Comparison of Amex Platinum Authorized Users and Companion Cards

American Express Platinum Card® Offer good value – many of these privileges do not have to be limited to the primary cardholder. That’s because you have two options to share the privilege of refreshing Amex Platinum with your partner, kid, friend, or other companions.

Of course, there is no suitable method. There is no fee for the Companion Platinum card (see Rates and Fees), but the benefits are less, and you will pay an additional $195 Authorized User Fee (see Rates and Fees) on the existing $895 annual fee on Amex Platinum (see Rates and Fees) (if you go this route).

So, which one is right for you? Let’s compare these two products to help you decide.

Companion Platinum and Authorized User Benefits

What benefits do users receive without a partner platinum card member or authorized users?

It is important to note that, except for the Global Entry/TSA Precheck Credit, neither the Partner Platinum Card Member nor the Authorized User has obtained their own personal statement credit. However, they can help the main card members maximize their credit by spending on the card.

Members of the Partner Platinum Card and authorized users will not receive welcome offers unless they apply for their own Platinum Card as the main card.

Can you earn bonus points by adding peer platinum card members or authorized users?

It’s worth checking your AMEX proposal to see if you can add authorized users to earn reward points. (You are unlikely to receive a bonus for adding a companion platinum card.)

For example, TPG Contributed Credit Card Editor Matt Moffitt proposed to earn 20,000 bonus points after the first authorized user added $2,000 in the first six months of card membership.

Related: 7 credit cards with the greatest value of authorized users

When you deserve companion platinum

When considering a partner platinum card, remember that it does not include lounge access or elite status, with benefits Amex Platinum Authorized user card. If you’re OK, consider these privileges.

Global Entry or TSA Precheck Statement Credit

Master Card Members, Authorized Users and Companion Platinum Card Members will receive a statement credit for global entries or TSA Precheck Application Fees.

You will receive a declared credit for global entry of up to $120 per four years, or use TSA Precheck for up to $85 per 4 1/2 years.

If you have registered a global entry or TSA Precheck, you can use this benefit for others. Since you don’t have to pay for adding a companion platinum card, you can provide good value.

Win more points

The main card holder earns bonus points on every purchase made by a companion platinum card member. Earn points in the Mercedes Platinum Bonus category with Amex Platinum:

• Spend 5 points on tickets purchased directly with the airline or through American ExpressTravel® (up to $500,000 per year for ticket purchases, then spend 1 point)
• Spend 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotel booked
• Every dollar spent on all other purchases

According to TPG’s September 2025 valuation, the American Express membership reward points are worth 2 cents, which is a 10% return on qualified flights and hotels booked through Amex Travel. And if you transfer points to one of the transfer partners of AMEX, you can unlock an incredible travel experience for your spending.

Related: 7 Ways to Get 2 Cents from Each Member Reward Point You Redeem

When you should pay for Amex Platinum Authorized User

In some cases, pay an additional $195 and add an authorized user to your Amex Platinum. Authorized users receive all the benefits of a companion platinum card, as well as the following privileges:

Lounge entry

Eligible authorized users will receive access to the *American Express Global Lounge Collection, even if they do not travel with major card members – including:

*Registration is required.

**When traveling on Delta Airlines flights on the same day, eligible Platinum Card members get 10 visits per year, unless they spend $75,000 or more on the card, they visit the Delta Sky Club or snap-up location every year.

AMEX does not allow most platinum card members to bring free guests to Centurion Lounges, so adding a travel companion as an authorized user might be a good idea.

This is because each adult guest is usually between 2 and 17 years old and over and $30 (children under 2 years old are still free). Adults need four visits to the Centurion Lounge to restore authorized $195 Authorized User Fee.

However, if you spend $75,000 on Amex Platinum over the calendar year, you can take two guests to the Centurion lounge.

Car rental and hotel elite status

Authorized users will also receive free golden status in Hilton Honors and Marriott Hotels’ loyalty programs, as well as Sterling identity, the Leader Club Club Club, a leader from the world’s leading hotels. (Registration is required.)

Bonvoy Gold Elite status benefits at Marriott include room upgrades and priority checkout (both subject to availability).

In addition to hotel elite status, Amex Platinum authorized users can also obtain identities in three car rental companies. These include Avis Preferred Plus, President’s circle of Hertz Gold Plus Rewards and executive status at the National Emerald Club. (Registration is required.)

With your executive status at the National Emerald Club, you will get Emerald Aisle Access and you won’t have to pay a secondary driver fee when renting a car.

Hotel benefits

Authorized users can access American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts and Hotel Collection just like Amex Platinum Primard Cardmember (at least two nights of stay required for hotel collection).

Although they will receive the benefits below, they do not receive a biennial hotel statement credit of up to $300, which only applies to the primary card holder.

Booking through hotel collections provides Elitelike benefits for major licensed and authorized users, including:

• Check in at noon***
• be late***
• Room upgrade on arrival***
• $100 eligible fee.

*** Benefits are available.

The beautiful hotel + resort program offers all the benefits mentioned above, in addition:

• Free Wi-Fi
• Daily breakfast
• Guaranteed checkout at 4 pm

Related: Our Favorite American Express + Resort Properties where you can get Elite Allowance

Which option is right for you?

The Companion Platinum Card allows another person to earn membership bonus points on behalf of the main card member, while redeeming the Amex proposal is at no additional cost. Examples of who this option is best for include:

• Teenagers or college kids who want to build credit history
• One who will benefit from getting a global entry/TSA Precheck statement credit

If you add someone as an authorized user, they will receive stipends similar to your as a primary card person, such as lounge access and elite status – but the price comes at a price.

For authorized users, you must Amex PlatinumAnnual fee of $895 (see rates and fees). You can add three authorized users who must be at least 13 years of age. Therefore, this option is best for:

• Partner, parent or close friend, often traveler
• A travel companion worthy of the lounge access

Related: How to Choose the Right Travel Credit Card for You

Bottom line

With many benefits, it’s easy to see why you want to share yours Amex Platinum and others.

The Peer Platinum Card is best for teens and young people who are just starting to earn membership reward points (for your account), while an authorized user card is a great option, and it is a great option for travelers who often appreciate the card’s travel benefits such as lounge access and elite status.

If you are weighing whether your authorized user should receive their own Amex Platinum (and potentially earn your own welcome bonus), we also provide a complete guide on how to make a decision.

To learn more about the card, read our full review of American Express Platinum.

Apply here: Platinum card for American Express

For Amex Platinum rates and fees, click here.