Key takeaways
- The Platinum Card® from American Express is a versatile travel rewards and benefits card powerhouse that allows you to add an authorized user to your account for $195.
- The annual fee for an authorized user is high, but could still be worth it if you take into account the card’s benefits and savings authorized users can enjoy.
- An Amex Platinum authorized user can get many of the same perks as the main cardholder, including exclusive access to The American Express Global Lounge Collection and The Hotel Collection.
The Platinum Card® from American Express is arguably one of the top luxury travel rewards credit cards available. Packed with travel credits and elite status perks, the card is a popular choice for both road warriors and infrequent travelers alike who want to upgrade their travel experience. While the $695 annual fee is high, the value of the benefits can make it worthwhile if you take advantage of them properly. Plus, you can add authorized users to your account for $195 each.
A $195 fee is still steep for an authorized user account, but Amex Platinum authorized users get access to unparalleled travel benefits, including dedicated and shared statement credits and lounge access. If you’re considering adding an authorized user to your Platinum Card, here’s everything you need to know about how to do it and what benefits you’ll be extending to that lucky individual.
Benefits of being an Amex Platinum authorized user
Amex Platinum authorized users get access to a slew of benefits in exchange for the $195 annual authorized user fee. Those benefits include:
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Airports can be loud, chaotic and stressful to navigate. When you’re ready to settle down with a meal or cup of coffee, you often pay through the roof. Thanks to the card’s airport lounge access benefits, Platinum cardholders and their authorized users can avoid these hassles.
Platinum card authorized users get full access to Amex’s Global Lounge Collection, which includes the exclusive Centurion lounges. Delta SkyClub access (when flying with Delta and with some restrictions) and Priority Pass Select membership — a Priority Pass tier exclusive to those who receive their membership through a financial institution — sweeten the deal further.
Lounge access for authorized users offers hundreds of dollars in value. Because of the annual fees associated with the regular Priority Pass tiers, the Priority Pass Select membership alone is worth over $469 per year.
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Currently, it takes 40 nights to earn Gold status with Hilton and 25 with Marriott. With the Amex Platinum Card, you get automatically upgraded just for being a cardholder. As a Hilton Honors Gold member, you’ll enjoy valuable perks like complimentary breakfast, space-available room upgrades and 80 percent bonus points on stays, to name a few.
Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite isn’t as generous, with key perks being room upgrades, 25 percent bonus points on stays and late checkout up to 2 p.m. Nevertheless, enjoying elite status can enhance your experience at Hilton and Marriott properties. This benefit is not only available to primary Platinum cardholders but also to authorized users who wish to have their own hotel elite status. Adding an authorized user to your Amex Platinum Card is a valuable perk that can help offset the $195 annual fee. Authorized users can enjoy benefits such as Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, airport lounge access, and elite status, just like primary cardholders. This is a great way to share the perks of the card with a loved one or family member.
Another valuable perk for Amex Platinum authorized users is access to the Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts program. This exclusive program offers elite perks at some of the best hotels worldwide, including resort credits, room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, early check-in, and late check-out. Authorized users can also earn 5 points per dollar spent on hotel reservations booked through Amex Travel.
For a more streamlined experience, you can consider giving your authorized user a Companion Platinum instead of adding them as an authorized user. This option is free and still allows them to enjoy some of the Platinum Card perks without the $195 fee.
If you’re considering adding an authorized user to your Amex Platinum Card, you can easily do so online by logging into your American Express account and following a few simple steps. This process is quick and straightforward, allowing you to share the benefits of your card with a trusted individual.
In conclusion, adding an authorized user to your Amex Platinum Card can help you maximize the perks and rewards points you earn. Whether you choose to add an authorized user or give them a Companion Platinum, sharing the benefits of your card can enhance both of your experiences.
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