For those of you that signed up for the American Express Platinum Card, you have 17 short days to redeem your $200 travel credit if you haven’t already done so. If you do not use the credit, you forfeit it after December 31st, 2016.
I provided some hints as to how to turn that Travel Credit into cash in my review of the card so give it a read if you are struggling for ideas on how to use the credit. Remember, this credit can be used for anything travel related including flights, car rentals and hotels.
For those of you that did take advantage of the $200 Travel Credit, you will see another $200 Travel Credit available for use as of January 1, 2017.
For those that are still on the fence about getting the card, my recommendation is that you do not apply for this card until sometime in February or March. The reason is that if you apply in February/March, you will receive the $200 travel credit for 2017 and another one as of January 1, 2018, well before your annual fee posts on your account. If you apply now, there is a possibility that American Express will attempt to claw back your Travel Credit if you use it in 2017 and again in January 2018 only to cancel the card later that month. Give yourself some cushion so that you don’t have to have that uncomfortable conversation with the American Express rep.