For business owners juggling multiple financial tools, remembering all credit card benefits can be a challenge. The American Express Business Platinum Card® has long been a staple for many, but a key perk often goes overlooked. This benefit—a 35% points bonus on airline bookings through Amex Travel—can significantly increase the value of Membership Rewards points, though recent changes have made it less flexible.
The Forgotten Bonus: How It Works
American Express offers a 35% bonus when you redeem Membership Rewards points for flights booked through their travel portal using a selected qualifying airline. This bonus applies to up to 1 million points redeemed each calendar year, effectively increasing the value of your points by 35%.
However, the benefit has been restricted. Cardholders can now select only one qualifying airline per year in January, limiting flexibility. The eligible airlines include:
- Alaska Airlines
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Hawaiian Airlines
- JetBlue
- Southwest Airlines
- Spirit Airlines
- United Airlines
This restriction means careful planning is essential. Choose wisely, as switching mid-year is not an option.
Beyond Direct Flights: Codeshares and Elite Status
The bonus isn’t limited to flights operated solely by the chosen airline. It extends to codeshare flights, meaning you can leverage partners like Lufthansa (booked through United) or Air France (booked through Delta). This expands redemption options without sacrificing the 35% bonus.
Crucially, bookings made through Amex Travel earn miles and elite status credit with the airline, as they are treated as standard cash tickets. This is a major advantage when award availability is poor or cash prices are competitive, especially for domestic U.S. routes where award prices now mirror cash fares.
Flexibility and Employee Benefits
The Amex Travel bonus also allows bookings in other people’s names, making it a useful perk for employees or family. While refunds can be tricky, points are typically returned to the original cardholder, rather than being stuck as flight credits for someone else.
Is It Worth It? The Value Proposition
While transfer partners can offer higher value, this benefit simplifies redemptions. Booking through Amex Travel provides a fixed value of 1 cent per point, boosted to 1.35 cents with the bonus. For those avoiding complex award searches, the convenience is valuable.
The true value hinges on individual circumstances. If award space is limited or cash prices are low, the 35% bonus combined with miles earned and elite status progress may outweigh the benefits of transferring points elsewhere.
Ultimately, the American Express Business Platinum Card’s 35% airline bonus remains a solid perk, particularly for those prioritizing simplicity and flexibility over maximum redemption value. Despite recent restrictions, it’s a benefit worth revisiting, especially for business owners who prefer straightforward travel rewards without the hassle of constant point transfers.
