American Express is shaking things up in a big way, rolling out major changes to its platinum card benefits for the first time in over 40 years.
If you thought the premium card already came with all the perks, think again, because AmEx is going full throttle in what it’s calling its “largest investment ever in a card refresh.” That means new benefits, better travel access, and a complete upgrade to how these cards look and feel.
This isn’t just a touch-up. American Express is reimagining the platinum experience for both consumer and business cardholders, introducing what the company promises will be high-value upgrades that “far exceed” the annual fee. That’s a bold claim, but AmEx seems ready to back it up.
According to Howard Grosfield, president of U.S. Consumer Services Group, this is about taking the platinum card to a new level in terms of travel, dining, and lifestyle value. “We’re going to bring a whole bunch of new and exciting benefits and value,” he said, emphasizing that it’s about aligning with what cardholders actually want today.
So what’s new? To start, AmEx is expanding access to its exclusive Centurion Lounges, those upscale airport retreats known for cocktails, chef-prepared meals, and serious comfort. Three new lounges are set to open in Newark (New Jersey), Salt Lake City (Utah), and Tokyo (Japan), pushing the total count to 32 worldwide. These will add to the company’s already massive global footprint, which includes over 1,500 airport lounges.
But it doesn’t stop at airports. American Express is also giving its platinum members easier access to top restaurants and venues. Thanks to its 2024 acquisition of the reservation platform Tock, cardholders will soon be able to snag bookings at 7,000 additional dining spots and events. That’s a game-changer for anyone who struggles to get into high-demand venues.
Hotel perks are also getting a major glow-up. AmEx’s collection of partnered hotels, which offer extras like room upgrades, late checkout, and resort credits to platinum users, will be expanding by the hundreds. While they haven’t said exactly which locations are being added or when, the company made it clear that these new properties will be in “popular destinations.”
Business Platinum cardholders haven’t been left out either. Although details are still under wraps, AmEx confirmed that they’re preparing specific upgrades for their business customers, and those announcements are expected later this fall.
This massive revamp comes just days after Chase announced new rewards for its Sapphire cards, sparking a clear battle between two of the biggest players in the premium credit card market. Experts believe this push from both companies could result in higher annual fees down the line, but for now, the focus is all on adding more value.
Oh, and if you’re wondering what kind of bonuses are floating around right now, AmEx is offering up to $250 in limited-time offers. Meanwhile, teens can grab a $100 bonus for signing up with a Chase card, although that’s only available for a short window.
So yeah, the competition is heating up. But if you’ve got an AmEx Platinum card in your wallet or you’ve been thinking of getting one, now might be the perfect time to take a closer look. The changes are designed to reward loyalty while appealing to the next generation of luxury spenders, the kind who value experiences as much as perks.
Whether you’re flying, dining, or checking into a swanky hotel, the platinum card is getting an upgrade that finally feels as elite as its price tag. And with AmEx promising even more changes in the coming months, this card refresh may just be the beginning of a new era in premium plastic.
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