If you’re someone who frequently travels for work or pleasure, you’ve likely had your fair share of experiences with rental cars. Many of us look to our credit cards for rental car benefits, particularly those that offer robust protection and exclusive perks. When it comes to premium travel perks, the American Express Platinum Card shines with some of the most valuable rental car benefits in the market.
Let’s dive into these benefits, from rental insurance coverage to bonus points, and explore how to make the most of your American Express Platinum Card when renting a vehicle.
1. Insurance Coverage for Rental Cars
When it comes to rental car coverage, the American Express Platinum Card offers significant benefits. Cardholders can take advantage of secondary rental car insurance, which comes with the card at no extra cost. Secondary coverage means that the American Express Platinum will cover costs that exceed what your personal auto insurance provides. This benefit applies to collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW), providing peace of mind should your rental experience an accident or damage.
However, if you’re looking for primary coverage for added protection, American Express offers an optional Premium Car Rental Protection. For a flat fee, you can upgrade to primary rental coverage, covering damage or theft without the need to file a claim with your own auto insurance first. This primary insurance coverage can be a good idea for those seeking comprehensive protection while traveling abroad or wanting to avoid potential increases in their personal auto insurance premiums.
2. Limitations and Exclusions on Rental Car Insurance
As with any insurance benefit, limitations apply. It’s essential to understand the exclusions tied to American Express rental insurance coverage:
• Eligible rentals: Coverage applies only to vehicles rented from a commercial car rental company.
• Rental period: The insurance covers up to a maximum of 30 consecutive days.
• Geographic restrictions: Coverage is valid in several countries, including the U.S., but there may be limitations abroad. In countries like New Zealand, different restrictions might apply, so it’s wise to verify coverage with Amex if you’re traveling internationally.
3. The Hertz Gold Plus Rewards and National Car Rental Benefits
Beyond insurance, the American Express Platinum Card provides elite perks through partnerships with Hertz Gold Plus Rewards and National Car Rental. Platinum Cardholders receive elite status, which offers perks such as complimentary upgrades, priority service, and exclusive discounts. Whether you’re rushing from the rental counter to a meeting or simply prefer an upgraded vehicle, these additional benefits can elevate your rental experience. I love this perk, as it's got me upgraded from my standard sedan to a Tesla several times during my work travels.
These memberships provide value by letting you skip lines, choose from a wider selection of vehicles, and potentially score upgrades that add both comfort and style to your journey. For frequent renters, the time saved at the rental agency and the added conveniences are well worth considering.
4. Additional Travel Perks for Amex Platinum Cardholders
The American Express Platinum Card is known for more than just its rental benefits. This card is tailored to travelers seeking a high level of luxury and convenience. Here are a few additional benefits that come with the Platinum Card:
• American Express Global Lounge Collection: One of the highlights of the Amex Platinum Card is complimentary access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection. Cardmembers can access over 1,200 airport lounges globally, including Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, and others. If you find yourself frequently at the airport, this benefit alone can offset the card’s annual fee by providing a premium space to relax.
• TSA PreCheck and Global Entry: Cardmembers can receive a Global Entry application fee credit every calendar year. This perk allows you to bypass standard security lines, reducing your time spent in line and enhancing your travel experience.
• Statement credits for eligible purchases: The Amex Platinum Card offers statement credits for purchases at select entertainment venues, including digital entertainment credits and monthly Walmart credits, allowing cardmembers to save on routine purchases while maximizing their rewards.
• Membership Rewards points: With every eligible purchase, including car rentals, cardmembers can earn 5x Membership Rewards points that can be redeemed for travel, entertainment, or statement credits. By maximizing these rewards, Platinum Cardholders can stretch their spending further.
5. The Financial Value of the Amex Platinum Card for Car Rentals
The Amex Platinum Card is considered one of the best credit cards for travelers who regularly rent cars. Let’s break down how the card’s rental-related perks compare financially:
• Damage coverage and liability coverage: With secondary rental car insurance included, cardholders save on what would typically be an added expense. The option to upgrade to primary rental car insurance for a nominal fee further enhances financial protection. However, this is actually worse than the primary coverage that the Platinum's main rival, the Chase Sapphire Reserve, offers.
• Rental rewards and discounts: Partnered discounts and memberships with Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, Avis Preferred, and National Car Rental can reduce the base rate of rentals while providing a range of added perks.
• Additional benefits and credits: From lounge access and Global Entry credits to bonus points on eligible travel purchases, Amex Platinum’s additional benefits make it a worthy choice beyond the car rental benefits alone.
6. How the American Express Platinum Card Compares to Other Top Travel Cards
In terms of rental benefits and travel perks, the Amex Platinum Card competes closely with other popular cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred. Each card offers unique perks and reward structures:
• Amex Platinum: Known for comprehensive lounge access, statement credits, and elevated car rental perks, the Amex Platinum Card is best suited for luxury travelers.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve: This card provides primary car rental insurance with no added fees, potentially making it the preferred option for those prioritizing insurance.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred: A slightly lower-tier card compared to the Reserve, offering a balance of travel rewards and rental protection, albeit with fewer premium perks than the Amex Platinum.
7. Maximizing Rental Car Insurance Benefits with the Amex Platinum Card
If you’re looking to maximize your American Express Platinum Card’s rental benefits, here’s a quick strategy:
• Check personal auto insurance: Determine if your personal policy provides any rental car coverage. If so, the secondary insurance provided by Amex might be sufficient.
• Consider Premium Car Rental Protection: For extended trips or travel to regions with heightened road risks, purchasing primary insurance can simplify claims and ensure complete protection.
• Utilize Hertz and National elite status: Take advantage of priority service, upgrades, and discounts when renting through these partners.
• Ensure eligible rentals and locations: Make sure the rental car company is a recognized partner, and review the country-specific limitations, especially when renting overseas.
8. Making the Most of Travel and Purchase Protections
For those who want to secure more than just car rental benefits, the Amex Platinum Card offers various financial protections and insurance products that can bring additional peace of mind.
• Trip delay and accidental death coverage: Unexpected delays or tragic incidents are covered under Amex’s travel insurance protections, offering financial reimbursement or support.
• Eligible delivery fees and transaction fees: Some card benefits may include coverage of eligible transaction fees or other rental-related expenses, so always check with Amex Assurance Company to confirm.
• Rental car loss and damage coverage: In the event of an accident, Amex’s rental car protection includes coverage for both the repair costs and the potential loss of rental vehicle use by the rental company.
Conclusion: Is the American Express Platinum Card Right for You?
For frequent travelers who rent cars often, the American Express Platinum Card provides extensive value. From elite status at major car rental companies to insurance protection options, the card is designed to enhance your car rental experience. By taking full advantage of secondary car rental insurance, leveraging bonus points, and utilizing lounge access, Platinum Cardmembers can save both time and money on their travels. The card’s perks justify the annual fee for those who regularly travel and seek a premium experience.
In short, if you’re looking for a credit card issuer that provides not just rental benefits but a full suite of luxury travel perks, the Amex Platinum Card is a top contender. Whether it’s maximizing eligible purchases or taking advantage of additional benefits, this card stands out as a premier choice for luxury and business travelers alike.
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