Maximizing Value: How I Plan to Get 1,000 from My Amex Business Platinum

As travel rewards credit cards evolve, so do their annual fees. While increases are common, they often come with a refreshed array of perks that can make the investment worthwhile. For instance, American Express recently enhanced The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, and despite the annual fee rising to $895, the revamped benefits will easily provide me with over $1,000 in value next year. Here’s a breakdown of how I plan to maximize three of my favorite benefits.

One of the most exciting new features of the Business Platinum is the semiannual statement credit of up to $300 for prepaid hotel nights booked through American Express Travel® at properties within the Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection. The latter requires a minimum two-night stay for reimbursement, offering a potential total of $600 in statement credits each year. This enhancement significantly boosts the card’s value proposition and comes with enticing perks, such as daily credits for standard Wi-Fi costs included in mandatory resort fees.

I’ve already identified a great way to utilize these credits. A colleague recently shared that there are several affordable hotels in Las Vegas listed in The Hotel Collection. Since I visit Las Vegas multiple times a year, this benefit aligns perfectly with my travel plans. With the new credits, I anticipate enjoying discounted stays at properties like the Park MGM Las Vegas.

In addition to the hotel credits, the Business Platinum card maintains its $200 annual statement credit for eligible purchases made directly with Hilton properties (enrollment required). My husband and I both hold Hilton cobranded cards, which we use frequently to maximize benefits and statement credits. Since acquiring the Business Platinum this summer, I’ve easily found ways to use the extra $50 credit each quarter. For instance, I offset a dog fee at Seattle’s Hotel 1000, a member of Hilton’s LXR Hotels & Resorts portfolio. Traveling with our pitbull often incurs additional costs, and I plan to use this credit for similar expenses in the future.

Another memorable use of this credit occurred during a trip to Portugal, where I covered a valet parking charge at the Boeira Garden Hotel Porto Gaia, part of Hilton’s Curio Collection. As avid road-trippers, parking fees can add up quickly, especially with a young child and all the gear that comes with family travel. Having a car on hand made it easier to explore multiple locations, but hotel parking can be pricey. I expect to continue utilizing this credit for parking expenses on future trips.

The $200 airline fee statement credit is another benefit I cherish and fully intend to use next year. Cardholders can select one qualifying airline to receive this credit for baggage fees and other incidentals. I’ve consistently chosen Alaska Airlines, which is a major carrier from my home base in Portland, Oregon. While I also fly with United Airlines, I often don’t accrue enough loyalty points with Alaska to enjoy complimentary checked bags. Thus, I rely on the airline fee credit to reimburse checked baggage charges, which can quickly add up—especially when traveling with a baby and a large collection of luggage.

While a combined $400 in potential expenses for checked baggage may seem high, it’s easy to reach that limit. For example, Alaska Airlines charges $100 for overweight bags in addition to the standard $35 fee. Just one overweight bag can consume a significant portion of the annual airline fee credit.

When considering a new credit card or evaluating existing ones, it’s essential to assess your spending and travel habits to ensure you’re receiving enough value to justify the annual fees. A higher fee doesn’t necessarily mean a card isn’t worth it; in my case, the Business Platinum will provide ample statement credits to offset the cost.

The combination of retaining my favorite benefits while introducing new ones makes holding onto the Business Platinum a clear choice for me. If you’re looking to maximize your travel rewards and make the most of your spending, consider how the Amex Business Platinum could fit into your travel plans.

For more details on the Amex Business Platinum Card, including rates and fees, visit the American Express website.

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