Amex cardholders get these 6 perks at the US Open Tennis Championships
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available.
If you have an American Express credit card, you have access to multiple benefits at this year's U.S. Open tennis tournament. Some perks are practical, like a free checked bag at the security checkpoints. Other perks are reserved for certain cardholders, including access to a pop-up Centurion Lounge.
If you're planning a visit to the U.S. Open — which runs Aug. 29 to Sept. 11 — this news also coincides with an Amex Offer that could help you save money at the event.
We're still waiting to see if Chase will bring back its lounge at the tournament this year, but Amex has confirmed that it will. Let's take a look at the Amex benefits available for this year's U.S. Open and how to take advantage of these cardmember perks.
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Targeted Amex Offer to save money at the US Open
A current Amex Offer can provide a $20 rebate on spending $100 or more at the event. This includes the on-site lounge, radio rentals and even an American Express shop in the South Plaza selling concessions. Note that this offer does not apply to ticket sales for the event; however, it does apply to parking, premium suites and banquets and Amex-specific locations.
As with other Amex Offers, not everyone will be targeted, so check all of your available American Express credit cards to see if you have the offer on any of them. Additionally, you must add the offer to your card before you can use it.
Related: The secret to getting more (and sometimes better) Amex Offers on your card
Perks for Amex cardholders at the US Open
Amex is planning multiple benefits for cardholders at the U.S. Open this year. Anyone with an American Express credit card can take advantage of the first four perks on this list. The Centurion Lounge (the fifth perk) is reserved only for certain cardholders. Let's look at the perks available to anyone with an Amex card first.
Complimentary bag check
Entering the U.S. Open with bags, purses and backpacks is subject to strict limits. Each person is allowed a maximum of one bag, with a maximum size of 16 inches by 12 inches by 12 inches. Beyond this, you can pay for lockers or luggage storage at the East Gate and South Gate. Lockers cost $5, while checking a suitcase costs $10.
However, anyone with a credit card showing the American Express logo can get a free checked bag at these locations. The maximum is one bag per customer.
Radios with ESPN broadcasts
Since you can't be in two places at once, you can watch one match while following the other via ESPN on a free radio. While supplies last, you can get an earpiece radio with play-by-play coverage and highlights from the U.S. Open by showing an Amex credit card. This benefit specifically mentions that showing your card in a mobile wallet is acceptable.
There is a limit of one radio per cardmember, and the radios only work within the grounds of the U.S. Open.
Buy concessions at the American Express Shop
Whether you're using your mobile wallet, tapping your card to pay or swiping the card, you can buy concessions at this shop that is exclusive to Amex cardholders. The shop is in the South Plaza.
Related: TPG takes the US Open: We put Chase and Amex perks head-to-head
Exclusive lounge for all Amex cardholders
Anyone with an Amex credit card can access this lounge on the second floor of the US Open American Express Fan Experience. Entrance is free, and cardholders can bring two guests. Entrance is first come, first served. Inside the lounge, you'll have access to drinks, snacks, places to charge your phone and air conditioning to escape the summer heat.
Cardholders will also have access to exclusive items from Ralph Lauren for sale in the lounge.
Centurion Suite for Platinum and Centurion cardholders only
In addition to the lounge available to all Amex cardholders, there will be a Centurion Suite available to those with the following cards:
- The Platinum Card® from American Express.
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express.
- The Centurion® Card from American Express.
- The Business Centurion® Card from American Express.
As with regular Centurion Lounge locations, entrance is free, but you'll need to show your eligible card to enter. Members will be able to bring two guests. However, walk-in admission is not possible. You must make a reservation in advance via Resy. Reservations will open at 9 a.m. EDT on Aug. 8 for Centurion cardholders and at 3 p.m. that same day for Platinum cardholders, so you might want to put that in your calendar to get ahead of the game.
Inside the lounge, you'll have access to food, drinks and "a relaxing oasis to recharge in throughout the tournament."
Related: Inside the exclusive — and much improved — Amex Centurion Suite at the US Open
Bottom line
American Express credit cards can provide numerous perks. One of those is access to events, either through dedicated spaces for cardmembers or early ticket sales.
At this year's U.S. Open, Amex cardholders had access to early ticket sales, starting June 1. Other perks will extend through the tournament itself, including free checked bags, access to exclusive lounges and the ability to purchase concessions at an American Express shop within the grounds of Arthur Ashe Stadium and the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
Finally, while there are freebies to be had, an Amex Offer for targeted members can help you save money if there are items you need to pay for while visiting the 2022 U.S. Open.
Related: VIP events access is back: Here’s how to unlock it with your credit cards