Each fall, half a million music lovers congregate in downtown Austin’s Zilker Park to attend the Austin City Limits Music Festival.This year’s headliners include rising megastars Lil Nas X and SZA as well as more established artists such as Pink, Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Chicks. There are dozens of additional acts sprinkled across seven main stages and two side stages as well.With American Express sponsoring the event for the fifth time, having an Amex credit card will make it easier for you to enjoy the festival. Here are the perks you can enjoy.SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP/GETTY IMAGESGet $5 credit by linking Amex card to wristbandRegister your wristband by linking it to your American Express card and you’ll receive a one-time $5 spend credit applied to your wristband for cashless purchases at the festival. You’ll want to do this anyway to make food, drink and merchandise purchases easier.Just note that even though you may purchase food or drink, these transactions code as a general purchase. So it’s best to use one of these best cards for everyday purchases.Access expedited securityIf music fuels your soul but long lines aren’t your thing, American Express can get you “skip the line” access.When you register your ACL wristband and link any Amex credit card, you can use your wristband at the American Express Cashless Entrance turnstiles at the Lady Bird and Barton Springs West entrances. (Note that the Barton Springs East entrance does not have an Amex fast-pass lane.)AUSTIN CITY LIMITS MUSIC FESTIVALConsider it TSA PreCheck for ACL. This will be especially helpful during busy times when the lines for entrance and security scan can take over an hour.Cardmembers get lounge accessAmerican Express cardmembers (and one guest) can access a lounge on the second floor of the American Express Experience. There, you’ll find lounge seating, Wi-Fi, a bar and a direct line of sight to the American Express stage. Plus, there will be a glam station with face gems by Half Magic Beauty.Sign up for our daily newsletterEmail addressSign upI would like to subscribe to The Points Guy newsletters and special email promotions. The Points Guy will not share or sell your email. See privacy policy.Cardmembers can use their American Express-linked wristband, or show their physical or digital Amex card to gain access along with one guest.AMERICAN EXPRESSPlatinum Cardmembers and their guests will also have access to an air-conditioned speakeasy to the east of the American Express Stage.American Express experience: Open to everyoneAll fans are invited to visit the first floor of the American Express Experience, where they will be greeted by an expansive tree, made of recycled materials, which extends upward to the Card Member Lounge. Festivalgoers can also make DIY phone charms and receive complimentary ice cream from local ice creamery Bésame.Bottom lineAmex cardmembers attending ACL can also leave their wallets at home: Once your Amex credit card is linked to the registered wristband, you can use cashless pay throughout the festival grounds for concessions, merchandise and any other monetary transactions.Cardmembers get access to an exclusive lounge on the second floor of the American Express Experience. The first floor of the experience is open to all fans, regardless of whether they have an Amex card or not.Finally, all Amex-registered wristband owners also receive a one-time $5 cashless spend credit, which is eligible on a single transaction at any cashless-accepting merchants on ACL festival grounds.Additional reporting by Katherine Fan.
