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How to use the Amex Platinum $200 airline fee credit in 2025

How to use the Amex Platinum $200 airline fee credit in 2025
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Danyal Ahmed Credit card writer | The Points Guy

The American Express Platinum Card continues to offer its annual $200 airline fee credit in 2025, a benefit that cardholders can use to offset incidental fees charged by airlines. The credit is also available to holders of The Business Platinum Card from American Express, with the requirement that cardholders select their preferred airline at the beginning of the year. According to the terms, the credit applies to fees incurred from January 1 to December 31, and airline selection should be completed by January 31, though some flexibility has been reported for those who contact American Express directly.

Danyal Ahmed, a credit card writer at The Points Guy, said, "TPG credit card writer Danyal Ahmed holds elite status with American Airlines, so the Oneworld Sapphire benefits for checked bags and seat selection also apply to Alaska Airlines. This is why he chose United for the incidental credit reimbursement."

Cardholders are encouraged to maximize the benefit by using it for checked bag fees, seat assignments, airline lounge day passes, or in-flight food and beverages. For example, single-use lounge passes can be purchased from Alaska Airlines for $60, American Airlines for $79, and United Airlines for $59. However, not all purchases may trigger the credit as expected; some transactions, such as United lounge passes, may be coded as airfare and not qualify for reimbursement.

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The credit generally covers incidental fees like airport lounge day passes, change fees, checked baggage fees, inflight amenities, and seat assignment fees. Purchases must be made separately from airline tickets to be recognized as eligible. The credit does not apply to airline tickets, award tickets, duty-free purchases, gift cards, or upgrades. Additionally, charges must be submitted by the cardmember’s selected airline.

It is advised that travelers choose an airline where they expect to incur at least $200 in fees, rather than automatically selecting their most frequently flown carrier, especially if they hold elite status or have a cobranded card that already waives certain fees.

Other American Express cards offering similar airline fee credits include the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, which provides a $200 annual airline statement credit in quarterly increments.

According to American Express terms, it may take six to eight weeks for credits to post after qualifying charges, though credits often appear sooner. If a credit does not post, cardholders can call American Express for manual review.

The airline fee credit is considered a use-it-or-lose-it benefit. Cardholders should plan their spending to fully utilize the credit within the calendar year.

"Normally, it's pretty easy to maximize this airline fee credit if you understand how it works and have a plan for the year ahead. At this point, you should have a good understanding of what does and doesn't work for the Amex Platinum Card's airline incidental credits and how you can use these credits even if you aren't traveling right away."

For further details on the cards and their respective benefits, cardholders can consult full reviews of the Amex Platinum, Amex Business Platinum, and Hilton Amex Aspire Card.

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