Maximizing Your Travel Experience: The American Express Platinum Card
- Renee Ward
- Mar 21, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 21
Update – September 2025: American Express has announced new benefits and a higher annual fee for the Platinum Card. The annual fee will increase from $695 to $895 for renewals on or after January 2, 2026 (consumer) and December 2, 2025 (business). Several new lifestyle, dining, and hotel credits are already live. Details below.
Category | Old Benefit | New Benefit (2025 refresh) | Effective Date |
Annual Fee | $695 | $895 | Consumer: renewals after Jan 2, 2026. Business: renewals after Dec 2, 2025. |
Hotel Credit | $200/year prepaid hotels via AmEx Travel | Up to $600/year, split into two $300 semiannual credits, at Fine Hotels + Resorts / The Hotel Collection | Already live |
Dining | Occasional credits (Resy promos, etc.) | $400/year Resy dining credit ($100 per quarter at participating U.S. restaurants). Access to “Platinum Nights” Resy events. | Already live |
Entertainment | $20/month ($240/year) on select streaming | $300/year digital entertainment credit (Paramount+, YouTube Premium, YouTube TV, etc.) | Already live |
Wellness | None specific | $300 annual lululemon credit (quarterly), $200 Oura Ring credit (hardware) | Already live |
Uber | $15/month Uber Cash + Uber Eats (VIP status) | $120 Uber One membership credit annually, plus Uber Cash | Already live |
Other benefits | Airline fee credit, Saks credit, Walmart+, Hilton/Marriott Gold, lounges, CLEAR, Hertz | Largely unchanged, still available | Ongoing |
While the higher $895 fee may sound intimidating, if you maximize the new dining, hotel, and wellness credits, the card actually delivers more than $3,500 in annual value. On the other hand, if you don’t see yourself using credits at Resy restaurants, lululemon, or Oura, the math might not work for you.
When it comes to credit cards, the American Express Platinum Card continues to stand out as a leader in the premium card space. Beyond just earning rewards on your spending, this card boasts an impressive array of travel credits, perks, and services that elevate your experience. While the annual fee will increase from $695 to $895 for renewals in 2026, the card has also rolled out over $3,500 in potential new credits and lifestyle benefits.
Jet-Setting Welcome Offer: Kickstart your adventures with an enticing welcome offer of 80,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first 6 months. The true value of these points shines when transferred to travel partners, potentially turning 100,000 Membership Rewards points into $2,000 or more worth of award flights.
Dining Credit (New): One of the most exciting changes is the $400 annual dining credit through Resy, divided into $100 per quarter. This applies at participating U.S. restaurants, plus Platinum cardholders get access to exclusive “Platinum Nights” dining events.
Walmart+ Monthly Membership Credit: For those of us who find ourselves frequenting Walmart, the statement credit for a Walmart+ membership is a godsend. Enjoy perks like free delivery on groceries, savings on gas, and more with Walmart+ reimbursed by monthly statement credits.
Airline Incidental Fee Credit: Say goodbye to pesky airline fees with up to $200 in statement credits for incidental fees like checked bags or seat assignments. It's a welcome relief for any traveler.
Hotel Credit (Updated): Your stays just got more rewarding — the hotel credit has increased from $200 to up to $600 annually, issued as two $300 semiannual credits when you book Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel.
TSA Precheck or Global Entry Reimbursement: Skip the airport lines with statement credits for TSA Precheck or Global Entry application fees. It's a small investment for the peace of mind and convenience they offer.
Additional Benefits:
Big Travel Rewards: Earn generous Membership Rewards points on flights and hotels booked through American Express Travel, making this card ideal for frequent flyers.
Clear Credit: Bypass airport security lines with ease, courtesy of an annual credit covering Clear membership fees.
Rental Car Perks: Cardholders also enjoy complimentary Hertz President’s Circle status—Hertz’s top-tier loyalty level—unlocking perks like car upgrades, faster checkouts, and premium vehicle selection at no extra cost. Just enroll to activate this elite benefit.
Saks Fifth Avenue Credit: Indulge in luxury shopping with statement credits for purchases made at Saks Fifth Avenue.
AmEx Offers: Unlock additional rewards and savings with targeted offers from select merchants.
Lifestyle Credits (New):
$300 annual lululemon credit (split quarterly).
$200 Oura Ring credit toward hardware.
$300 annual digital entertainment credit (Paramount+, YouTube Premium, YouTube TV, etc.).
$120 Uber One membership credit, in addition to the existing $15 monthly Uber Cash benefit.
Lounge Benefits
Access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection at airports
This portfolio includes Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta only), Priority Pass Select, International American Express lounges, Airspace, and Escape lounges. Enrollment required.
Hotel-Friendly Benefits
1. Upgrade to Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
You don’t have to do much work to earn this status. Simply enroll and you’ll be eligible for a 25% Marriott Bonvoy points bonus, an enhanced room at check-in (when available), 2 p.m. late checkout, free in-room Wi-Fi and more.
2. Upgrade to Hilton Honors Gold status
When you enroll in this status, you get room upgrades at select properties (when available), a complimentary fifth reward night on standard room reward stays of five nights or more, and 80% bonus points on all Hilton Honors base points.
3. Money-saving perks for stays booked through The Hotel Collection
If you book a stay of at least two consecutive nights with The Hotel Collection at over 600 properties, you can get a $100 hotel credit to spend on dining, spa and resort activities. You can also qualify for a room upgrade upon arrival depending on availability.
4. Complimentary benefits through Fine Hotels & Resorts
At over 1,300 properties, you can get a room upgrade (when available), daily breakfast for two, guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout, noon check-in (when available), complimentary Wi-Fi, and an amenity credit valued at $100.
Services and Protections
From concierge services and Shop Runner shipping to purchase protections, the Platinum Card from American Express ensures you're well taken care of every step of your journey.
If you’re wondering whether the Platinum is worth it for your lifestyle, I can help you weigh the value against other premium cards. Schedule a free consultation and we’ll look at whether this card makes sense—or if another one is a better fit.
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