The American Express Business Platinum Card is a premium travel rewards card designed for frequent business travelers and entrepreneurs. While the card’s annual fee of $695 may seem steep, the value it offers can be maximized by leveraging the benefits and perks it provides. One such way to amplify the card’s value is by adding authorized users to your account. This article explores the 18 benefits of adding authorized users to your Amex Business Platinum Card, along with a comprehensive FAQ section to address common queries.
What is an Authorized User?
Before delving into the benefits, let’s first understand what an authorized user is. An authorized user is someone you add to your credit card account, granting them the ability to make purchases using your account’s credit line. However, as the primary cardholder, you remain responsible for all charges made by the authorized user.
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The 18 Benefits of Adding Authorized Users to the Amex Business Platinum Card
1. Extend Premium Travel Benefits to Key Employees or Family Members
One of the primary advantages of adding authorized users to your Amex Business Platinum Card is the ability to extend the card’s premium travel benefits to key employees or family members. This can be particularly beneficial for businesses with frequent travelers or families who value luxury travel experiences.
2. Complimentary Access to Airport Lounges Worldwide
Authorized users of the Amex Business Platinum Card gain complimentary access to The American Express Global Lounge Collection, which includes over 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries. This includes access to the exclusive Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, Priority Pass Select lounges, and more.
3. Earn Rewards Faster
By adding authorized users, you can earn Membership Rewards points at an accelerated rate. Any purchases made by authorized users contribute to the same Membership Rewards account as the primary cardholder, helping you accumulate points faster for future redemptions.
4. Complimentary Hotel Elite Status
Authorized users of the Amex Business Platinum Card enjoy complimentary elite status with top hotel brands. This includes Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status and Hilton Honors Gold Status, which provide benefits such as room upgrades, late checkouts, and bonus points.
5. Car Rental Elite Status
Authorized users also receive elite status with major car rental companies, including National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive Status, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards President’s Circle Status, and Avis Preferred Status. These elite statuses offer benefits such as upgrades, discounts, and priority service.
6. Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Fee Reimbursement
Both the primary cardholder and authorized users are eligible for a statement credit of up to $100 every four years for the Global Entry application fee or up to $85 every 4.5 years for the TSA PreCheck application fee. This can be a significant cost-saving benefit for frequent travelers.
7. Leverage Statement Credits and Offers
While authorized users do not receive their own statement credits, their purchases contribute to triggering the primary cardholder’s credits. These include the $200 annual airline fee credit, the Amex Offers program, and various shopping and entertainment credits.
8. Fine Hotels & Resorts Program Benefits
Authorized users can take advantage of the Fine Hotels & Resorts program benefits when booking eligible stays through American Express Travel. These benefits include complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, amenity credits, and more.
9. Access to Premium Travel Insurance Coverage
Purchases made by authorized users are eligible for the Amex Business Platinum Card’s premium travel insurance coverage, including trip delay, trip cancellation/interruption, baggage insurance, and car rental insurance.
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10. Extend Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty
Authorized users’ purchases are covered by the Amex Business Platinum Card’s Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty policies, providing additional coverage for eligible items in case of accidental damage, theft, or manufacturer’s warranty extension.
11. Complimentary ShopRunner Membership
Both the primary cardholder and authorized users can enjoy a complimentary ShopRunner membership, which provides free two-day shipping and returns at participating online retailers.
12. Earn Points on Authorised User Purchases
Every purchase made by an authorized user earns valuable Membership Rewards points at the same rate as the primary cardholder. This includes 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel, and 1.5x points on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more.
14. Streamline Expense Tracking and Reporting
By adding authorized users to your Amex Business Platinum Card account, you can streamline expense tracking and reporting for your business. Each authorized user’s purchases will be clearly itemized on your monthly statements, making it easier to reconcile expenses and maintain accurate records.
15. Empower Employees with Purchasing Capabilities
Giving key employees the ability to make purchases as authorized users on your Amex Business Platinum Card account can empower them to make necessary business-related purchases without having to go through you directly. This can enhance operational efficiency and reduce administrative overhead.
16. Set Spending Limits and Alerts
As the primary cardholder, you have the ability to set spending limits and alerts for each authorized user. This allows you to control and monitor their spending, ensuring that it aligns with your budgetary requirements and business policies.
17. Build Credit History for Authorized Users
Adding authorized users who are 18 years or older can help them build their credit history. While authorized user activity is typically not reported to personal credit bureaus, it may be reported to business credit bureaus, which can be beneficial for establishing a credit profile.
18. Leverage Additional Card Management Tools
American Express provides a range of card management tools for primary cardholders, including the ability to freeze or cancel an authorized user’s card, adjust spending limits, and receive real-time alerts for suspicious activity. These tools enhance your control and oversight over authorized user accounts.
Conclusion
Adding authorized users to your Amex Business Platinum Card can unlock a wealth of benefits and enhance the overall value proposition of the card. From extending premium travel perks to key employees or family members to streamlining expense management and earning rewards faster, the advantages are numerous.
However, it’s crucial to carefully consider the annual fee associated with adding authorized users and weigh it against the potential benefits they will utilize. Additionally, exercise caution when selecting authorized users, as you will be responsible for their charges.
By leveraging the power of authorized users strategically, you can maximize the value of your Amex Business Platinum Card, elevate your business travel experiences, and enjoy a host of exclusive perks and privileges. Whether you’re a frequent business traveler or an entrepreneur seeking to optimize your credit card rewards, adding authorized users to your Amex Business Platinum Card is a compelling consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to add an authorized user to the Amex Business Platinum Card?
The annual fee for adding an authorized user to the Amex Business Platinum Card is $350 per additional card (rates and fees apply). However, American Express offers the option to add authorized users with an Amex Business Gold Card for $45 per year or an Amex Business Green Card at no additional cost. These lower-tier cards do not provide the same level of benefits as the Platinum version.
Do authorized users on the Amex Business Platinum Card get lounge access?
Yes, authorized users who receive an Amex Business Platinum Card will enjoy the same lounge access privileges as the primary cardholder. This includes access to Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, Priority Pass Select lounges, and other lounge networks. Authorized users must register for Priority Pass Select membership separately.
Does an authorized user have a spending limit?
Yes, the primary cardholder can set spending limits for each authorized user. The minimum spending limit is $200, and the maximum is the primary cardholder’s total spending limit.
Does the authorized user build credit with Amex?
Typically, activity from authorized users on the Amex Business Platinum Card is not reported to personal credit bureaus. However, it may be reported to business credit bureaus, such as Dun & Bradstreet, which can help establish a business credit profile for the authorized user.
Can authorized users redeem rewards or transfer points?
No, authorized users on the Amex Business Platinum Card cannot directly redeem rewards or transfer Membership Rewards points to airline or hotel partners. Only the primary cardholder has the ability to redeem and transfer points from the shared Membership Rewards account.
