Maximize Your American Express Shopping Credits Before They Expire
As the year winds down, it’s crunch time for anyone with The Platinum Card® or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. These cards come with some fantastic shopping credits that can help offset their annual fees, but here’s the kicker—they reset on January 1. That means any unused credits are gone for good. Don’t worry, though! I’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about these credits, how to use them wisely, and tips to stretch your savings even further.
Breaking Down the Amex Shopping Credits
Let’s start with the basics: what exactly are these shopping credits, and how can you use them?
Saks Fifth Avenue Credit (The Platinum Card)
- Annual Value: $100 (split into two $50 credits)
- Redemption Periods:
- $50 from January 1 to June 30
- $50 from July 1 to December 31
- Eligible Purchases: Saks Fifth Avenue in-store or online at saks.com.
- Pro Tip: Enrollment is required through your Amex account.
Dell Credit (The Business Platinum Card)
- Annual Value: $400 (split into two $200 credits)
- Redemption Periods:
- $200 from January 1 to June 30
- $200 from July 1 to December 31
- Eligible Purchases: Dell’s website or authorized channels.
- Pro Tip: You need to activate this benefit in your Amex portal to get started.
Why You Need to Act Now
Tick-Tock, Credits Reset Soon
Come January 1, any unused credits vanish. So, this is your last call to use them before they’re gone.
Shipping Quirks
Here’s something that trips up a lot of people: retailers like Saks and Dell often don’t charge your card until the item ships. If you place an order late in December and it ships after New Year’s Day, your purchase might count toward the new year’s credit. Avoid this by shopping early!
How to Use Your Credits Like a Pro
Ready to make the most of your shopping credits? Let’s dive into some easy tips:
- Enroll ASAP
Make sure you’re signed up for these credits through your Amex account. It only takes a minute, but it’s an essential first step. - Plan Your Purchases
- For Dell: Think beyond laptops. Monitors, headphones, or even smart home gadgets like video doorbells are great options.
- For Saks: Look for those seasonal deals. You could snag luxury gifts or treat yourself to something nice.
- Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
Shop early to ensure your purchases are processed before the year ends. Late December is no time for procrastination! - Stack Savings with Cash-Back Portals
Platforms like Rakuten or other rewards portals can help you earn extra points or cash back on your purchases. It’s like doubling down on your savings. - Track Your Spending
A simple checklist can go a long way in keeping tabs on how much of your credits you’ve used.
Gift Ideas for Your Credits
Need inspiration? Here are some top picks to make your credits count:
Saks Fifth Avenue
- Luxury Accessories: Treat yourself to a designer scarf or tie.
- Beauty Products: Splurge on that premium skincare set you’ve been eyeing.
- Home Goods: Candles or chic kitchen gadgets make excellent gifts.
Dell
- Tech Gadgets: Wireless headphones, anyone?
- Office Upgrades: Ergonomic chairs or external hard drives are practical and smart investments.
- Gaming Gear: Keyboards, mice, or monitors for the gamers in your life.
Real-Life Examples of Smart Shopping
Let me share a couple of quick stories to show how these credits can work for you:
Sarah’s Luxe Holiday Gifting
This year, I used my $50 Saks credit to buy a gorgeous candle as a holiday gift. On top of that, I went through a cash-back portal offering 10% back, bringing my effective cost down to $45. Plus, I earned Amex Membership Rewards points—win-win!
Alex’s Home Office Upgrade
My friend Alex, a Business Platinum Cardholder, used his $200 Dell credit to score a sleek new monitor during a holiday sale. He also earned cash back through Rakuten, making it an even sweeter deal.
FAQs About Amex Shopping Credits
What if I forget to enroll?
Unfortunately, you won’t qualify for the credits. Make enrolling your top priority to avoid missing out.
How long does it take for credits to show up?
Usually, you’ll see the credits on your account within a few days after your purchase is posted.
Can I split my credit across multiple purchases?
Absolutely! You can use your credits incrementally as long as they’re within the eligible period.
Don’t Let These Benefits Go to Waste
These shopping credits are a fantastic perk of the Amex Platinum and Business Platinum Cards, but they require a little planning to maximize. Here’s your action plan:
- Enroll today to activate your credits.
- Shop strategically to make sure your purchases count for 2023.
- Stack rewards by using cash-back or point-earning portals.
With just a little effort, you can turn these credits into serious savings and kick off the new year feeling accomplished. Now, go forth and make the most of your Amex benefits!
