Stephanie Stevens Stephanie Stevens Associate credit cards writer Stephanie Stevens is an associate writer with TPG's credit cards team. She focuses on creating timely credit cards content for TPG readers. also contributed to this story July 24, 2026 • 9 min read Jump to section Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Copy URL Email The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. Editor's Note This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. One of the most valuable ongoing perks of the American Express Platinum Card® is its annual up to $200 airline fee statement credit (enrollment required).
While the credit can't be used toward airfare, it can help offset eligible incidental charges such as checked bags, seat assignment fees and lounge passes, making it one of the easiest ways to chip away at the card's $895 annual fee (see rates and fees ).
The credit resets every calendar year, so if you haven't used yours yet, there's still time to maximize it before Dec. 31. With a little planning and by knowing which purchases qualify, you can make sure this valuable benefit doesn't go to waste.
The same benefit is available on the $895 annual fee The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (see rates and fees ), though Business Platinum cardmembers should remember that the airline they select for this credit is also the airline eligible for the card's 35% Pay with Points benefit for airfare booked through Amex Travel (up to 1 million points back per calendar year).
Amex Business Platinum Card : Find out your offer and see if you're eligible for as high as 300,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.
Not sure where to start? Here are five easy ways to put the credit to work before the end of the year.
Here are some ideas for using your Amex Platinum airline incidental credits before the end of 2026:
Related: How to get Delta Sky Club access, including via elite status and credit cards
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It may seem obvious to choose the airline you fly most often, but that isn't always the best strategy.
If you have elite status or a cobranded credit card with your primary airline, many incidental fees, such as checked bags and seat assignments, may already be waived. That means you could have a harder time using the full credit.
Instead, consider selecting an airline where you're more likely to pay incidental fees throughout the year.
You can select or change your airline choice on the Amex website each January. (You'll need to log in to access your Amex account.)
You can also access the airline selection screen by…