It’s no secret that the annual fee of the American Express® Platinum Card is at the upper end of all the Cards on offer from American Express. But let’s not forget the value you get back with $450 Travel Credit1 for each membership year.
From the moment you acquire the Card, it’s ready to be used anywhere in the world. Let’s get into the details so you know how to best put your Travel Credit to use.
How do I unlock the Platinum Card’s $450 annual Travel Credit?
As long as your Card is in good standing, you’ve paid the annual fee and minimum payment by the due date, and the credit is still valid, the $450 annual Travel Credit awarded to Platinum Card Members will be available to apply to your next eligible flight, car hire or hotel booking.
Eligible bookings must be made through the American Express Travel Online portal and ‘Travel Credit’ selected upon checkout. Pay for the amount with your American Express Platinum Card associated with the credit, and the $450 will be back with you shortly after1.
What can I spend it on?
You can pull out this tasty perk to soften the cost of eligible flights, hotels, and car hire1. If you need some inspiration, check out our curated selections of American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts in both Europe and North America.
Do I have to spend it all at once?
Yes. No remaining balance will be carried over for use at a later date. In fact, you will not be able to attribute the credit to any booking where the final value is less than $450. The Travel Credit applies to all charges on the booking, including taxes and airline surcharges1.
How about expiry and cancellation?
You get the $450 Travel Credit for every membership year, but this also means it’ll expire at the end of every membership year1, so it’s use or lose it, essentially. It’s worth noting that if you cancel your travel plans, the $450 Travel Credit is not refundable, so it’s perhaps best used last minute when you know you won’t change your mind. Keep it in your back pocket for a rainy day or if you need to fly, drive, or stay somewhere in a hurry.
Can I use the Travel Credit and redeem Membership Rewards® points in the same booking?
Yes, you can use a combination of Membership Rewards points2 and Travel Credit. After you have selected the Travel Credit at checkout, if the value of the booking is greater than the Travel Credit, you can use Membership Rewards points for the remaining balance.
Using the Travel Credit to book for other people
Unlike some other American Express Platinum Card perks that are only of the benefit of the primary Card Member, you can use your Travel Credit to book things for other people. Surprise a family member or book on behalf of a friend – and you don’t have to travel with them.
Fast Facts – The American Express Platinum Card
- Card type: Charge Card
- Annual Fee: $1,450 p.a.
- Cash Flow Period: Up to 44 cash flow days and no pre-set spending limit
