Editor's note: This post has been updated to reflect the expansion of this offer.
Most major card issuers have announced new benefits to help customers find value in their travel cards amid the coronavirus pandemic. For American Express, that meant adding wireless and streaming benefits to some cards, offering elevated earning rates, giving more time for welcome offer spending and more. But it's not done yet.
In May, we reported that American Express would be offering select cardholders of The Platinum Card® from American Express up to $200 in statement credits toward Amex Travel purchases. Doctor of Credit writes that this offer has now been expanded.
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Benefit overview
The up to $200 Amex Travel credit is available to personal cardholders who renew their card between April 2020 and March 2021. Originally, this was only available for renewals through December.
The credit is valid between August 2020 and December 2021 and can be used for eligible travel purchases through the American Express Travel Portal. Best of all, this credit is in addition to the card's up to $200 annual airline fee credit. The card comes with a $550 annual fee (see rates and fees).
Amex Travel doesn't always offer the lowest price, but it does provide flexibility in how you can use your credit. You can use the portal to book flights, hotels, car rentals and cruises.
Both prepaid and postpaid bookings will trigger the credit. Additionally, an Amex spokesperson has confirmed to TPG that both Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts and International Airline Program bookings are eligible. You can find a bar that shows your progress toward using the credit on the main page of your online account.
Related reading: 6 Amex Platinum benefits you can use from home
Bottom line
Between the already-existing perks that can be used from home, such as the Uber and Saks credits and Amex’s recent coronavirus-related additions, there's already plenty of reason to hold on to the Amex Platinum for at least another year — the travel credit is just the cherry on top. Hopefully, the travel credit will be added as a permanent feature in the future, similar to the Chase Sapphire Reserve and its $300 annual travel credit.
Related reading: Why I’m keeping my Amex Platinum even though I’m not traveling
Although the credit will only be offered to personal cardholders, Amex has previously announced several other limited-time credits exclusively for cardholders of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. These include an additional up to $200 in Dell credits for U.S. purchases and up to $320 in shipping and wireless credits from U.S. service providers, as well as an up to $200 "appreciation credit" for select cardholders.
Related reading: Amex Platinum 100k, American Express® Gold Card 60k & 75k offers available via CardMatch (offers subject to change at anytime)
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.
