Signed Up for an Amex Platinum Card? Do These 4 Things Now

The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with a $695 annual fee (see rates and fees), but it also includes more than enough cardholder perks to justify the expense -- as long as you use all of the benefits it offers. That can be easier said than done, as there are some extra hoops you may have to jump through in order to make the most of this travel card.

To ensure you aren't missing out on perks you're paying for, check these tasks off your to-do list ASAP after becoming a cardmember.

1. Get your Priority Pass card

Airport lounge access is one of the biggest reasons to sign up for The Platinum Card® from American Express. When you're an American Express cardholder, you'll be able to wait for your flight while relaxing in one of more than 1,400 airport lounges located in 140 countries (terms apply, enrollment required). You can also access Centurion Network and Delta Sky Club lounges.

You'll have to enroll in Priority Pass if you want to enjoy those lounges, though, either by signing into your American Express account online or by calling the number on the back of your card. You'll be able to get a Digital Membership card once you've enrolled, but you must activate the membership before using it. You'll also get a physical card and membership packet within 10 to 14 days after registering.

Take care of this task ASAP so you're ready to hit the lounge next time you go to the airport -- and ideally have your physical card in your wallet for added convenience at the time.

2. Register for your airline fee credit

American Express provides a $200 credit on your statement each year if you pay for airline incidental fees using your credit card (terms apply, enrollment required). These could include fees for snacks purchased on board or paying for seat selection. Tickets, gift cards, and purchases from third parties such as inflight wifi purchases aren't eligible.

To get this credit, though, you must enroll with American Express before you charge the fees on your card. You also have to select a qualifying airline after signing into your Amex account. If you don't do this, your purchases won't count.

Take care of this task once you've signed up for your card, and select an airline you fly often and where you're likely to buy these upgrades. Once you select your airline once, you can change your choice each year in January either through your online account or by calling American Express directly. So this task should go on your to-do list when you become a new cardmember and once at the start of each year.

3. Sign up for your hotel perks

American Express isn't just great for frequent flyers. Your card also gets you Gold Elite Status with the Marriott Bonvoy rewards program, as well as Hilton Honors Gold Status (terms apply, enrollment required). If you want to be eligible for all the benefits this elite status offers at these hotels, you must enroll via your online American Express account. Be sure to do so before you book your next hotel reservation.

4. Apply for CLEAR Plus

CLEAR Plus makes going through airport security a breeze. Once you become a member, you can go through a designated CLEAR Lane at TSA security checkpoints. You'll verify your identity with your eyes or fingerprint and get escorted by an ambassador through to your security check, where you can move quickly through the physical screening without having to wait in a long line.

If you have The Platinum Card® from American Express, you'll be eligible for a $189 credit that covers the CLEAR membership fee (terms apply, enrollment required). Just sign up for CLEAR, charging the purchase on your American Express card to ensure you get back the funds you paid.

If you haven't already, you can also sign up for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® and get a statement credit back for joining these programs, too. They also help you move more quickly through customs and airport security.

Doing these four tasks helps you ensure you're on the right track to both making the best use of your American Express card and to having some of the best vacations of your life. Be sure to take care of them right after signing up for your card so you don't forget.