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Amex Platinum authorized user benefits guide

Ariana Arghandewal Greg Johnson
Written by
Ariana Arghandewal,
Edited by
Greg Johnson
Published on July 01, 2024 | 8 min read

The advice in this article is offered by the team independent of any bank or credit card issuer. This article may contain from our partners, and terms may apply to offers linked or accessed through this page. as of posting date, but offers mentioned may have expired.

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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:

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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:

  1. Log into your American Express account.
  2. Click on “account services” on the main navigation.
  3. Select the “manage additional card members” tile.
  4. Click “add someone to account.”
  5. If you have multiple American Express cards, select the Platinum Card on the next page.
  6. 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.

Written by
Ariana Arghandewal Arrow Right Icon
Contributor, Personal Finance
Ariana Arghandewal is a personal finance expert specializing in credit cards and travel rewards. She is passionate about helping people leverage credit card rewards to realize their travel goals.