How To Use the New American Express Statement Credits [2021]

BY 

Stephen Au

- UPDATED: February 13, 2021

1. Credit Cards  / 
2. Strategies & Guides

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American Express is one of the world’s most recognizable brands. American Express has traditionally appealed to the luxury segment, and around a third of its cardholders’ spending was on travel or entertainment. All of this started plummeting at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. American Express has, yet again, swooped in with valuable benefits to save the day.

American Express has identified that consumer spending patterns are beginning to shift dramatically, and it has introduced a slew of perks. Of these perks, Amex has begun to offer new types of statement credits and benefits, mostly to help offset the annual fee and to continue to retain customers.

In this guide, we’ll examine the statement credits and benefits valid in 2021. As these continue to be added, we will regularly update this guide to reflect that. Currently, you can expect these statement credits and perks in 2021:

• PayPal credits
• Amex Offers statement credits for dining, wireless, and retailers
• Uber Eats Pass
• Variis by Equinox credits
• Special earnings and credits for cardholders of select business cards

We’ll start with a broad overview of the specific statement credit or benefit, discuss the terms and conditions, and then highlight which cards receive it. We’ll also show you how you can make the most out of each new offer.

PayPal Statement Credits

One of the most valuable and easy-to-use statement credits this year is the PayPal statement credits. You can receive up to $180 in PayPal credits per eligible card through the first half of 2021.

You do not need to enroll your card to access this — all you need to do is add your card to your PayPal account and checkout with PayPal using the card as the payment method. You must pay transactions in U.S. dollars at U.S. merchants with a U.S. PayPal account.

Cards With PayPal Credits

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Amex Card

Benefits & Info

New Welcome Offer The Platinum Card® from American Express Apply Now (at Amex's secure site)

Earn 60,000 75,000 Membership Rewards® points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases in your first 6 months. Earn 10x points on eligible purchases, in your first 6 months, on your new Card at U.S. Gas Stations and U.S. Supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases). UP's Bonus Valuation*: $1,650 Earn 5X Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year) plus earn 5X Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Access 1,300+ airport lounges across 140 countries, including the amazing Centurion lounges. (This is our favorite lounge access card.) Up to $200 Uber Savings Annually. Up to $200 Airline Fee Credit. Up to $100 fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. Up to $100 annual Saks Fifth Avenue credit. Annual Fee: $550. Terms Apply. For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here. Must Reads: For more info on the Amex Platinum, see our thoughts on its benefits & perks, travel insurance coverage, and unbeatable airport lounge access. Take a look here for our full review. If you're a business owner, see our review of The Business Platinum Card from American Express. *This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP and not the card issuer.

If you have the Amex Platinum card, you can get up to $180 in statement credits with PayPal.

The benefit is separated into $30 per month for up to 6 months through June 30, 2021. Authorized users don’t get their own $30 credit, but spending by authorized users counts towards the primary cardmember’s $30 credit.

PayPal Credit Details

When Are These Credits Valid?

This statement credit is valid from January 1, 2021, through June 30, 2021.

What Purchases Qualify for the Credit?

Purchases at eligible merchants with PayPal qualify for this credit.

PayPal is accepted at millions of merchants in the U.S., including virtually every major online store. You cannot receive these statement credits for any person-to-person payments, including payments to friends and family.

Best Ways To Maximize PayPal Credits

PayPal is so widely accepted around the world that it’s going to be super easy to maximize PayPal credits at full value.

If you’re shopping online at a name-brand retailer, you’ll probably be able to pay with PayPal.

Included retailers are Walmart.com, Wayfair, Airbnb, Calvin Klein, Adidas, Forever 21, and much more! Sadly, Amazon and Lululemon aren’t eligible for the PayPal credits.

Amex Offers Dining Statement Credits

Amex has gone full-steam ahead with its new statement credits specifically for co-branded personal credit cards. This should not be confused with the dining credit offered by the Amex Gold card.

Depending on which credit card you have, you can get $5 to $20 in monthly dining statement credits!

To enroll, you’ll just need to visit the Amex Offers section of each eligible credit card and click Add to Card as shown here:

Cards With Amex Offers Dining Credits

• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card (Up to $10 per month)
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card (Up to $15 per month)
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (Up to $20 per month)
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card (Up to $20 per month)
• Hilton Honors American Express Card (Up to $5 per month)
• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card (Up to $10 per month)
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card (Up to $20 per month)

Amex Offers Dining Credits Details

When Are These Credits Valid?

These are statement credits offered each calendar month between February 2021 through December 2021 (up to 11 months per card).

To be eligible, you must have had your card before January 1, 2021. Lastly, enrollment is necessary via Amex Offers.

What Purchases Qualify for the Credit?

Any purchases at U.S. restaurants, whether that’s for dine-in, takeout, or delivery, will qualify for the credit.

Best Ways To Maximize Amex Offers Dining Credits

The best way to maximize these dining credits is to have a meal on Amex! Simply use your card at any U.S. restaurant and you should see the statement credit on your account within a few weeks.

Amex Offers Wireless Statement Credits

Amex has also revealed a monthly wireless statement credit ranging from $5 to $20, depending on which card you have.

This is an enrollment-required benefit you need to activate to access. To enroll, just visit the Amex Offers area of the eligible credit card and click Add to Card under the offer that looks like this:

Cards With Amex Offers Wireless Credits

• Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card (Up to $10 per month)
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card (Up to $15 per month)
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card (Up to $20 per month)
• The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card (Up to $10 per month)
• Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card (Up to $15 per month)

Amex Offers Wireless Credits Details

When Are These Credits Valid?

The wireless statement credits are valid from February to December 2021, up to 11 months per card.

You must have had your card before January 1, 2021 (new cardmembers aren’t eligible) to access these credits. You must also activate this credit for every eligible card to get the statement credits via Amex Offers.

What Purchases Qualify for the Credit?

Purchases at U.S. wireless telephone service providers qualify for the purchase, and this excludes:

• Purchases from authorized retailers, resellers, or third-party sellers
• Purchases for hardware (e.g phones and accessories) or repair services
• Bundled services offered by wireless companies for TV, internet, and VoIP
• VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) services

Some of the major merchants that would qualify are:

• AT&T
• Sprint
• T-Mobile
• Verizon

Some of the major merchants that would not qualify are:

• Authorized retailers or resellers (e.g. Spring Communications, Wireless Zone)
• Superstores (e.g. Walmart, and Target)
• Electronics stores (e.g. Best Buy, Staples)

Best Ways To Maximize Amex Offers Wireless Credits

The single best way to maximize this wireless credit is to make payments to your phone bill.

If you have a traditional cellular plan, you will probably qualify for the wireless credits!

Amex Offers Retail Statement Credits

Amex did something extraordinary this year. In addition to other benefits that are progressively being rolled out, it debuted a giant list of valuable Amex Offers designed to help you save money on purchases made at specific merchants.

You can get up to $1,700 in total value with these statement credits, so let’s get into the details.

Cards With Amex Offers Statement Credits

Amex Platinum Card

If you have the Amex Platinum card as of November 1, 2020, you can access these Amex Offers as long as you enroll in each offer and spend by June 30, 2021.

Amex Offers Statement Credit Details

The Amex Offers are spread out across these merchants:

• Avis Car Rental: Spend $250+ on eligible purchases, get $75 back, up to 2 times
• BestBuy.com: Spend $50+ on eligible purchases, get $50 back, up to 2 times
• The Container Store: Spend $150+ on eligible purchases, get $50 back, up to 2 times
• Goldbelly: Spend $100+ on eligible purchases, get $50 back, up to 3 times
• Home Chef: Spend $50+ on eligible purchases, get $50 back, up to 3 times
• HomeDepot.com: Spend $50+ on eligible purchases, get $50 back, up to 2 times
• Instacart: Spend $250+ on eligible purchases, get $50 back, up to 2 times
• Samsung: Spend $1,000+ on eligible purchases, get $200 back, 1 time
• Scribd: Spend $9.99+ on eligible purchases, get $9.99 back, up to 5 times
• Virtual Personal Training by Equinox: Spend $780+ on eligible purchases, get $130 back, up to 5 times
• Wine Insiders: Spend $30+ on eligible purchases, get $30 back, up to 2 times

One aspect you have to be super careful of is which purchases are eligible for statement credits. For example, the HomeDepot.com statement credit excludes “Scheduled Delivery” shipping and in-store pickup. An eligible transaction includes an online purchase made with a “ship to home” or “ship to store” option online. This excludes curbside pickup!

So, you’ll want to make sure you read through the offer terms to figure out what’s eligible and ineligible for the statement credits.

When Are These Credits Valid?

Across the board, these credits are valid through June 30, 2021. You just have to enroll in and spend by this date to receive the statement credits.

Because there are so many merchants offering these statement credits, the best thing to do is reference the offer terms. Then you can figure out what products or services you need.

Best Ways To Maximize Amex Offers Statement Credits

The most useful statement credits will likely be at BestBuy.com or HomeDepot.com.

That’s because you could potentially get free items, thanks to the structure of the statement credits. With both merchants, you can spend $49.99 and receive a full $49.99 statement credit, allowing you to get a free purchase!

Remember to reference your offer terms, but the BestBuy.com statement credit is valid for purchases made at BestBuy.com (U.S. site only) or BestBuy.com/outlet.

5x Points for Business Card Members

If you’re not a holder of the Amex Platinum cards, don’t worry! Amex rolled out some amazing offers for select business cardholders. These are arguably more valuable to business owners, especially those with lots of spending.

Indeed, you can earn up to 400,000 extra Amex Membership Rewards points with this offer, so read on to learn more!

Cards With 5x Points for Business Card Members

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Credit Card

Key Benefits & Info

New Welcome Offer The Business Platinum Card® from American Express Apply Now (at Amex's secure site)

New Welcome Offer: Earn 75,000 85,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Platinum Card plus earn 5x points on eligible purchases in 5 select business categories, up to 80,000 bonus points per category, all within the first 3 months of Card Membership. These bonus categories include eligible U.S. purchases on shipping, wireless telephone services, advertising in select media, office supplies and gas stations. Terms Apply. Get 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com. Access more than 1,300 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, including the amazing Centurion lounges. $200 Airline Fee Credit. Get up to $200 in statement credits annually by getting up to $100 semi-annually for U.S. purchases with Dell Annual Fee: $595 Bonus Valuation*: $1,870 Terms Apply. For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum card, click here. Must Reads: For more info on the Amex Business Platinum, see our insights on its benefits, top card FAQ's and the 24 best airport lounges you can access. Go here for our full review. This is one of several business credit cards from Amex. *This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP and not the card issuer.

If you hold an Amex Business Platinum card, enroll your card in these offers via Amex Offers, you can earn up to 400,000 extra Amex Membership Rewards points!

5x Points for Business Card Members Details

You can earn 5x points on U.S. purchases made across these categories:

• Wireless (up to 80,000 points, equal to $20,000 in spending)
• Shipping (up to 80,000 points, equal to $20,000 in spending)
• Advertising (up to 80,000 points, equal to $20,000 in spending)
• Gas (up to 80,000 points, equal to $20,000 in spending)
• Office supplies (up to 80,000 points, equal to $20,000 in spending)

When Are These Offers Valid?

These offers are valid through June 30, 2021.

What Purchases Qualify for the Offers?

To learn more about which categories qualify for 5x points, click here.

Best Ways To Maximize 5x Points for Business Card Members

It’s straightforward to optimize this offer — just enroll in each category under your Amex Offers area, make qualifying purchases, and your points should post as they normally would!

$250 in Statement Credits for Business Card Members

If you aren’t a holder of the ultra-premium Amex Business Platinum card, Amex has also rolled out some great statement credits for select business purchases.

You can earn up to $250 in cash-back!

Cards With $250 in Statement Credits for Business Card Members

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

Credit Card

Benefits & Info

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express Apply Now (at Amex's secure site)

Earn 2X points on the first $50,000 spent annually on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. Earn 1x thereafter. 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months, then a variable rate, 13.24% - 19.24%. Annual Fee: $0 For rates and fees of the Blue Business Plus card, click here. Must Reads: For more info on the Amex Blue Business Plus, see our guide on its benefits and our full review. This is one of several Amex business credit cards.

This benefit is exclusively for one of the most popular cards out there, the Amex Blue Business Plus card.

This spectacular credit card comes with the ability to earn 2x points on the first $50,000 spent annually on everyday business purchases with no annual fee!

Let’s take a look at how you can get up to $250 in statement credits.

$250 in Statement Credits for Business Card Members Details

The structure of this offer is to spend $500 or more in a single eligible transaction and get $25 back as a statement credit. You can do this up to 10 times for a total of up to $250 back.

Remember, that you must make single purchases of $500 or more, so 2 purchases of $300 each would not trigger this statement credit.

You can enroll your Amex Blue Business Plus card for this statement credit offer by visiting the Amex Offers section of your Amex Blue Business Preferred card.

When Are These Credits Valid?

These credits are valid until June 30, 2021.

What Purchases Qualify for the Credit?

Virtually any legitimate purchase will qualify, as long as it’s $500 or more.

Examples of transactions that don’t count are cash advances, other fees and charges like foreign currency conversion fees, interest, and annual fees don’t count.

Best Ways To Maximize Statement Credits for Business Card Members

It’s pretty easy to maximize this offer, but it only works on transactions of $500 or more. If you don’t normally have single transactions of this amount, try your best to combine your transactions when feasible.

For example, if you usually put your insurance premiums on this card but pay every month, you can prepay a few months and get a $25 statement credit, so long as the amount is at least $500.

Complimentary Uber Eats Pass

Amex has decided to work with its rideshare partner Uber to offer one of the best food delivery subscriptions for free to select cardholders!

Cards With Complimentary Uber Eats Pass

Amex Platinum Card

The Amex Platinum card is absolutely filled with benefits, and this is just the icing on the cake.

American Express® Gold Card

Credit Card

Key Benefits & Info

New Welcome Offer American Express® Gold Card Apply Now (at Amex's secure site)

Earn 35,000 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new card within the first 6 months. Rose Gold is back. You can now choose between Gold or Rose Gold. Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points Restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery, plus, earn 4X points for Uber Eats purchases too. Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at US supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. Annual Fee: $250 For rates and fees of the Amex Gold Card, click here. Must Reads: For more info on the Amex Gold Card, see our guides on its benefits and perks, as well as our full review. *This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP and not the card issuer.

The Amex Gold card is one of our favorites for dining and groceries/supermarkets, and the Uber Eats Pass complements this perfectly!

American Express® Green Card

Credit Card

Benefits & Info

American Express® Green Card Apply Now (at Amex's secure site)

Earn 30,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $2,000 in your first 3 months. Earn 3x Membership Rewards® points on restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery. Earn 3x Membership Rewards® points on all eligible travel, from subway swipes to hotel stays. Earn up to $100 in annual statement credits towards a CLEAR membership Earn up to $100 statement credit per year on LoungeBuddy purchases No foreign transaction Fees Annual Fee: $150

The Amex Green card can earn you up to 3x points at restaurants worldwide and all eligible travel purchases. This is an exceptional card with tons of benefits for a small price tag.

If you have the consumer cards above, you will have 12 months of complimentary access to Uber Eats Pass!

Complimentary Uber Eats Pass Details

Your complimentary Uber Eats Pass, valued at $10 per month. You will get 12 months of complimentary Uber Eats Pass membership when you add your eligible Amex card to your Uber Eats wallet.

When is this Benefit Valid?

This benefit is valid for 12 months after you enroll. You can enroll until December 31, 2021. That means it’s possible to get this benefit all the way until December 31, 2022 (1 year after the latest enrollment date).

Variis by Equinox Monthly Credits

Variis is an on-demand virtual fitness app from Equinox, a luxury gym brand. Users can take classes using their at-home SoulCycle bike, follow workout videos, relax with PURE Yoga, and more.

Cards With Variis by Equinox Credits

Amex Platinum Card

Amex Platinum cardholders can receive up to 9 $25 Variis by Equinox monthly credits.

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Amex Credit Card

Benefits & Info

New Welcome Offer Blue Cash Preferred® from American Express Apply Now (at Amex's secure site)

Earn a $250 $300 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%). 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions 3% Cash Back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses, and more 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, 1% back on other purchases. Low intro APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, currently 13.99% to 23.99% Annual Fee: $0 introductory annual fee for one year, then $95. Terms Apply. For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred card, click here.

Blue Cash Preferred cardholders can receive a $10 Variis by Equinox monthly credit, though the number of credits is unknown.

Other Eligible Amex Cardholders

Eligible cardholders can receive a $10 monthly credit for the first 3 months.

Variis by Equinox Credit Details

When Are These Credits Valid?

The credits for the Amex Platinum card are valid through June 30, 2021. The credits for other eligible Amex cardholders are valid through April 1, 2021.

What Purchases Qualify for the Credit?

A monthly subscription before any statement credits costs $39.99.

Best Ways To Maximize Variis by Equinox Credits

Start your monthly subscription using Variis by Equinox’s Amex landing page and paying with your eligible Amex card.

Statement Credits and Benefits 2020 Reference Table

Amex first introduced enhanced statement credits in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on consumer and business spending. These credits provided cardholders with reduced fees on content consumption via the streaming credit, an offset of their phone bill via the wireless credit, or an upgrade to their home or business via the increased Dell credit, as well as other benefits.

Final Thoughts

These new, increased, and expanded statement credits that American Express has begun offering are a nice addition. American Express recognizes that there’s not going to be a whole lot of travel during this period, so it’s widened the perks it offers.

Whether it’s checking out with PayPal, using Amex Offers to maximize value at restaurants, wireless providers, or online retailers, or getting free delivery on your next Uber Eats order, you’ll probably be able to extract solid value from your American Express card during these times.

The information regarding the American Express Green Card and Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and was not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. 

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, click here.