These offers have garnered attention due to their appealing incentives, including travel credits and Membership Rewards points, which can be redeemed for various perks such as flights, hotels, and premium experiences. With this enticing bonus structure, the offers are positioned as a significant opportunity for eligible consumers who can meet the spending criteria.
The offers are aimed at both new customers and existing American Express members looking to refer friends to join the service. The deadline looms large, urging potential applicants to act quickly if they wish to capitalise on the perks available. Both the Platinum and Gold Card offers promise attractive rewards but come with distinct eligibility requirements and benefits.
Platinum Card: £600 in Rewards and Travel Credit
According to American Express, new applicants for the Platinum Card can earn up to £600 in rewards, a combination of 75,000 Membership Rewards points worth £350 and £250 in travel credit. To qualify, customers must spend £6,000 within the first six months of membership.
The £250 in travel credit can be used for a range of purchases, including flights, hotels, and vacation packages booked via Amex Travel Online. Platinum Card members can also earn additional Membership Rewards points at an elevated rate when booking travel on the platform, with two points per pound spent.
Alongside these immediate incentives, the Platinum Card provides a suite of ongoing benefits. Members can enjoy £400 in global dining credits, complimentary access to airport lounges worldwide through Priority Pass, and travel insurance, including coverage for cancellation, delays, and medical emergencies while abroad.
However, the card does come with a high annual fee of £650. For new applicants, the deadline to apply for the bonus is approaching quickly, with eligibility limited to those who have not held a Membership Rewards-enrolled American Express card in the past year.
Gold Card: A Generous £200 Bonus and No Annual Fee for the First Year
The Gold Card offers a slightly more accessible alternative for those looking to earn rewards without committing to the Platinum Card’s steep annual fee. According to American Express, new Gold Card members who spend £5,000 within the first six months will receive 40,000 Membership Rewards points, which are worth £200. Unlike the Platinum Card, the Gold Card waives its annual fee for the first year, but applicants should be aware that a £195 annual fee will apply thereafter.
In addition to the sign-up bonus, Gold Card holders also receive a range of benefits. These include four complimentary visits per year to airport lounges worldwide through the Priority Pass network, £10 back on Deliveroo orders every month, and exclusive offers through The Hotel Collection.
The card also includes a more modest £10 monthly credit for Deliveroo, which may appeal to food delivery enthusiasts. Like the Platinum Card, the Gold Card offer is valid only for new applicants who have not held a Membership Rewards-enrolled card within the past 12 months.
Both the Platinum and Gold Card offers require applications to be approved before January 13, 2026. After this date, the enhanced bonuses will no longer be available, so customers are urged to review the terms and apply promptly if they wish to secure the additional rewards.
Referral Program: Earn Extra Points by Inviting Friends
In addition to the new sign-up bonuses, American Express is running a referral program that allows both Platinum and Gold Cardholders to earn extra Membership Rewards points. According to American Express, Platinum Cardholders can earn 20,000 Membership Rewards points for every successful referral, while their referred friend will receive 85,000 points and £250 in travel credit when they meet the spending requirement of £6,000 within the first three months.
Gold Card members also benefit from the referral program, earning 16,000 points per successful referral, with referred friends earning 45,000 points upon spending £5,000 within the first six months. American Express has placed a cap on referral earnings, with cardholders able to accumulate a maximum of 90,000 points per calendar year through the program. With the deadline approaching, both new applicants and existing members considering referrals will need to act quickly to ensure they don’t miss out on these limited-time offers.
