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American Express Platinum cardholders must do four things before the end of the year or lose $650 in points, a credit card expert has warned.
Jasmine Baron told Fortune magazine that four of the largest Amex Platinum benefits, worth a total of about $649, will expire at the end of 2024.
“You have to be organized to get the most out of the Amex Platinum card,” Baron explained.
“Some benefits, like airline incidentals and FHR credits, reset at the start of the calendar year, so I make sure I use them as soon as possible to avoid missing out.”
Here are all the things you need to do to avoid losing the remaining credits:
1. Book a hotel collection or a stay in a nice hotel and resort
Amex cardholders are reminded to use their $200 annual travel credit before it expires
The Platinum card offers Amex Travel a $200 annual credit.
The credit can be redeemed when you book a prepaid hotel through Fine Hotels and Resorts or Hotel Collection.
Although the stay does not have to be completed before the end of the year, the booking does, otherwise the credit will be lost.
“The $200 annual FHR credit that comes with the card can be used for stays of just one night,” credit card expert Jon Nickel-D’Andrea told Fortune.
“Remember to use your credit for a staycation or weekend getaway and take advantage of free breakfast, late check-out and on-site credit.”
2. Make a purchase at Saks Fifth Avenue or Saks.com
Platinum credit card holders get a $50 credit every six months at Saks Fifth Avenue
Amex Platinum also gives its users a $50 annual Saks credit to use from July to December.
However, if you miss this one, the credit will reset every six months, so another one will be available in January.
3. Sign up for CLEAR Plus
Make airport travel a relaxing experience by using the CLEAR Plus annual credit
Amex Platinum members receive a $199 CLEAR Plus annual credit that covers the annual fee.
CLEAR Plus provides expedited access to many airports around the world, meaning you can avoid long security lines and tiring ID checks.
All cardholders need to do is sign up for CLEAR and use your Amex Platinum as their payment method.
Plus, you only have to do this once because renewals in subsequent years qualify for the credit.
4. Use your $200 credit for airline expenses
One of the easiest ways to claim this credit is for seat assignments on upcoming flights
This is one of the most complicated credits to claim, but it still needs to be done before the end of the year.
To claim the $200 in airline incidentals, you must first select your preferred airline from an itemized list in advance.
Next, you’ll need to use your credit for non-flight airline incidentals.
Popular ways to spend the credit are for prepaid baggage or seat assignments for an upcoming flight.