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American Express was one of the first card issuers to add new benefits when the COVID-19 pandemic started. Fortunately for cardholders, that continued throughout the year.
Some limited-time offers are no longer available, but there are still plenty that could save you money. Here are the biggest 2020 American Express card upgrades and how you can take advantage.
1. Welcome offers were improved with more rewards and more benefits
Welcome offers used to be the weak point of several American Express cards. They just didn't offer as many points for sign-up bonuses as the competition.
That's not true anymore. In fact, American Express has turned its weakness into a strength. We've seen better welcome offers on several American Express cards throughout the year, typically for limited time periods. These include additional bonus points, and other special perks. Here are the current American Express cards with upgraded welcome offers:
- American Express® Gold Card: 60,000 bonus points for spending $4,000 in six months
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: 75,000 bonus points for spending $5,000 in six months, 10 points per $1 on up to $15,000 in U.S. gas station and supermarket purchases for the first six months
- American Express® Green Card: 45,000 bonus points for spending $2,000 in six months
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card: 125,000 bonus points (100,000 points for spending $5,000 in three months and 25,000 after your first card membership anniversary), complimentary Platinum Elite status for the 2021 status year
2. Membership Rewards cards added new Uber perks
Uber has been an American Express partner for years, but now, more cardholders can benefit from that partnership.
A trio of American Express cards have started offering new Uber perks. The complimentary 12-month Uber Eats membership gets you a $0 delivery fee and 5% off restaurant orders over $15. It also includes a $0 delivery fee on grocery orders over $30 in select stores. You'll have to enroll before Dec. 31, 2021, and must have one of the following cards:
- American Express® Gold Card
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- American Express® Green Card
In addition, you'll get $10 per month in Uber credits on the American Express® Gold Card. This benefit, worth up to $120 per year, starts in early 2021. The Platinum Card® from American Express has its own Uber credit, although that isn't a new addition. It gets you $15 per month in Uber credits, with a $20 bonus each December.
3. Airline and hotel cards launched limited-time bonus categories
Many consumers saw their spending habits change quite a bit this year. Like other issuers of popular credit cards, American Express offered limited-time bonuses in new spending categories. A few of these offers are still available to close out 2020.
Through Dec. 27, 2020, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card earns 8 points per $1 on purchases at Amazon, Walmart, and Target. The bonus rate applies on up to $3,500 in spending. You must enroll for this offer, which you can do under the Amex Offers section of your online account.
Through Dec. 31, 2020, Delta Air Lines credit cards with American Express earn 5 miles per $1 on eligible Delta purchases. The following cards qualify:
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card also earns 4 miles per $1 at restaurants, including takeout and delivery orders, through Dec. 31.
Note that to qualify for the offer with the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, you must have opened the card before July 25, 2020. To qualify with the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, you must have opened it before July 1, 2020. Enrollment is also required.
4. Streaming and wireless credits helped Card Members save on everyday spending
Beginning in May and lasting through December, two American Express cards have special spending credits.
With The Platinum Card® from American Express, you get a credit of up to $20 per month toward select U.S. streaming services. That includes some of the most popular video and music services, such as Netflix and Spotify. You also get a credit of up to $20 per month on wireless phone service with U.S. providers.
The American Express® Green Card has a credit of up to $10 per month toward wireless service.
5. Hilton Honors cards made free weekend night certificates more useful
One of the highlights of Hilton Honors cards is the opportunity to earn Free Weekend Night Rewards.
Free Weekend Night Rewards got much better in 2020, as you can now use them for stays any night of the week. You're no longer limited to using them on weekends. Rewards are also valid for 24 months instead of the standard 12 months.
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, which has a $95 annual fee, offers a free weekend night after spending $15,000 on purchases within a calendar year.
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has a $450 annual fee and automatically gets you one free weekend night per year. You can also get another after spending $60,000 on purchases within a calendar year.
American Express found several ways to keep cardholders happy this year. Since there will likely be similar offers in 2021, you should have more opportunities to save money with American Express cards.
