The Amex Business Platinum card offers a $200 annual airline fee credit intended for incidental charges like checked baggage and in-flight refreshments. However, many cardholders have found alternative ways to utilize this credit. I’ve been testing one such method and wanted to share my experience.
For the past two years, I’ve successfully triggered the Amex Business Platinum airline fee credit by adding funds to my United TravelBank. This year, in 2024, I decided to try again.
I’m pleased to report that funding my United TravelBank with my Amex Business Platinum card did trigger the $200 annual airline fee credit. This is excellent news for travelers like myself who may not frequently incur incidental airline fees.
Amex Business Platinum United TravelBank Credit
The credit posted to my account within three days. You’ll notice two separate $100 purchases. This is because United’s TravelBank doesn’t offer a $200 deposit option; the choices are $100 or $250.
It’s important to note a few caveats. Just because my United TravelBank purchase triggered the $200 credit for me doesn’t guarantee it will work for you, nor that it will continue to work indefinitely. Your mileage may vary. If you choose to fund your United TravelBank using your Amex Business Platinum card, be aware that there’s a possibility you won’t be reimbursed and you’ll have $200 in your United TravelBank.
Also, remember to select United as your designated airline for the $200 airline fee credit. You can easily do this by contacting Amex Business Platinum customer support using the number on the back of your card.
Several readers have reached out suggesting I remove this post, fearing that publicizing this information might prompt Amex to eliminate this “loophole”. I understand the concern, but this method has been widely discussed across numerous platforms, including Thrifty Traveler, Frequent Miler, Upgraded Points, DansDeals, FlyerTalk, and Reddit. Given their significantly larger audiences, I doubt my post will be the catalyst for any changes. Moreover, it’s highly likely that Amex is already aware of this practice and has chosen not to intervene, possibly considering it an acceptable use of the credit.
Ultimately, the decision of how to use your Amex Business Platinum airline fee credit is yours. This is simply a report of my experience using United Travel Bank.
