7 things to do when you get the Amex Platinum

If you were recently approved for The Platinum Card® from American Express, congratulations! This is one of the best premium credit cards on the market, thanks to the extensive benefits it offers to regular travelers. you can also check out the offers which amex gives on credit card using trial amex credit card number.

With it, you’ll be able to take advantage of perks such as 5x points on airfare and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (or directly with airlines for airfare), up to $200 in annual Uber credits and more. The $550 annual fee (see rates and fees) may seem hefty, but the benefits that come with the card far outweigh that fee.

One of the best perks of the Amex Platinum card is its annual up to $200 airline-fee credit for one airline. Make sure to select your desired airline on the Amex website before making a purchase. Since you get this credit every calendar year, you can potentially use it twice during your first year as a member, giving you a $400 return in the first 365 days. Use it for fees such as airline lounge passes and checked bags.

Amex Platinum cardholders also get up to $200 in Uber credits each year, as well as Uber VIP status. Once you add the card to your Uber account, you’ll receive $15 in credit to use each month, plus an additional $20 in December. The credit also works for UberEats. But the credit won’t be automatically applied — you’ll need to specifically request to use your credit by opting to pay with Uber Cash. Credits can be applied to rides within the United States and expire at the end of each month. See our guide for more details on how to get started.

You have to manually enroll with each chain in order to get the benefits of Gold status from the Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalty programs. You can get your Hilton Honors Gold by enrolling on the Amex website. Call 800-525-3355 to enroll for Marriott Bonvoy Gold.

Because of the perks with both programs, we value Hilton Honors Gold status at $1,255 and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status at $840, assuming you spend a certain number of nights at each chain’s hotels. Once you have status at either chain, you can request a status match with many other loyalty programs, such as Best Western Rewards, Radisson Rewards, Choice Privileges and Wyndham Rewards.

Customs lines continue to grow at international airports in the U.S., which makes this a good time to sign up for Global Entry. When you enroll in this trusted-traveler program with your new Amex Platinum card, you’ll get a credit for up to $100 to your account to cover the cost (and again when you renew every four years). Global Entry almost always ensures you’re eligible for TSA PreCheck as well, making it much easier to go through TSA security.

However, note that Global Entry enrollments have been halted until at least July 1, 2020, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. If for some reason you are still traveling and have a pending application for Global Entry, CBP’s interview on arrival service remains available at all 60 participating airports.

This is a perk you’ll definitely want to take advantage of as soon as possible once CBP opens again. If you already have Global Entry, you can use the credit for another family member — just pay for their application fee with your Amex Platinum card.

In addition to Gold Hilton Honors and Gold Marriott elite status, you are also eligible for status with several car rental programs, including Avis Preferred, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards and National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status. You’ll need to enroll for each program on the Amex website.

Enroll in this program and get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com on your Platinum Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits from January through June, and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December.

ShopRunner gives you free two-day shipping and free return shipping on eligible items at participating online stores when you use your Amex Platinum. This is a nice benefit if you have your eyes on something and want to get it within two days — especially because expedited shipping can be expensive. Enroll for the service at ShopRunner’s Amex site.

The Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts program gives you elite-like benefits at top hotels, including noon check-in (when available), room upgrades upon arrival (when available), daily breakfast for two people, complimentary Wi-Fi, guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout and, at some properties, a third or fourth night for free. 

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