How I Maximize Every American Express Platinum Card Benefits (Without Feeling Overwhelmed)
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you apply for the American Express Platinum Card or sign up for Rakuten using my links, I may earn a referral bonus or commission at no additional cost to you. I only share tools and products I personally use and genuinely recommend.
The American Express Platinum Card comes with a lot of benefits and if you’re not intentional, it’s easy to leave hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars on the table.
When I first got the card, I’ll be honest: I felt a little overwhelmed. Monthly credits, quarterly credits, annual perks, enrollments… it’s a lot to track. But once I built a simple system, the Platinum Card became one of the most valuable tools in my travel and everyday spending strategy.
Here’s exactly how I maximize my AmEx Platinum benefits, including how I stack rewards with Rakuten, and how I keep everything organized using a downloadable checklist, Google Docs, and the Notes app.
Step 1: Start With a Master Checklist (This Is Key)
The biggest mistake I see people make is trying to “remember” their benefits.
I don’t rely on memory, I rely on a checklist.
I created a complete AmEx Platinum benefits checklist that includes:
Annual credits
Monthly credits
Quarterly credits
Benefits that require enrollment
Travel perks that are easy to forget
I keep this checklist:
📄 In Google Docs (so I can access it anywhere)
📝 Saved in my Notes app for quick reference on the go
Each time I use a benefit, I check it off. This alone ensures I don’t miss credits like:
Uber Cash
Digital Entertainment credits
Saks Fifth Avenue credits
Airline incidental credits
Hotel credits
👉 I’ll be sharing my downloadable checklist so you can use the exact same system.
Step 2: Enroll in Every Benefit Immediately
Many Platinum benefits don’t activate automatically. Do this immediately so you don’t miss out!
As soon as I get a new card year (or add a benefit):
Log into my American Express account
Go to the Benefits tab
Enroll in everything, even if I don’t plan to use it right away
Some benefits I always double-check enrollment for:
Airline Fee Credit (and confirm my selected airline) - I used this for United and then purchase two $100 United Travel Bank credits to use for future flights!
Digital Entertainment Credit
Uber + Uber One
Hotel status (Hilton & Marriott)
CLEAR® Plus
Step 3: Stack Rewards With Rakuten (This Is a Game Changer)
Disclosure: Rakuten is an affiliate partner. If you sign up using my referral link, I may receive a referral bonus — and you’ll often receive a welcome bonus too.
I never shop online without checking Rakuten first — especially for AmEx Platinum-friendly retailers like:
Saks Fifth Avenue
lululemon
Clothing, beauty, and gift retailers
Why Rakuten Is So Powerful With AmEx
If you link Rakuten to your AmEx Membership Rewards, you earn:
💳 AmEx points instead of cash back
📈 Bonus points on top of your regular Platinum spending
That means I can:
Use my Saks credit
Earn Rakuten AmEx points
Earn regular AmEx points
…all on the same purchase.
This is especially helpful around holidays, birthdays, and travel-related purchases.
👉 You can sign up for Rakuten using my referral link here: Join Rakuten and Earn $50 Cash Back after you spend $50 on qualifying purchases in the first 90 days!
Step 4: Use Monthly & Quarterly Credits Intentionally
I treat my Platinum benefits like mini subscriptions I already paid for.
Monthly habits I’ve built:
Use Uber Cash for rides or Uber Eats
Let Digital Entertainment credits auto-apply to subscriptions
Check my Notes app at the start of each month
Quarterly reminders:
lululemon credit
Resy dining credit
I have a recurring reminder titled: “AmEx Platinum – Check Credits”
It takes two minutes and saves hundreds of dollars each year.
Step 5: Maximize Travel Perks (Even on Short Trips)
As a travel planner, this is where the Platinum Card shines. I always:
Use airport lounges
Book Fine Hotels + Resorts when it makes sense
Leverage hotel status perks like late checkout and upgrades
Use the airline incidental credit for seats, bags, or onboard purchases
Even quick trips feel easier and more comfortable with these perks.
Step 6: Keep Everything Simple (No Spreadsheets Required)
I don’t use anything complicated.
My system:
✔ One master checklist
✔ Google Docs for planning
✔ Notes app for quick access
✔ Rakuten browser extension
That’s it.
📌 I’m sharing my downloadable AmEx Platinum checklist (Google Docs + Notes app friendly) so you can use this same system.
Final Thoughts
The American Express Platinum Card can absolutely be worth the $895 annual fee if you use it intentionally.
With:
A clear checklist
Simple reminders
Rakuten reward stacking
And a system that fits real life
…it becomes one of my most valuable tools for both travel and everyday spending.
Don’t have the American Express Platinum Card yet? Use my American Express referral link and see if you qualify for one of their welcome offers! We traded in our American Express points for Hilton points and used for one of our many adventures!
Disclosure: American Express determines eligibility and approval for all card applications. Benefits and offers may change at any time. Please review all terms and conditions before applying.
If you want help maximizing travel perks or turning points into family vacations, sign up for my email list below!
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