Going to Coachella or Stagecoach? Amex cardmembers get access to the experience, a $10 credit and exclusive merch
Editor's Note
For the last few years, American Express has sponsored one of the world's most popular music festivals: the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival in Southern California, running April 12-14 and 19-21.
Ant this year, they will be debuting their first activation at the Stagecoach festival, on April 26-28.
Amex has announced this year's perks for cardmembers attending the festivals. Here's a look at them.
Amex benefits at Coachella
Receive a $10 statement credit
Amex cardmembers will get a one-time $10 statement credit when they spend at least $100 on-site (can be multiple purchases that add up to $100) using their eligible card at participating on-site merchants. Trust us — spending $100 at Coachella won't be too difficult.
You need to enroll in this offer first.
The Amex Experience
Cardmembers will get access for themselves and three companions to the on-site "Amex Experience." This year's experience will have four rooms:
- An icy winter wonderland inspired by Reneé Rapp's album, Snow Angel, They'll also experience Reneés Readings — a "festival fortune" predicted by Reneé after they take a short festival-themed quiz. Cardmembers will receive their fortune on a physical card to commemorate their festival experience.
- A retro snack bar where The New Bar will curate unexpected alcohol-free drinks, including two original nonalcoholic cocktails — a Manifest Marg and a Celestial Cosmo. Jelly company Raindrop Cake will also curate complimentary 'Raindrop Potions.'
- A night market containing items from small businesses RagzRevenge, HART Jewelry, and Barrière.
- A tranquil cave-like room for a moment of calm and relaxation.
The Amex Experience will open from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. each day. No pre-registration is required; it's on a first-come, first-served basis.
You'll need to present your card physically or via a mobile wallet to get in. This is open to all eligible Amex cardmembers, not just those with premium cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express. Guests must enroll via the Coachella app.
This lounge can be a great way to escape the desert heat, escape the massive crowds, hang out with friends and grab a quick bite to eat and drink.
Exclusive merch
Amex is debuting their first-ever Merch To-Go Window, where cardmembers will receive a mystery box of merch from festival performer Reneé Rapp and Tyler The Creator, along with official Coachella merch. Mystery boxes will include various merch items, including sweatshirts, t-shirts, hats, bandanas and totes.
This benefit seems promising as mystery boxes are becoming more popular and give fans the thrilling surprise of not knowing what items they will receive.
In addition to the Amex To-Go Window, the Tyler, the Creator merch will also be available exclusively to cardmembers at the Coachella Artist Merch Tent and GOLF WANG pop-up merch tent. Both tents will include a dedicated cardmember checkout lane to skip the lines.
Fast checkout line
Cardmembers will get access to a fast-tracked merch lane from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m. daily.
This dedicated lane is a nice touch, as the standard Coachella merch lanes can be absurdly long as everyone wants to take home a piece of memorabilia.
Complimentary glam services
For the first time, Amex will have a pop-up "get ready with me" partnership with In Your Dreams at the Coachella campgrounds.
This space will provide cardmembers without free services such as hair bow stacking. This is a nice benefit as so many people camp at Coachella, so a dedicated space to get ready will be much appreciated.
By invitation only
A three-day, curated "By Invitation Only" experience package is exclusively available for Platinum Card Members and Centurion Members to purchase. This package includes a VIP pass to the festival, access to an Outstanding in the Field dinner in the Rose Garden, and food and beverage vouchers.
Amex benefits at Stagecoach
For the first time, the Amex experience and the Merch to Go window will be at Stagecoach. Cardmembers can bring three guests to the Amex experience, which will have a country twist.
It's nice to see Amex expanding its activation to Stagecoach, as many cardmembers attend this festival and have likely seen the previous Coachella-only perks.
Bottom line
If you think the perks are worth it, there's still time to apply for an Amex card before the festival. You can read TPG's guide on choosing the best Amex card for you; a no-annual-fee Amex should grant you access to most of the festival benefits.