If you've heard or seen others call *amex platinum* a “metal coupon book,” this benefit might be the reason why: You get up to $100 in credits to use online or in-store at Saks Fifth Avenue each year. But don't run out and buy $100 worth of clothes or perfume just yet.
That credit is broken up into two chunks: One $50 credit is available from January through June, and another is available from July through December each year you have the card. And while Saks isn't known as the thriftiest place to do your shopping, there are plenty of worthwhile items to use the $50 credit on – whether you're looking to treat yourself or buy a gift for someone special.
Unfortunately, this credit took a hit recently. There is now a $300 minimum spending requirement to qualify for free shipping, making the $50 credit feel a lot more like $40 after accounting for the $9.95 shipping charge. Regardless, you might as well put it to use – it's just another way to help justify the $695 (see rates & fees) annual fee.
Let's take a look at our top 10 items to buy with your Saks Fifth Avenue credit.
How to Use the Saks Fifth Avenue Credit
To get the Saks Fifth Avenue semi-annual $50 credit, you must first hold the personal version of the Amex Platinum Card. *biz platinum* does not offer a credit to use at Saks.
If you don't already hold the Amex Platinum, you might be eligible for a new cardmember offer: bonus_miles_full
But you might even be targeted for a bigger, 175,000-point bonus offer available through CardMatch!
Learn more about *amex platinum*.
Before you go on your Saks shopping spree, you will need to log into your American Express account and activate the credit. To do this, head to the benefits tab.
From here, just click to enroll in the benefit. Once enrolled, you can head to a Saks Fifth Avenue retail store or www.saksfifthavenue.com to spend your $50.
Be warned: If you do any spending before you enroll in the benefit, you will not receive the statement credit.
One last hint: Don't wait until the last few days before your credit expires to make your purchase. These Saks credits typically don't kick in until after your item has shipped.
So if you wait until Dec. 30 to use your final $50 Saks credit but your purchase doesn't ship until Jan. 3 (or even longer, if it runs out of stock), you'll likely miss out on using that credit altogether.
10 Items to Buy with Your Amex Platinum $50 Saks Credit
To be clear: There aren't many items at Saks that will cost you exactly $50 or less – not many items you'd want to buy, anyway.
But there are a few worth including here – and even more for which the $50 credit will knock off a decent chunk and make it a better deal.
Here are some of our top picks.
Royce New York Travel Adapter & Leather Case
While your $50 credit won't even cover half of this adapter, it's still a way to get a decent discount on an incredibly useful travel accessory.
This device is a one-and-done for staying connected abroad, with options to plug into sockets in almost every country. That's a lot of peace of mind – and it comes with a slick-looking leather case, too.
You can even get it monogrammed at the Saks New York City location with proof of purchase!
Schatzii Easy-Key Wireless Waterproof Folding Keyboard
Foldable and waterproof? Get almost half off this wireless keyboard that you could use at home or on the go – perfect for every traveler!
Courant CATCH:1 Essentials Wireless Charger
You can snag this wireless charger for practically free, even after adding shipping. It's a great way to use your Saks credit without paying anything out-of-pocket.
Mycube Leather Passport Holder
Protecting your passport during your travels is always a good idea. Considering most passports are valid for ten years, damaging it will cost you serious time and money. So why not protect your passport in style?
Grab this Mycube leather passport cover for only $49 before your next trip. While this item will end up costing you a little more than the $50 Amex credit will cover after shipping, it's a worthwhile investment to protect your passport.
Royce & Rocket The Packing Cubes 4-Piece Set
For nearly half off, you'll get a set of packing cubes that will bring your luggage organization to the next level. Not only will you be able to travel neater, but you'll be able to pack more clothes with these packing cubes that compress your clothing and save space in your suitcase.
Lunya Washable Silk Sleep Mask
I always travel with an eyemask – you just never know when you are going to need it. You should too.
Whether you're on a plane or sleeping at home, having one is incredibly useful if you have trouble sleeping. Believe it or not, some eyemasks can be really expensive … and this one is no different. However, the Saks credit makes this mask nearly free and a good investment for any traveler.
Gingerlily Silk Travel Neck Pillow
If travel pillows are your thing, this is a quick and easy way to grab one with your Amex Platinum $50 Saks Fifth Avenue Credit. Similar pillows are quite pricey when purchased at the airport. But if you plan ahead, you could get one for really cheap with your Amex Platinum credit.
The North Face Small Explore Fusebox Backpack
Need a backpack to use as your personal item for short trips? Even if you fly Frontier, this bag should work and help you avoid any additional fees. You could snag this for a sweet discount with your Saks credit.
Nike Lifestyle 55MM Square Sunglasses
Need a good pair of sunglasses? Get some Nike Lifestyle sunglasses for a bargain. These are great for sports and travel to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.
Birkenstock Boston Soft Footbed Clogs
I'm going to be honest: I love wearing flip-flops and sandals on the plane. But exposed toes are a bit of a travel faux pas.
Would I typically pay $160 for sandals? No. But for these high-quality suede Birkenstocks, it's a good deal after knocking off $50 from your Saks credit.
Bottom Line
The $50, twice-a-year Saks credits offered on the Amex Platinum card is not reason enough to pick up the card. Not even close.
That said, it's a decent benefit you might as well take advantage of. And while Saks isn't exactly cheap, there are plenty of solid items you can make even cheaper by using this credit.
Make sure to use yours up each year between January and June and again in July through December. The credit won't roll over: Use it or lose it!