A significant refresh to the American Express Platinum and Business Platinum cards has unlocked a wealth of potential value for both current and prospective cardmembers. Now is the ideal time to maximize available credits and benefits before the year concludes.
New applicants to either card can receive an instant card number upon approval, allowing immediate access to online perks and digital wallet integration while awaiting the physical card. Current welcome bonuses reach impressive heights – up to 175,000 points with the Platinum Card and 200,000 points with the Business Platinum Card – rewarding new spending.
Platinum Card holders can unlock up to $185 in value through quarterly credits: $75 for Lululemon purchases, $100 for Resy-affiliated restaurants, and $120 annually for an Uber One membership. This nearly offsets the card’s annual fee increase, making it a compelling proposition.
Crucially, activation is key. Existing and new cardmembers must enroll in Lululemon, Resy, and Uber One benefits within their Amex account *before* making purchases to ensure credits are applied correctly. Strategic shopping – combining credits with portals like Rakuten and exploring Lululemon’s sale sections – amplifies savings.
Beyond these, new Platinum cardmembers can immediately leverage additional monthly credits totaling $52.95 this year. This includes $25 for digital entertainment like Disney+ and Hulu, $15 in Uber Cash, and $12.95 for a Walmart+ membership. Setting the instant card number as the payment method for these services is the first step.
Business Platinum cardmembers also benefit from enhanced statement credits, totaling $150 annually. These include $10 monthly for U.S. wireless services, $50 quarterly for Hilton purchases (after enrolling in Hilton for Business), and $90 quarterly for Indeed purchases. Again, prompt enrollment is essential.
Don’t overlook the annual hotel credit. Both cards offer up to $600 annually, issued as $300 semi-annual credits for prepaid bookings through American Express Travel. Book now to secure the benefit for future travel, even if the stay is next year.
A potential snag exists with contactless payments. Amex terms state that transactions processed through third-party readers may not qualify for statement credits. If a credit doesn’t post within 10 weeks, contacting Amex via online chat to manually apply it is often successful.
Ultimately, a proactive approach to utilizing statement credits can significantly enhance the value of the American Express Platinum and Business Platinum cards. Applying now, activating benefits immediately, and monitoring account activity are the keys to maximizing rewards before the end of the year.
Remember to verify that the CVV and expiration date on your physical card match those of your instant card number to avoid any issues with purchases. Careful attention to these details ensures a seamless and rewarding cardmember experience.
