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Emily Hart
As a full-time, on-the-go content creator, I practically live at airports and am always looking for ways to make my travel experience easier.
From trying out the latest packing cubes to looking for flight deals, I'm all about efficiency and saving money.
That's why it may be surprising to learn that one of my biggest travel game-changers involves spending money with a travel credit card. Like the 41% of Americans with a travel card, I use mine to save money on hotels, flights, and more.
Although the $695 annual fee for my American Express Platinum Card seems steep at first glance, it's actually saved me money in the long run. And, more importantly, it's made my travels much smoother.
Here are just some of The Platinum Card® from American Express benefits I use most often.
Emily Hart
Because I travel frequently, lounge access is important to me. Call me bougie, but I love having a quieter space to sit down and enjoy a meal and a drink before my flight.
As a Platinum cardholder, I can access Centurion and Priority Pass lounges worldwide. Of course, this benefit is only worthwhile if you, like me, enjoy eating and drinking at airports and your home airport has a Centurion Lounge.
With airport restaurants and bars charging sky-high prices for basic food and drink, enjoying complimentary gourmet food in the Centurion Lounge is a treat.
As a Platinum cardholder, I can choose a qualifying airline and enroll to receive up to $200 of statement credit for incidental airline fees each year.
This includes checked bag fees, in-flight purchases, seat assignments, and airport-lounge day passes when I pay for them using my American Express Platinum Card. While these fees might seem small, they add up quickly when traveling frequently.
As a frequent traveler, I rely on digital entertainment, and luckily, my card provides $20 in statement credits each month for some of the most popular digital entertainment services after enrollment.
Peacock, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal are all services that can be reimbursed if I pay for them using my Platinum card.
Emily Hart
With my American Express Platinum Card, I get a one-time $200 statement credit on a pre-paid booking with Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) or The Hotel Collection (THC) through American Express Travel.
I also get perks like a complimentary daily breakfast for two, room upgrades (when available), and a $100 property credit on top of the statement credit. This can generally be used at hotel restaurants or even spas, but can vary based on each property.
I use the FHR benefit each year on a special stay — this year, I stayed at the historic Royal Hawaiian on Waikiki. I received a $200 credit after paying for my room, early check-in and late checkout, free breakfasts, a room upgrade, and a property credit that I used for a nice dinner and drinks at the pool.
In my opinion, the worst part of the airport experience is going through security. That's why I take every step possible to make things easier for myself.
With my card, I can enroll to get reimbursed for the $100 Global Entry fee, which expedites customs screenings for international arrivals in the U.S. Global Entry also includes TSA PreCheck, which makes the domestic airport-security process quicker.
I also get a $199 statement credit for CLEAR® Plus, a paid membership program that uses facial recognition or fingerprints for identity verification at some airports, after enrollment.
Emily Hart
Another perk of my credit card I can enroll in is a monthly Uber Cash benefit. Each month, $15 is deposited into my Uber account to use on rides — or my favorite, Uber Eats. I also get an extra $20 credit in December.
When I'm traveling and want to stay in, or return from a trip and don't want to hit the grocery store, I'll use the Uber benefit to get delivery using Uber Eats. Just be sure to use the benefit each month, as it doesn't roll over.
I also receive $50 in statement credit from Saks Fifth Avenue every six months after enrollment. I use this for buying gifts or small items, offsetting the cost of a larger purchase, or getting something special for an upcoming trip.
When I use my Platinum card, I don't spend extra money on insurance for rental cars or trip delays.
If I rent a car using my card and enroll in the program, I get secondary rental-car insurance that can cover some damages beyond what my primary insurance would.
I also have peace of mind when it comes to travel delays or interruptions.
If I book a trip with my card and the flight is delayed for more than six hours for a qualifying reason, I can get reimbursed for purchases that resulted from the delay — up to $500 per trip. This could include meals, lodging, and personal items. I hope I'll never need to use it, but it feels good to know I have it.
Overall, the benefits I gain from being an American Express Platinum cardholder are worth the $695 annual fee.
Because I travel so often for work, it's nice to know I have access to conveniences like lounges and expedited security programs.
This story was originally published on May 8, 2024, and most recently updated on August 30, 2024.
