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*Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express and the American Express Platinum Card® both come with a $895 annual fee (rates & fees) and a whole heap of perks. So with an annual fee like that, it’s important to make the most of the benefits and credits the card offers!

🏨 One perk I’m particularly fond of is the hotel credit that comes with these cards. It gives me an opportunity to book properties I might not have had the points for, and these stays can come with some pretty nice perks as ad added bonus for booking with this credit through the portal!

So let’s dive into how to actually use the credit and what I recently booked. 👇🏼

Current welcome offer: You may be eligible for as high as 300,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $20,000 in eligible purchases on the card in the first 3 months.

*It is important to note that welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer, but you will receive a pop-up message to let you know your offer and eligibility before fully submitting the application.

What is the hotel credit?

One of the many credits these cards offer is up to $600 in hotel credit in the form of statement credits.

➡️ This credit is offered semi-annually, which means that you will have a $300 credit to use twice a year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection. To trigger the credit, you will need to book at stay of any length with the Fine Hotels + Resorts, or a minimum of 2 nights with the Hotel Collection. ‼️And they MUST be booked through American Express Travel to receive the credit.

How to search for eligible hotels

First up, log into your bank account and navigate to the American Express Travel section. Then input your desired location, dates, and party size.

Once you see all your hotel options, I like to filter by how much I want to spend per night. For my search, I looked at rooms up to $350 a night since I didn’t want to pay too much out of pocket!

Make sure when you search that you look for this banner at the top that indicates that the hotel is part of the Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection. 👇🏼

You’ll then choose the “Select Hotel” button once you find your chosen property, select your room type, and then complete your booking!

➡️ You’ll see the credit on your account pretty quickly after booking. Mine showed up just a couple days later.

How I’m using this credit

Bougie staycation for two? 😏

I will admit….the first year I had this card, I didn’t use my hotel credit. 🫣 It felt too complicated. I was feeling overwhelmed by so many other perks and benefits I had to use, so this one went to waste. But not this year!

I recently booked a one-night staycation at the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale (a resort I’ve been really wanting to go to since their big refresh and rebrand!). Rates were super cheap since nobody wants to visit Phoenix in August 🔥☀️ so I took advantage of this opportunity to stay at this beautiful resort and spend a day lounging by the pool!

I found a room type that was as close to $300 without going over so that I could use as much of this credit as possible. The room cost $299 per night and I will pay just $57 out of pocket for the hotel fees. 🙌🏼

Such a STEAL!

You’ll also find a tracker for this credit in the Rewards & Benefits section on your banking account so that you can see how much you have utilized so far.

Perks of booking with FHR or THC

While staying at this FHR property, we get some pretty nice perks thanks to the Fine Hotels + Resorts benefits!

⏰We will get to check-in early (at noon) as long as there is availability

🛌There are potential complimentary room upgrades

🍳Free breakfast for 2 people

💰And we even get a $100 property credit that we plan to use for dinner!

Bookings with The Hotel Collection have some great perks too!

Bottom line

It’s no secret that the Platinum cards from American Express can feel a bit like a coupon book of perks, but when you learn how to utilize these super valuable credits, it’s well worth the annual fee!

I’ll be keeping this card long term! 💳👏🏻

EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.