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The annual fee is now $895, but here are eight ways I use my American Express Platinum card to receive a return on investment. Do you want to do the math with me to ensure the benefits are worth the fee? Oh, there are more ways to utilize the card.
I take advantage of the $200 Airline Fee Credit per calendar year for qualifying incidental fees and in-flight refreshments. I selected Southwest Airlines. As an A-List Preferred member, I receive drink coupons on every flight. Therefore, I never purchase refreshments, but I discovered a hack on how to charge a flight or two to the card and still receive the credit.
In the past, I used my Uber credit for rides to MDW, but rideshare in Chicago is expensive to or from the airport. I now use the credit for rides to and from the hotel/timeshare when I travel. My Amex benefit includes up to $200 per year or $15 per month and a $20 bonus in December. You can also use the Uber benefit for Uber Eats. When a hotel shuttle is available, I use Uber Eats for meals.
My son uses Uber Eats frequently. There is now a $120 Uber One benefit. He shifted his payment to the Platinum card and will take advantage of this new benefit. Yes, your authorized user can use the benefit.
I now receive a $100 quarterly Resy credit. At first, I was not excited about this new benefit, but then I saw my favorite restaurant, The Duck Inn. If you live in Chicago and want an unique food experience, you have to try Duck Inn at least once. Add the restaurant to your list of places to eat in Chicago. Of course, I tried the Prime Rib Special. You should make a reservation in the Resy app and pay for your meal with your Platinum Card.
At this point, my savings are in the negative, and I have only shared four of the eight ways I use my American Express Platinum Card. Do you want me to keep going?
I can admit that I did not understand the purpose of the Hotel Collection. However, I booked a room at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel. I enjoyed breakfast at the Villard and a cocktail with an appetizer at the Gold Room using my $100 hotel credit. The customer service at the Lotte was unbelievable, the room impeccable, and the view was stunning. Of course, I tried a property in the Fine Hotels & Resorts collection (Pendry Chicago). I received the $100 hotel credit and a $60 daily breakfast credit for two guests. If you include the credits at both hotels, I saved an additional $320, bringing my total to -$945.
Are you a fan of Reasonable Doubt or Bel Air? Do you want to save money on your streaming accounts? If you answered yes, take advantage of this credit.
I am not a fan of sitting at the gate. I head to a Centurion or Escape Lounge and use Priority Pass Select to access other airport lounges. You ask, “What is the point of sitting in the lounge?” Well, you can relax or work and enjoy complimentary pre-flight meals and drinks. My new favorite Centurion and Escape Lounge are at SLC and MCI, respectively. The customer service at the Priority Pass Lounge at BWI exceeds my expectations. The money I save utilizing lounge access is worth the annual fee alone compared to dining in the airport. At this point, the card has paid for itself.
Who knew my car insurance was invalid in Mexico, even though I had asked my insurance agent if I was covered? The Platinum Card offers a certificate of insurance to present at rental car agencies in Mexico. I received the certificate via email. Amex would be my primary insurance. I provided this document at the rental car counter during my second trip to Cabo. Anyone brave enough to drive in Cabo understands the importance of having this certificate. Knowing all of this, you are wondering why I rented a car. It was less expensive to rent a car than to use airport transportation.
I shared eight ways I used my American Express Platinum card. There are other benefits available. I received a credit ($85) when I used my card to pay the application fee for a Known Traveler Number. My son is an authorized user and received the credit. I take advantage of the $100 Saks credit. My authorized user takes advantage of the $155 Walmart+ credit. Before you say the annual fee is too high, look at all the benefits of carrying the card. I strongly recommend you search for a card with benefits to fit your needs. The card works for me. Start by checking the benefits of your current cards before applying for new credit.