AmEx Platinum Authorized User

In 2023, the American Express Corporation dished out more than $15 billion in card-member rewards. And guess what? Those perks aren’t just for primary cardholders to enjoy those benefits—they can also share some bonuses with their family members by adding them as authorized users on their bank account. So, what terms are required to that end? And how exactly can you do it? Let’s dive into those details and answer some other key questions.

Understanding Amex Platinum Authorized Users

The Platinum card comes with one of a hefty annual fee of $695, one of the highest around among publicly available cards. Even so, numerous travel and shopping perks more than make up for it. If you want to share those benefits with someone special, you can add an authorized user to the Amex Platinum Card.

However, unlike many top-tier cards that let you add authorized users for free, Amex Platinum requires an extra fee. You’ll be charged $195 for each extra Amex cardholder. You can even add your kids as authorized users, as long as they’re 13 or older.

American Express Platinum Authorized User Benefits

Air Lounge Pass

One of the biggest perks of adding an authorized user is access to airport lounges. Authorized users can kick back in these lounges when traveling solo. What’s more, when traveling without a main cardholder, the added users can still enjoy resting there.

You may get access to the lounges of popular international partners, including Priority Pass, Plaza Premium, Centurion, and Delta Sky Club, incorporated into the American Express Global Lounge Collection. Just keep in mind that for Delta Sky Club, you’ll need to be flying Delta that day, and there are certain restrictions to check.

Typically, Amex cardholders can't bring two free guests into the exclusive Centurion Lounges—there’s a fee of $50 for each adult visitor and $30 per kid aged 2 to 17 (kids under 2 get in for free). But you can dodge those fees by adding adult authorized users or kids over 12 to your account. Alternatively, if you spend $75,000 on the Platinum Card in a calendar year, you can earn the perk of bringing two guests for free.

Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status

Normally, earning Gold Elite status requires staying 40 nights at Hilton Hotels or 25 nights at Marriott Bonvoy. But with the Amex client or an authorized user, Amex Platinum grants this benefit simply for holding the card. You can sign up for these perks online, regardless of whether you’re the primary cardholder or an authorized user.

Hilton Honors Gold members benefit from 80% bonus points on bookings, room upgrades (if available), and free breakfast, along with benefits from lower tiers like All-Inclusive Spa Discount and Access to Exclusive Experiences. Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite offers fewer perks. It’s mainly the ability to check out till 2:00 p.m., 25% extra points on stays, and upgraded rooms. Anyway, your stay at a Hilton or Marriott property might be even more enjoyable with these extras.

Appealing Shopping Perks and Credits

Any American Express Platinum authorized user can qualify for the same purchase credits available to the primary cardholder. Authorized users don’t acquire their separate credits, but they can use the main cardholders’ ones.

The perks include a $155 Walmart+ Credit, which is used to cover the cost of a Walmart+ membership to receive free delivery without a purchasing minimum on qualifying goods. Additionally, the card comes with shopping credits, such as $100 in statement credits at Saks Fifth Avenue (split into $50 for the first six months and $50 for the second half of the year). Additionally, authorized users are granted their own ShopRunner membership, which offers free two-day delivery from over 100 online stores.

Rental Car Elite Status

Additionally, each Amex Platinum authorized user gets elite status in rental car programs, matching that of the primary cardholder, in Hertz Gold Plus Rewards President’s Circle, Avis Preferred Plus, and National Emerald Club.

These perks include special discounts, car upgrades, and more. For instance, Avis Preferred offers faster car service. At the same time, Emerald Club Executive status gives you access to the Executive Area, from which you can pick any full-size automobile while paying the midsize price.

Companion Platinum Card

If you want to avoid paying a costly Amex platinum authorized user fee, opt for a Companion Platinum Card instead. Companion cardholders can get TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit in addition to earning Membership points credit and Global Dining Access by Resy. Bear in mind that you miss out on some of the major perks of the Amex platinum authorized user benefits, like access to air lounges or elite hotel status privileges.

The Pitfalls of Adding an Amex Authorized User

While adding an authorized user to your Amex account has its perks, there are also some downsides. For starters, the spending habits of authorized users can impact your credit score. If they rack up big charges or miss payments, your credit line could take a hit. And while you can monitor their spending, you might not have full control over how much an authorized user spends, which could lead to financial strain. Remember, as the primary account holder, you’re on the hook for any charges made by an authorized user. So, make sure you can trust the person you want to add to your account.

On the flip side, a reliable authorized additional user can help you hit the necessary spending requirements for a welcome reward. Additionally, if you have teenage kids, adding them as authorized users can help build their credit history and teach them good financial habits.

But, the $195 fee for an extra user might not be worth it for everyone. If your authorized user doesn’t travel often, they might not take full advantage of the airport and hotel perks. And if they prefer in-store shopping over online, they might not use the shopping credits either. So, weigh the benefits against the costs before adding an authorized user.

How to Add an American Express Platinum Authorized User

Ready to add an authorized user to your Amex Platinum Card? You can do it over the phone or online. To add someone by phone, call the customer service number. During the call, you’ll need to provide the personal information of someone you’re adding as an authorized user, like the new user’s name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Once the request is processed, their card will be mailed to you.

If you prefer to add someone to your account online, just follow these steps:

1. Log in to your Amex account.
2. Select “Account Services” from the homepage menu.
3. Click the “Manage Additional Card Members.”
4. Then choose “Add someone to account.”
5. If you have multiple Amex cards, select the Platinum Card.
6. Enter the new user’s full name, date of birth, email, address, and Social Security number.

Don’t forget to provide the Social Security number and date of birth of a new authorized user within 60 days of the date after issuing the card, or the card will be canceled.

Final Thoughts

In the end, while adding an authorized user to your Amex Platinum Card comes with a cost , it can be worth it. This option unlocks enhanced extra flexibility in spending and exclusive perks for traveling and shopping that aren’t accessible through a Companion Card. However, the benefits will only pay off only if the authorized user fully takes advantage of these bonuses. Adding an authorized user is especially helpful if you travel frequently with your partner or family. Otherwise, the $195 fee might not be worth it.

And don’t forget the responsibilities—like shared liability for charges and potential credit score impacts. Knowing the pros and cons will help you make the right choice when it comes to maximizing the benefits of your Amex Platinum Card.