Don't Leave Money on the Table: Your Amex Platinum End-of-Year Checklist for 2024
Maximize your Platinum Amex credits before 2024 ends with our comprehensive checklist.
With the end of the year around the corner, it’s crucial to review your American Express Platinum card benefits to ensure you’re not leaving any value unused. Many credits reset on December 31st, so now is the time to maximize these valuable perks. Here’s your comprehensive checklist of what to use before 2024 ends.
But First: Track Your Credits Automatically
Before diving into specific benefits, here’s a game-changing tip: You can now track all your Amex Platinum benefits automatically using Kudos’ Hidden Perks feature. Our free tool:
Analyzes your available credits and benefits (for Amex Platinum cards, but also 3,000 other debit and credit cards in our database)
Reminds you before credits expire
Tracks your usage across all benefits
Simply connect your Amex Platinum to Kudos to start tracking these credits automatically. Now, let’s review what you need to use before December 31st.
Annual Airline Fee Credit ($200)
The Amex Platinum card offers a $200 airline fee credit per calendar year. This credit is designed to cover incidental fees on your selected airline, such as baggage, seat selection, and in-flight purchases. It’ll even cover the cost of bringing your pet with you on your travels!
Key points:
You must select one qualifying airline each year. You can choose Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, or United Airlines.
Purchases by both the basic card member and additional card members on the enrolled card account are eligible for statement credits.
The statement credit is typically received within a few days but can take up to 6-8 weeks after the fees are charged to your account.
The credit renews annually on January 1st.
Unused credits don’t roll over to the next year.
Best Ways to Use Your Airline Fee Credit
Checked Baggage Fees
If you frequently check bags, this credit can save you a significant amount. Most airlines charge $30-$60 for the first checked bag on domestic flights.
Seat Selection Fees
Many airlines now charge for seat selection, especially for more desirable seats. Use your credit to upgrade to extra legroom seats or choose your preferred location on the plane.
Lounge Day Passes
While the Amex Platinum offers extensive lounge access, you might find yourself at an airport without a partner lounge. Use your credit to purchase a day pass to an airline's lounge.
In-Flight Purchases
From meals to Wi-Fi, your credit can cover various in-flight expenses, making your journey more comfortable.
Pet Travel Fees
If you travel with a furry friend, use your credit to offset the pet fee charged by many airlines.
And Now….the Unofficial Ways to Use the Credit
Some cardholders have reported success with these methods, but they’re not officially supported or guaranteed to work:
Purchasing airline gift cards (no longer reliably works)
Buying tickets under $100 on some airlines
Funding a United TravelBank account
Tips for Maximizing Your Credit
Select your airline wisely: Choose the airline you fly most frequently.
Use the credit early in the year: this ensures you don’t forget and miss out, but we’ll remind you to use them as well!
Track your spending: Keep an eye on your credit usage through your Amex account.
Combine with other card benefits: Pair this credit with other Amex Platinum perks for maximum value.
If you haven't already used your annual airline incidental fee credit, prioritize this first. Remember:
The credit is valid for incidental fees like checked bags, seat assignments, and in-flight purchases
Must be used with your pre-selected airline
Doesn't roll over to next year
Resets January 1st
Saks Fifth Avenue Credit (Up to $50)
Don’t forget about your second-half Saks Fifth Avenue credit:
Up to $50 available for July through December
No minimum purchase required
Perfect for holiday shopping
Pro tip: Look for holiday sales to maximize value
Uber Benefits ($35 in December)
December offers extra value for Uber benefits:
Regular $15 monthly credit increases to $35 in December
Valid for both rides and Uber Eats
Expires at month's end
Make sure your Platinum card is linked to your Uber account
Digital Entertainment Credit (Up to $20 Monthly)
Check if you’ve maximized your streaming credits:
Covers services including Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ or a Disney Bundle (which includes up to all three services)
Peacock
The New York Times
The Wall Street Journal Audible
SiriusXM
The New York Times
December credit expires December 31st
Walmart+ Credit (Monthly)
If you haven't activated your Walmart+ membership:
Covers the full monthly membership cost ($12.95)
Includes free shipping and delivery
Must enroll through the Amex benefits portal or from Walmart
Clear Plus Credit (Up to $189)
If you haven’t used your Clear credit:
Full annual membership covered
Great for holiday travel
Must enroll through the Amex benefits portal
Resets January 1st
Hotel Credit ($200)
Don’t forget about the annual prepaid hotel credit:
Valid for Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings
Must book through American Express Travel
Two-night minimum stay is required for The Hotel Collection
Expires December 31st
Last-Minute Tips
Check Enrollment Status: Many benefits require active enrollment through your Amex account
Track Spending: Use your Amex app to monitor remaining credit balances
Plan Ahead: Some credits might take a few days to post, so don't wait until December 31st
Stack Benefits: Combine credits with Amex Offers for maximum value
Looking Ahead to 2025
All these credits will reset on January 1st, so start planning how to maximize them in the new year. Make sure you:
Select your airline for the $200 airline fee credit
Plan hotel stays to use the $200 hotel credit
Set calendar reminders for monthly credits
Bottom Line
The Amex Platinum card offers over $1,500 in annual credits, but you have to use them or you’ll lose them. Take time now to review your available benefits and make a plan to use any remaining credits before they expire on December 31st.
Remember, these benefits help offset the card's $695 annual fee, so maximizing them is key to getting full value from your card membership. Don't let these valuable perks go to waste – start using them now!