Amex Platinum authorized user perks

Being an authorized user on a credit card comes with all kinds of benefits. The added credit history can help you boost your credit score, and you can pool rewards earnings with the main account holder. But what exactly does being an authorized user get you as far as credit card perks?

The Platinum Card® from American Express is one of the most popular luxury cards on the market, thanks to its ample travel credits and plush benefits. Since the card earns flexible Membership Rewards points, it’s easy to see why you’d want to leverage a friend or family member’s spending to earn a bit more.

And all those benefits? What exactly can the authorized user take advantage of? In the case of the Platinum card, the answer is a lot. Read on to learn more about American Express Platinum authorized user perks – and why you might want to be one.

American Express Platinum: At a glance

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Why should you get this card? You can’t beat the Platinum card’s extensive list of luxury travel perks, including access to exclusive Centurion lounges. Read full review

More things to know: 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or American Express Travel 5 points per dollar on eligible hotels booked with amextravel.com 1 point per dollar on general purchases 100,000 points if you spend $6,000 in first 6 months Extensive airport lounge access, including Priority Pass and Centurion lounges $200 airline fee credit for incidental purchases Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application Up to $200 in Uber credits each year Automatic Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy gold status Up to $179 Clear credits Up to $300 Equinox credit (up to $25 per month on eligible Equinox memberships; enrollment required) Up to $200 credit on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection bookings Up to $240 digital entertainment credit (up to $20 in statement credits each month at eligible providers Peacock, Audible, SiriusXM, and The New York Times, enrollment required) $695 annual fee

Which benefits are extended to additional cardholders?

The Platinum Card from American Express is packed to the brim with valuable benefits – to put it lightly. And in many cases, an authorized user can enjoy some of the same perks as the primary cardholder. Here’s a quick breakdown of which credits and benefits carry over.

One of the most notable perks on the “yes” list is lounge access. American Express Platinum additional cardholders can access all the same lounges as the primary cardholder – and even bring their own guests where applicable. If you frequently travel with a large group, this can make the whole family more comfortable.

On the downside, there are some benefits additional cardholders can’t take advantage of. When it comes to travel benefits like Uber credits, only the primary cardholder qualifies.

How much does it cost to add an authorized user on the Amex Platinum?

All of these benefits are great, yes, but you’ll have to pay a fee to unlock them. It costs $175 per year to add up to three additional cards to your Amex Platinum account. For the fourth card on, you’ll be charged an additional $175 per year per card.

Amex Platinum authorized user Gold Card

The benefits and costs described above are referencing adding an additional Amex Platinum cardholder to your account. But there is actually another option for adding an authorized user.

Platinum cardholders can add additional Gold cards to their account for no fee. Additional Gold cards earn the same rewards rate as the Platinum but don’t qualify for any of the extra lounge access perks or elite status. In fact, the only benefit extended to an authorized user Gold Card is the credit for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application. While still a very valuable perk, it doesn’t measure up to what you can get with an authorized user Platinum card.

How to add an authorized user on the Amex Platinum

Adding an authorized user on your Amex Platinum card is very straightforward. Simply log into your Amex account and select “add someone to your account” under account services. You’ll be prompted to choose from an additional Platinum card or Gold card and have to enter some basic information about the new cardholder – such as name, birthday and SSN.

Should you add an authorized user to your Platinum card?

Adding an authorized user to your Platinum Card can be pretty expensive if you want all the extra perks – costing you $175 a year for up to three additional cards. But the potential value can far outweigh the cost for the right kind of traveler.

More specifically, those who travel with family and want to get the whole clan into an airport lounge or through the expedited PreCheck line can enjoy a more comfortable trip without having to pay out of pocket.

Plus, you’ll have more spending to earn points on – getting you closer to your next redemption.