Amex Platinum cardholders can reserve US Open lounge space, plus additional perks
Editor's Note
It’s almost that time of the year: thrilling tennis matches, chilled honey deuce cocktails and some nice lounges to enjoy them in. That’s right, the U.S. Open is back from Aug. 26 to Sept. 8, and if you have an American Express credit card, there are lots of benefits you can unlock.
Some U.S. Open perks, like getting a discounted checked bag at security checkpoints, are practical. Other more premium perks, such as access to a pop-up Amex Centurion Lounge, are reserved for select Amex cardholders.
To get a better sense of what you can expect as an Amex cardholder at this year's U.S. Open, let’s look at each Amex cardholder benefit and what you need to know to enjoy these perks.
Targeted Amex Offer to save $10
A current Amex Offer provides $10 back after spending $100 on eligible U.S. Open purchases made on-site with an eligible Amex card. To take advantage of this offer, log in to your account to check if the offer is available for your card. If it is, you can add it to your card.
Additional Amex Offers are available for enrollment through the U.S. Open app and at Amex-branded locations across the grounds, including:
- Spend $100 or more online at La Roche-Posay and get a one-time $15 credit back.
- Spend $2 or more with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (New York City's public transportation network) by tapping to pay and get $2 back up to two times for a total of $4.
- Spend $50 in a single transaction at Eataly’s in-store New York City locations (excluding Eataly concessions at the U.S. Open) and get a one-time $10 credit back.
It's worth downloading the U.S. Open app to see all the perks available to cardholders.
Discounted bag check
If you enter the U.S. Open with bags, purses and backpacks, you will be subject to certain restrictions. Each person is allowed a maximum of one bag that can measure no larger than 16 inches by 12 inches by 12 inches.
If you have another bag that needs to be checked, your Amex card can save you some cash. That's because Amex cardholders can get $5 off one checked bag at the East and South gates.
Loaner radios with ESPN broadcasts
Since you can’t be in two places at once, you can watch one match while following the other via ESPN on a free loaner radio. While supplies last, you can also get an earpiece radio with play-by-play coverage and highlights from the U.S. Open by showing an Amex credit card at a radio kiosk. Showing your card via mobile wallet is also acceptable.
There is a limit of one radio per cardmember, and the radios will only work within the grounds of the U.S. Open. They must be returned by the end of the day.
Concessions at the American Express Shop
Whether you’re using your mobile wallet, tapping your card or swiping your card, you can buy concessions at this checkout-free shop in the South Plaza. This year, the shop will feature exclusive Ralph Lauren-branded U.S. Open merchandise and products from small businesses in New York City.
An exclusive lounge for all Amex cardholders
Anyone with an Amex credit card (excluding American Express prepaid cards) can access this lounge on the second floor of the U.S. Open American Express Fan Experience. Entrance is free (on a first-come, first-served basis), and cardholders can bring two guests.
Inside the lounge, you can access drinks and snacks, phone chargers and air conditioning to escape the summer heat. However, the space is capacity-controlled, so it’s not guaranteed there will always be room.
This year, the lounge will feature an expanded Ralph Lauren Clubhouse where you can design your own Ralph Lauren U.S. Open-branded merchandise; partake in live portrait sketches from The Artist Zac and Slew; and enjoy a prepackaged scoop of a limited-edition Van Leeuwen ice cream flavor called Match Point Mint Chip x Amex (while supplies last; offered periodically each day of the tournament), among other activations.
An ice cream truck pop-up featuring the collaboration will be available across New York City from Thursday, Aug. 15, to Saturday, Aug. 17. Fans can enjoy a complimentary scoop while supplies last.
In addition to the lounge, travelers and locals can access a 20,000-square-foot Fan Experience near the main entrance and across from Louis Armstrong Stadium. The Fan Experience is accessible for all fans and Amex cardmembers throughout U.S. Open Fan Week (from Aug. 19 to 25) and during the tournament days.
Fan Experience activations include a tennis ball customization station with a variety of preset designs and letters for initials (while supplies last); opportunities to play a Tie Break round in the new tennis video game TopSpin 2K25 and an interactive mixed-reality game called Glow Tennis; and an interactive live mural experience designed by Yay Abe.
The Centurion Suite for Platinum and Centurion cardholders
In addition to the lounge available to all Amex cardholders, there will be a Centurion Suite available to those with the following cards:
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
- The Centurion® Card from American Express
- The Business Centurion® Card from American Express
The information for the Centurion Card and the Business Centurion Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
As with regular Centurion Lounge locations, entrance is free, but you must show your eligible card to enter. You also need to make a reservation in advance via Resy.
If there are no available reservations at your desired time, you may add yourself to the waitlist by clicking “Notify” on Resy to receive an SMS text if a spot becomes available.
RESY.COM
Same-day, 1-hour reservations will be released daily, starting at 10:00 a.m. ET on Aug. 26 through Sept. 8, subject to availability.
The rules state that Platinum cardholders can make reservations for tables of up to two people, while Centurion cardholders may make reservations for tables of up to four people. Each reservation provides up to one hour of access to the lounge.
The Centurion Lounge's menu includes dishes such as crispy chicken with sweet chili dipping sauce and herb salad, and grilled spiced zucchini with eggplant baba ganoush and hazelnuts. The cocktail menu features espresso martinis, honey deuces and Aperol spritzes.
Last year, guests could design their own custom passport holders. This year, guests can create their dream vacation inspired by American Express Travel’s 2024 Trending Destinations and style a personalized, premium travel pouch (while supplies last).
The lounge opens daily at 11 a.m. EDT.
Bottom line
American Express credit cards can provide numerous perks, including access to special areas and experiences at events like the U.S. Open.
In May, Amex launched early ticket sales for cardholders ahead of public ticket sales in June.
Once the tournament begins later this month, cardholders will enjoy benefits such as free checked bags and access to exclusive lounges.
Related reading:
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.