American Express Platinum Authorized User Benefits

When analyzing points and miles, we tend to think “What is the best card for…” and when applying it to American Express’s prestigious Platinum Card®, it can even go as far as Which Platinum Card is Best for What. Well, within confines of this post, we’ll be talking more specifically on the Free Authorized Users perk that you get with the Platinum(s).

Key difference between the Platinum & Platinum co-branded variants is the fees attached to add Platinum authorized users. (e.g. Business Platinum Card® from American Express OPEN charges $300 per “authorized user” or employee cards vs. the personal Platinum Card charges $175 for up to 3 authorized users. Or the Morgan Stanley Platinum Card offering the first AU card for free and Ameriprise Platinum card offering up to three free AU for the first year).

Alternative Credit Card Bonuses:

• The Plum Card from American Express OPEN
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express OPEN

Platinum Authorized Users Benefits:

Airport Lounge Access – Centurion Lounges, Escape Lounges, Airspace Lounges; Cardholder plus two guests are allowed free.

• Automatic Enrollment. Show your Platinum card when visiting a Centurion lounge.
• Platinum Authorized Users do receive this perk.

Airport Lounge Access – Delta Sky; Cardholders are granted free access when flying Delta on the same day. Extra charges are applicable for guests.

• Automatic Enrollment. Show your Platinum card when visiting a Centurion lounge.
• Platinum Authorized Users do receive this perk.

Airport Lounge Access – Priority Pass Select Lounges; Free entrance is allowed to a Priority Pass Select member + two guest.

• Manual Enrollment. You must sign-up for priority pass select.  Go to the benefits page, log into your AMEX account and click “Enroll in Priority Pass”.  You will receive a membership card by mail. Proceed to presenting the Priority Pass card and boarding pass at the lounge entrance.
• Each AU must separately sign up for Priority Pass Select.

Global Entry or TSA Pre fee credit – Full credited reimbursement for sign-up fees once every 5 years (per card). Sign up for Global Entry (Global Entry includes TSA Precheck)

• Sign up for Global Entry here.  Make sure that you pay with your Platinum card.  Reimbursement will be automatically credited to your account.
• “Additional Cards on eligible Consumer and Business accounts are also eligible for the $100 statement credit”

Hilton HHonors Gold Status – Hilton Gold status holders receive free breakfast, room upgrades (when available), and more.

• Go to the benefits page, log into your AMEX account and find the Hilton HHonors Gold benefit, and click “Enroll Now”.

Starwood Preferred Guest Gold Status – If you’re a SPG Gold member, you should expect welcoming gifts with each stay, room upgrades (when available), and more perks at SPG properties.

• Go to the benefits page, log into your AMEX account and find the Starwood Preferred Guest Gold benefit, and click “Enroll Now”.

Marriott Rewards Gold Status – Marriott Gold member should expect lounge access or free breakfast at a majority of Marriott hotels. Varies per brand.

• Go to the benefits page, log into your AMEX account and find the Starwood Preferred Guest Gold benefit, and click “Enroll Now”. Make sure that your Marriott and SPG accounts are linked.

National Car Rental Executive status – You can Book mid-sized cars and cars from the ‘Executive Aisle’ at no additional charge.

• Enroll here for this benefit.

Hertz Rental Car Privileges – This includes elite-like benefits for Platinum cardholders; discounts, four hour grace period for rental car returns.

• Enrollment form here

Gogo inflight internet passes – You’ll receive 10 passes per calendar year

• (Available only to Business Platinum cardholders.)
• Click here to enroll

Boingo Wifi – Free unlimited wifi access via Boingo hotspots worldwide.

• Click here to enroll

Fine Hotels & Resorts, The Hotel Collection – Get elite-like perks and hotel credits by booking via eligible specialty sites.

• Book via Fine Hotels & Resorts or The Hotel Collection

Cruise Benefits – When you pay for your cruise with a Platinum card, you’ll receive upwards of $100-$300 per stateroom shipboard credit + amenities.

• Participating cruise lines here

Active Military Fee Waiver – Amex will waive fees (including annual fees) for US active military personnel under the Military Lending Act.

Neiman Marcus In-Circle 

• Call 1-800-525-3355 to enroll

Final Analysis:

To sum it all up, Platinum Authorized Users receive a majority of the benefits that Primary Platinum Card® platinum cardholders earn minus the $200 Airlines Fees Credit and $200 Uber Credit. Note that the Gogo Inflight Internet Passes are only available to Business Platinum Employee cardholders. If you’re a personal Platinum Authorized user, you can still get free unlimited wifi access via Boingo hotspots worldwide. Adding authorized users on your Platinum Card depends on you; looking at the benefits Platinum AU receive, it’s worth it, especially with the occasional targeted Authorized User promotions from American Express. Don’t forget to check out our full list of Credit Card Bonuses for all of your credit card needs.