The Guide to Adding an Authorized AmEx Platinum User

The Platinum Card® from American Express comes chock-full of cardholder benefits that offset its annual fee. One of its most value-laden perks, however, sometimes flies under the radar.

For cardholders with a spouse, children over the age of 13 or trusted colleagues, the ability to add up to three authorized users for an annual fee of $195 per card can be a noteworthy perk. It brings many of the same benefits that the primary cardholder enjoys to others without paying the full annual fee. Terms apply. (see rates and fees.)

So, what benefits do The Platinum Card® from American Express authorized users get?

Centurion Lounge access

American Express has a growing number of Centurion Lounges across airports around the world. These feature a variety of benefits, from chef-driven buffets and complimentary bars with wine tasting areas, to shower suites and billiard tables.

In addition to a Centurion Lounge in Hong Kong, there are other international American Express lounge destinations:

Members can show The Platinum Card® from American Express for access, or in domestic destinations, they can register via the American Express app and scan a QR code via touchless check-in to enter.

Terms apply.

Priority Pass and other airport lounge access

Most airports around the world don't have Centurion Lounges or American Express-affiliated facilities, but an authorized user gets access to airline and airport operated-lounges (as part of the Global Lounge Collection), too. These include lounges through free Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), as well as access to Escape Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs when flying a same-day Delta flight. Authorized users can take advantage of these perks just like the primary cardholder.

Authorized user benefits also come with access to Airspace Lounges and some Lufthansa lounges in Munich and Frankfurt. This range of lounges gives authorized users plenty of choice that they may not otherwise have when traveling.

Enrollment required. Terms apply.

Hotel elite status

Authorized users enjoy hotel elite status just like the main cardholder does. This includes Gold status with Marriott Bonvoy and Gold status with Hilton Honors. There are many benefits that come with this status, including the potential for room upgrades and bonus points for eligible charges.

Additionally, authorized users can take advantage of the benefits of Fine Hotels & Resorts perks, which include items like complimentary breakfast and space-available room upgrades when making hotel reservations through the American Express travel portal.

Enrollment required. Terms apply.

Car rental elite status

Authorized users enjoy elite status with rental car companies, although these are not as perk-heavy as the hotel elite status. Status levels granted to authorized users include Avis Preferred status, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards status and National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status. Terms apply.

» Learn more: The cheapest way to rent a car

TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee credit

Authorized users are eligible to receive one statement credit every four years for the application fee for Global Entry or every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck. Terms apply.

Bonus points on charges

Members earn the same bonus points on spending categories, like flights and hotels (5x per dollar spent on flight and hotel spending through AmEx Travel), as the primary user, though the points are awarded to the primary member’s Membership Rewards account. Terms apply.

Expedited shipping on online purchases

For authorized users who shop online using the card at participating online stores, free ShopRunner membership, which comes with two-day expedited shipping, is available. Enrollment required. Terms apply.

» Learn more: The best AmEx transfer partners — and ones to avoid

Insurance benefits

There’s also trip delay and trip cancellation insurance that applies to authorized users when they make a purchase using the card. Terms apply.

» Learn more: What to know before buying travel insurance

What’s not included

Some popular perks of holding The Platinum Card® from American Express are expressly left out for authorized users. These include the monthly Uber credit, which only applies to the primary user and when the card is used for Uber purchases, the $100 annual Saks Fifth Avenue credit and many of the most valuable AmEx Offers. Enrollment required. Terms apply.

While not an official policy, authorized users will often note that their AmEx Offers vary from those of the primary user and typically stick to the less lucrative offers.

If you don't like the idea of paying an additional $195 per card on top of the annual fee to add a Platinum-level authorized user, you can instead add a companion The Platinum Card® from American Express authorized users for no cost at all.

While these cardholders aren't granted the lounge access and status benefits that Platinum authorized users get, they are given their own TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit and still contribute to Membership Rewards earning.

Despite all the tempting perks, it is important to understand the benefits and the risks of adding an authorized user. If authorized users have a physical credit card tied to your account with their name on it, you're basically giving them access to your personal credit line. This is why you wouldn’t want to add an authorized user unless you trust the person — you'll be on the hook for any charges that they make.

Of course, if you trust them, this could help you reach minimum spending requirements for a welcome bonus. Another perk is that it can help build credit history for someone who doesn't have any of their own (ideal especially for younger people looking to build a credit score).

While not as expensive as the primary card's fee, $195 per additional card is still a good chunk of money. Consider whether the benefits are worth it to you. An infrequent traveler who rarely uses airport perks or stays in hotels may not get the same value as someone who travels a lot and makes lots of online purchases and can benefit from purchase protection and ShopRunner membership.

» Learn more: How to get money-saving AmEx Offers on your card

It’s easy to add an authorized user. Log in to your account and go to the Useful Links section on your account home page. Click on "Add Someone to Your Account" and complete the sign-up process. You need to provide the authorized user's social security number and date of birth when you apply. There’s also an option to add the social security number later, but it must be done within 60 days.

It takes about three to five business days for the card to arrive — adding an authorized user is not instant. Authorized users will have to wait for the card before accessing some perks, like Centurion Lounges.

You’ll need to think about how the $195 annual fee per authorized user can be offset by the

perks and benefits of the card, including lounge access, hotel elite status and a TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit.

If it’s hotel elite status you’re after, there are other credit cards that offer equal or higher levels of status, and if you plan to apply for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, an authorized user can save as much as $120 in their first year of applying. If that’s the only benefit you’re after though, there are other credit cards that come with this benefit for a smaller cost.

The Platinum Card® from American Express authorized user benefits are impressive, and could be an affordable way to access a host of perks and bonus points on spending. It is a great option for families, couples and benefit-seeking friends you trust.

Terms apply.