When it comes to the American Express Platinum Card, I’d have to describe our relationship status as “complicated.” While I can get a decent return on the $695 annual fee, it requires taking advantage of the plethora of statement credits. This is why some refer to the AMEX Platinum Card as one of the most expensive coupon books available.
Some benefits, like the monthly Uber and media statement credits, are easy to use. Some are more difficult to redeem, like the airline fee credit. However, one credit causes more confusion than the others.
I’m referring to the $200 yearly Platinum Hotel Credit.
With an AMEX Platinum Card, you can book hotels through two programs with AMEX Travel. They are “Fine Hotels + Resorts” and “The Hotel Collection.” Both feature exclusive hotels and provide VIP benefits when booking through the AMEX website.
There’s a misconception that you need to book a two-night stay to take advantage of the $200 Platinum AMEX Hotel Credit.
When I wrote that I rebooked a room at the Park Hyatt Saigon to take advantage of the $200 credit for a one-night stay, one of our readers commented:
Don’t you have to book 2 nights to get the $200 Amex Credit? Thanks!
Part of the confusion about the credit is due to the wording on the American Express website. You have to dig a little deeper to find the difference between bookings on the American Express Travel website made through the Fine Hotels + Resorts program and reservations through The Hotel Collection.
Prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings that are made through American Express Travel with your eligible U.S. Platinum Card are eligible for the Hotel Credit. Two-night minimum stay is required for The Hotel Collection. Eligible bookings do not include, for example, Pay Later or Pay at Hotel bookings or non-Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings.
Only reservations made with The Hotel Collection properties require a two-night stay to redeem the credit. Fine Hotel + Resorts properties only require a one-night stay.
I can confirm that a one-night stay qualifies for the credit, as I received a $200 statement credit for a one-night stay at the Park Hyatt Saigon.
In addition, this was for a stay in 2023. It also confirms a trick to use an expiring credit at the end of the year. Since it’s a prepaid reservation, you can use your credit to book a room for the following year.
While we didn’t get an upgraded room, we received a $100 property credit, which we used at the hotel restaurant.
Final Thoughts
American Express’ website isn’t very clear about the $200 Platinum Hotel Credit. While it says you’ll need to book the reservation with your Platinum Card through the AMEX website, the two-night requirement is confusing.
You’ll need to book at least a two-night stay to get the credit for a Hotel Collection property. However, you only need to book a single night at a Fine Hotels + Resorts property for the $200 credit.
And that clears up the most confusing part of the $200 AMEX Platinum Hotel Credit.
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