The offer mentioned below is no longer available.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
On Wednesday, American Express announced a partnership with Panera Bread, a chain restaurant with over 2,100 locations across the United States. Famously known for its pastries and sandwiches, it introduced the MyPanera+ subscription in 2020 which includes unlimited iced coffee, hot coffee and tea for $8.99 per month. And now, American Express cardholders can get access to MyPanera+ for six months for free.
Here's what you need to know, and how to sign up.
Our best selections in your inbox. Shopping recommendations that help upgrade your life, delivered weekly. Sign-up here.
How to get free coffee with Amex and Panera
As soon as I received the email about the partnership, I signed up for MyPanera+ through my Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express. Any cardholder of an American Express card should be eligible for the deal. Here are the steps to get signed up:
- Click this link to begin the sign-up process
- Confirm the active American Express card account
- Complete the sign up for your Panera Bread loyalty account
To ensure you've successfully signed up for the free drink benefit, log into your Panera Bread loyalty account either online or in the Panera Bread app.
Once you see your the benefit appear in your profile, visit your local Panera Bread and let the cashier know you are redeeming your free drink. All you need to give them is your phone number at the register.
You are eligible for a free drink every two hours. You must sign up by Jan. 31, 2022, and you will receive six months of free coffee. However, after the six months, you will be charged the regular price of $8.99/month.
Our favorite American Express credit cards
American Express has added unique benefits recently, including a free membership to Calm (offer expired), a meditation app. This is in addition to the myriad of other benefits offered by American Express credit cards. Remember, every American Express card is eligible for this deal, even ones with no annual fee. Here are a few of our favorites:
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Rewards
3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, up to $6,000 per year, then 1%, 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be easily redeemed for statement credits.
Welcome bonus
Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, from the date of account opening
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.99% variable
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign transaction fee
2.7%
Credit needed
Excellent/Good
See rates and fees, terms apply.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Rewards
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, 1X points on all other eligible purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
Annual fee
$695
Intro APR
None
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Balance transfer fee
N/A
Foreign transaction fee
None
Credit Needed
Excellent/Good
See rates and fees, terms apply.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Rewards
6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, 3% cash back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
Welcome bonus
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 6 months.
Annual fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Intro APR
0% for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.99% variable. Variable APRs will not exceed 29.99%.
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign transaction fee
2.7%
Credit needed
Excellent/Good
See rates and fees, terms apply.
American Express® Business Gold Card
Rewards
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap. 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.
Welcome bonus
Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months of card membership
Annual fee
$295 ($375 if application is received on or after 2/1/24)
Intro APR
Not applicable
Regular APR
19.49% - 27.49% variable
Balance transfer fee
N/A
Foreign transaction fee
None
Credit needed
Excellent
See rates and fees, terms apply.
Bottom line
If you love a cup of java or enjoy tea, and live or work near a Panera Bread location, this deal is an easy way to save money on your daily drink. If you don't wish to keep your MyPanera+ subscription past the six month promotional period, be sure to set a reminder a few days before the six month mark to cancel it.
And with the money you save, you may consider putting that money into a high-yield savings account or even investing it.
Catch up on Select's in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.
Read more
For rates and fees for the Blue Cash Everyday, click here.
For rates and fees for the The Platinum Card from Amex, click here.
For rates and fees for the Blue cash Preferred, click here.
For rates and fees for the American Express Business Gold Card, click here.
