required service or product identifier for the charge to be recognized as an incidental air travel fee.”
Workaround
However, over the years, we saw enough data points, with people pointing out other methods to make the credit work. One such method was the United Travel Bank method. Multiple data points over the years showed that the credit posted when people were loading their United Travel Bank accounts, particularly in small increments.
However, as per Doctor of Credit, it seems like this method isn’t working any more. As per multiple data points, American Express seems to have closed the loophole around February 6, 2026.
The Pundit’s Mantra
I have already used this benefit for the year on my Charles Schwab Amex Platinum Card. So, I won’t be able to test it out once again and check if this method is still working.
How do you plan to use the airline fee credit benefit in 2026? Tell us in the comments section.
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