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If you possess one of American Express’ premier cards or are thinking about applying for one, now is the perfect time to make the most of the available credits.
The American Express Platinum Card® has recently received a significant update, introducing up to $75 in quarterly credits for purchases at U.S. Lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and online, as well as up to $100 in quarterly credits at U.S. Resy-affiliated restaurants (enrollment required).
Additionally, the Business Platinum Card® from American Express was also refreshed. While it didn’t add any new quarterly credits, it serves as a reminder to ensure you’re maximizing the existing benefits.
Both cards are currently offering attractive welcome bonuses for new cardmembers, allowing applicants to start enjoying their benefits right away.
Here’s why applying now can help you gain extra rewards before the year ends.
New cardmember? Instant card access
Great news! If you’re looking to get the Amex Platinum, you can apply online and receive an instant card number for immediate online purchases, which you can also add to your digital wallet like Apple Pay while waiting for your physical card to arrive in 7 business days.
Upon applying, you’ll discover your offer and may qualify for up to 175,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 within the first six months. Welcome offers may vary, so eligibility isn’t guaranteed.
Afterward, you can enroll in the statement credits to maximize your rewards before the year wraps up.
New Amex Business Platinum Card members have access to an unprecedented bonus of 200,000 points after spending $20,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months of membership.
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Like consumer Platinum cardmembers, Business Platinum cardmembers can receive an instant card number upon approval, allowing them to immediately start taking advantage of their monthly and quarterly credits.
Tips for Platinum Card Members
With potential credits of up to $75 quarterly at Lululemon, up to $100 quarterly at Resy restaurants, and up to $120 annually for an Uber One membership ($9.99 monthly, auto-renewal applies), Platinum Card members can derive up to $185 in value from now until year-end.
This effectively mitigates the recent $200 hike in the card’s annual fee, now set at $895 (see rates and fees).
Both new and current cardmembers must activate their Lululemon, Resy, and Uber One credits in their Amex accounts before making purchases to ensure these benefits trigger correctly. New cardmembers should also enroll in all other relevant perks, especially the three additional monthly statement credits discussed below.
Here’s how to make the most of your credits:
- Up to $75 at U.S. Lululemon stores and online (excluding outlets): I recommend using the Rakuten shopping portal and checking out deals in the secondhand and “We Made Too Much” sections. Eligible purchases both online and in-store qualify for the credit.
- Up to $100 at a U.S. Resy restaurant: Locate a participating restaurant nearby; no reservation is needed to qualify. New cardmembers should verify payment options with the terminal or staff to avoid any credit issues that may arise.
Finally, enroll in an Uber One membership through your Platinum Card to have either a $9.99 monthly or a $96 annual membership fee covered.
Extra benefits for new Platinum Card members
If you apply for your Platinum Card now, you could access an additional $52.95 in monthly credits this year. After enrolling in the benefits, utilize your card to obtain:
- Up to $25 for digital entertainment services: Eligible services include the Disney+ Bundle, Hulu, and YouTube TV.
- Up to $15 in Uber Cash: Valid for Uber rides and Uber Eats orders in the U.S. Note that Uber Cash will deposit into the account associated with the Amex Platinum when added as a payment method.
- Up to $12.95 for a Walmart+ membership: This applies when purchasing one membership (subject to auto-renewal; Plus Ups excluded).
Set your instant Platinum Card number as your payment option for these services. When your physical card arrives, check that the four-digit CVV and expiration date match those on your instant card; update if necessary.
Tips for Business Platinum Card members
Amex has introduced or enhanced specific statement credits with the Amex Business Platinum, focusing on annual and semiannual credits, while the annual fee has also risen to $895 (see rates and fees).
Nonetheless, this serves as a valuable reminder for new and existing cardmembers to secure $150 in value from the following credits before year-end (enrollment required):
- Up to $10 monthly for U.S. wireless telephone services: Use this for your cellphone bill payments and enjoy cellphone protection by charging the bill to this card.
- Up to $50 quarterly on eligible Hilton purchases: Enroll in Hilton for Business for free and use your card for room rates and incidental charges at Hilton properties. Data shows this credit might also apply when dining or shopping at Hilton establishments even if not staying there.
- Up to $90 quarterly with Indeed: Use this for online purchases through Indeed.
As always, ensure you activate these perks beforehand so your transactions trigger the benefits properly.
Important: Semiannual hotel statement credit
Both the Platinum Card and Business Platinum offer up to $600 in hotel statement credits each calendar year.
You can receive up to $300 semiannually for prepaid bookings at American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel® when using your eligible Platinum Card (The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum).
Don’t forget to utilize this up to $300 benefit before the year concludes. If immediate travel isn’t on your agenda, you can book a stay in 2026 while using your current statement credit (for the second half of 2025). Just ensure you book a prepaid stay before the year ends; you don’t have to complete the stay in 2025.
Flying Frugal credit card writer Augusta Stone aims to leverage her credit for a spontaneous weekend trip to Chicago, while Flying Frugal credit card editor Olivia Mittak utilized her credits for a significant portion of a two-night NYC stay before heading to Germany this Thanksgiving.
Note on contactless payments
The terms for many Amex statement credits often include phrasing like:
“Transactions may not be eligible if the merchant relies on a third-party for processing (e.g., using mobile/wireless card readers).”
Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee you will receive your statement credit if the transaction doesn’t meet Amex’s processing criteria.
I’ve encountered this issue twice when using my American Express® Gold Card for the biannual $50 Resy credits; neither appeared within the normal 8-10 week period post-transaction.
However, I eventually received the credits after contacting an Amex agent via the online chat function to manually apply them. Therefore, I recommend monitoring your account; if the credit doesn’t show within 10 weeks, reach out to Amex to request manual application.
Conclusion
By being strategic, holders of the Amex Platinum or Business Platinum can maximize their statement credits before year-end.
I encourage new cardmembers to apply soon, jot down their instant card number, and immediately input it into their digital wallet.
Remember to enroll in the corresponding benefits beforehand to ensure eligible purchases trigger the statement credits. Keep an eye on your account to confirm you receive your credits within the 10-week timeframe; if not, utilize the chat feature to ask Amex for manual application.
For comprehensive information, check out our detailed reviews of the American Express Platinum and the American Express Business Platinum.
Apply now: The Platinum Card from American Express
Apply now: The Business Platinum Card from American Express
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum, click here.
