7 Amex Platinum perks outside of travel that you should take advantage of

Editor's note: This article is regularly updated with the latest information and offers.

The Platinum Card® from American Express is a favorite here at TPG. We appreciate the travel benefits it provides — including extensive airport lounge access, hotel and airline fee reimbursements, and various travel protections.

However, beyond its travel advantages, the Amex Platinum card is much more than just a travel card. Cardmembers can earn over $1,500 in statement credits — many of which aren't related to travel — along with an array of shopping protections that help offset the card's $695 annual fee (see rates and fees), even for those who don't travel often.

Let's explore some of the non-travel benefits that make this card a valuable addition to your wallet.

$300 Equinox Benefit

Equinox is a premium gym chain with locations in the U.S., Canada, and London. When you use your Amex Platinum Card for fees, you can earn up to $300 back each year through a statement credit on eligible Equinox memberships or a subscription to Equinox+ (the on-demand fitness service).

Enrollment is necessary. If you're not near an Equinox gym, the best value comes from using the credit for a digital subscription to Equinox+, which typically costs $39.99 a month.

Value: Up to $300 each year

$240 digital entertainment credit

The Amex Platinum provides a monthly statement credit of up to $20 for select digital entertainment platforms. These include Peacock, Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, as well as the Disney Bundle (which encompasses up to all three services), the New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal. If you already subscribe to any of these, this benefit is a great addition. Enrollment is necessary.

Value: Up to $240 each year

Uber Cash

Amex Platinum cardholders receive $15 in Uber statement credits each month, along with an additional $20 in December. To take advantage of this, the Amex Platinum must be linked to the Uber account, and the credits can be redeemed with any Amex card.

This credit is not limited to rides; it also applies to food delivery and pickup via Uber Eats (available only in the U.S.).

Value: $200 each year

American Express Platinum Concierge

Pressed for time? Don’t want to spend your energy on tasks like restaurant bookings and other trivialities? Let the Amex Platinum Concierge take care of it for you. With your card, you gain access to a dedicated phone service that can help secure reservations at top eateries and events, find the ideal dining location, and even assist with on-demand deliveries and various other tasks.

Amex also offers the Global Dining Access program, powered by Resy, providing cardholders with exclusive access to some of the most coveted restaurants worldwide. Additionally, you can reserve unique chef dinners, participate in curated culinary experiences, join virtual cooking classes, and get early access to Resy events.

Saks Fifth Avenue credit

The Saks statement credit from Amex Platinum consists of two separate credits of up to $50 each, available per calendar year. The first credit is applicable from January 1 to June 30, and the second from July 1 to December 31.

Every purchase made at Saks will automatically activate the credit. Plus, if you utilize an online shopping portal for your Saks purchases, you’ll earn double rewards on your spending.

Saks is famous for its luxury clothing and accessories, but you can also find great bargains on everyday items, particularly during sales. From scented candles to skincare products, you can fulfill your shopping needs using the Amex Platinum credit. Enrollment is necessary for certain benefits.

Value: Up to $100 annually

Walmart + Credit

Walmart+ offers free shipping on countless items from Walmart with no minimum purchase required. (Note that grocery deliveries do require a $35 minimum order.) Each month you use your Amex Platinum to pay for a Walmart+ membership, you’ll earn a statement credit of $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee (which is subject to auto-renewal).

You also benefit from a 10-cent discount per gallon of gas at participating gas stations, such as Exxon, Mobil, and Murphys. Additionally, if you enjoy streaming, a Walmart+ membership includes a free standard Paramount+ membership. Enrollment is necessary, and Plus Up memberships are not eligible for the credit.

Value: Up to $155 annually

Purchase, return, and extended warranty protection 

Numerous credit cards provide purchase protection and extended warranties, which are particularly valuable in challenging economic conditions, offering peace of mind to cardholders.

With the Amex Platinum Card, you benefit from purchase protection* covering items up to $10,000 per incident against damage, loss, or theft. There is a cap of $50,000 on total claims per card. This purchase protection is available for 90 days from the purchase date, making it an excellent safeguard against unforeseen events. Terms apply.

Additionally, the Platinum card provides 90 days of return protection**. If a store refuses to accept a return, Amex will refund the total purchase amount up to $300 per item, not including shipping and handling costs. This benefit is capped at $1,000 per calendar year.

Lastly, Amex Platinum's extended warranty coverage* grants one additional year of protection for items valued up to $10,000, with a maximum of $50,000 available each calendar year.

*Eligibility and benefits vary by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. For more details, visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide. Coverage is underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

**Eligibility and benefits vary by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. For more information, visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide.

Calculating your Platinum credits

To maximize the value of the Amex Platinum, it's essential to utilize the credits. If you hold the Platinum and take advantage of these statement credits, you can easily offset the card's $695 annual fee and even come out on top.

• Equinox credit: up to $300*
• Digital entertainment credit: up to $240*
• Uber Cash: up to $200*
• Saks credit: up to $100*
• Walmart+ membership credit: up to $155*
• Airline fee statement credit: up to $200*
• Prepaid hotel credit: up to $200
• Clear Plus membership credit: up to $199*
• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit: up to $120
• Total annual credits = up to $1,704

*Enrollment is necessary for certain benefits.

Conclusion

The Amex Platinum card offers a range of credits, a Walmart+ membership, and various shopping protections, making it rich in non-travel perks. These features can significantly help mitigate the high annual fee. (See rates and fees) Plus, if you're a new Amex Platinum user, a generous welcome offer awaits you.

Utilize the CardMatch tool to find out if you qualify for a Platinum card offer of either 125,000 or 150,000 points (after fulfilling the minimum spending requirements). Note that these offers can change at any moment.