Although the annual fees have increased for both the Amex Platinum and Gold cards over the years, the issuer has also increased both statement credits and perks included on each card. I often try to take advantage of these credits during the holidays for travel and present savings.
While it may not cover the gift-giving for all the loved ones in your life, taking advantage of a few of your unused credits may end up being the perfect present for the friend you don’t know how to shop for. Here are some examples of how I’ve used the credits to gift friends and family members.
Amex Platinum: Saks Fifth Avenue
While the $50 biannual statement credit may not cover many items at upscale retailer Saks Fifth Avenue, it certainly helps with small gifts. I often see designer clothing and other great finds under $50 in the sales section on their website.
From candles and home goods to nice accessories, this $50 credit is perfect for thoughtful gifts. Factor in Black Friday sales and shopping portal promotions, and I can get a lot of value from this credit.
Amex Platinum: Fine Hotels and Resorts Credit
Some may view the annual $200 Fine Hotels + Resorts® (FHR) credit that comes with Amex Platinum to be challenging to use, given that many of the program’s properties can be expensive. But I view this credit as the perfect excuse for a staycation gift.
Every year, I buy my parents a stay at a nearby Ritz-Carlton that often has weekend rates hovering around $250, which means my credit can cover the majority of the cost. As with all FHR bookings, it includes a breakfast-for-two benefit and an amenity worth around $100 towards eligible charges, which in this case, is a $100 food and beverage credit.
My parents usually arrive around lunchtime to take advantage of the 12 p.m. check-in, a perk of booking in the FHR program. This gives them time to have a leisurely afternoon at the pool and spa, then go to dinner and utilize the dining credit. Even though it’s a local hotel, it’s always a treat for them and a great opportunity for me to treat them with the FHR credit.
Amex Platinum: TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry and CLEAR® Plus Credit
Lines at airports can get especially long around peak dates like the holiday season, but there are ways to decrease the amount of time required to get through security. The Platinum Card comes with a statement credit for the application fee for TSA PreCheck every four years or Global Entry membership every 4.5 years as well as an annual $199 credit for CLEAR® Plus. All of these services offer an expedited security screening process. While you are required to charge the application fee to your card, the service can be for someone else.
To me, gifting TSA PreCheck is giving back time to those in your life. When you already have a trusted traveler ID or have the credit potential from another top travel credit card such as the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve®, then gifting a trusted traveler credit makes for a thoughtful gift for those on the go in your life.
Amex Platinum and Amex Gold: Take a Friend Out To Eat
Both the Amex Platinum and Amex Gold Cards come with several statement credits that are great for taking a friend out for lunch or dessert. While it may not cover the entire purchase, the credits offered per month in Uber Cash can be used toward Uber Eats orders.
Additionally, The Amex Gold Card comes with $7 per month in Dunkin’ statement credits, $10 in dining credits (eligible to use at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com and Five Guys), as well as a semiannual $50 Resy credit that can be used at a wide range of U.S. restaurants. Enrollment is required for select benefits, terms apply.
I can use these small credits to treat friends to a coffee or a bite when I’m catching up with them over the holidays.