10 hidden American Express benefits that save you money

American Express cards deliver plenty of rewards, but some of the best perks often slip under the radar. With benefits ranging from cell phone protection to free shipping and hidden credits, these extras can quickly save you hundreds each year when you use them wisely. To help you get more value from your American Express card, here’s a breakdown of 10 hidden benefits you may be missing.

1) Everyday safety: Cell phone coverage

When you pay your wireless bill with select AmEx cards, you get built-in protection against damage or theft. Coverage goes up to $800 per claim with multiple claims allowed per year.

• The American Express Platinum Card® and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card both include this protection, perfect for travelers who rely on their phones.

American Express Platinum Card®

Best for luxury travelers seeking premium benefits and rewards.

When I’m in the mood for luxury, the American Express Platinum Card® is my go-to. Earning 5x points on hotels booked through Amex Travel is great, but it’s the extra perks that really make a difference for me. With access to Centurion Lounges and automatic hotel elite status, I’m treated like a VIP at every step of my journey.  Keep in mind the annual fee is $895, so it’s tailored for serious travelers who want the best.

• You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 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.
• Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
• More Value! With over 1,550 airport lounges – more than any other credit card company on the market* – enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. * As of 07/2025.
• More Value! $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
• More Value! $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $25 in statement credits each month after you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at participating partners. Enrollment required.
• More Value! $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• New! $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: When you use the Platinum Card® to pay at U.S. Resy restaurants and to make other eligible purchases through Resy, you can get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter with the $400 Resy Credit benefit. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you, enrollment required.
• More Value! $209 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with the Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account*. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
• Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in upon arrival, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
• New! $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®. *Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
• $100 Saks Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com on the Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December. No minimum purchase required. Enrollment required.
• Whenever you need us, we’re here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
• $895 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.
• See rates and fees.

View details here

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Whenever I fly Delta, I want to make the experience as comfortable as possible, and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Amex card helps me do just that. The access to both Delta Sky Clubs and Amex Centurion Lounges is a huge perk when I’m on the go, and the companion certificate—even in first class—is a great bonus. If you fly Delta as often as I do and love premium perks, this card is definitely worth it.

• Best for: Premium airline card
• Earn 125,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 10/29/2025.
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
• Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
• Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
• Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
• $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
• $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
• Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
• $650 Annual Fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you’re approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you’re approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.
• See rates and fees.

View details here

2) Fast checkout: Free two-day shipping

All Platinum cardholders receive a complimentary ShopRunner membership. That means free two-day shipping and easy returns at dozens of retailers like Macy’s, Saks, and Neiman Marcus.

3) Dining and entertainment savings

AmEx now offers food and streaming credits that many cardholders forget to redeem.

• Platinum Card® from American Express and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Dining credits through Resy.
• Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: up to $7 monthly statement credits for Disney+, Hulu, or ESPN+ ($84 yearly), plus up to $15 with Home Chef.

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Best for budget-conscious consumers who spend on groceries and gas.

For me, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express hits all the right spots. I get 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. online retail purchases (up to $6,000 each category per year, then 1%) – things I spend on regularly. And with no annual fee, I don’t feel like I’m losing out just by holding the card. It’s great for covering my day-to-day essentials while still earning some nice rewards. 

• Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
• No Annual Fee.
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 19.99% to 28.99% variable APR.
• Plan It®: Buy now, pay later with Plan It. Split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee so you don’t have the pressure of paying all at once. Simply select the purchase in your online account or the American Express® App to see your plan options. Plus, you’ll still earn rewards on purchases the way you usually do.
• Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, on eligible purchases for each category on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
• Get up to a $7 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at Disneyplus.com, Hulu.com, or Plus.espn.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you’re approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you’re approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.
• See Rates and Fees.

View details here

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Best for families and streaming enthusiasts.

For me, the Amex Blue Cash Preferred is a no-brainer. I spend a lot on groceries and streaming subscriptions, and this card offers a fantastic 6% cash back on both. That’s up to $6,000 a year in U.S supermarket purchases then 1% —something my family easily hits. Plus, getting cash back on U.S. streaming services is a nice perk when I’m catching up on shows. The 3% cash back on U.S. gas stations and transit also makes my daily errands a little more rewarding. The annual fee is there, but for what I get in return, it’s absolutely worth it. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.

• Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
• $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
• Low Intro APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 20.24% – 29.24%.
• Plan It®: Buy now, pay later with Plan It. Split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee so you don’t have the pressure of paying all at once. Simply select the purchase in your online account or the American Express® App to see your plan options. Plus, you’ll still earn rewards on purchases the way you usually do.
• Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) purchases and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.comcheckout.
• Get up to a $10 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at disneyplus.com, Hulu.com, or Plus.espn.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you’re approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you’re approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.
• See Rates & Fees

View details here

4) Extra protection on purchases

AmEx extends warranties and protects your purchases.

• Platinum Card® from American Express: Adds one year to eligible warranties, covers theft or damage, and reimburses return shipping when stores won’t.

5) Backup for travel mishaps

Travel protections can save you money when trips go wrong.

• Platinum Card® from American Express: Trip delay reimbursement, trip cancellation insurance* up to $10,000, and baggage coverage.
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Similar protection for Delta-booked travel.

6) Comfort at the airport

AmEx delivers VIP airport perks that go beyond lounge access.

• Platinum Card® from American Express: Access to Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, Priority Pass, and CLEAR credits.
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Sky Club visits and priority boarding.

Statement credits often cover fees if you remember to use them.

• Platinum Card® from American Express: Up to $200 hotel credit, up to $300 digital entertainment credits, up to $200 airline credits, up to $155 Walmart+ credit, up to $100 Saks credit, plus Uber Cash.
• Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Expressand Preferred®: Streaming and meal kit credits.

7) Bonus offers you can activate

AmEx Offers give you extra rewards or cash back when activated. All AmEx cards qualify, from entry-level to premium.

8) Concierge & payment flexibility

AmEx perks extend to convenience and flexibility.

• Platinum Card® from American Express: Global concierge service for reservations and travel help.
• Blue Cash Everyday® Card and The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: “Pay It, Plan It” options to split purchases over time.

9) Hotel & airline loyalty boosts

Co-branded AmEx cards unlock loyalty perks.

• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Annual companion certificate and elite status boosts.
• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: Automatic Hilton Gold status with free breakfast and upgrades.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

Best for Hilton loyalists who want high rewards and elite status.

If you’re someone who frequently books with Hilton, the Hilton Honors Amex Surpass card delivers impressive rewards. You earn 12x points on Hilton stays, 6x points on dining at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets and at U.S. gas stations, and 4x points on U.S. online retail purchases, making it easy to rack up points. Gold status and the chance to earn a free weekend night are valuable extras that enhance your hotel experience. This card is an excellent choice for those who want to get the most out of their Hilton stays and enjoy elite perks.

• Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Get up to $50 in statement credits each quarter for purchases made directly with a property in the Hilton portfolio on your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card. That’s up to $200 in statement credits annually.
• Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
• Earn 6X Points for each dollar of purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
• Earn 4X Points for each dollar on U.S. Online Retail Purchases.
• Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
• Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
• Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status with your Card. Plus, spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors Diamond status through the end of the next calendar year. Terms and Limitations apply.
• As a Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card Member, you can enroll to receive complimentary National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® status through the link on your American Express online account. After you’re enrolled, you can reserve a rental car by calling National Car Rental directly, using your travel service, or by booking online or through the National Car Rental mobile app. Terms apply.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you’re approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you’re approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.
• See rates and fees.

10) Redeeming rewards flexibly

AmEx rewards adapt to your lifestyle.

• Platinum Card® from American Express: Membership Rewards points transfer to airlines and hotels for big value.
• Blue Cash Everyday® Card and The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Straightforward cash back for daily expenses.

Quick look: Which cards offer which hidden benefits

• Best Credit Card for Airport Lounge Access 2025
• Best Cash-Back Credit Cards 2025
• Best Hotel Credit Cards 2025
• Best Credit Cards for Seniors and Retirees 2025
• Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards 2025

Kurt’s key takeaways

American Express cards go beyond flashy perks and deliver real value. They pack in hidden benefits like phone protection, meal kit credits, hotel upgrades, and even companion flights. These extras can add up quickly and make your card far more rewarding. To take advantage, check your AmEx dashboard today and see which perks you may be missing.

Would you use your AmEx more if you knew about these hidden perks? Let us know in the comments below. 

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*Required Disclaimer: “Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.”

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