American Express Platinum, what you don't know but should

If you have the American Express Platinum Card, you’re sitting on a goldmine of benefits. Many of which go way beyond fancy airport lounges. While the annual fee might look scary, the perks can easily add up to way more value, if you actually use them.

Most people forget or completely miss that the card includes a free Walmart+ membership, but that’s just one piece of the puzzle. Let’s break it all down so you can see exactly what you’re getting and how to make the most of it.

Everything the Amex Platinum Card Offers (as of May 2025)

Travel and Everyday Credits

• $300 Cruise Credit: Book an eligible cruise through Amex Travel and get up to $300 in onboard credit. That’s free spending money while you’re at sea.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 back per year on fees like checked bags, seat selection, or on Business/First class upgrades on one airline you choose. You must enroll and make an airline selection. This can be changed annually.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Book through Amex Travel at Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection (2-night minimum) to get up to $200 back each year.
• $200 Uber Credit: Receive $15 monthly ($20 in December) as Uber Cash to use for rides or Uber Eats in the U.S.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back per month on select streaming services like Disney+, Hulu, Peacock, and The New York Times. Enrollment required.
• $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use this to speed through airport security lanes.
• $100 Saks Fifth Avenue Credit: Up to $50 back every six months when shopping at Saks (in-store or online, no minimum spend, gift cards excluded).
• $100 TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry Credit: Get reimbursed every 4 or 5 years, depending on the program you choose.

Lounge and Hotel Status Perks

• Global Lounge Access: Access to 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide, including Amex Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), Escape Lounges, and Priority Pass lounges (you must enroll for Priority Pass).
• Hilton Honors™ Gold Status: Enjoy room upgrades (when available), free breakfast at select hotels, and bonus points on stays. Enrollment required.
• Marriott Bonvoy® Gold Elite Status: Get late checkout, room upgrades (if available), and bonus points. Enrollment required.
• Fine Hotels + Resorts Program: Bookings through Amex Travel include perks like early check-in, room upgrades, daily breakfast for two, and late checkout. Plus a property-specific credit (usually $100).

Dining & Experiences

• Global Dining Access by Resy: Get exclusive access to top restaurants, hard-to-get reservations, and curated dining experiences. This perk is only available to Platinum and Centurion members.
• Premium Events Collection: Unlock invitations to curated experiences—from private concerts to wine tastings and cultural events.
• Events With Amex: Early access and special ticket offers for major events, including Broadway shows, concerts, sports, and more. These often include reserved seating or presales.
• The Hotel Collection: Book two nights through Amex Travel and get up to a $100 experience credit plus a room upgrade when available.

Rental Cars & Protection

• Car Rental Privileges: Card Members have the choice to enroll in Avis Preferred®, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards®, and/or National Car Rental® Emerald Club. Get special perks such as upgrades and priority service. Enrollment is required for each program.
• Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance: When you pay in full with your Platinum Card and decline the rental agency’s insurance, you're covered for damage or theft of the car (within limits). Not valid in every country—terms apply.

Purchase and Device Protection

• Purchase Protection: Eligible purchases are covered against theft or damage for up to 90 days, up to $10,000 per claim.
• Return Protection: Amex may refund you if a store won’t take your return, up to $300 per item.
• Extended Warranty: One extra year added to the manufacturer’s warranty on eligible purchases (warranties of 5 years or less qualify).
• Cell Phone Protection: If you pay your cell phone bill with your Amex Platinum, you’re covered for up to $800 per claim (after a $50 deductible) for theft or damage. You’re allowed two claims per 12-month period.

Points Earning

• 5X Points on Travel: Earn 5 Membership Rewards points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, and on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel (up to $500,000 per calendar year).
• 1X Points on Everything Else: Not the flashiest rate, but those Membership Rewards points are valuable and flexible.

And Now… Let’s Talk About That Walmart+ Membership

Many cardholders ignore this benefit, but that’s a mistake. If you activate it, you’ll get a full Walmart+ membership for free. That’s normally $12.95 per month (over $155 a year). Here's why it’s so valuable:

• Free Shipping from Walmart.com
  No minimum spend required. Order shampoo, snacks, or random travel items and send them straight to your hotel or home.

• Up to 10¢ Off Gas
  Get fuel savings at Exxon, Mobil, Walmart, and Murphy USA stations nationwide.

• Free Grocery Delivery
  In eligible areas, you get free same-day delivery from your local Walmart store. That’s useful whether you're meal prepping or restocking after a trip.

• Free Pharmacy Delivery
  Eligible prescriptions delivered straight to your door, no extra fee. That's convenience in a bottle.

• Early Access to New Products and Black Friday Deals
  Walmart+ members get early shopping access during major sales and product drops, including Black Friday.

• Free Online Pet Care from Pawp
  Walmart+ gives you access to 24/7 virtual vet visits for your furry friends. You don’t even need to leave the couch.

• Mobile Scan & Go
  Skip the lines by scanning items in-store as you shop using your phone.

• Paramount+ Essential Subscription
  Stream movies and shows wherever you are—on a plane, in a hotel, or just waiting to board.

• Free DoorDash DashPass
  Activate DashPass and enjoy $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible orders—perfect for those nights when you don’t want to leave the hotel.

• 25% Off at Burger King + Free Whopper
  Each quarter, Walmart+ members get 25% off a Burger King purchase and a free Whopper with a qualifying order. Fast food just got friendlier to your wallet.

How to Use This All Without Losing Your Mind

Yes, it’s a lot. But the easiest way to get the most value is to automate what you can:

• Set reminders to use your Uber credit.
• Enroll in hotel and car rental programs right away so your elite status kicks in automatically when you book.
• Activate Walmart+, connect your Paramount+ and DoorDash, and just start using it.
• Set your monthly credits like Paramout+ and streaming service to automatic payment using your Platinum card each month. (Note: All services must be set to charge monthly NOT annually or the credit won't be triggered)
• Check Amex Offers in your account regularly. You can often find bonuses for shopping with partners you already use.

Final Thought

The Amex Platinum Card isn’t just a shiny status symbol—it’s stacked with value. But you do have to put in a little effort to unlock everything. Set reminders to use your monthly credits, activate the complimentary memberships, and don’t forget to enroll in the benefits that require it.

Walmart+ alone has quietly become one of the most practical perks, giving you fuel discounts, pharmacy delivery, streaming, and fast grocery delivery. And yes, if you time it right, it’ll even get you a free Whopper.

Not a cardholder yet? Apply now to get in on all of these perks and a sweet bonus offer.