Just snagged an AMEX Platty (or want to)? Here are the Top 5 benefits…

The Platinum Card from American Express is easily one of the most premium cards out there. With its $450 annual fee it can be hard to justify to some, but if you take full advantage of its benefits then it quickly becomes a very rewarding card!

Whether you just got the card or are considering the card, here’s the Top 5 benefits…

1. 40,000 – 100,000 Membership Rewards
   • AMEX is known for targeting offers for their cards based on who you are. The easiest way to check if you’ve been targeted for a bigger signup is with the CardMatch tool. It doesn’t impact your credit in any way and the tool will show you special offers. More details here.
   • TPS readers have reported seeing 40k/60k & 100k offers in the tool. Even if you don’t see an enhanced signup bonus, 40,000 Membership Rewards is still very valuable!
   • In addition, you’ll earn 1X Membership Rewards per dollar spent on all purchases and 2X Membership Rewards per dollar spent through the AMEXtravel.com portal.
2. $200 Airline Fee Credit
   • With each year of membership, you’ll receive a $200 airline credit towards incidentals such as baggage fees and in-flight purchases. If you don’t think this will benefit you, then there’s a nice trick where you can purchase gift cards from your favorite airline in $50 increments and this will trigger the credit!
   • TPS Pro Tip: You get this benefit when you sign up for the card and then again in January. This means that if you sign up for the card mid-year, you’ll get $200 at sign up and you’ll be eligible for another $200 in January. This benefit alone quickly justifies the high annual fee!
   • To get started, head to this link to specify which airline you’d like AMEX to refund charges for.
3. Airport Club Access
   • You’ll receive complimentary access to the The Centurion & Delta Sky Clubs lounges. You’ll also receive a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership which will get you into lounges in numerous international airports!
   • If you’ve never used a lounge before when flying, then it certainly makes a difference being able to retreat away from the hectic atmosphere of an airport. The free drinks are nice too!
   • To take advantage of The Centurion & Delta Sky Clubs, you just have to show your card as you enter the club. To redeem your Priority Pass Select membership, head over to this link.
4. Free Global Entry or TSA Pre✓
   • You’ll receive a statement credit every 5 years for either the Global Entry ($100) or TSA Pre✓ ($85) program. Want to learn more about these programs? Check out our review here.
   • If you already have either of these programs, you’re able to buy this for someone else just be sure they use your card.
5. Hotel Gold Status
   • You’ll get gold status at both Hilton & SPG properities! This is great for perks like free WiFi, room upgrades & more.
   • To redeem SPG status, head over to this link. For Hilton, head here.

…and much much much more.

Want to see other great offers? Check out this months Top Offers.