Coronavirus: Amex offering limited time benefits to support cardholders

Some of the offers below are no longer available and may be out of date.

As multiple credit card issuers are stepping up to assist cardholders during this difficult time, American Express is taking its efforts a step further.

On May 1, the issuer announced it is introducing new limited time offers to support cardmembers in their evolving needs. The offers will address areas in the consumer’s life that matter the most during the pandemic outbreak: staying connected, dining at home, working and running a business remotely and supporting small businesses.

According to Amex, starting in May, select consumer cards will get access to a range of limited time offers ranging from credits for streaming and wireless services to accelerated earning on supermarket and food delivery purchases. At the same time, select small business cards will get access to statement credits on wireless, shipping and Dell purchases, as well as offers for remote work needs.

“These new offerings build on the rich and relevant streaming, wireless, food delivery, grocery and shipping benefits already offered across many American Express cards and are part of the company’s broader efforts to back customers and communities during this challenging time,” American Express said in a statement.

The issuer also mentions that over the coming weeks and months select cardmembers will get access to additional offers upon their card renewal for further support. It’s not clear yet what those offers will be, but there have been reports American Express is planning to offer annual fee relief due to the uncertainty of travel.

Statement credits on streaming and wireless services

As the coronavirus outbreak is keeping people at home, staying connected has become crucial. Another need that seems almost essential during this time is streaming subscriptions, with some streaming services seeing a surge in new users.

See related: Best credit cards for streaming services

To address this, American Express will be giving cardmembers statement credits when they use their card on select streaming and wireless telephone services.

Note that certain other Amex cards already offer streaming and wireless benefits. For example, with the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, you can receive 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.

Statement credits and extra rewards on stay-at-home dining and essentials

Many consumers might have noticed their spending in categories such as shopping for essentials, takeout and food delivery has increased.

See related: Best cards for food delivery and meal kit subscriptions

Amex is supporting cardmembers by offering extra rewards and statement credits for spending in these categories. See the table below for the list of participating cards and the benefits they’re offering.

Additionally, all Hilton American Express bonus points that post to the cardmember’s Hilton Honors account between May 1, 2020, through Dec. 31, 2020, will be considered base points and count towards elite tier qualification.

Just like with streaming services, many Amex cards already offer rewards and benefits on supermarket shopping, takeout and delivery. For instance, if you’re an Amex Platinum cardholder, you can receive $15 in Uber credits every month, plus a $20 bonus in December, and use it for food delivery on Uber Eats.

However, it’s nice to see Amex adding such benefits to its travel cards, since most travel has stopped due to the pandemic. This way, cardmembers can continue to earn travel rewards even while quarantined at home.

Help for remote workers and small businesses

The coronavirus outbreak has changed the way the majority of Americans work. Many have started working from home, facing the challenges of a new routine, and small businesses have had to adjust to the new reality as well.

To help them offset the costs of tools and technology, American Express will give Business Platinum cardmembers up to $200 in additional statement credits for U.S. purchases with Dell ($100 in additional statement credits from May 1 through June 30, 2020, and up to $100 in additional statement credits between July 1 and December 31, 2020).

Additionally, small business merchant partners will get access to new offers and tools aimed to assist them in managing and running their business, including:

• 50% off Ripl Pro which helps businesses create, schedule and share professional-looking promotional social posts.
• $100 off monthly Numa subscription which helps businesses by providing an answering service to catch potential missed business 24/7.
• New, free Shop Small templates and resources at ShopSmall.com.

Considering the value and benefits already offered by Amex business cards, the new additions can provide the extra help that small business owners may need in this challenging environment.

What new Amex offers can mean for you

The changes resulting from the coronavirus outbreak and stay-at-home orders have impacted everyone – and their spending habits, too.

If you’re an American Express cardholder worried about the value your card provides during this time, the new limited-time offers from the issuer can help alleviate many of your concerns.

With the new benefits, you can be rewarded for streaming and wireless services, earn travel rewards while not traveling and get deals on products that can help you run your business. This is a bold move by American Express, and we hope more issuers will follow suit in adjusting to consumers’ current situations.