My parents get a lot of credit for my travel inspiration, from taking me on trips all over the world when I was young to helping me finance a study abroad program in Paris where I really caught the travel bug. With Mother's Day (and Father's Day) coming up right around the corner, I've been searching for travel-themed gifts to express my appreciation. So this year, I'm leaving the diamonds at home and giving my mother the gift of Platinum.
Adding Authorized Users on Your Amex Platinum
If you have The Platinum Card® from American Express, you can add up to three authorized users on your card for a flat fee of $175 for all three cards (See Rates & Fees). Authorized users on a Platinum card get to enjoy a lot of the best premium perks, such as:
- Access to Amex Centurion lounges, including the ability to bring up to two guests
- Access to Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta on the same day
- A Priority Pass membership, including two free guests
- A $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre-Check
- Hilton Honors and SPG/Marriott Gold elite status
- Access to the Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts collection
This is an especially great gift for Mom and Dad, as it will save them time at the airport and make their trips more comfortable and luxurious. What I especially love about this is that they can take these benefits and use them wherever they want to travel. You're not picking out a gift for them that they may not like — rather you're enhancing any future trips they decide to take.
While most premium credit cards now offer Priority Pass memberships, not every airport has a convenient Priority Pass lounge. The addition of Centurion lounge access and Delta Sky Club access is huge here, and it's why the Amex Platinum is the single best credit card for lounge access.
Costs and Cautions
To be fair, there are a few costs to consider. First, paying $175 to add three authorized users is relatively steep compared to other cards like the CSR. But since it costs the same to add one user as it does to add three, you should look for siblings or friends you can share the love lounge access with. Also, remember that you'll be responsible for any charges made on these cards, so make sure to set the credit limits on each authorized user card to a relatively low level if you don't intend for them to be used for purchases.
Last but not least, make sure you ask your parents before simply adding them! Authorized user cards will likely show up on their personal credit report and could even affect their ability to open new cards in the future, so get permission first.
If you don't currently have the Amex Platinum card, there's still time to sign up and request authorized user cards before Mother's Day rolls around! And if you apply, you can earn a bonus of 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months — which includes any spending on your authorized user cards.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, please click here.
