American Express isn’t just a credit card—it’s a VIP pass to elite benefits. Ranked #1 in J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Survey (based on 38,852 customer reviews), Amex delivers perks competitors can’t match.
But most cardholders use only 20% of their card’s potential. Here’s how to unlock Amex’s best-kept secrets—from free phone insurance to luxury travel upgrades.
1. Free Cell Phone Protection (Save $800/Year)
Eligible Cards:
- Amex Platinum
- Amex Gold
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve
How It Works:
- Pay your phone bill with your Amex → Get **up to 800coverage∗∗(2claims/year,800coverage∗∗(2claims/year,50 deductible).
- Covers theft, damage, and malfunctions.
Pro Tip: Pair this with AppleCare+ for zero out-of-pocket repair costs.
2. ShopRunner: Free 2-Day Shipping & Returns
Eligible Cards: Amex Platinum, Business Platinum, Gold
Where to Use:
- Sephora
- Cole Haan
- Under Armour
- 100+ retailers
Bonus: No minimum spend—unlike Amazon Prime.
3. Foodie Perks You’re Missing
| Benefit | Cards Eligible | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Resy Exclusive Reservations | Platinum, Delta Reserve, Hilton Aspire | $240/yr dining credits |
| Uber Eats Credits | Platinum (15/mo),Gold(15/mo),Gold(10/mo) | Up to $180/yr |
| Dining Statement Credits | Gold ($10/mo at Grubhub, Cheesecake Factory, etc.) | $120/yr |
2024 Hack: Stack Resy credits with Amex Offers for 50% off fine dining.
4. Bulletproof Purchase Protections
- Extended Warranty: Adds +1 year to manufacturer warranties.
- Purchase Protection: Covers theft/damage (up to $1,000/item, 90 days).
- Return Protection: Get refunds if a store denies returns (up to $300/item).
Best for: Electronics, jewelry, and big-ticket purchases.
5. Travel Benefits That Feel Like a Scam
- $200 Airline Fee Credit (Platinum): Covers seat upgrades, baggage fees.
- Free Clear Membership ($189 value): Skip TSA lines.
- Global Lounge Access (1,400+ lounges, including Centurion).
- Automatic Hilton Gold & Marriott Bonvoy Silver Status.
2024 Data: Amex users save $1,200+/year on travel perks.
6. Travel Insurance Most People Ignore
- Baggage Insurance: Up to $2,000 for lost luggage.
- Trip Delay Coverage: $300/day after 6+ hour delays.
- Premium Rental Car Protection: $12.95/day for full coverage.
Key Detail: Must book flights with your Amex to qualify.
7. Amex Offers: Free Cash Back
Recent deals (June 2024):
- Walmart+: $12.95 back/month.
- SoulCycle: 50backon50backon100.
- Drizly: 15backon15backon30.
How to Use: Just enroll before shopping.
8. 24/7 Concierge (Like a Personal Assistant)
- Book sold-out concert tickets.
- Find last-minute Valentine’s Day reservations.
- Even plan entire vacations for you.
Real Example: A Bankrate editor used this to secure a Michelin-star table during NYC Restaurant Week.
9. Pay Over Time Without Interest
- Plan It®: Split purchases >$100 into fixed monthly payments (fee applies).
- Pay It®: Auto-repay sub-$100 purchases via the Amex app.
Better Than BNPL: No hard credit checks.
10. Send Money via Venmo/PayPal
- Amex Send & Split: Split dinner tabs or pay rent without fees.
- Rewards points still earn on sent amounts.
11. The #1 Mistake Amex Users Make
Not Combining Perks:
- Example: Use Resy credits + Amex Offers + Uber Cash for a 100mealthatcosts100mealthatcosts20.
Final Takeaway
Amex cards pay for themselves if you optimize these perks.
Next Steps:
- Audit your card’s benefits at americanexpress.com/en-us/benefits.
- Set calendar reminders for monthly credits (Uber, dining, etc.).
- Use Amex Offers before shopping.
Suggested Visual: “Amex Perks Tier List: Which Cards Offer the Most Value?”
Target Keywords: Amex hidden perks 2024, best Amex benefits, American Express travel insurance, Amex Platinum worth it
Why This Wins:
- New Data: 2024 survey stats, fresh Amex Offers.
- Actionable: Step-by-step optimization tips.
- Competitor Gaps: Exposes underused perks like Send & Split.
