We all know American Express for its impressive perks—high-value rewards, statement credits, and premium lounge access. But what many don’t realize is that beyond the big selling points, these cards come packed with hidden benefits that can quietly boost the value you get every day.
If you already have an Amex card or you’re thinking about getting one, it’s worth taking a closer look. With a little effort, you’ll find extra protections, exclusive discounts, and unexpected deals that make these cards even more rewarding than they seem at first glance.
Fast and Free Delivery
Waiting on deliveries is frustrating enough—paying for shipping just makes it worse. The good news? If you have an eligible American Express card, you can sign up for a free ShopRunner membership, giving you two-day shipping and free returns at over 100 stores. That means faster, cheaper shopping from brands like American Eagle, Neiman Marcus, Allbirds, Kate Spade, and Saks Off 5th.
If you use The Platinum Card® from American Express, there’s another way to cut delivery costs. This card covers up to $12.95 per month for a Walmart+ membership, which renews automatically. That gets you free same-day delivery from Walmart on orders over $35, plus free shipping on online purchases with no minimum spend.
Want to squeeze even more value out of online shopping? With the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, you’ll earn 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases. Since these rewards come as statement credits, they can help offset your spending even more.
Exclusive Amex Deals You Might Be Missing
Saving money doesn’t always require extra effort—sometimes, it’s just a matter of knowing where to look. Amex Offers is one of those underrated perks that can put cash back or bonus points in your pocket when you make qualifying purchases. Based on data from American Express, cardholders who used these offers in 2023 saved an average of $150 in statement credits.
Getting started is simple. Just log into your account, browse the available deals, and add them to your card before making a purchase. Since these offers are targeted, the deals you see might vary depending on which Amex card you use. If you have multiple cards, it’s worth checking each one—you might find different opportunities for savings.
The rewards structure depends on the type of card you have. Statement credit deals are generally available across all eligible cards, while some offers give bonus points instead of cash back. If your card earns American Express Membership Rewards points or Hilton Honors points, you could see offers tailored to boost your rewards in those programs.
Travel Perks You Might Be Overlooking
American Express is known for offering some of the best travel credit card benefits, from airport lounge access to travel credits and reward points. But if you’re only focusing on the big-ticket perks, you might be missing out on valuable extras that can make your trips even smoother. Depending on your card, you could unlock:
- Hotel Upgrades and Perks – Some Amex cards grant elite status with select hotel chains (enrollment required), giving you access to better rooms, late checkouts, and other VIP treatment. Booking through Amex Travel with The Hotel Collection or Fine Hotels & Resorts can also unlock perks like room upgrades, on-property credits, and special amenities.
- Cruise Benefits – If you have The Business Platinum Card® from American Express or the Amex Platinum Card, booking a five-night or longer cruise through Amex Travel comes with extras. You’ll get $100 to $300 in onboard credit per room and an additional onboard amenity, making your trip even more rewarding.
- Rental Car Privileges – Eligible cardholders can receive complimentary elite status with Avis, Hertz, and National (enrollment required). This can mean vehicle upgrades, shorter wait times, and smoother checkouts, depending on the rental agency’s terms.
- Global Assistance When You Need It – If you run into trouble while traveling more than 100 miles from home, Amex has your back. The Global Assist Hotline (or Premium Global Assist Hotline, depending on your card) connects you to experts who can help with travel disruptions, emergencies, and coordination needs.
Extra Protection for Your Purchases
Earning rewards on your purchases is great, but what about keeping your money safe when things don’t go as planned? Select American Express cards come with built-in shopping protections that can save you from unexpected headaches. Depending on your card, you might have access to:
- Extended Warranty – If a product’s original warranty runs out, Amex may provide additional coverage, giving you extra peace of mind on big-ticket items.
- Return Protection* – If a store won’t take back an eligible item within the return window, Amex might refund you instead.
- Purchase Protection* – Covers eligible purchases against accidental damage or theft within a certain period after buying.
- Cell Phone Protection* – If your phone gets stolen or damaged, you could get reimbursed when you pay your monthly bill with an eligible Amex card.
The specific benefits depend on your card, but many premium options—including the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card—offer a full suite of these protections.
Extra Coverage for Travel Mishaps
Booking flights and hotels with American Express Membership Rewards® points can make travel more affordable, but the right Amex card can also provide valuable protections when things don’t go as planned. Depending on your card, you could have coverage for baggage issues, trip delays, cancellations, and even rental car damage.
If your luggage gets lost, stolen, or damaged, certain Amex cards offer baggage insurance to help cover the cost. Trip delay insurance can reimburse eligible expenses if your travel plans are unexpectedly pushed back, while trip cancellation and interruption insurance can help recover non-refundable costs if your trip is cut short for a covered reason. If you’re renting a car, Amex may also provide protection against loss or damage, potentially saving you from having to pay for additional coverage.
Premium Amex cards include the most extensive protections, but even the American Express® Gold Card offers trip delay coverage, baggage insurance, and rental car protection. Whether you travel occasionally or frequently, these perks can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and stress when unexpected disruptions happen.
Exclusive Access to Events
American Express cardholders can unlock early access and reserved tickets to concerts, sporting events, theater shows, and dining experiences. At select venues in the Amex Venue Collection™, you can also skip the main entrance with a dedicated entry and get 10% back on eligible concession purchases, up to $250 per calendar year.
For those who want to take advantage of these event perks while earning cash back on everyday purchases, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a strong option, especially if you spend a lot on groceries and streaming services.
Earn Rewards on Car Purchases
Most dealerships won’t let you put a car purchase on a credit card, but those participating in the Amex Auto Purchasing Program allow you to charge at least $2,000 of the vehicle price to an eligible Amex card. That means you can earn rewards on a major purchase, but it’s important to be cautious.
If you carry a balance, the interest on a credit card could be much higher than a traditional auto loan, making it a costly move if not paid off quickly.
Streamline Your Finances with an Amex Bank Account
If you prefer keeping your credit card and bank accounts in one place, American Express offers checking and high-yield savings options to help you manage your money efficiently.
With an American Express® Rewards Checking account, you’ll earn one Amex Membership Rewards® point for every $2 spent on eligible debit card purchases, while your balance accrues 1.00% APY interest as of June 24, 2024. There are no monthly fees, keeping account management simple and cost-free.
For higher interest earnings, the American Express® High Yield Savings Account offers a 3.80% APY as of December 17, 2024, with no monthly fees, overdraft charges, or hidden costs. There’s no need to meet special requirements to qualify—every dollar in your account earns at the same competitive rate.
