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In its efforts to cut costs, American Express closed a loophole that allowed cardholders to use their airline fee credit to reimburse gift cards purchased directly from the airline. Although the terms and conditions have always stated that gift cards are excluded from the credit, this had never been enforced for gift cards purchased in small denominations.
Reports first surfaced last month that Delta and Southwest gift-card purchases had stopped being reimbursed, and now American Airlines purchases are no longer triggering the credit. As far as we know this policy now applies to all airlines; however, if you know of an airline that has yet to be affected, please let us know in the comments.
Same Rules, New Enforcement
Not surprisingly, there has been no formal announcement or acknowledgment from American Express about this change. Since the gift card exclusion has always been explicitly noted in the terms and conditions, this is really a case of a new enforcement strategy rather than a policy change. On its page explaining the benefit, Amex states the following:
This benefit doesn't offer credit toward airline tickets, mileage points purchases or mileage points transfer fees, gift cards, upgrades, duty–free purchases, or award tickets
Before you can receive your fee credit, you need to select a preferred airline.
Based on data points reported on FlyerTalk—a popular points and miles forum—it seems that Amex has new systems for identifying gift-card purchases. In several cases, cardholders made two airline purchases on the same day, one of which was an eligible airline-incidental fee and the other, a gift card. Several days later, the eligible fee was classified as an airline incidental, while the gift-card purchase earned no credit at all.
Cards Affected
Although reports are still coming in, it's safe to assume this applies to all Amex credit cards that provide some form of airline incidental credit as one of its perks. Popular cards in this group include:
Up to $200 Airline Incidentals Credit
- You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you're approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount - all with no credit score impact. If you're approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
- With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges.* As of 07/2025.
- $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
- $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
- $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® to make eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you.
- $209 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
- Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
- $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That's up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®. *Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- $895 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- Earn 5X points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel® (up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year).
- Earn 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel®.
- Earn 5X points on Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings.
- Elevated Welcome Offer: Earn 200,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
- The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,550 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card company on the market as of 07/2025.
- See how you can unlock over $3,500 in business and travel value annually after meeting qualifying spend thresholds on the Business Platinum Card. Terms apply.
- Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually for up to a total of $600 in statement credits per calendar year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using the Business Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- No Preset Spending Limit: The spending limit on the Business Platinum Card is flexible, so unlike a traditional credit card with a set limit, the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment and credit history.
- Make the Business Platinum Card® work even harder for you. Hilton for Business members get up to $200 back per calendar year when you make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties across the globe. Gift cards are not an eligible purchase. Benefit enrollment required.
- Fly like a pro with a $200 Airline Fee Credit. Select one qualifying airline to receive up to $200 back per year on baggage fees and other incidentals.
- Use the Business Platinum Card and get up to $209 back per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal).
- Maximize your time away with Fine Hotels + Resorts through Amex Travel™.
- Enroll and get up to $150 in statement credits on U.S purchases directly with Dell Technologies on the Business Platinum Card and an additional $1,000 statement credit after you spend $5,000 or more on that same Card per calendar year.
- Enroll and get a $250 statement credit after you spend $600 or more on U.S. purchases directly with Adobe per calendar year on the Business Platinum Card.
- Get up to $90 in statement credits quarterly for purchases with Indeed on the Business Platinum Card. That's up to $360 back per year. Enrollment required.
- Get up to $10 in statement credits per month for wireless telephone service purchases made directly with a wireless provider in the U.S. on the Business Platinum Card. That's up to $120 back per year. Enrollment required.
- Enhanced! 2X points on purchases at U.S. construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more, up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
- 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com
- 1X points on other eligible purchases
- $895 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- Earn 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X points on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more.
- Earn 2X points on each eligible purchase with U.S. construction material and hardware suppliers.
- Earn 2X points on each eligible purchase with U.S. electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers.
- Earn 2X points on each eligible purchase with U.S. shipping providers.
- 2X earning rates are subject to a cap of $2 million in purchases per calendar year.
Enrollment is required for select Amex benefits.
Our Take
This is disappointing news, and it takes a little of the shine off Amex cards offering these fee credits. When you consider that card issuers paid out 22.6 billion in travel rewards in 2016 (and Amex reported a 36% increase in rewards costs that year), it's not surprising they've stepped up their enforcement of the existing rules. For many, it shouldn't be hard to burn through these credits—there's no shortage of “legitimate fees” like checked bags that should trigger a reimbursement. But Amex knows many won't bother to keep track.
If you add your Membership Rewards account to AwardWallet, you'll see your remaining Amex airline fee credit (and expiration date if you're an AwardWallet Plus member) in your list of accounts.
Looking for a card with premium benefits and an easy-to-use airline fee credit? The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers a $300 travel credit that gets automatically reimbursed for any travel purchase.
- Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
- Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
- $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
- Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
- Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music - all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 - a value of $250 annually
- Member FDIC
- 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠
- 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly
- 3x points on dining worldwide
- 1x points on all other purchases
Source: Doctor of Credit
For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: American Express Platinum Card® (Rates & Fees), The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (Rates & Fees), and Chase Sapphire Reserve® (Rates & Fees)
The comments on this page are not provided, reviewed, or otherwise approved by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Time to start buying some cocktails in economy! 🙂 lol
It’s time to switch to the CSR. What advantage is there really left for the Amex Plat? The CSR is also primary car insurance coverage for car rentals.
hmmm, thats a hidden benefit thats no longer available
Thoughts on using the credit for Delta mileage booster instead?
Better than nothing? I’m thinking of doing the same with AA mileage boost. But going to wait until closer to end of the year to see if I can use it on another fee I’m going to pay anyway.
Sorry to see this go but it was kind of expected, eventually
Yeah, unfortunately it’s closing a loophole and isn’t a rule change. Can’t be mad about that.
Personally, I felt like it was bound to happen…
This is a major blow, I’m going to have to think twice about the value I’m getting from my Amex cards.
Ouch. Looks like credit card companies are starting to tighten their belts a bit.
That is it. Now it will be Chase Sapphire Reserve for me.
Darn — I think this is the last straw for me. The Amex fee was already hard to justify, but I rarely spend anything on airline incidentals, so keeping Amex doesn’t make sense anymore. Chase Sapphire Preferred is just more attractive in almost every way outside of Amex Concierge.
This is why I prefer CSR. Straightforward credit. No BS.
I was certainly one of those who used to use this for gift cards. It’s disappointing but not the end of the world. It can be used for change fees for flights (I don’t need it for bag fees or seat selection since I have status.) I also have heard it might be used for pet fees if I ever need to take my cat somewhere. I was going to wait until the end of the year and if I didn’t use it by then for those types of fees, I was going to figure out some way to use it –thanks to Lee Ann, I now know I might be able to use it for mileage boost: that is definitely better than letting it go to waste!
no problem with them enforcing the rules as stated
another reason to leave amex
This is a huge blow. This has really offset my annual fees as I’m not traveling as much as I used to. Hopefully, we don’t continue to see other changes to the program as well.
Little by little they are going to tighten up
Terrible change. They should have let users use travel credit for any travel purchase-including airline ticket purchase on any airline.
This credit was useless, to begin with. Amex will lose more customers.
Amex has announcement about the gift card exclusion which has always been in place. It is a good reminder to so that we do not get surprise.
I wouldn’t say fixing something that they didn’t intend to have exist in the first place is really “eliminating”.
Shouldn’t really “take the shine” off a card when that was never the intention of AMEX for that to be an eligible way to get reimbursed. Can’t cry that they are actually enforcing the rules. Still shouldn’t be a problem to utilize the credits if you travel at all.
Really reduces the benefits 🙁
I think the statement in the article that most people would be able to burn/use the credit is not entirely correct. Most folks who have the platinum card are frequent travelers in which case they probably aren’t paying for baggage fees or seat fees so its pretty hard for them to use the credit. To me, this is just one of those things that doesn’t make sense as AmEx is actually punishing the frequent flyers/road warriors here who incidentally would actually put more spend on the cards.
Crazy right? On paper it sounds great and is great marketing but it’s so restrictive to those who don’t travel often and fairly irrelevant to those who do.
It’s unfortunate that you can no longer by airline gift card. With the withdrawal of PP dining perks.
I think it’s time to cancel the AMEX and seek alternative options ?
At times I’ve looked into the Platinum card but I just can’t do it. It’s one of those things I want to like but the reality is it’s a terrible card for me. CSR all the way and maybe I’ll add the premium BoA travel card.
M
Amex took this AND Priority Lounge Restaurants away!!!
Not sure it’s worth keeping Aspire?
Yep, Aspire is going away. If it was a Hilton credit as opposed to a resort credit, I’d rethink it.
This was bound to happen. Typical Amex Platinum holders happily use the credit only for actual incidentals and are ok leaving some on the table every year — this change only punishes those of us pushing the edge, who Amex doesn’t particularly want anyway.
In response to those who feel the card is no longer worth it, let me suggest, there are still many reasons to benefit from the card, that are within the program rules! My preferred airline is Delta, the value of the card is very apparent, especially, if, you use the Sky Club when traveling. As an added bonus, the Centurion and Escape Lounges are an extra bonus. This is especially true for ONT with its excellent Escape Lounges!
I think that really depends on which airports you fly out of. At larger hubs, you can use other lounges or PP restaurants so for me its mostly a nice add-on but not really must have. Given the other premium cards out there, AMEX really has to justify the Platinum’s fees and this just makes it a lot harder to do
I only have one card this affects but it does affect me not being able to buy the gift cards. I do not need checked bag, and do not buy anything onboard – basically only seat assignment and just did that – but going from main cabin regular seat to purchasing a preferred seat – came up with Delta coding it as an upgrade and Amex does not pay for upgraded seat. I was able to call in and get the credit for it – but what a hassle if I have to do that each and every time.
This is a use I need out of this card now. So if paying for Economy Plus on American doesn’t trigger the credit, I can call in to have them manually do it?
I wish Amex could just lower the annual fees on the cards and get rid of the airline fee credits altogether.
That’s the point though. The more they can collect and less they have to pay out, the better off they are.
Major devaluation here. Really reduces the value of the benefits
This is disappointing news. Guess I will use the credit on mileage boost.
I don’t think the credit can be used toward mileage purchases. What are you talking about specifically with mileage boost?
I would also like to know if there are any airlines that have yet to be affected. thanks for the update on amex.
No gift cards can be purchased for any airline to redeem this credit. Is that what you’re asking?
Sad for me. I have saved a lot of money on checked bag expenses in the past.
That’s not changing though. You can still get credit for your incidentals.
This is not changing. You can still use the credit for luggage fees for your selected airline.
I hope no one is upset over this. It was never allowed per the terms.. ya’ll just got away with it for a while.
This is a great point. Using the credit for gift cards was never a publicized benefit so AMEX isn’t taking anything away… this time.
Yes, never publicized. But, no, they are indeed taking something away, even if it’s just by closing a loophole. The proof of that is all over these comments, as folks certainly reevaluate holding the card.
EXACTLY! I’m upset that no notice was given! That fee was fine when I was in business and had a much higher income and I could write off expenses, I’ve hesitated to close some of my biz cards since I sold my biz because I didn’t want to shock my score and the perks on the cards are (were) good but like I said, I can’t justify the expense without the Dell and AA gift cards because I usually only use Uber abroad, rarely pay any airline fees. The CSR and Citi Prestige fees cover any incidentals I ever have so I’m looking to see when my renew date is and will probably cancel this card. They have a score checker on myfico that shows if you close an account what it does to your score so if no problems, BizPlat is a goner for me.
can still be upset though
You are 100% correct but closing a loophole still devalues the program.
I canceled my Amex Platinum after 20 years because it just isn’t worth it anymore. Losing Admiral’s Club for me and family was huge, and I almost cancelled then, but I could justify it with the American gift cards even though other useful benefits are mostly duplicated with my Sapphire Reserve. And the Uber credit was useless since I only need Uber when I’m overseas, which isn’t included. Raising the fee was the final straw. Simply not worth it, especially when compared to the no-hassle Sapphire reimbursement of ALL travel expense, without me having to ask for it and the 3x miles for all travel and dining. Even Centurion Club was losing its lustre as Amex lets in all Golds who pay $50 so the clubs are usually packed. I miss the AAdvantage miles, but have another card for that. Disappointing and kind of sad to cut ties with Platinum after so long, but I’m extra glad I did now that the gift card loophole is closed.
I would be surprised if there are a bunch of Gold’s in the lounges. $50 seems a little too much to pay for a lounge even if it is Centurion. I always thought its all the Platinum card holders filling up the lounge since its so much better than the other ones we have access to. Though definitely cancelling my Platinum when the next annual fee hits too
The Uber credit can be used for Uber Eats as well as rides. I don’t take Uber rides very often so my wife and I enjoy Uber Eats once a month to try different take out restaurants in the area.
I was certainly only a matter of time. I certainly got plenty of mileage out of this deal to be happy. And I’ll have plenty of legitimate charges going forward for this to continue to be a useful benefit.
I agree. This was a good way to use the credit but it’s also an easy thing for them to cut.
This makes Amex too lucrative and restrictive to use the credits. Goodbye! CSR is now the only premium card in my wallet once the next annual fee comes due.
Now I’m going to have to rethink the value I’m getting from my Amex cards… Thanks for the update!
This was a huge dissappoment by amex. This really devalues the Aspire card that is coming up for renewal in December.
Same. I’m having my wife downgrade hers to the free card.
This really devalues amex’s benefits… I loved this benefit!
To be fair it wasn’t a benefit but tather a loophole. I still fully agree with you though that it certainly devalues the card.
Time to cancel…$550 a year was worth it with the AA gift certs and the Dell credits but without it isn’t worth the fee…have 3 cards that have priority pass
Pretty disappointing but shouldn’t really be surprising to anyone
It sounds like Amex has just updated their systems to follow their already existing policy.
First they go away with GCs purchases point and now this. Although there are many other perks, I’m finding less and less reasons to keep my Amex cards.
So what’s a good use of this credit now? I used it for Southwest gift cards before which was really nice. What do people use it for now? I already get free checked bags. In the last year of travel I haven’t had to pay incidental fees. I know people usually plan on paying them but in this case you have to pick an airline so you almost have to plan on it.
Exactly. If you’re a frequent traveller, chances are you have status and/or status benefits with the co-branded credit card. Amex either needs to make incidental credits apply to any airline and/or still make you select one airline but let it apply to any charge. CSR’s travel credit is so much easier – goodbye Amex.
In the past I have used the benefit to purchase lounge access on itineraries where I otherwise would not have had it.
Even though his closes a loophole, the credit still remains to not all bad news