Quote from Savings Beagle on May 10, 2022, 2:30 pm

American Express is offering some nice sign-up bonuses and perks on the Gold and Platinum cards that some may want to give a look.

Keep in mind American Express’ one-sign-up-bonus-per-applicant-lifetime rule, though. If you’ve applied for either card and received the sign-up bonus, you won’t be eligible for these increased bonuses or sign-up perks.  Although, it seems ~7 years is Amex's cut-off, after which some applicants may be eligible for another sign-up bonus.

If you’re eligible, here are the details.

AMERICAN EXPRESS PLATINUM CARD

 

Sign-up bonus:

150,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months from card approval.

Extra sign-up benefits:

Earn 10 Membership Rewards points per dollar on restaurants worldwide on up to $25,000 in purchases in the first 6 months.

Regular Platinum Card Benefits:

• Earn 5x points on flights purchases directly from the airlines or via American Express Travel.
• Earn 5x points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com
• Earn 1 point on all other purchases.

Up to a $200 airline fee credit anually

Up to $200 in statement credit for Uber and Uber Eats charges ($15 per month, $20 in December)

Up to $240 digital entertainment credit ($20 per month)

Up to $100 in Saks credits anually ($50/6 months)

Up to $300 in credits on Equinox+ digital fitness app or eligible Equinox club memberships

Global lounge collection access

Marriott and Hilton Gold status

And more.

Annual Fee:

$695

While the Amex Platinum card has a hefty annual fee, as you can see, if you take full advantage of all the statement credits offered this card can be a money-maker.

And that’s not even considering all the travel benefits it offers.

The American Express Platinum Card has always been considered a card to have for the benefits it offers rather than a points earning card.

With the increased sign-up bonus and restaurant earning, it can be argued that it’s both…at least for the first six months of cardmembership.

If you can stomach the initial $695 outlay for the annual fee, this is a pretty good sign-up promotion.

American Express Platinum Information and Sign-Up Link (it's a referral link, but not mine)

AMERICAN EXPRESS GOLD CARD

 

 

 

 

Sign-up bonus:

90,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months from card approval.

Extra sign-up benefits:

Get up to $250 back for restaurant spend via a 20% statement credit for restaurant purchases worldwide for the first 12 months.

Regular Gold Card benefits:

• Earn 4x Membership Rewards points per dollar at restaurants worldwide.
• Earn 4x Membership Rewards points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets up to $25,000 in spend.
• Earn 3x Membership Rewards points per dollar on flights booked directly with an airline or via amextravel.com.
• Earn 1 Membership Rewards point on all other purchases.

Up to $120 in dining credits ($10 per month) at Grubhub, Seamless, The Cheesecake Factory, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Boxed, and participating Shake Shack locations. 

Up to $120 in Uber Cash annually ($10 per month) which can be used for Uber rides in the U.S. or Uber Eats orders.

Annual Fee:

$250

As with the Platinum Card, if the credits associated with the Gold Card – especially the $250 dining credit sign-up bonus – are maxed out, you’re making money on this card the first year.

And if earning Membership Rewards points is a priority for you, this is one of the better earners should you dine out and purchase groceries in any sizable amount.

The 90,000 Membership Rewards points sign-up bonus is the highest that’s been offered for the Gold Card, making this a really good deal.

You can read more and apply for either card at the link below.

American Express Gold Information and Sign-Up Link (referral link, but not mine)