Maximize Your Amex Platinum $50 Saks Credit With These 19 Spring Break Essentials

A leader in the world of premium rewards cards, The Platinum Card^® from American Express has many benefits. Those include access to more than 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, elite status with hotel loyalty programs at Hilton and Marriott, and the ability to earn and transfer Amex Membership Reward points. But today, we will focus on one specific benefit: an annual shopping credit at Saks Fifth Avenue.

With your Amex Platinum card, you’ll get 2 $50 Saks credits per year — one to use from January to June and another for July to December. This is a fun perk that allows you to treat yourself to something special twice a year.

While you might think that everything at Saks Fifth Avenue is very expensive, there are plenty of lower-cost items (even many that are under $50) that you can purchase using your credit.

Let’s have some fun shopping for spring break essentials with your $50 Saks credit.

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The Platinum Card^® from American Express

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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 Platinum Card^® from American Express

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

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

80,000 points

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Up to $1,760

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$695

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Why We Like This Card

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.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 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

Cons

• $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

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Card Highlights

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card^® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• With American Express Global Lounge Collection^® you can enjoy access to over 1,400 airport lounges globally, including The Centurion^® Lounge, Unlimited Delta Sky Club^® Access when flying an eligible Delta flight, Escape Lounges, Lufthansa Lounges when flying Lufthansa Group, Plaza Premium, Priority Pass™ Select Lounges, & Additional Global Lounge Collection Partner Lounges subject to visit limitations. Lounges may have their own rules, like additional access rules and guest fees, and for Priority Pass Select, you need to enroll and there are unlimited airport lounge visits for Card Members. With Delta Sky Club Access, Card Members will receive 10 Visits to the Delta Sky Club to be used from February 1 until January 31 of the next calendar year and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access by spending $75,000 in eligible purchases on their Card in a calendar year. To find a lounge, visit the membership section in the American Express^® App or visit http://www.americanexpress.com/findalounge#/loungefinder.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card^® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card^®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card^® Members can ride or dine in style with $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus a bonus $20 in December after adding their Card to their Uber account. Use your Uber Cash on rides and orders in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck^® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card^®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card^®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

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What Is the Amex Platinum Card Saks Credit?

One of the most prominent features of the Amex Platinum card is its many statement credits, some of which may require enrollment:

• Up to $200 airline incidental credit (for expenses such as baggage and seat selection fees)
• Up to $200 Uber Cash ($15 per month, plus an additional $20 in December)
• Up to $240 digital entertainment credit (up to $20 per month)
• Up to $200 prepaid hotel credit on Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings, which may require a minimum 2-night stay, through AmexTravel.com
• Up to $155 Walmart+ credit (up to $12.95 each month, with free same-day delivery and free shipping on orders)
• Up to $300 Equinox credit annually
• Up to $199 CLEAR Plus credit
• Up to $100 Saks Fifth Avenue credit ($50 from January to June and $50 from July to December)

While I appreciate all these credits, especially the FHR credit, the Saks Fifth Avenue credit is probably my favorite. I’m a busy mom and usually get my goods from stores like Zara or Target, so the excuse to take a moment and shop for something more luxurious is delightful. But Saks Fifth Avenue is a big store with expensive merchandise. It can be challenging to figure out how to use the credit, and that’s if you even remember to use it.

How I Use My Saks Fifth Avenue Credit

In my case, I set calendar alerts every spring and fall to remind myself to use the credit. I try to spend the second $50 of the year around Black Friday, when Saks has many deals and offers additional gift cards and promo codes if you spend a certain amount. For the first $50 credit of the year, I usually focus on buying something I can use for my spring travel plans.

Since it’s time for me to use my Saks credit this season, I’m sharing some of my top spring-inspired product selections, whether you want to splurge on a brightly colored suitcase or pick up some sunblock.

Hot Tip:

Not in the mood for a spring-inspired Saks purchase? Check out our list of top products to buy year-round with Amex Platinum’s Saks Fifth Avenue credits.

$50 or Less at Saks Fifth Avenue

These are my top picks if you want to only spend your $50 Saks credit. That said, you don’t want to leave extra money on the table, so use your credit wisely to use it all up.

1. Supergoop! Sheer Stick SPF 30 — $30

Apt for sensitive skin and powered by zinc oxide, this cult beauty fave mineral sunblock stick is easy to tuck into your carry-on bag and will protect your face from the sun’s rays. If you want to fully use up your credit, all of Supergoop!’s products at Saks are under $50; the (Re)Setting 100% Mineral Powder SPF 35 ($35) is a favorite of Upgraded Points’ Director of Operations & Compliance Kellie Jez.

2. BOSS Swim Shorts — $69 $34 [SALE]

Men can embrace spring florals with these lined BOSS swim trunks, which have an elastic waistband and are made from fully recycled polyester.

3. Toptote by Lindsay Albanese Fray Raffia Hat Holder — $69 $41.40 [SALE]

This tiny raffia hat holder attaches your hat to your bag, so you don’t have to worry about leaving it on that beach lounger or in your hotel room. It also comes in rose gold. There’s a black version for $47.40 on sale.

4. Nars Laguna Bronzing Powder — $42

Another cult beauty favorite (and my go-to bronzer shade for decades), Nars Laguna Bronzing Powder gives you that sunkissed glow without turning your skin orange. You can tell all your co-workers you went to Fiji this spring when you were actually visiting your grandma in Detroit.

5. Verve Culture Moroccan Shopping Basket — $48

They call it a Moroccan Shopping Basket; I call it a beach bag. Either way, stash your supermarket goods, beach items, or whatever you want in this woven basket with leather straps made in Essaouira.

6. Lunya Washable Silk Sleep Mask — $50

This Lunya sleep mask is made from 100% mulberry silk and comes with its carry bag. It fully blocks out light and also features thermo regulation.

7. Verve Culture Mexican Hot Chocolate Gift Set — $50

Most days, I wake up wanting to be in Mexico, but unfortunately, I’m not. If this is you, consider buying this Mexican hot chocolate gift set. You can make Mexican hot chocolate at home, close your eyes, and pretend you’re sipping cocoa in CDMX or Oaxaca.

Hot Tip:

Remember to factor in taxes and shipping when shopping. If you don’t want to spend any of your own cash, choose something lower than $50 to account for the increase.

$51 to $100 Saks Items

I insist on using my Saks credit in full, so if I have to pay a bit out of pocket, so be it. Here are my top choices in the slightly above $50 range.

8. Herschel Supply Co. Kid’s Classic™ Recycled Duffel Bag — $55

This cheerful kid’s duffle from Herschel is made from recycled water bottles and features a kitschy spring floral pattern. It also comes in a black stencil checker pattern.

9. Glasshouse Fragrances Sunkissed In Bermuda Fragrance Diffuser — $60

Feel sunkissed in Bermuda without actually going to Bermuda for spring break. This Sunkissed In Bermuda diffuser has pear, ambrette, tea, blood orange, and ruby pomelo notes. There’s a matching candle, too.

10. Graphic Image Metallic Leather Passport Case — $62

Take your passport out of winter hibernation in this metallic gold leather passport holder from Graphic Image, made in the U.S.

11. Royce New York Leather AirTag Sleeve — $70

The hottest spring travel trend? Not losing your luggage. Track it by putting an AirTag in this leather sleeve, which comes in navy, brown, and black.

12. Baobab Collection My First Baobab 3-Piece Candle Set — $95

Each of the 3 Baobab candles in this set represents a city, so if you’re dreaming of spring break in Brussels, Rome, or Saint Tropez, purchase this candle set and inhale deeply. Or choose a set that comes with scents representing Singapore, Athens, and Paris or Manhattan, Paris, and Mykonos.

13. Best Ride on Cars Little Kid’s Mercedes Benz G-Class 2-in-1 Suitcase — $99

I’ve never seen anything more ridiculous(ly adorable?) than this kiddie Mercedez Benz suitcase, which your little one can ride on or pull. Red feels like the right color for spring and summer, though you can get it in silver or black.

$100 to $200 Saks Items

Get a $50 discount on a higher-priced item with these more premium Saks Fifth Avenue spring finds.

14. Assouline ”Greek Islands” Hardcover Book — $105

Amassing a collection of travel-themed coffee table books is a life goal, so it feels right to snap up this Greek Islands book, which features a bright orange cover and stunning photos of various Greek Islands. You can also pick one up featuring Mexico City, St. Barths, or Bali.

15. Aimee Kestenberg Milan Leather Bum Bag — $128

Bum bag, fanny pack, waist bag, whatever you want to call it, I wear this Aimee Kestenberg leather bag around my waist and shoulder. It comes in various colors (some are on sale), so channel spring pastels or keep it basic with brown or black. There’s also a dark denim and leather version.

16. Vilebrequin Fouta Cotton Beach Towel — $135

This may seem pricey for a beach towel, but remember, $50 off brings the price down to $85. It’s still a lot, but this 100% cotton beach towel comes in bright tones (I love the gold) with fringed sides and embroidered turtles.

17. LOEWE Curvy Cat-Eye Sunglasses — $300 $155 [SALE]

I never thought I’d wear purple sunglasses, but these lavender LOEWE cat-eye shades are fun, spring-ish, and surprisingly complement a variety of face shapes.

$200+ Saks Items

Ready to splurge? Here are the travel items I suggest snapping up this spring — your $50 Saks credit will get you a nice discount.

18. Dagne Dover Landon Air Mesh Large Carryall — $215

I’m obsessed with Dagne Dover’s tote bags. This mesh carryall, which comes in a dusty pink color, black, or olive, is ideal for spring. It’s made with recycled air mesh and has numerous pockets and compartments that are ideal for travel.

It also comes in medium (in olive or black) for $185.

19. Horizn Studios Re Series Suitcase in Bright Amber — $590

Spot your luggage a mile away with this bright gold suitcase from Horizn Studios, made from high-performance polycarbonate. This hard-shell suitcase has a telescopic handle and 360° spinner wheels. If you like the look but would prefer a more subtle color, this suitcase also comes in black and olive.

Final Thoughts

These items from Saks Fifth Avenue are fun and bright and can help ring in the spring season, whether you’re heading to the Caribbean, to Ohio, or just staying home. Whatever you buy, don’t forget to use your twice-annual $50 Saks credit, which can help offset Amex Platinum’s high annual fee.