8 lesser-known American Express credit card benefits

American Express offers various benefits and promotions. Visit their website at [americanexpress.com](http://americanexpress.com) for more information.

While American Express cards are renowned for their generous rewards, valuable statement credits, and extensive airport lounge access, there are also several under-the-radar perks that can add surprising value to your everyday life.

Discover the lesser-known benefits of Amex cards that make them even more rewarding, whether you're already a cardholder or considering becoming one. With a little legwork, you'll uncover extra protections, discounts, and other deals.

Free shipping

American Express cardholders can receive a complimentary ShopRunner membership, which offers free two-day shipping and returns on eligible items at over 100 stores, including American Eagle, Neiman Marcus, Allbirds, Kate Spade, and Saks Off 5th.

You can enjoy additional benefits at Walmart with The Platinum Card® from American Express, including a monthly statement credit of up to $12.95 for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal). With this membership, you can receive free delivery from your store with a minimum order of $35 and free online shipping with no order minimum.

To maximize cash back on ShopRunner purchases, consider the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, which earns 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases.

Amex Offers

Overlooking Amex Offers, which offer bonus points or cash back for eligible purchases, is one of the simplest ways to save money. American Express reports that card members who enrolled in Amex Offers could potentially earn an average of $150 in statement credits on qualifying purchases in 2023.

To utilize an Amex Offer, log into your account and apply it to your card. These offers are personalized, and if you have multiple Amex cards, the deals may vary for each card.

Bonus points may be awarded to cardholders who earn American Express Membership Rewards points or Hilton Honors points through certain Amex Offers.

Travel services and perks

While Amex is well-known for its top travel cards with benefits such as airport lounge access, travel credits, and valuable travel rewards, it's important to note that there are other valuable benefits that may be overlooked if not aware of them. Eligible Amex cards also offer additional perks.

• Elite status with specific hotel chains can be obtained through some Amex cards, along with additional perks when booking eligible stays through Amex Travel with The Hotel Collection or Fine Hotels & Resorts. These benefits may include room upgrades, on-property credits, and more.
• Eligible cruises through Amex Travel can provide additional perks with The Business Platinum Card® from American Express or Amex Platinum Card. The cruise must be at least five nights, and you can receive $100 to $300 in onboard credit per room and an additional onboard amenity per room.
• Avis, Hertz, and National offer complimentary rental car status to eligible Amex cardholders. Benefits may include upgrades and faster checkout lines, but terms and limitations apply.
• Eligible Amex cards provide access to a Global Assist Hotline or Premium Global Assist Hotline when traveling more than 100 miles from your home in the United States. This service helps coordinate travel and solve issues encountered while traveling.

The eligibility and benefit level vary by card, and there are terms, conditions, and limitations that apply. For more details, visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide. Card members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers, except in emergency medical transportation assistance, which may be provided at no cost if approved and coordinated by the Premium Global Assist Hotline. In any other circumstance, card members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

Shopping protections

If you're searching for a card that can help you maximize your return on purchases, the rewards you earn are easy to attach value to. However, the retail protections available with select Amex cards may provide even more value if you ever have to make a claim. Eligible cards provide extended warranty protection, return protection*, purchase protection* and cell phone protection*.

Amex's premium cards provide various shopping protections, including those offered by the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.

The eligibility and benefit level for each card vary. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Cell phone protection is underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. Purchase protection and extended warranty are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Travel protections

American Express Membership® Rewards points can be used to book luxurious travel, including high-end hotels and lavish flights. By using the right Amex card, you can also have peace of mind with added travel protections, including baggage insurance, trip delay insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, and car rental loss and damage coverage.

To obtain trip interruption or cancellation coverage, you must have a premium Amex card. However, the American Express® Gold Card is highly rewarding and also provides trip delay, baggage insurance, and car rental loss and damage coverage.

The eligibility and benefit level for each card may differ. Please refer to the terms, conditions, and limitations on AmericanExpress.com/benefitsguide for more information. Trip delay insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, car rental loss or damage coverage, baggage insurance, and car rental loss or damage coverage are all underwritten by different companies. Trip delay insurance and trip cancellation and interruption insurance are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. Car rental loss or damage coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. Baggage insurance and car rental loss or damage coverage are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Event access

Select events, including concerts, sporting events, dining experiences, and theater shows, offer presale and reserved tickets for eligible Amex cardholders. At Amex Venue Collection™ venues, cardholders can use dedicated entrances and receive 10% back on qualifying concessions purchases (up to $250 back per calendar year).

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a great option for earning cash back on all purchases, particularly for groceries and streaming subscriptions. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.

Car purchasing program

It can be challenging to locate a dealer who accepts credit card payments for car purchases, but all dealers participating in the Amex Auto Purchasing Program allow you to charge at least $2,000 of the vehicle's purchase price on your eligible Amex card (terms apply). This enables you to earn rewards on your car purchase, but be cautious as there are significant penalties if you cannot pay off your card balance, resulting in a higher interest rate on your balance compared to an auto loan.

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Pair your card with an Amex bank account

American Express offers checking and high-yield savings accounts to help you maximize your rewards and simplify your financial life by keeping your card and bank accounts under one roof.

You can earn rewards for debit card purchases and interest on your American Express Rewards Checking account balance without any monthly fees. For every $2 in eligible spending, you will earn one Amex Membership Rewards point.

The American Express High Yield Savings Account provides a competitive 4.00% APY as of 10/24/2024, with no hoops to jump through for qualification. Additionally, you can keep all the money you earn without paying monthly, overdraft, or excessive transaction fees.

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To learn about the rates and fees for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, please click here.

To learn about the rates and fees for the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, please click here.

For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here.

To learn about the rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.

To learn about the rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, please visit this link.

For rates and fees for the Hilton Honor Surpass Card, click here.