5 Hidden Amex Platinum Perks That Can Save You Hundreds

Most people know the American Express Platinum Card for its airport lounge access, hotel credits, and airline fee reimbursements. But tucked inside the fine print are perks that can quietly save you hundreds, or even thousands, if you know where to look.

Below are five underrated Platinum Card benefits you probably haven’t used yet and why they matter for travelers like you.

1. International Airline Program – Cheaper Premium Flights

Want to fly business or first class without paying full price? The International Airline Program gives you access to discounted premium-cabin fares when you book through Amex Travel.

• Works on over 20 major airlines.

• Discounts apply to First, Business, and Premium Economy.

• You still earn 5X Membership Rewards® points and airline miles.

Savings vary by route, but it’s common to see flights hundreds of dollars cheaper than public fares. This alone can offset a big chunk of the annual fee if you take even one long-haul trip.

2. Cruise Privileges Program – Free Money Onboard

When you book a cruise of five nights or longer with your Platinum Card, the Cruise Privileges Program gives you:

• Up to $300 shipboard credit per stateroom.

• Extra Membership Rewards points on the fare.

• Exclusive amenities that vary by cruise line.

That onboard credit can pay for spa treatments, shore excursions, or special dining—things you’d probably buy anyway.

3. Complimentary Car Rental Elite Status – Faster, Better Cars

Your Platinum Card automatically upgrades you in three major car-rental programs:

• Avis Preferred Plus

• National Emerald Club Executive

• Hertz President’s Circle

Perks include priority service, higher-class cars when available, and waived fees.

Pro tip: these statuses can be “matched” into other hotel or airline loyalty programs. Travel bloggers count at least 13 elite tiers you can unlock starting with just one Platinum Card status.

4. Walmart+ Membership Credit – Streaming, Gas, and Pet Care

The Platinum Card refunds the monthly cost of Walmart+, but most people ignore the hidden extras inside the membership:

• Paramount+ Essential streaming – normally $96 per year.

• Fuel discounts – up to 10 cents off per gallon at Exxon, Mobil, Walmart, and Sam’s Club stations.

• 24/7 virtual pet care – telehealth visits with licensed vets at no extra cost.

Even if you never shop at Walmart, these perks are effectively free once Amex credits back the membership fee.

5. Premium Global Assist Hotline – Your Emergency Lifeline

If you’re more than 100 miles from home, you can call the Premium Global Assist Hotline for around-the-clock help with:

• Emergency medical transportation (when approved by Amex doctors).

• Passport replacement.

• Finding local doctors or legal help.

This is separate from trip insurance and can save thousands if something goes wrong.

The card also includes trip delay (up to $500 per trip) and cancellation insurance (up to $10,000 per trip).

Why This Matters

Amex raised the Platinum Card annual fee to $895 in 2025 but also added new lifestyle credits, like a $600 hotel credit, quarterly $100 Resy dining credits, a $300 Lululemon credit, $300 digital entertainment credit, and more.

When you stack the headline benefits (lounge access, hotel status, big credits) with these hidden perks, the card’s total potential value jumps well beyond the fee.

Final Takeaway

The Platinum Card isn’t cheap. But if you’re using even a couple of these hidden perks—discounted premium flights, shipboard credits, car rental upgrades, Walmart+ extras, and the Global Assist Hotline, you can get far more than you pay in annual fees.

Want a simple, step-by-step roadmap to start using credit-card points for luxury travel? Read my Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Credit Card Points and Free Travel — it shows you exactly how I turn everyday spending into business-class flights and five-star stays.

Already thinking about the Amex Platinum Card? You can view the current welcome offer and apply through my referral link here: Apply for the Amex Platinum Card. (Using my link supports my work at no extra cost to you.)