By Mario Canario – Technology Editor
September 19, 2025

The Amex Platinum Card major update is here, and it brings more benefits — along with a bigger price tag. American Express has refreshed both the personal Platinum Card® and the Business Platinum Card®, adding new credits, hotel perks, and a new design. At the same time, the annual fee has climbed to $895.

So, is the update worth it? Let’s break it down in simple terms so you can decide.

Why This Update Matters

Travel rewards cards are getting more expensive. Chase, United, and Southwest all raised fees this year. Now, Amex has followed suit. But Amex is also stacking on value.

According to Amex, the Platinum Card now offers over $3,500 in benefits each year if you use everything. That’s more than double the $1,500 value it claimed before【CNBC, 2025】.

Still, many cardholders wonder: “Will I actually use these credits?”

Key Changes to the Amex Platinum Card

Here are the biggest updates to the Amex Platinum Card major update:

1. Higher Annual Fee

• New fee: $895 per year
• Previous fee: $695
• First increase since 2021

The fee kicks in when your card renews on or after January 2, 2026.

2. Rewards Stay the Same

Earning points has not changed:

• 5x points on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel
• 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel (up to $500,000 a year)
• 1x points on everything else

Membership Rewards points are still valuable but work best if you book lots of travel through Amex Travel.

3. Bigger Hotel Credits

This is one of the biggest upgrades:

• Old credit: $200 per year
• New credit: $600 per year ($300 every 6 months)

You must book prepaid stays through Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection. You also get Leaders Club Sterling Status with The Leading Hotels of the World, which means upgrades and perks at 400+ luxury hotels.

4. New Annual Credits

Amex has added several new credits that could help cover the higher fee:

• Dining: $400 yearly ($100 each quarter) with Resy restaurants
• Digital entertainment: $300 yearly with Disney+, Hulu, YouTube Premium, YouTube TV, Peacock, WSJ, and more
• Lululemon: $300 yearly ($75 each quarter)
• Uber One: $120 yearly membership credit plus existing Uber Cash
• Oura Ring: $200 yearly credit for purchases at OuraRing.com

Note: enrollment required for most credits.

5. The Business Platinum Card Update

The Business Platinum Card® is also part of the Amex Platinum Card major update.

New fee: $895 per year.

Added benefits include:

• Hotel credits: $600 yearly ($300 every 6 months)
• Flight + One AP credits: Up to $3,600 per year if you spend $250,000
• Dell credit: $1,150 yearly with Dell (was $200)
• Adobe credit: $250 yearly

Rewards also improved:

• 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels via Amex Travel
• 2x points on key business categories and purchases over $5,000 (up to $2M yearly)
• 1x points on everything else

Comparing Value: Platinum vs. Sapphire Reserve

Here’s a quick look at how Amex stacks up against Chase’s Sapphire Reserve after both increased fees:

Amex gives more credits, but Chase offers broader rewards categories.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not enrolling: Many credits require you to enroll first. Forgetting means you lose value.
• Overspending: Don’t buy things you don’t need just to “use” credits.
• Booking outside Amex Travel: You miss out on 5x points if you don’t book through Amex.

Quick Checklist: Is Amex Platinum Right for You?

• Do you travel often?
• Can you use $600 in hotel credits yearly?
• Do you dine at Resy restaurants or use Uber?
• Will you use entertainment credits like YouTube Premium or Hulu?
• Are you okay with a high $895 fee?

If most of these are yes, the Amex Platinum Card major update could be worth it.

Local Note for Milwaukee Readers

If you’re in Milwaukee and thinking about smart ways to handle tech, IT, or even secure payments, Redbird Technology Solutions can help. With more than 25 years of experience, they offer IT services and camera solutions that keep your business safe and running smoothly. Reach out today for a free consultation.

FAQs

1. How much is the new Amex Platinum fee?
$895 per year starting January 2, 2026.

2. What is the biggest new benefit?
A $600 hotel credit for prepaid bookings through Amex Travel.

3. Do rewards change with the update?
No, rewards remain the same at 5x on travel and 1x on everything else.

4. What new credits are added?
Dining ($400), entertainment ($300), Lululemon ($300), Uber One ($120), and Oura Ring ($200).

5. Is the Amex Platinum worth it now?
It depends. If you travel often and use the credits, it can more than pay for itself.

6. Does the Business Platinum also change?
Yes, it now has a $895 fee and up to $3,600 in new annual credits for flights and business tools.

7. How do I maximize Amex Platinum benefits?
Always enroll for credits, book travel through Amex, and track your quarterly credits.

Sources

• CNBC – Amex revamps Platinum Card with higher fee and new perks, Sept 2025. Accessed Sept 19, 2025.
• American Express – Official Platinum Card benefits page, 2025. Accessed Sept 19, 2025.
• NerdWallet – Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Amex Platinum, Aug 2025. Accessed Sept 19, 2025.