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EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE:
Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

*Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Last year I finally decided to dive into American Express cards and start earning Membership Rewards points. I had been intimidated by the annual fees for so long, but I was ready to tackle the challenge of making the most of the “coupon book” (as it’s commonly referred to)! I opened The Business Platinum Card® from American Express that comes with a $695 annual fee (rates & fees). So with an annual fee like that, it’s important to make the most of the benefits and credits the card offers!

Each year I work hard to utilize as many benefits as possible so I’m breaking down my strategy for squeezing all the value I can out of this card. 💰👇🏼

Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit up to $120

This credit is an easy one for us to use since it can be used for anyone! The credit can be used toward the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application for a friend or family member; not just the card holder. Since my husband and I already have Global Entry, we used this credit for TSA PreCheck for our daughter. I applied online and we completed the in person appointment at our local Staples. I paid the application fee with my Amex Business Platinum card and the fee was credited back to my account in about 3 business days.

*Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your American Express Card. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.

Clear Plus membership

You also earn a $199 credit for an annual Clear Plus membership. I opted to use this for myself so I can utilize this expedited security screening when traveling solo (since nobody else in our family has this membership). I applied online and paid the $199 fee with my Amex Business Platinum. I will need to enroll in person at the airport the next time I fly. The fee was credited back to my account in about 5 business days.

Lounge access

The lounge access offered by the American Express Platinum cards is definitely one of the best in my opinion. With this card you will have access to Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass Select, Plaza Premium and Escape Lounges. You can also access Delta Sky Clubs with a same day boarding pass for a Delta flight. I have already been able to visit Escape Lounges with my husband and Centurion Lounges when traveling solo! We have both of these lounges at our home airport in Phoenix so this also is something to consider when choosing a card with lounge access.

Dell semi-annual credit

Twice a year you will have a $200 credit to be used on purchases at Dell. You must enroll first to use this credit so I did this online through my American Express account. After enrolling, I made a purchase on the Dell website for an item around $200 so that I could get the best value from this credit. I charged the purchase to my Amex Business Platinum and it was credited back to my account in about 2 business days. *This credit will end on December 31st, 2024.

Airline fee

This is the next perk on my list to utilize for our travels. You receive a $200 credit for airline incidentals annually with the airline of your choice. You do need to select your airline of choice in your American Express account. This credit can be used for things like purchasing assigned seats, paying for baggage, buying a lounge pass, etc.

I used this credit by funding my United Travel Bank. I added $200 to my travel bank in two, $100 increments. This triggered my credit and posted to my account three days later!

As you can see below, I made these purchases with my Business Platinum card, and within a few weeks (usually sooner) those credits had been applied to my account. 👇🏼

Hilton for Business quarterly credit

One of the newest perks of this card (and one I can easily utilize!) is the $50 quarterly Hilton credit. With this new benefit, Hilton For Business members get up to $200 back per calendar year when you make eligible purchases at Hilton properties across the globe. We recently used this credit when we stayed at the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas. We had paid $100 a night for a room upgrade so we charged it to my Business Platinum card and we earned a $50 statement credit for that quarter! *Benefit enrollment required.

Bottom line

💳 There are so many other perks and benefits that come along with this card, like travel insurance, purchase protections, access to exclusive hotels, and more! So make sure to check out all this card has to offer before deciding if The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is right for you.

EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Making the Most of My Business Platinum Card® from American Express