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 card, 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 any of the others.
I’m referring to the $600 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 Platinum AMEX Hotel Credit.
When I wrote that I rebooked a room at the Park Hyatt Saigon to take advantage of what was, at the time, a $200 credit, one of our readers commented:
Don’t you have to book 2 nights to get the 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 or U.S. Business Platinum Card are eligible for the Hotel Credit. A 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 Hotels + 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 after the credit expires.
Although we didn’t receive an upgraded room, we were given a $100 property credit, which we used at the hotel’s restaurant.
Final Thoughts
The confusion surrounding the AMEX Platinum Hotel Credit primarily stems from the way American Express presents the benefit. The two-night minimum stay only applies to bookings made through The Hotel Collection.
If you book through Fine Hotels + Resorts, a single prepaid night is enough to trigger the credit.
So if you’re trying to use your annual $600 credit and don’t want to commit to a longer stay, look for Fine Hotels + Resorts properties — especially toward the end of the period, when booking a prepaid one-night stay is an easy way to use the credit before it expires.
At least now, the most misunderstood Platinum benefit is no longer a mystery.
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6 comments
I appreciate the clarification. I understood the perquisite and tried to use it for a single-night stay. I literally had to cry uncle because the navigation of AmexTravel.com is so bad (and I teach web design for a living)! I strongly encourage your readers to ring the toll-free number on the back of their Platinum Card and book the hotel with a human. My attempts to secure the proper use of my card benefit resulted in 85 minutes of my life I’ll never recoup.
Great hotel, the Park Hyatt Saigon. They have toiletries that are seemingly made specifically for them since despite my best efforts I can’t find them elsewhere.
It would also help if the Amex Customer Service knew the rule as well. Last year i had to go to four different people to eventually get my credit, as they said it required 2 nights. I told them that is only for Hotel Collection – seriously 4 people at Amex to get it resolved.
I tried booking a FHR hotel for a one night staycation, a property that I’ve used this credit last year and years past, and the Amex FHR wouldn’t let me book it until I selected two nights. I think individual hotels can set the minimum amount of nights before they will accept the credit. I believe this adds to the confusion.
I don’t find it all that hard to understand. Remember that they want these to be hard to use.
Actually the FHR and hotel collection. Credits are easy to understand and take advantage of. I’m currently staying at the Radisson Blu in Nice France on a 2 night hotel collection stay. Room is “free” (credit covered cost) then I got upgraded to a balcony room overlooking the Mediterranean and have a $100 food and beverage credit).
The benefit I think is most misunderstood is the international airline program where you can save hundreds or thousands easily. Have to work with it though.