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How American Express Cruise Benefits Work

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American Express offers exclusive benefits when you book a cruise through its AmEx Cruise Privileges program.

As a cardholder of The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express , you'll receive credits and amenities to enjoy during your trip. Terms apply.

Learn more about these benefits, how to use them and how to maximize rewards on your next cruise vacation.

American Express Cruise Privileges program

American Express cardholders earn rewards and benefits when booking travel through the AmEx Travel portal . The Amex Cruise Privileges program offers exclusive benefits for American Express Platinum members with participating cruise lines.

Offers include complimentary land packages and onboard credits. Additionally, all eligible American Express cards that earn Membership Rewards receive 2x points when booking cruises through AmEx Travel.

Terms apply.

» Learn more: The best ways to book a cruise

AmEx Platinum cruise benefits

AmEx Platinum cruise benefits vary based on which cruise line you book and the details of your cruise. AmEx cardholders can book online or call AmEx Travel at 866-669-4423 to receive these exclusive benefits.

At the moment, American Express partners with 18 different cruise lines. Each cruise line offers different benefits across a variety of price points, travel dates and selected cabins.

Shipboard credit

As part of the American Express Cruise Privileges program, eligible cardholders receive $100 to $300 of onboard credits per stateroom. These credits are redeemable for dining, spa services and more. They cannot be used for casino charges, gratuities or similar expenses.

The shipboard credits are applied to your final bill at the end of your cruise.

They may be paid in local currency and are subject to foreign currency fluctuations. Any unused portion of your credits is nonrefundable, so travelers should use them fully.

Exclusive amenities that vary by cruise line

In addition to an onboard credit, reservations include exclusive amenities unique to each cruise line. Examples include premium wine, assorted canapés, spa vouchers and behind-the-scenes ship tours.

American Express Royal Caribbean benefits include one bottle of champagne per stateroom, while Regent Seven Seas passengers receive a private gallery tour.

Visit the American Express Platinum cruise deals page to view each program partner's offers.

» Learn more: The best cruise lines

How to receive American Express cruise benefits

To receive your cruise benefits, follow these steps and ensure your reservation meets the requirements.

Call or book online with AmEx Travel

Your reservations must be booked through AmEx Travel online or over the phone. These benefits are unavailable if you book directly with the cruise line or through a third party, like a travel agent or online travel agency.

Cruise must be at least five days and have double-occupancy

The cruise must be at least five days long, and you must be traveling with at least double occupancy in your room.

Onboard credits and other amenities are available for up to three staterooms per eligible card member, per cruise. So, you can share benefits with fellow travelers if you book all of the staterooms together using your eligible credit card.

Cardholder must travel on the cruise

While you can book additional rooms for travel companions, the cardholder paying for the cruise must be on the trip. Otherwise, those on the cruise will not receive the benefits.

Book an eligible room type

Not all staterooms are eligible for Cruise Privileges program benefits. Requirements vary by cruise line, so double-check eligibility before booking your room to avoid disappointment during your trip.

Use an eligible card to pay

To receive benefits AmEx Cruise Privileges program benefits, you must use an eligible American Express card to pay for your trip. Eligible cards from the U.S. include:

The Platinum Card® from American Express .

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express .

The Centurion® Card.

The Business Centurion® Card.

Other cards that offer similar benefits, like the American Express® Gold Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card , are not eligible for these benefits.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

How to maximize rewards and benefits when booking cruises through AmEx Travel

You'll maximize the rewards and benefits available for your cruise vacation by booking your reservation through AmEx Travel.

Earning vs. redeeming points

American Express Platinum travel cruises earn 2x points on cash reservations. Eligible cardholders can also book American Express rewards cruises using points. Cardholders can redeem points for a portion or all of the cruise cost.

The redemption value of 0.7 cents per point is substantially lower than our average valuation of 2.8 cents each . Due to this low valuation, we recommend saving your points for another redemption and paying cash for your cruise.

Compare credits and amenities among cruise lines

With so many participating cruise lines, travelers have many options available. In some cases, the prices are similar among different lines.

Compare onboard credits and amenities offered to find the best value, even if it means paying a little more upfront.

Waived cancellation fees

AmEx Travel does not charge cancellation or change fees if you need to adjust your reservations. However, the cruise line may charge penalties depending on when you booked, where you're traveling, how long the cruise is and other factors.

Generally, these fees increase as you get closer to your departure date. Before booking your cruise, review the cruise line’s change and cancellation policies to understand what fees may apply.

» Learn more: Tips for collecting AmEx Membership Rewards

American Express cruise benefits, recapped

Eligible American Express cardholders receive exclusive perks on participating cruise lines when booking through AmEx Travel. The AmEx Platinum cruise benefits include onboard credits, exclusive amenities and 2x points on the cash portion of your reservation.

American Express partners with 18 different cruise lines, so there's a strong chance that one of them has a special offer for your desired destination.

Before booking, ensure your trip meets the cruise's requirements to qualify for your AmEx Cruise Privileges program benefits.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

on Bank of America's website

1.5x-2x Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Amex Platinum authorized user benefits guide

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Key takeaways

• The Platinum Card® from American Express is a versatile travel rewards and benefits card powerhouse that allows you to add an authorized user to your account for $195.
• The annual fee for an authorized user is high, but could still be worth it if you take into account the card’s benefits and savings authorized users can enjoy.
• An Amex Platinum authorized user can get many of the same perks as the main cardholder, including exclusive access to The American Express Global Lounge Collection and The Hotel Collection.

The Platinum Card® from American Express is arguably one of the top luxury travel rewards credit cards available. Packed with travel credits and elite status perks, the card is a popular choice for both road warriors and infrequent travelers alike who want to upgrade their travel experience. While the $695 annual fee is high, the value of the benefits can make it worthwhile if you take advantage of them properly. Plus, you can add authorized users to your account for $195 each.

A $195 fee is still steep for an authorized user account, but Amex Platinum authorized users get access to unparalleled travel benefits, including dedicated and shared statement credits and lounge access . If you’re considering adding an authorized user to your Platinum Card, here’s everything you need to know about how to do it and what benefits you’ll be extending to that lucky individual.

Benefits of being an Amex Platinum authorized user

Amex Platinum authorized users get access to a slew of benefits in exchange for the $195 annual authorized user fee. Those benefits include:

Airport lounge access

Hilton honors and marriott bonvoy gold elite status, rental car elite status.

• Special discounts
• Minimum of 100 points awarded on every rental
• Expedited service
• Complimentary upgrades
• 50 percent bonus points for every dollar spent
• Up to a 20 percent discount on standard rates at participating locations
• Guaranteed upgrades in the U.S. and Canada when booking full-size through luxury vehicles
• Earn a free rental day after six credits (as opposed to seven for non-elites)
• Access to Executive Area, where you can choose any full-size car and only pay the midsize rate
• No second driver fees

Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit

$200 airline fee credit, shopping, travel and entertainment credits.

• $300 Equinox credit
• $240 digital entertainment credit
• $200 hotel credit (requires a minimum two-night stay for bookings with The Hotel Collection)
• $200 Uber Cash (for rides or Uber Eats)
• $189 CLEAR Plus credit
• $155 Walmart+ credit
• Up to $100 Saks Fifth Avenue credit
• $300 Soul Cycle At-Home Bike Credit

ShopRunner membership

Amex offers, amex fine hotels & resorts, the hotel collection, how to maximize the use of an amex platinum authorized user.

Once you’ve added an Amex Platinum authorized user to your account, you can take steps to maximize the perks you both get. For starters, authorized users can help you meet large spending requirements for and earn Membership Rewards faster. Considering the current spending requirement on this card for those who want to earn their new card member offer is $8,000 within the first six months of card membership for 80,000 Membership Rewards points, an authorized user can come in handy.

You can meet that requirement by charging about $1,335 in monthly expenses to the card, but you might want to get your bonus faster. Perhaps you’re saving up for a summer vacation, or you want to get a head start on booking holiday travel. The sooner you meet that spending requirement, the sooner you’ll have those 80,000 Membership Rewards in your account.

By adding an authorized user to your account, you can reach your spending goals faster and maximize the rewards points you earn.

Should you consider giving your authorized user a Companion Platinum instead?

If you want to add a loved one to your Amex Platinum account as an authorized user, you likely won’t run into any issues. As long as an authorized user doesn’t already have bad credit and is over the age of 13, they will likely be accepted.

However, you don’t have to make them an authorized user to add them to your account — you can give them a Companion Platinum instead. Adding an authorized user to your Amex Platinum Card still costs $195 per year, while issuing a Companion Platinum is free. If you’re adding an authorized user simply to earn more points or manage expenses, you might want to consider giving them a Companion Platinum instead.

It’s also important to note that being an authorized user also does not count towards the Amex once-per-lifetime rule . That rule impacts welcome bonus eligibility, and since authorized users do not receive a welcome bonus, they can still qualify for their own Amex Platinum bonus down the line.

How to add an authorized user to your Amex Platinum Card

You can add an authorized user to your Amex Platinum Card over the phone or online. Doing so online is fast and straightforward. Here are the steps:

• Log into your American Express account.
• Click on “account services” on the main navigation.
• Select the “manage additional card members” tile.
• Click “add someone to account.”
• If you have multiple American Express cards, select the Platinum Card on the next page.
• Enter the authorized user’s full name, email address, Social Security number, date of birth and home address.

The bottom line

Amex Platinum authorized users receive many of the same benefits as primary cardholders, including the Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, airport lounge access, elite status and more. It costs $195 to add an authorized user to your Amex Platinum Card. However, you can choose to give your authorized user Companion Platinum instead, without paying a fee but also without all the Platinum perks.

You should also determine whether your potential authorized user would be better off applying for a travel rewards card or other rewards card of their own.

Related Articles

Capital One Platinum benefits guide

Amex Business Gold benefits guide

Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card benefits guide

The Platinum Card from American Express benefits guide

14 Best Travel Credit Cards of July 2024

Best travel cards main takeaways.

• Money has evaluated hundreds of credit cards, comparing their fees, benefits, welcome offers, travel insurance policies and more.
• The top credit cards for travel offer high rewards on travel purchases, which can be redeemed for airfare, hotel nights, cash back, statement credits or more.
• Our picks feature the best travel cards for every budget and include no-annual-fee, low-annual-fee, premium and business cards.

Why Trust Us?

Our editorial team has spent well over a thousand hours analyzing, evaluating and comparing the top credit card offers in the market. We carefully vet each card’s fine print in order to understand their features, limitations and potential benefits for consumers. We review cards independently, ensuring our content is accurate and guided by editorial integrity. Read our full methodology to learn more.

• 46 travel credit cards evaluated
• 10+ data points used, including ongoing fees, reward programs and welcome offers
• 100+ sources reviewed

Money.com has partnered with CardRatings.com for our coverage of credit card products. Money and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. This site does not include all card companies or all available card offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities. Our top picks are listed strictly in alphabetical order.

Our Top Picks for Best Travel Credit Cards

Best no-annual-fee travel credit cards.

• Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card – Best no-annual-fee travel card for flat rate rewards
• Bilt Mastercard® – Best no-annual-fee travel card for paying rent
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card – Best no-annual-fee card for travel partners
• Chase Freedom Unlimited® – Best no-annual-fee travel card for domestic travel
• Discover it® Miles Credit Card – Best no-annual-fee travel card for simple rewards
• Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card – Best no-annual-fee travel card for everyday spending

Best low-fee-annual-fee travel credit cards

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card – Best travel card for flat-rate rewards
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card – Best travel card for flexible rewards

Best premium travel credit cards

• American Express® Gold Card – Best travel card for dining
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card – Best low-cost premium travel card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® – Best premium travel credit card
• The Platinum Card® from American Express – Best travel card for lounge access

Best business travel credit cards

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express – Best business travel card

Best airline travel credit cards

• United℠ Explorer Card: Best airline credit card

Best Travel Credit Cards Reviews

Best no-annual-fee travel credit cards.

• No annual fee
• No foreign transaction fees
• Earns 1.5x points on all purchases
• No bonus category for travel
• Few benefits compared to other cards
• Limited redemption options

Why we chose it: The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is an easy-to-use card best suited for travel reward beginners or those who are already Bank of America customers.

Some cardholders can earn up to 75% more points if they are Bank of America Preferred Rewards members — that’s up to 2.62 points for every dollar spent.

However, the card doesn’t offer hotel and airline point transfer partners, travel insurance or extended warranty and purchase protection. Additionally, you can only redeem your points as statement credit to cover travel and dining purchases.

All information about Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Money.com

• No annual or foreign currency conversion fee (Click herehttps://www.wellsfargo.com/credit-cards/bilt/terms/">here; for rates and fees)
• Use it to pay your rent and earn rewards without incurring any processing fees
• You can earn double points on all purchase categories (except rent payments) on the first of every month (up to 10,000 points)
• Earn 2x points on travel (when booked directly through an airline, hotels, car rental agencies and cruise lines)
• No welcome bonus or introductory APR period
• Points redeemed for statement credits are worth 0.55 cents each
• You must make at least five transactions in a statement period to earn points
• Rent payments can only be made to one rental property per month

Why we chose it: The Bilt Mastercard® lets you earn travel rewards on rent payments without incurring any processing fees — unlike most credit cards that typically charge around 2.5% to 2.9% per rent payment.

You can use the card to pay rent without worrying about surcharges. Once you get approved for the card, all you have to do is set up an account through the Bilt app or website and use your assigned routing and account number to pay rent through your usual payment portal. You can also use your card even if your landlord only accepts checks, and Bilt will send a check on your behalf.

Additionally, Bilt doubles the card’s rewards rates on the first of every month, which means you can earn 6x points on dining, 4x points on travel and 2x points on other purchases (up to 10,000 points per month). However, this bonus doesn’t apply to rent rewards.

On the downside, the Bilt Mastercard® doesn’t offer a welcome bonus, and points redeemed for statement credits are only worth 0.55 cents each.

• Can transfer your miles to 16 travel partners
• Earns 5x miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Doesn't earn bonus points on airfare
• No domestic travel partners

Why we chose it: The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a great option if you’re looking for a no-annual fee travel credit card with a simple rewards structure.

You can use your miles to book travel through the Capital One Travel portal or as a statement credit to cover travel purchases made from airlines, hotels, rail lines, car rental agencies and more.

You can also transfer your points to one of Capital One’s 16 travel partners, which include international airlines such as Avianca and British Airways. This option is notable since travel credit cards with no annual fee don’t typically offer the option to transfer your reward to airline and hotel partners.

However, the card’s list of bonus categories is limited compared to some other no-annual-fee credit cards, and Capital One doesn’t offer bonus points on airfare booked through Capital One Travel.

• Includes trip cancellation/interruption and car rental insurance
• Features a high flat cash back rate combined and popular bonus categories
• 3% foreign transaction fee

Why we chose it: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is the best credit card for traveling domestically. It offers a 1.5% flat cash back rate on most purchases plus it has several appealing bonus categories, including travel and dining.

This card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, that is, on any transactions made in currency other than US dollars. However, if you mostly travel within the U.S., this card is an excellent option.

For one, you’ll earn an additional 1.5% on each of the card’s bonus categories during the first year of card membership (or up to the first $20,000 spent).

Also, although using this card abroad is not recommended, you can still use it to book international trips while you’re home, and you’ll earn 5% cash back if you book it through Chase Travel℠.

You can redeem your rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and even transfer them to other cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points. It’s also worth noting that this card is one of the few no-annual-fee credit cards with rental car coverage and trip cancellation and interruption insurance.

• No annual or foreign transaction fees
• Discover matches the total miles you earned at the end of the first year
• Earns 1.5x miles on all purchases
• See your FICO score on the Discover mobile app, online and on statements
• Few benefits compared to other travel cards
• Doesn't include extended warranty or purchase protection

Why we chose it: The Discover it® Miles Credit Card is a no-frills card ideal for travelers who don’t want to keep track of bonus categories, earning caps or redemption values.

The card earns a flat 1.5x miles on all eligible purchases without any annual caps. You can redeem your miles for statement credits and account deposits at a rate of 1 cent per mile. You can also use your rewards through Amazon and PayPal checkout with the same value.

Also, the card’s welcome bonus is easily one of the best in the market: Discover matches every mile you’ve earned at the end of your first membership year — without any spending requirements.

However, while the Discover it® Miles Credit Card is a great starter travel card, its lack of bonus categories could hinder your reward-earning potential in the long run. Additionally, Discover cards aren’t as widely accepted internationally as Visa Signature and World Mastercard, for example.

All information about the Discover it® Miles Credit Card has been collected independently by Money.com.

• Earn 3x points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, select streaming services and cell phone plans
• Includes cell phone protection plan
• No airline or hotel transfer partners
• Doesn't include travel insurance
• Netflix and HBO are not eligible for streaming bonus

Why we chose it: The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is the best travel reward card for everyday spending, offering high rewards on several popular spending categories, including travel, dining, gas, streaming services and cell phone plans.

Its travel bonus category is particularly noteworthy because you can earn points regardless of where you make your reservations, whether it’s directly with an airline or through a third-party travel site like Booking.com. (Most travel credit cards limit travel rewards to bookings made exclusively through the card issuer’s travel portal.)

The card also includes rental car insurance and a cell phone protection plan when you use it to pay your monthly bill.

All information about the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card has been collected independently by Money.com.

Best Low-Annual-Fee Travel Credit Cards

• Earn 2x miles per dollar on most purchases
• Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck(R)
• Includes travel accident and car rental insurance
• Fewer bonus categories than other cards with a similar annual fee ($95)
• Doesn't offer travel rewards for flights
• Car rental insurance is secondary

Why we chose it: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is the best credit card for travel miles if you want to earn a high reward rate and not worry about bonus categories.

The Capital One Venture Rewards is ideal for those who want to get the most out of their spending without worrying about tracking bonus categories and spending caps.

You can redeem your miles on the Capital One travel portal and as statement credits to cover travel purchases at a value of one cent per mile. Additionally, you may transfer your miles to more than 15 airline and hotel partners.

However, keep in mind that Capital One doesn’t have domestic travel partners, which can be a drawback if you mainly travel within the U.S.

• Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel purchases through Chase TravelSM
• Receive a point bonus each account anniversary
• Includes primary rental car insurance
• Earn 3x per $1 on dining, including eligible delivery and takeout meals, select streaming services and grocery purchases
• $95 annual fee
• Doesn't offer a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck(R) application fee credit

Why we chose this card: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the best travel credit card for frequent travelers who want to earn valuable rewards while paying a low annual fee.

The card features six reward categories that offer outstanding rewards on flights, hotels, restaurants and more. You can redeem your points for statement credits, account deposits, gift cards and more. But you can get the most bang for your buck by redeeming them for travel purchases through the Chase Travel℠ portal, which increases your point’s usual one-cent value by 25%.

You can redeem your points for statement credits, account deposits, gift cards and more. But you can get the most bang for your buck by redeeming them for travel purchases through Chase Travel℠, which increases your point’s usual one-cent value by 25%.

You can also transfer your points to one of Chase’s 14 travel partners at a 1:1 ratio (one Chase point equals one hotel point or airline mile). These include popular airlines and hotels like JetBlue, Southwest, United, Marriott and Hyatt.

Best Premium Travel Credit Cards

• Earns 4x points on restaurants worldwide, takeout and food delivery within the U.S.
• Up to $120 in annual dining credits, issued as a $10 statement credit per month for select restaurants (enrollment required)
• Up to $120 as Uber Cash annually ($10 per month) for food delivery orders and rides in the U.S. after you add the American Express(R) Gold Card to your Uber account
• Earn 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x)
• High annual fee ($250)
• Includes few travel perks and insurance policies compared to similarly priced cards

Terms apply. Please click here for applicable rates and fees.

Why we chose it: The American Express® Gold Card is ideal for foodies, offering a high reward rate at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets, takeout and food delivery. (Terms apply.)

The American Express® Gold Card also offers statement credits worth up to $240 combined — almost enough to offset the card’s $250 annual fee. These include:

• Up to $120 every year in dining credits ($10 per month) for select restaurants and food delivery services. The list includes Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and Shake Shack (Enrollment required)
• Automatically get $10 monthly in Uber Cash to use on Uber Eats or Uber rides in the U.S. (after you add the American Express® Gold Card to your account)
• $100 credit for dining, spa services and other activities when you book a two-night minimum stay at a hotel from The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel
• Terms apply

However, note that the American Express® Gold Card offers fewer travel perks than some other premium cards — for instance, it doesn’t offer trip cancellation and interruption insurance or TSA PreCheck® or CLEAR® Plus fee credits.

• 10,000 bonus miles every year
• Statement credit of up to $300 for bookings made through Capital One Travel
• Up to a $100 credit on Global Entry or TSA PreCheck(R)
• Skip the line and get car upgrades when renting a car with Hertz
• High annual fee ($395)
• Fewer bonus categories than other premium cards
• No domestic airline transfer partners

Why we chose it: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the best credit card for travel miles if you want to earn a high reward rate and not worry about bonus categories.

The Capital One Venture X also includes noteworthy perks such as:

• 10,000 bonus miles every year (starting on your first anniversary)
• $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
• Up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges worldwide with Priority Pass™ Select and Plaza Premium Group
• Authorized users at no extra cost (many cards have an annual fee of $75 or more for each additional user)

All in all, the Venture X is a solid option that can easily compete with other premium travel cards, especially considering its more affordable annual fee.

• Up to $300 in statement credits each anniversary year to cover travel purchases
• Transfer your points to 14 travel partners (including United, Southwest, JetBlue and Marriott)
• Points worth 50% more when redeemed for travel expenses through Chase TravelSM
• Comprehensive travel insurance coverage, including emergency dental insurance
• High annual fee ($550)
• Doesn't include a cell phone protection plan

Why we chose it: The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is the best credit card for travelers looking for a high reward rate on travel and additional benefits like comprehensive travel insurance and airport lounge access worldwide.

Your points are worth 50% more when you redeem them for travel through the Chase Travel℠ portal. This means each point is worth 1.5 cents per point instead of one cent, like most travel cards. Also, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® provides several high-end benefits such as:

• $300 annual travel credit to cover travel-related purchases like airfare, hotels, car rentals, rideshares, buses, trains, tolls and/or parking
• Access for you and two guests to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide (after a one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select)
• Statement credit of up to $100 every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or Nexus

The Sapphire Reserve does have a $550 annual fee. But if you take advantage of the $300 annual credit and other perks, the benefits can definitely outweigh its cost.

• Access to the widest network of airport lounges of any card
• Complimentary elite status in the Marriott and Hilton hotel loyalty programs
• Hundreds of dollars in annual statement credits for travel, dining and more
• High annual fee ($695)
• Doesn't include baggage delay, travel accident and primary rental car insurance
• Limited bonus categories

Terms apply. Click here for rates and fees.

Why we chose this card: The Platinum Card® from American Express offers a list of premium benefits that no other travel card offers, including the widest network of airport lounges and room upgrades at Hilton and Marriott hotels. (Terms apply.)

The Platinum Card® from American Express features an impressive list of high-end travel benefits, including:

• Complimentary access to over 1,400 airport lounges, including Priority Pass, Delta SkyClub and Amex’s own Centurion lounges (enrollment required)
• Gold status in the Marriott and Hilton loyalty programs, which makes you eligible for room upgrades, free breakfast and late checkouts (enrollment required)
• $200 back each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings made through American Express Travel and paid with your Platinum Card® (Hotel Collection bookings require a minimum two-night stay)
• Up to $200 per year when incidental fees, such as checked bags, are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card® (with one selected qualifying airline)
• Complimentary premium status in Avis Preferred®, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards®, and/or National Car Rental® Emerald Club (must enroll through your Amex online account using your card)

The Platinum Card® from American Express does have a hefty $695 annual fee. However, for people who travel often and will take advantage of its annual credits and travel perks, it might almost pay for itself.

Best Business Travel Credit Cards

• 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com
• Around $1,000 in yearly statement credits for select business purchases
• Access to a wide network of airport lounges (terms apply)
• Around $600 in perks in Fine Hotels + Resorts(R) locations booked through American Express Travel (for stays of two nights)
• Secondary rental car coverage**

Why we chose it: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express features an extensive list of benefits that make it an ideal travel and business credit card.

With this card, you can access over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, comprehensive travel insurance and extra amenities at hundreds of hotels, like daily breakfast and free internet access. Additionally, you get a $200 credit to cover baggage fees, in-flight refreshments and more and up to $100 for Global Entry or $85 for TSA PreCheck® every four or 4.5 years respectively. (Terms apply.) (Enrollment required.)

The card also offers several yearly statement credits for business-related purchases that include up to $400 per year — $200 between January and June and $200 between July and December — for U.S. purchases with Dell (enrollment required).

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express does have one of the steepest annual fees ($695) among travel credit cards, but its extensive list of benefits makes it a no-brainer for business owners who travel frequently.

Best Airline Travel Credit Cards

• Free first checked bag for you and a companion
• Up to $100 as a statement credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck(R) or NEXUS every 4 year
• 25% back as a statement credit on food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights
• Complimentary priority boarding for you and companions traveling on the same reservation
• $95 annual fee (after the first year)
• No intro APR period
• Rewards are only valuable when used with United

Why we chose it: The card_name has a low annual fee and gives you valuable benefits that make up for it, such as priority boarding for everyone on the reservation and a free checked bag for you and one companion.

Other perks the card includes are:

• Two one-time passes for United Club℠ airport lounges each account anniversary year
• 25% back as a statement credit on in-flight purchases like food, beverages and Wi-Fi
• Up to $100 every four years to cover the cost of TSA PreCheck®, Global Entry or NEXUS
• Comprehensive travel insurance (auto rental collision damage waiver, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip cancellation/interruption insurance and trip delay reimbursement)

The United℠ Explorer Card earns miles on United purchases, including tickets, inflight food, beverages, Wi-Fi and more. You also earn rewards at restaurants and select hotel stays.

You can use your miles to book flights on United Airlines or its partners, including Avianca, Lufthansa and Air Canada. You can also redeem them for seat upgrades, inflight Wi-Fi passes and more — although United miles are usually more valuable when used for airfare.

Travel Credit Cards Guide

The best credit cards for travel do more than offer high reward rates on flights and hotel stays. They also provide rewards for everyday spending and perks such as travel insurance , airport lounge access and annual statement credits.

Here’s a rundown of how these cards work:

What is a travel credit card?

Travel credit cards are tailored for frequent travelers, providing high rewards on travel-related expenses like flights, hotels, rental cars and dining. These rewards, earned as points or miles, can be used to book travel reservations. Additionally, rewards can sometimes be transferred to hotel and airline partners or be redeemed for statement credits, cash back, gift cards and more.

These cards also feature valuable perks such as no foreign transaction fees, hotel discounts, travel insurance, free checked bags and airport lounge access.

How do travel credit cards work?

Travel credit cards give you a certain number of points or miles per dollar on eligible purchases. They often offer around 5x points or more for airfare, hotel rooms, rental cars and more. Some cards may also count parking, bus fares, taxis, tolls and ferries as travel purchases.

Besides travel, you typically get additional bonus categories, such as 3x points per dollar on dining, groceries, drugstores or streaming services. All other eligible purchases usually get at least one point (1x) per dollar.

You can then redeem your points for flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises and more. Card issuers also usually let you redeem your points for non-travel options like statement credits, cash back or gift cards.

Pros and cons of travel credit cards

• Some cards offer up to 10x points per dollar on travel purchases.
• Many have additional bonus categories for dining, grocery shopping and more.
• They may include travel benefits like priority boarding, airport lounge access and late hotel checkouts.
• Points or miles can also be redeemed for cash back, statement credits, gift cards and more.
• Highest reward rates are usually limited to purchases made through the card issuer's travel portal.
• They might not offer high rewards on spending outside of the travel category.
• Some of the best ones can have steep annual fees and require good to excellent credit
• Redeeming points or miles for anything other than travel can reduce their value to less than one cent per dollar.

Types of travel credit cards

Here’s a rundown of the differences between the three main types of travel rewards credit cards:

Airline credit cards

Airline credit cards are ideal for people who regularly fly with the same airline. These cards earn miles you can redeem for flights, seat upgrades, inflight dining, airport lounge access and other travel-related purchases but typically only with the issuing airline.

Some of the best airline travel credit cards include benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding and discounts on in-flight purchases.

Hotel credit cards

With hotel credit cards, you can only redeem your points for stays, discounts and other benefits with one particular hotel chain.

For example, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card earns points for Hilton’s loyalty program, which you can redeem for free nights in the company’s properties, including Hilton Garden Inn and Waldorf Astoria hotels.

Hotel credit cards may also offer complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, late checkouts and bonus points for purchases made during your stay.

General travel credit card

General travel credit cards are more flexible than airline or hotel cards. They aren’t affiliated with a single airline or hotel chain, so their points can be used to book flights, hotel stays, rental cars and more from different companies.

These cards may also offer useful perks for frequent travelers, like airport lounge access. They can also cover the cost of a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® membership, which allows you to skip the long lines at airport security or customs.

How to choose a travel credit card

Picking the best travel rewards credit card boils down to how often you travel, which cardmember perks you’d benefit the most from and the categories you spend the most on.

Here are some factors to keep in mind when choosing the best card for you:

• Travel vs cash back credit cards. A travel rewards credit card offers high reward rates on travel spending, and you’ll get the most bang for your buck when you redeem your points on flights, hotels and car rentals. If you don’t take trips often but want to pile up rewards, a cash-back credit card might be a better fit. These tend to offer better rewards for everyday expenses, like gas and groceries.
• Assess your everyday spending. Many travel cards have additional bonus categories other than travel, like dining, supermarkets, streaming services and drugstores. Consider your day-to-day spending habits and pick a card with bonus categories that fit your lifestyle.
• Consider the card’s annual fees. No-annual-fee travel cards usually have few travel benefits. The best travel credit cards charge annual fees of at least $90 and can go as high as $700. However, these are often best for those that travel enough to take advantage of their benefits.
• General vs. co-branded travel cards. General travel cards have more flexible redemption options. On the other hand, co-branded cards are often tied to a specific airline or hotel, which can limit your options. Still, they do provide valuable perks like free checked bags, in-flight discounts and hotel upgrades.
• Compare extra travel perks. Some cards offer extras like annual statement credits for flights and hotels or upgrades when renting cars. Take the time to compare each card’s roster of add-ons and pick one that will best suit your travel plans.
• Compare insurance policies. The best credit card travel benefits include insurance policies that cover travel accidents, rental cars, trip cancellations and more. These policies can vary widely based on the issuer and the card’s annual-fee tier.
• Beware foreign transaction fees. Most travel credit cards don’t charge foreign transaction fees. Some cash-back cards may offer outstanding rewards for travel purchases but charge around 3% fees on purchases outside the U.S.
• Look beyond welcome offers. A 60,000-point welcome bonus can be enticing. However, it shouldn’t be your deciding factor, especially if you’ll end up paying a high annual fee without getting your money’s worth.

Making the most of your travel credit card

Here are some other tips to maximize your rewards and benefits:

• Use your card as often and strategically as possible. This way, you can earn points or miles with each purchase and redeem them for free or discounted flights, hotels and more. (Remember to pay your card off in full each month to avoid interest charges and credit card debt .)
• Consider adding an authorized user to your account. They’ll earn points with every purchase they make, and those will get added to your overall total. However, make sure to pick someone who will use the card responsibly since you’ll be legally liable if they ever fail to pay their monthly bills.
• Redeem your rewards for travel through the card issuer’s website. This redemption option usually offers the highest value compared to gift cards or merchandise, for example.
• If your card offers travel protections (like travel accident or luggage insurance), use it to pay for your passenger fares. This way, you could be reimbursed in the event of an accident or lost luggage, for example.
• Use your airline or hotel card to sign up for the company’s frequent flyer or frequent guest loyalty program. You’ll often earn extra points or miles when you’re a member and use your co-branded card to pay for flights, hotel stays and more.
• If you can transfer points from other credit cards to your travel card, take advantage of this feature. This way, you can accumulate extra points for travel booking and sometimes even increase their value.

Best Travel Credit Cards FAQs

Are travel credit cards worth it, how do miles work on credit cards, how much are airline miles worth, how much are credit card points worth, what's the difference between points and miles, what credit score do i need to get a travel credit card, how we chose the best travel credit cards.

We ranked the best credit cards for travel based on their annual fees, benefits, reward rates and redemption flexibility.

Fees: We compared interest rates and foreign, cash advance and balance transfer fees for more than 50 credit cards. We also considered their annual fee, looking for those that offered the most for the money.

Ongoing benefits: Intro APR and bonus offers are attractive, but they can only get you so far. We focused on cards with year-round benefits such as travel insurance or cell phone protection plans.

Reward rates: We preferred cards that allow you to earn extra points from travel expenses, as well as those that provide significant bonus rewards in popular spending categories, like dining, supermarkets or streaming services.

Redemption flexibility: Our picks don’t limit your redemption options to just travel. Some let you use your points for Amazon purchases, for example. We also preferred issuers that allowed cardholders to transfer their points to airline and hotel partners.

Summary of Money’s Best Travel Credit Cards of July 2024

Money.com has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Money.com and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

To see rates and fees for the American Express® Gold Card, visit this link . Terms apply.

To see rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express, visit this link . Terms apply.

To see rates and fees for The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, visit this link . Terms apply.

* Insurance disclosures for American Express Cards on this page:

Trip Delay Insurance: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Baggage Insurance Plan: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Global Assist Hotline: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

** Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

*** Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

© Copyright 2024 Money Group, LLC . All Rights Reserved.

This article originally appeared on Money.com and may contain affiliate links for which Money receives compensation. Opinions expressed in this article are the author's alone, not those of a third-party entity, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed. Offers may be subject to change without notice. For more information, read Money’s full disclaimer .

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Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market.  See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our  credit card rating methodology .

Amazon Prime Day Is Here: The Best Travel Gear Deals and How To Maximize Credit Card Rewards

Brett Holzhauer

Content Contributor

47 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 22 U.S. States Visited: 29

Stella Shon

News Managing Editor

106 Published Articles 732 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 25 U.S. States Visited: 22

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

38 Published Articles 3328 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

Table of Contents

Amazon prime day 2024 overview, best amazon prime day deals 2024, best credit cards for amazon prime day, targeted credit card promotions offered for amazon prime day, make sure you’ve got credit card purchase protections, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Amazon Prime Day has arrived, kicking off 2 days of online shopping deals for Prime members in over 48 countries.

While inflation remains high, Amazon continues to scale Prime Day. This year’s event is expected to net $14 billion in sales according to Adobe Analytics. ¹

In addition to many discounted products, we’ve found even more ways to save, including using the right credit cards and shopping portals . If you have upcoming travel plans, take a look at which essentials are a good deal to add to your cart this Prime Day. 

Amazon Prime Day is a 2-day sale event for Amazon Prime members from Tuesday, July 16 to Wednesday, July 17. With over 35 million items across dozens of shopping categories, there’s no shortage of deals available to grab. If you don’t already have Amazon Prime already, here’s what you need to know about the membership:

• Sign up for a 30-Day Free Amazon Prime Trial : If you decide to keep the membership, it’s $14.99 per month or $139 per year.
• Eligible Customers Can Get Discounted Amazon Prime: Prime Access costs $6.99 a month for people who qualify for government assistance such as SNAP EBT and Medicaid. Prime Student is $7.49 a month or $69 per year for people 18 to 24 and students in a 2- or 4-year college program.

Amazon Prime comes with a long list of benefits outside of participating in Prime Day sales, free 2-day shipping on eligible items or even same-day delivery, access to Prime Video, Amazon Music, and Prime Gaming, savings at Whole Foods, and more.

I spent hours searching around some of the best travel deals pre-Prime Day so you don’t have to. Here’s what I found:

If you have a shorter trip coming up and prefer a suitcase, an expandable spinner wheel carry-on is a necessity. I was shocked to find this Rockland Melbourne carry-on luggage , which is already on sale for over 60% off, at just $55.99 (originally $140). 

I am more of a backpack guy myself, so this Thule Chasm Backpack 26L would be on the top of my list if I didn’t already have an Osprey backpack.

While not on sale for Prime Day, I highly suggest the Osprey 55-liter bag , and have taken it to over 20 countries. 

If you have a larger journey ahead of you, a carry-on likely won’t cut it, but the large suitcase in the Coolife Luggage 3 Piece Set could.

Electronics

If you need new headphones but want to remain cost-efficient, the Sony WH-CH720N headphones are a great deal.

If you prefer earbuds, Apple AirPods (2nd generation) are a bargain this Prime Day.

Travel Accessories

Finally, a luggage necessity that should be on every traveler’s list is packing cubes. I enjoy using the HOTOR Packing Cubes as they are inexpensive and efficient. 

It can sometimes be difficult to know if you’re getting the best deal when shopping online, but Camelcamelcamel.com is a great tool that has a historical record of every Amazon item. Simply plug in the URL of the item you’re interested in, and you can see if you’re getting a good price relative to past prices.

If you’re shopping on Prime Day, it’s recommended to use credit cards for rewards and protections when shopping online. Here are the best cards to use on Amazon Prime Day, and why each one can be your go-to card on one of the biggest shopping days of the year.

Prime Visa Card

The Prime Visa card is one of the Amazon credit cards offered by Chase and offers unlimited 5% back on your Amazon.com purchases with an eligible Prime membership , along with other lofty categories.

It has $0 annual fee, although you’ll need an Amazon Prime membership to have the card. In addition, the Prime Visa card has no foreign transaction fees and excellent benefits , such as travel and purchase protections.

Amazon Business Prime American Express Card

If you’re a business owner, you may qualify for the Amazon Business Prime Amex card , which has a $0 annual fee ( rates & fees ). This card also earns unlimited 5% back on Amazon.com purchases , along with Amazon Business, AWS, and Whole Foods Market. Finally, you’ll also earn 2% back at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, and on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers.

In addition, other issuers are offering incentives on your Prime Day shopping spree.

American Express

If you have an American Express card in your wallet, you may be able to score an easy $15 statement credit:

• Check if you’re eligible for the targeted promotion by clicking here
• Add an American Express card to your Amazon account
• Enter the promo code AMEXPD15OFF

To qualify, the total purchase amount must be $15.01 or more, and you must use the promo code by July 31, 2024, at 5 p.m. PT. It will end after the first 27,500 people have redeemed the promo code, so make sure to take advantage of this limited-time offer.

Citi is also offering $15 off a purchase of $15.01 for its cardholders. Here’s how to redeem the code:

• Check if you’re eligible for the promotion by clicking here
• Add a targeted Citi card to your Amazon account
• Enter the promo code 24CITIPD 

This promotion ends at 5 p.m. PT on July 19, 2024, or after 16,666 eligible customers have redeemed the offer.

In a similar fashion, Discover is offering a $20 discount for its cardholders. Here’s how to redeem the code:

• Add a Discover card to your Amazon account
• Enter the promo code 24DISCOPD

The total purchase must be over $20.01, and the promo runs through Friday, July 26, 2024, at 5 p.m. PT.

Amid the excitement of Prime Day deals, the credit card you select may have additional protections in case your purchase goes awry. So before you click the buy button, be sure to look at your credit card benefits guide and what it covers. Note that for the purchase to qualify for coverage, the card must be used for the purchase.

For example, the Prime Visa card comes with extended warranty protection and purchase protection . The former policy extends a product’s warranty by 1 year, if the warranty is 3 years or less. The latter benefit protects purchases from damage or theft within 120 days of purchase. This coverage is good for up to $500 per claim and up to $50,000 per account on eligible items. 

Check out our guides to the best credit cards for extended warranty protection and purchase protection .

Amazon Prime Day is an excellent opportunity to grab travel necessities without the hassle of searching up and down store aisles. But before running for a sale, make sure you’ve got a credit card that you can use to earn rewards and protect your purchases.

For rates and fees of the Amazon Business Prime American Express Card, click here .

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About Brett Holzhauer

Brett is a personal finance and travel junkie. Based out of Fort Lauderdale, he’s had over 100 credit cards and earned millions of credit card rewards. He learned the tricks of the trade from his mom, and has taken many steps forward. He wasn’t exposed to much travel as a kid, but now has a goal of reaching 100 countries in his life. In 2019, he sold all of his possessions to become a digital nomad, and he says it was one of the best decisions he ever made. He plans to do it again at some point in his life.

Discover the exact steps we use to get into  1,400+ airport lounges worldwide, for free   (even if you’re flying economy!) .

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UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation  calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

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Amazon’s secret Prime Day deals: Save on credit cards, subscriptions, travel and more

Amazon's early Prime Day deals are plentiful, but the discounts don’t stop there. The retailer is also offering a handful of Prime member -exclusive promotions, including free gift cards or savings on travel bookings. However, these promos aren’t front and center on the retailer’s site, so you may not know about them yet.

Below are some of the best Prime Day credit card, subscription, food and travel deals worth taking advantage of , plus how to save through Buy with Prime. Make sure you note when the deals end so you don’t miss out on them. We’ll continue updating you about these Prime Day deals and more leading up to Amazon’s mega sale on Jul. 16 and 17.

SKIP AHEAD Buy with Prime deals | Buy with Prime home, kitchen and tech deals | Buy with Prime beauty, wellness and hobbies deals | Best Prime Day credit card deals | Best Prime Day subscription and travel deals | Best Prime Day food and grocery deals

select When will Prime Day be this year? Here’s everything we know so far

Buy with prime deals.

Beyond Amazon's exclusive sales and invite-only deals , Prime members can access even more discounts when they Buy with Prime directly through participating brands’ websites. Buy with Prime partners include Bearaby , Pizza Pack , Carbone Fine Food and The Woobles . Here’s how to take advantage of these exclusive deals:

• Browse Buy with Prime deals here . When you find one you want to purchase, click on it to visit the product page on the brand’s site.
• On the product page, scroll down to the blue button that says “Buy with Prime.” You’ll either be prompted to sign into your Amazon Prime account or get automatically logged in.
• Select a payment method and address saved in your Prime account, then complete the checkout process.
•  Since you’re buying through Amazon Prime, you’ll get free, fast shipping on your order. You can track it through Amazon’s app or website.

The best Buy with Prime deals: Home, kitchen and tech

Home, kitchen and tech deals.

Pizza Pack Single

Contour Swan Full Body Pillow

Contour Living

Baby Brezza One Step Baby Bottle Sterilizer and Dryer Advanced

Baby Brezza

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Best Prime Day credit card deals

• Prime Visa credit card : Prime members can get a $200 Amazon gift card upon approval for a Prime Visa credit card through Jul. 24.
• Prime Store card : Prime members can get a $80 Amazon gift card upon approval for a Prime Store Card through Jul. 17.
• Prime Card Bonus : Amazon cardmembers with Prime memberships can earn 10% back or more on Prime card exclusive deals from brands like Bissell , Dyson , Shark and Sony .

Best Prime Day subscription and travel deals

• Amazon Music Unlimited : Prime members who haven’t tried Amazon Music Unlimited yet can sign up for five months free.
• Kindle Unlimited : Eligible Prime members can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for free through Jul. 17.
• Audible Premium Plus : Prime members can get their first three months of Audible Premium Plus for free.
• Amazon Travel Deals : Prime members can save on travel experiences by booking through the Amazon Travel Deals Page. For example, you can get up to 40% off select sailings with Carnival Cruise Line and 30% off Avis rentals, plus 10% back in an Amazon gift card.

Best Prime Day food and grocery deals

• Grubhub : Prime members get access to Grubhub+ for free, and right now, you can get a $10 Amazon gift card to shop with on Prime Day when you enter code GRUBPRIME at checkout on a $25+ Grubhub order through Jul. 15.
• Amazon Fresh : Prime members can get coupons for $15 off a $75+ total purchase when shopping at Amazon Fresh’s physical stores.
• Amazon grocery subscription : Prime members and those with a registered EBT card who haven’t signed up yet can get three free months of Amazon’s new grocery subscription program. 

Why trust NBC Select?

I’m an associate updates editor for NBC Select who has covered deals and sales for five years. To round up the best Prime Day deals on credit cards, travel, subscriptions and more, I researched promotions exclusive to Prime members on Amazon’s website.

Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance , tech and tools , wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.

Zoe Malin is an associate updates editor for Select on NBC News.

Who should (and shouldn’t) get the American Express Platinum?

Editor's Note

The Platinum Card® from American Express packs a lot of punch into its metal shell. That shouldn't come as much of a surprise, given that it's among the heaviest and most expensive of the publicly available premium credit cards .

While the current welcome offer alone is worth $1,600 (based on TPG valuations ) and the luxury perks — including travel credits, elite status and lounge access — can add several hundred dollars a year to its long-term value, most people considering the Amex Platinum will fixate on one number: the $695 annual fee (see rates and fees ).

It's easy to make the case that the Amex Platinum can pay for itself over time , but that doesn't necessarily mean it's the right card for you. So, let's look at who should — and shouldn't — get the Amex Platinum.

Key benefits

Right now, the public welcome offer on the Amex Platinum is 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on the Card in your first six months of card membership. TPG values Membership Rewards points at 2 cents each , making that bonus worth $1,600, which is an excellent return in and of itself.

However, many readers are being targeted for elevated offers by using the CardMatch tool . If you're one of the lucky ones, you'll be able to earn up to 125,000 points after meeting minimum spending requirements. This brings the value of your welcome offer up to a massive $2,500, making this card a no-brainer, in my opinion. (This offer is subject to change at any time.)

No matter which bonus offer you get, all Platinum cardholders enjoy the same valuable perks. To offset the annual fee, Amex offers a number of statement credits, including:

• Up to $200 annual credit for airline incidental charges , such as seat assignment, lounge access and checked bag fees
• Up to $200 annual hotel credit (minimum two-night stay required)
• Up to $200 in annual Uber credits in increments of $15 per month, plus a $20 bonus in December (for U.S. services). You can also use these credits to order food from UberEats
• Up to $100 in Saks Fifth Avenue credits . You'll receive up to $50 for purchases made between January and June, and another up to $50 for purchases between July and December. Enrollment is required
• Up to $100: Either a $100 statement credit available every four years after you apply for Global Entry or an up to $85 statement credit available every 4½ years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck

Enrollment required for select benefits.

The Amex Platinum also offers 5 points per dollar (or a 10% return based on TPG valuations ) on airfare booked directly with the airline, as well as on airfare booked through Amex Travel (on up to $500,000 per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter). You'll also earn 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel (including prepaid Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts ). That's the best return you'll get anywhere on buying airline tickets.

Frequent travelers will also appreciate that the Platinum offers the most comprehensive lounge access of any card, including a Priority Pass Select membership , Amex's growing global collection of Centurion Lounges , Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta (limited to 10 annual visits from Feb. 1, 2025), and Airspace and Escapes lounges. Enrollment required for select benefits.

Rounding out the list of benefits are Gold elite status with Hilton and Marriott , access to a premium concierge service , travel protections , car rental insurance *, baggage insurance ** and a host of other lesser-known perks . Enrollment required for select benefits.

*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

**Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Related: Maximizing benefits with the Amex Platinum

Who should get the Amex Platinum?

People who are over chase's 5/24 rule.

When people come to me looking for starter card recommendations , I'll almost always suggest either the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or the Chase Freedom Unlimited® . Chase Ultimate Rewards points are slightly more valuable than Amex Membership Rewards points — TPG values Ultimate Rewards currencies at 2.05 cents and Membership Rewards points at 2 cents— and Chase's " 5/24 rule " gives me plenty of reason to recommend getting your Chase cards first.

If you aren't familiar with this rule, it means that applicants who've opened five or more cards in the last 24 months across all issuers will be automatically rejected for most Chase cards. This is why you should usually prioritize Chase cards as you start to build up your wallet with our best rewards credit cards .

However, after you max out your five Chase slots, what comes next? The Amex Platinum is a perfect answer, and it can even help you get more value out of your Chase points.

The other benefits of the Amex Platinum can also serve as a great compliment to a rewards strategy that started with Chase. Unlike the Platinum card, Chase cards don't offer Uber credits or as many options for airport lounge access.

Related : The different flavors of American Express Platinum — which one is right for you?

Frequent Delta flyers and people whose home airport has a Centurion Lounge

If you can fully utilize the statement credits on the Amex Platinum each year, the out-of-pocket cost for the card goes down dramatically.

Instead of thinking about this as an annual fee you pay to Amex for the privilege of spending money on its hunk of metal, think about it as an annual lounge membership fee. As a reminder, the Amex Platinum comes with a Priority Pass Select membership , access to Amex's global Centurion Lounges and access to Delta Sky Clubs (but only when flying same-day Delta flights ).

Amex currently operates Centurion lounges in more than twenty airports , making the card even more worth it if you live in one of those locations.

People who stay at Hilton, Marriott or select luxury hotels

The Platinum Card provides Gold elite status with Hilton and Marriott to cardholders, including authorized users. If you don't have Gold status or higher with these brands through other credit cards or organically through stays, Gold status with these brands provides useful benefits, including room upgrades, points bonuses and welcome gifts.

If you like to stay at luxury hotels, you'll also have access to the Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR) program as a Platinum cardholder or authorized user. When you book a FHR stay, you'll get elite-like benefits , including guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout, daily breakfast for two and a unique property amenity valued at $100 or more.

Who shouldn't get the Amex Platinum?

People under 5/24.

Many people just starting out in the points world underestimate the stringency of Chase's 5/24 rule . I remember when I got my first credit card, I couldn't imagine opening five or more cards in two years — yet I ended up opening 17 in that time frame. I estimate I lost well over $1,000 by never being eligible for an Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card .

Even if you're targeted for the 125,000-point Amex Platinum bonus via CardMatch , when you're just starting out, there's a case to be made for staying the course and sticking to a Chase strategy. These 100,000-point+ offers come around several times a year, and while you may not be currently targeted, you could be eventually.

However, once you get over 5/24, it may be hard to get back under, and there's a massive opportunity cost in doing so . Having a plan and sticking to it will serve you well in the long term.

Related: The best ways to use your Chase 5/24 slots

People who book airfare through online travel agencies

The Platinum Card provides 5 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel.

However, if you prefer to purchase airfare through online travel agencies (OTAs) such as Orbitz and Expedia, you'll only earn 1 point per dollar spent with the Platinum Card. As a result, you'll do better with a card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or the Citi Prestige Card which provide bonus earning on air travel purchases with OTAs .

The information for the Citi Prestige has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

People who can't maximize the airline/Uber/Saks credits

One of the main arguments in favor of keeping the Amex Platinum on a long-term basis is the fact that the various credits — airline incidentals , Uber and Saks Fifth Avenue — drastically reduce the out-of-pocket cost you're really paying. If, for some reason, you can't take full advantage of all of these credits (or at least the airline and Uber ones), the math gets a little stickier. Uber credits, for example, can only be used within the U.S., so expats like me mostly waste them. Enrollment required for select benefits.

Maybe you do not need an extra $200 in airline credits — if you have elite status and all your travel is covered by points or your job, that extra money might be wasted on you, especially given the restrictions around the credits .

Carefully consider just how much these credits are worth to you; if they provide little to no value, another Amex card might be a better fit.

People who'd be better off with the Amex Business Platinum Card

Several versions of the Platinum card exist, including the personal card and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express . Mostly, they share the same perks and benefits, but small differences might lead you to pick one or the other .

For example, the Business Platinum also has an annual fee of $695 (see rates and fees ), but it doesn't offer the same up to $200 Uber Cash as the personal version. It adds another bonus category, though — 1.5 points per dollar on eligible purchases in select business categories and eligible purchases of $5,000 or more on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year (then 1 point per dollar) — and also provides up to $400 of Dell statement credits each yea r (on U.S. purchases; up to $200 bi-annually). Enrollment required.

You can also access the Pay With Points redemption option on the Business Platinum card, which gets you a 35% bonus on many flights booked using your Amex points (up to 1 million points per calendar year). This is notably not available on the personal Amex Platinum. Enrollment required for select benefits.

Related: 10 Dell items to buy with the Amex Business Platinum credit

Bottom line

The Platinum Card from American Express regularly makes the cut as one of TPG's best travel card recommendations because of the outsize value it can provide, from the initial welcome offer to the ongoing luxury perks it offers.

However, even when a card is valuable, it might not be your best choice. You have to consider how this application factors into your long-term plans, especially as it relates to other issuers, especially Chase's 5/24 rule. You also have to ensure you can maximize the benefits in your life, at least enough to recoup the hefty annual fee.

If you're not worried about Chase's 5/24 rule, frequently travel through cities with a Centurion Lounge or Delta Sky Club, and can use the monthly Uber credits and annual airline fee credit, the Amex Platinum can easily pay for itself through its valuable benefits and redemption options.

Apply here: The Platinum Card from American Express

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here . For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum Card, click here .