American Express is adding a benefit that could save some business cardmembers money on coworking spaces.
Starting Oct. 22, eligible U.S. cardmembers with The Business Platinum Card® from American Express or the American Express® Corporate Platinum Card will receive a complimentary ZO membership from Tishman Speyer.
The membership includes unlimited access to participating ZO Clubhouses, four Studio coworking day passes per month and up to $500 in annual statement credits toward eligible event space bookings or a Dining Club membership.
More than 25 participating Clubhouse and Studio spaces are located in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.
This isn't the Business Platinum's first coworking benefit. The card previously offered complimentary WeWork membership, introduced in 2019, with access ending in 2020. The ZO partnership brings coworking access back to the card, though with a smaller footprint and different access rules.
Here's how the benefit works and who could get the most value from it.
The information for the American Express Corporate Platinum Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
What are ZO Clubhouses and Studios?
The membership gives you access to two types of spaces operated by Tishman Speyer.
ZO Clubhouses are lounges where you can work, meet someone or take a break. Amenities vary by location, but some offer dining and events alongside places to work and relax.
Studio offers a more traditional coworking setup, with shared desks, private offices and meeting rooms, along with amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi and complimentary coffee and tea. Event spaces are also available to book separately.
Eligible cardmembers receive unlimited access to participating Clubhouses, plus four Clubhouse guest day passes per week. Studio access is limited to four complimentary day passes per month.
At The Spiral in Manhattan's Hudson Yards, the Clubhouse is on the 66th floor, with skyline views and dining from Café Llama. Studio occupies lower floors in the same building.
Keep in mind that membership doesn't cover every expense — dining, private spaces and certain experiences cost extra.
How much value does the benefit offer?
It's easiest to see the value in the Studio day passes.
Studio lists day passes at several locations for $50 (before taxes). At that rate, using all four complimentary passes could save you at least $200 per month.
Of course, that comparison only matters if you would otherwise pay for a workspace. But even occasional users could find the passes useful — for example, when they need somewhere to work between hotel checkout and an evening flight.
Unlimited Clubhouse access could be particularly useful if you live or regularly work near a participating location.
Separately, eligible card accounts can receive up to $500 in statement credits each calendar year toward event space bookings at ZO or Studio locations or the purchase of a Dining Club membership (when paying with an eligible card).
Event spaces start at $1,500 per hour, so the credit's value depends on whether you would otherwise book those spaces.
ZO does not publish a flat, standalone retail price for a Dining Club membership, and it isn't a general restaurant credit, so don't count on using it to cover lunch during your visits.
How can eligible Amex cardmembers access the spaces?
Enrollment with American Express isn't required, but you'll need to activate your ZO membership online or through the ZO app (iOS; Android) before visiting.
From Oct. 22, the dedicated cardmember website and app should show participating spaces and guidance on using the statement credit. You must reserve Studio visits in advance online or through the app.
Bottom line
For eligible Amex Business Platinum and Corporate Platinum cardmembers who regularly need a place to work in one of the participating cities, complimentary ZO access could be a useful addition.
If you're considering the Business Platinum, access could also help justify the card's annual fee — especially if you already pay for coworking in one of the participating cities.
To learn more, read our full review of the American Express Business Platinum.
Apply here: The Business Platinum Card from American Express
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.