American Express "Secret" Perks: Advance Movie Screenings, Amex Offers, and Free ShopRunner
/American Express has a handful of underrated perks that don't get the attention they deserve. The great thing about these "secret" perks is that you can have any core American Express or co-branded card to take advantage of them.
Complimentary Advance Movie Screenings
I recently enjoyed a free advance movie screening of Skyscraper thanks to American Express. The advance screening took place on July 11, and the official movie release date is July 13, 2018. Last month, there was a complimentary advance screening of Jurassic World 2, and there's a screening of Mamma Mia! next week.
Amex Advance screenings
mamma mia! advance screening
Sign up for the free Membership Exclusives email here to be notified of future entertainment events: https://online.americanexpress.com/entertainmentaccess/home.do#/newsletter
I'm not sure how often free screenings appear since I recently noticed them, but hopefully, they're here to stay!
How to Access Amex Advance Movie Screenings
Sign up for the Amex Membership Exclusives newsletter to be notified of events: https://online.americanexpress.com/entertainmentaccess/home.do#/newsletter
Reserve tickets when they go on "sale"
Have your Amex card ready and enter the customer service phone number (NOT your card number) as the promo code
You can reserve up to 2 free tickets
When you attend the screening, be sure to bring your Amex card and ID to pick up your tickets
amex booth to pick up tickets
Advance screenings are usually available in the following cities:
Alexandria, VA
Boston, MA
Burbank, CA
Chicago, IL
Dallas, TX
Larkspur, CA
Las Vegas, NV
Los Angeles, CA
New York, NY
San Francisco, CA
San Rafael, CA
Seattle, WA
South Barrington, IL
South Miami, FL
Tickets are on a first come, first serve basis. I'm a fan of the Amex system because unlike typical advance movie screenings, they don't oversell the seats. You don't have to worry about showing up to the theater super early to wait in line or get a good seat.
American Express Offers
American Express offers are promotions that are found when you log in to your online account. They usually consist of coupons like "Spend $200, get 5,000 MR points."
There are a set number of offers available, so if you see one you like, be sure to add it to your account.
I usually have a roundup of Amex Offers that catch my eye each month, so stay tuned.
Free ShopRunner Membership
ShopRunner is a service that lets you enjoy free 2-day shipping at 140+ online stores. All American Express and co-branded cards are eligible for this benefit.
You can enroll using the link below or navigate to the Benefits section of your American Express account and find the ShopRunner module.
Enroll for free here: https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/features-benefits/shoprunner/index.html
How it works:
Sign up for ShopRunner with your eligible American Express card
Shop at a retailer that uses ShopRunner
Sign in to ShopRunner at checkout to get free 2-day shipping
Starter Cards
As mentioned before, the great thing about these perks is that they apply to all American Express cards, including entry level cards.
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Welcome offer: $150 after $1,000 in spend within the first 3 months
Earns cash back, not MR points
Earn 3% at U.S. Supermarkets (up to $6k/yr, then 1%)
Earn 2% cash back at U.S. gas stations and select department stores
Terms apply
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Welcome offer: 75,000 points after $1,000 in spend within the first 3 months
Earn 7X on Hilton hotels or resorts
Earn 5X at U.S. Restaurants, U.S. Supermarkets, and U.S. Gas Stations
Earn 3X on all other purchases
No foreign transaction fees
Hilton Silver status
Terms apply
The Blue Business℠ Plus Credit Card from American Express
Earns MR points
Earn 2X on the first $50k in purchases each year
Earn 1X on purchases after
Terms apply
Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, vendors or companies, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
UGC disclosure: These responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Cell phone insurance will be added to the Chase IHG cards, and price protection will be removed starting on Nov 17. Southwest Companion Pass is increasing the points requirement to 125,000 points starting in 2020.