Aug. 06, 2026 • 14 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. You might want to add authorized users to your travel credit cards for many reasons. For example, your authorized users can help you hit a minimum spending requirement to earn a welcome offer, or you might want to build your child's credit history early on.
But some cards also offer authorized users many of the same benefits as the primary cardmember. The American Express Platinum Card® is one of the most popular cards for authorized user benefits.
In this guide, we'll consider the various perks that could still make adding authorized users to your Amex Platinum worthwhile.
The Amex Platinum comes with an $895 annual fee (see rates and fees ) and has so many benefits that it's often referred to as a "membership card" (in some circles) — a card that you keep for its benefits rather than its earning potential.
Right now, you can find out your offer and see if you're eligible for as high as 175,000 bonus points after spending $12,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)
However, unlike some other premium travel cards, adding authorized users to the Amex Platinum incurs an additional cost.
You can add children as authorized users, but American Express requires them to be at least 13 years old. American Express can report positive account history for additional cardmembers once they turn 18, which may help them build credit.
Amex also offers additional non-Platinum cards, known as companion Platinum cards, that you can add to your account. These cards don't carry annual fees (see rates and fees ) but feature very limited benefits.
Adding authorized users to your Amex Platinum will incur an additional $195 annual fee per authorized user (see rates and fees ). Let's explore the perks authorized users enjoy to determine whether this cost is worth it.
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Related: Authorized user on a company credit card: What to know
Here's a rundown of the key benefits that additional Amex Platinum cardmembers will enjoy. As noted above, these apply only to authorized user Amex Platinum cards, not to companion cards.
The first key benefit that extends to additional Amex Platinum cardmembers is lounge access, even when traveling without the primary cardmember.
The American Express Global Lounge Collection includes several networks for eligible cardmembers, including American Express Centurion Lounges , Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required) Delta Sky Clubs on…