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.

The Platinum Card® from American Express authorized user benefits

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. The domestic lounge network includes locations in Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York-JFK, New York-LaGuardia, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Francisco and Seattle. A new lounge in Newark is slated to open in 2026.

In addition to a Centurion Lounge in Hong Kong, there are other international American Express lounge destinations, including Buenos Aires, Delhi, London-Heathrow, Melbourne, Mumbai, São Paulo, Stockholm and Sydney.

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.

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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.

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.