If you have an American Express Platinum Card, you are aware that you have two options for authorized users.
1) Authorized Platinum Card
2) Authorized Gold Card
With the Platinum Card, you can add the first three cardholders for a cost of $175.00, which is about $60 per person each year. However, additional authorized users after the third will cost $175.00 each. If you think this too expensive, you can add up to 99 additional Gold Card authorized users for free. The only downside is the limited perks, as seen below.
The perks:
When you compare the perks of the two cards, the additional Platinum Card is the clear winner. But here's why the Gold Card wins for me.
For both cards, additional cardholders are eligible for Global Entry reimbursement, which is $100 for 4.5 years. In this case, the additional Gold Card is more attractive. With a zero annual fee, you'll be able to gain Global Entry at no extra cost
Of course, I left behind a few perks on the Platinum Card, but I am an avid believer in the word FREE.
I am planning to add an authorized user to my account, and after comparing the details, for me, the Gold Card is the better pick, but it might not be the same for you.
Pro tip: The Platinum Card allows for $200 airline reimbursements. I carefully use those to pay for my plus one at the Delta lounge, thus bringing the cost to zero. This is why the Gold Card makes more sense in my opinion, as I get most of the benefits with no additional cost.
Editors Note: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any parties mentioned. None of the entities mentioned has reviewed, approved, or endorsed the content listed in this post.
