Many American Express cardholders have unused hotel statement credits expiring soon. If you hold an Amex Platinum or Business Platinum card, you could have up to $600 in credits for prepaid bookings through American Express Travel. Here’s how to use them effectively before the year ends.
Finding Affordable Stays with MaxFHR
Traditionally, maximizing these credits meant finding hotels where the cost aligned perfectly with the $300 (biannually) or $600 annual credit. This could be time-consuming. MaxFHR is a tool that filters hotels within Amex’s Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection by price, making the search faster.
While listed prices on MaxFHR aren’t always up-to-date, it provides a quick overview of potential options. A paid subscription enables date-specific filtering, while free users can filter by brand or amenities to find properties matching their needs.
Leveraging Points to Avoid Out-of-Pocket Costs
If specific dates or hotels exceed the $300 credit limit, American Express offers a “cash and points” option. This lets you charge the credit amount to your card ($300) and cover the remainder with Membership Rewards points at a 1 cent per point rate.
While TPG typically values these points at 2 cents each, this strategy can still be advantageous. For example, one editor used $300 from their credit towards a $530 stay, covering the remaining $230 with 23,100 points—effectively yielding a redemption value of 2.29 cents per point.
Prepaid Does Not Equal Non-Refundable: A Crucial Clarification
Many assume prepaid bookings through Amex Travel must be non-refundable. This isn’t true. Statement credits apply to refundable prepaid stays. One user delayed booking because of this concern, only to see prices increase by $150 over the weekend. The credit still applies regardless of cancellation policies, as long as the booking is prepaid.
Key Takeaway
With just weeks left in the year, maximize your Amex hotel credits by using tools like MaxFHR, leveraging points for flexible spending, and understanding that prepaid doesn’t require non-refundable reservations. Bookings must be made and prepaid before January 1 to avoid forfeiture.
This isn’t just about saving money; it’s about getting the full value from card benefits that are designed to reward loyal cardholders.
