Last updated on August 31st, 2020
American Express issues some of the most popular travel credit cards on the market today. Unfortunately, the global climate of the COVID-19 pandemic is making travel an impossibility for many. This, in turn, dramatically reduces the appeal of cards like the Platinum Card or the Amex Green Card. To combat the lack of value card members are experiencing, American Express is adding “at home” perks to some of their travel cards.
Limited Time “At Home” Perks
Amex travel cardholders will now receive two new statement credits from May 2020 through December 2020. These credits apply to U.S. streaming services and U.S. mobile phone services.
Platinum cardholders receive up to $320 in statement credits in both categories, which breaks down as a $20 statement credit each month during the eight months. Green cardholders receive an $80 credit, broken down into eight $10-per-month credits.
Available Services
One of the great features of these new credits is that Amex lets customers select from a large array of streaming services. The full list, available on the American Express website, includes AT&T Now, Disney+, ESPN+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Netflix, and more.
Mobile phone services include major carries, like Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile. Some wireless services are not available through the statement credits, however. These include:
- Purchases from resellers, third-parties, or authorized retailers
- Phone purchases, hardware purchases, or repairs
- Service bundles
- VoIP series
Additional Value for Everyday Use
The latest additions by Amex coincide with other issuers adding benefits for everyday use. Citi is introducing the ability for Citi Prestige cardholders to use their $250 annual travel credit for supermarkets and restaurants during 2020.
The trend follows on from an increase in competition from Luxury Card, a new name in the premium travel card game. Through their Mastercard Black Card and Mastercard Titanium Card, the company offers a greater assortment of everyday benefits and perks for members, including statement credits for:
- Lyft
- Boxed
- Onefinestay
- Fandango VIP
Thanks to greater competition, premium cardholders appear to be the real winners over the long haul. Once the coronavirus outbreak subsides, however, it remains to be seen if these new credits from Amex and Citi will continue to apply.
Related Article: Why Luxury Card Offers the Best Luxury Credit Cards of 2020
