17 Spring Essentials to Buy With Your Amex Platinum $50 Saks Credit — While You Still Can

A leader in premium rewards cards, the Platinum Card^® from American Express offers many benefits, including lounge access, hotel elite status, and numerous statement credits. Despite the card’s recent restructuring, it’s maintained one of my favorite long-time benefits: the annual shopping credit at Saks Fifth Avenue. It gives me an excuse to browse the Saks website and treat myself to just the right fancy item.

With your Amex Platinum card, you’ll get 2 up to $50 Saks credits per year — the first for January to June and another for July to December. However, the recent news that Saks Fifth Avenue filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection has taken some of the joy out of using those credits, replaced by worry that I might lose them.

My plan of action? Shop right away to ensure I get value from the credit.

Use Your Amex Saks Credit ASAP

For now, Saks Fifth Avenue has said that most of its stores will remain open, and you can still shop online. The bankruptcy doesn’t mean there’s an immediate shutdown. Saks states on its website that the brand is still “focused on delivering exceptional products, elevated luxury experiences, and highly personalized service,” referring to its financial woes as a ‘transformation’ and not an end-all. Still, the future of Saks — and Amex Platinum card Saks credits — feels uncertain.

A practical approach is to spend your $50 Saks credit ASAP. If Saks remains open with business as usual through the summer? Use your second $50 credit right away in July.

Saks’ online stock is lower than usual for obvious reasons, but you can still pick up some spring essentials that might make your flight to Cancun a little more comfortable, or enhance your outfit with a cool Coachella-ready accessory. Shop these spring essentials from Saks and use your credit, because the future of both the store and your credit remains unknown.

Amex Platinum Card Overview

The Amex Platinum card has numerous benefits and statement credits, some of which require enrollment. Here’s a quick glance at some of the best features of the card:

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The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

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The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

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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. 

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When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than the Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

 

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Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,550 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
• Annual and monthly statement credits upon enrollment (airline credit, Uber Cash and Uber One, Resy, Saks Fifth Avenue credit, lululemon credit, streaming credit, prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, Walmart+ credit, CLEAR+ credit, and Equinox credit)
• TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
• Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts and Amex International Airline Program
• Access to Amex transfer partners
• No foreign transaction fees (rates and fees)

 

Cons

• $895 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

 

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Card Highlights

• 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.
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Tips for Using the Saks Fifth Avenue Credit This Spring

Given the precarious state of Saks Fifth Avenue and its bankruptcy filing, I suggest using your credit soon and carefully.

Don’t Buy Gift Cards

Technically, the Amex Platinum card’s Saks credit isn’t valid on gift cards. However, some readers and Upgraded Points staffers have reported success buying in-store gift cards, which might trigger the credit.

Either way, with the future of Saks up in the air, it’s not a good time to buy gift cards, which could become invalid. Instead, snap up a spring item now so you won’t lose out later.

Set a Calendar Alert for Summer

Given the situation, setting a calendar alert for July 1 is more important than ever. In the past, I often used my second annual Saks credit around Black Friday, hoping for additional discounts and offers on merchandise. This year, I’ve set my alert for the beginning of July to shop for a summer-inspired purchase.

Hot Tip:

The Amex Platinum credit is worth $50 at a time. Plan to use it all up, but don’t forget to factor in tax and shipping to your total.

17 Spring Essentials To Buy Using Your Amex Platinum Saks Fifth Avenue Credit

From affordable skincare items to pricier spring accessories, here’s what you can put your Saks credit toward right now. You don’t want to leave extra money on the table, so use your credit wisely to spend it all.

1. Lutava Activate Charcoal Infused Antimicrobial Fitness Towel ($33)

A real vacation for me means taking the time for a local yoga class or a stop into the hotel gym. This Lutava towel with charcoal is lightweight, and its charcoal-infused cotton ensures it dries 30% faster than a standard towel, making it easy and useful to take along on trips.

2. NARS Laguna Bronzing Cream ($44)

NARS Laguna bronzer has been a staple in my makeup kit for years, and I appreciate the cream formula’s ease of use. I can give my tired, pale, or jetlagged skin a quick pick-me-up whenever I want, and no brush is needed.

3. Luce Silky Satin Pillowcase ($49)

I love this Luce pillowcase because I can easily tuck it into my suitcase, making long flights and hotel stays (even quick naps) feel more luxurious. The satin case keeps my hair and skin looking fresh and supple, and it’s soft and silky to sleep on. The case comes in pink or white.

4. Anabel Aram Milos 18K-Gold-Plated & Natural Stone Beaded Necklace ($65)

Channel a Mediterranean spring break with this Anabel Aram multi-color necklace made with natural stone beads. Its bright colors complement any skin tone.

5. Armani Beauty Privé Les Eaux 3-Piece Hand Soap Discovery Gift Set ($68)

Skip liquids in your carry-on bag and bring one of these Armani bar soaps instead. Made in France, these shea butter hand soaps come in a pack of 3 different scents: Yulong (tea), Pivoine Suzhou (peony), and Vétiver d’Hiver (citrus).

6. Creed Men’s Inspiration 5-Piece Fragrance Set ($70)

Men, choose from one of 5 different scents — Aventus, Millésime Impérial, Green Irish Tweed, Silver Mountain Water, and Original Santal — that come in this Creed fragrance gift set.

7. Fable Cappuccino Cups ($75)

These spring-inspired green Fable cappuccino stoneware cups are the ideal spring purchase for your morning espresso, perfect for travelers who just returned from Europe and have found that the joys of a smaller, stronger jolt of caffeine are better than the typical Mr. Coffee moment. This set also comes in pink.

8. Slip Bride Sleep mask ($75)

Wedding season is upon us, which means bachelor/ette party and shower season is too. These mulberry silk sleep masks make perfect gifts; available in white (bride), black (groom), and pink (bridesmaid/maid of honor).

Hot Tip:

Use code FREESHIP for free shipping on orders of $300 or more at Saks.com.

9. Georg Jensen Bernadotte Thermo Jug ($119)

This European-inspired kitchen accessory is perfect for both use and design. The Georg Jensen pitcher comes in brick or a muted blue, complete with a stainless steel inner lining to keep liquid hot or cold.

10. Assouline Wine & Travel Mediterranean Islands Book ($120)

Wishing you were on a Mediterranean Island? Me too. If you can’t jet there this spring, pick this book from Assouline, pour yourself a glass of crisp Italian vino, and take a literary and visual journey through the wines and terroir of the Green Islands, Sicily, and beyond.

11. MacKenzie-Childs Rosy Check Butterfly Candle Holders, Set of 2 ($120)

There’s nothing more springish than pink butterflies, and this set of MacKenzie-Childs rosy butterfly candle holders can add a dose of spring joy to any space. They have a checked pattern and are trimmed with gold luster.

12. Furtuna Skin Due Alberi Biphase Moisturizing Oil ($125)

If your skin needs a spring pick-me-up after a long winter, this Furtuna skin oil, with ingredients such as Vitamin C and wild organic chicory, can help by supporting collagen production. It comes in a 15 ml travel size, perfect for a purse or carry-on.

13. LOEWE Perfumes Honeysuckle Scented Candle ($130-$520)

Ensure your home smells like spring with this LOEWE honeysuckle candle. Choose from the small size (up to 30 hours of burn time), the medium size (up to 50 hours of burn time), or the large size (up to 80 hours of burn time).

14. Michael Kors Open Weave Straw Fedora ($138)

Protect your face from the spring sunshine with this Michael Kors weaved straw fedora. It’s wrapped in a faux-leather band with the signature MK gold buckle logo.

15. Elisa Johnson Lyric Leigh 51MM Oval Sunglasses ($150)

These oval-shaped Elisa Johnson’s Lyric Leigh sunglasses come in white-grey or light brown gold, perfect for a spring stroll or beach moment.

16. Marc Jacobs The Large Tote ($225)

This large tote from Marc Jacobs is an easy choice for your next spring travel tote. Use it as a personal item on a flight, a shopping or beach tote, an overnight bag, or anything you need it to be. It comes in colors like olive, baby blue, black, and beige, complete with a zipper to keep your items safe.

17. TUMI Voyageur Celina Backpack ($495)

Carry around all your items in this TUMI Voyageur Celina backpack, complete with various compartments for storage, adjustable shoulder straps, and a leather top handle.

Final Thoughts

These items from Saks Fifth Avenue are fun and bright and can help accessorize the spring season, whether you’re heading to the Caribbean, to Europe, or just staying home.

Whatever you buy, don’t forget to use your twice-annual $50 Saks credit, which can help offset the Amex Platinum card’s high annual fee. It’s better to use it sooner, rather than later, due to the retailer’s financial situation and uncertainty.