American Express Targeting Customers for Guest Lounge Access

American Express officially closed off Centurion Lounge access to cardholders of The Platinum Card^® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express on February 1, 2023, unless they spent $75,000 or more per year on the card.

While this was disappointing news to some, this new guest policy has allowed the lounges to reduce crowding significantly. Now, in a very unexpected move, American Express appears to be issuing targeted guest lounge access to cardholders who haven’t met the annual spending requirement yet.

Here’s what you should know.

Targeted Offer Details

There doesn’t appear to be a defined pattern for how American Express is targeting cardholders, but those that were selected will have received an email titled, “You’re now eligible for complimentary guest access to The Centurion Lounge.” In that email, it describes to holders of the Amex Platinum card and the Amex Business Platinum card how they can receive complimentary guest access for up to 2 people through January 31, 2024.

You may want to check your email to see if you were targeted, but outside of that, there isn’t a way to request this special opportunity.

Why Is American Express Doing This?

While it’s anyone’s guess as to why American Express would suddenly want to offer guest access, there are likely a few reasons American Express might be exploring to target this offer:

• They believe the cardholder has spent enough overall on American Express cards, instead of 1 single card.
• They want to incentivize the cardholder’s network to encourage those guests to get the card for themselves. Remember, this is a way American Express can market to non-cardholders easily. By providing seamless access for guests and a good lounge experience, those guests may apply for the card on their own.

American Express lounges, like pretty much every airline-owned club, have recently been overrun with members and guests, to the point where customers have had to wait in long lines, put their names on waiting lists — or worse — not utilize the lounge at all.

Hot Tip: If you weren’t targeted for this offer, the guest fee is now $50 per adult and $30 per child between 2 to 17 years old. Adding an authorized user to your Amex Platinum card or Amex Business Platinum card could be another option to bypass these recurring guest fees.

Final Thoughts

American Express implemented a requirement on February 1 that you would need to spend $75,000 on your lounge-eligible Amex card in order to be allowed the privilege of guesting in 2 people. It’s also likely that Amex believes they went too far in that decision, and this targeted offer is a way to bridge the gap.

If you were targeted for guest lounge access, you’ll now be allowed to bring in companions into the Centurion Lounge without meeting any spending requirements. Keep an eye on your email to see if you receive a message from American Express with this offer.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, click here.