Have you ever wondered if a credit card could truly transform your travel experience, or is it just clever marketing? I’ve been fascinated by premium credit cards for years, and the recent buzz around the 2025 changes to The Platinum Card® from American Express caught my attention. With a hefty annual fee increase and a slew of new benefits, it’s time to unpack whether this card still delivers the value it promises for savvy travelers and lifestyle enthusiasts.
Why the Amex Platinum Card Stands Out in 2025
The Amex Platinum Card has long been a favorite among frequent flyers and those who crave a touch of luxury. Its 2025 refresh introduces a mix of new statement credits, enhanced perks, and a redesigned card, but it comes with a catch: a higher annual fee. Let’s dive into what’s new, what’s stayed the same, and whether this card is worth keeping in your wallet.
A New Annual Fee: $895 and Counting
The most talked-about change is the annual fee, which jumps from $695 to $895. That’s a significant hike—nearly 30% more than before. For new cardholders, this applies immediately, while existing members will see the increase at their next renewal on or after January 2, 2026. Is it worth it? That depends on how much you can leverage the card’s benefits, which we’ll explore next.
I’ll be honest: when I first heard about the fee increase, I raised an eyebrow. It’s a bold move, especially for those who don’t maximize every perk. But the new benefits might just make it worthwhile for the right user.
New Benefits That Pack a Punch
The Amex Platinum Card’s 2025 overhaul introduces over $1,400 in potential annual value through new statement credits and lifestyle perks. Here’s a breakdown of the standout additions:
- $600 Hotel Credits: Get up to $300 semi-annually for prepaid bookings through American Express Travel, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection (minimum two-night stay required).
- $400 Resy Credit: Up to $100 quarterly credits for dining at U.S. Resy restaurants or eligible Resy purchases. Plus, Platinum Nights by Resy offers exclusive reservation access at select spots.
- $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Up to $25 monthly credits for streaming services like Disney+, Hulu, or YouTube Premium (enrollment required).
- $300 lululemon Credit: Up to $75 quarterly credits for purchases at U.S. lululemon stores or online (excluding outlets).
- $120 Uber One Membership Credit: Covers an auto-renewing Uber One membership annually.
- $200 OURA Credit: For purchases of an OURA Ring, perfect for health-conscious cardholders.
- Premium Hotel Status: Complimentary Leaders Club Sterling Status with The Leading Hotels of the World®, offering upgrades and breakfast for two.
These credits alone could offset the annual fee if you use them fully. For instance, if you’re a frequent traveler who books through American Express Travel or dines at Resy restaurants, the value adds up fast. Personally, I love the idea of the lululemon credit—activewear isn’t cheap, and $300 a year feels like a nice treat.
“The new benefits cater to a lifestyle of convenience and luxury, but you’ve got to use them to justify the cost.”
– Personal finance expert
Benefits That Stay the Same
Not everything is changing. The Amex Platinum Card retains its core perks, which are still some of the best in the premium card space:
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Covers incidental fees like checked bags or in-flight purchases (enrollment required).
- $200 Uber Credit: $15 monthly credits, plus a $20 bonus in December.
- $300 Equinox Credit: For gym memberships or digital subscriptions (enrollment required).
- $100 Saks Credit: Up to $50 semi-annually for Saks Fifth Avenue purchases.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Covers a monthly membership (excluding taxes).
- $209 CLEAR® Plus Credit: For expedited airport security screening.
- TSA PreCheck/Global Entry Credit: Up to $120 every four years for Global Entry or $85 every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck.
These benefits are like old friends—reliable and valuable if you know how to use them. The Uber credit, for example, is a no-brainer for anyone who uses rideshares regularly. But the catch? Many of these require enrollment, so you’ll need to stay organized to maximize them.
Unmatched Lounge Access
One of the Amex Platinum Card’s biggest draws is its Global Lounge Collection, offering access to over 1,550 airport lounges worldwide. This includes:
- Centurion Lounges: Exclusive to Amex cardholders, with gourmet food and premium amenities.
- Delta Sky Clubs: 10 complimentary visits annually when flying Delta (subject to limitations).
- Priority Pass Select: Access to over 1,300 lounges globally (enrollment required).
- Lufthansa Lounges and Escape Lounges: Additional options for international travelers.
For frequent flyers, this perk alone can justify the annual fee. I’ve spent my fair share of time in airport lounges, and let me tell you, sipping a free latte while escaping the chaos of a crowded terminal feels like a mini-vacation. The Centurion Lounges, in particular, are a cut above the rest.
Earning Rewards: Membership Rewards Points
The Amex Platinum Card’s earning structure hasn’t changed, but it’s still competitive for travel-focused spenders:
- 5X Points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel (up to $500,000 per year).
- 5X Points on prepaid hotels booked via American Express Travel.
- 1X Points on all other eligible purchases.
The catch here is that you’ll only earn the higher rewards rates when booking through American Express Travel or directly with airlines. If you prefer third-party sites like Expedia, you’re stuck with 1X points. For me, this is a slight downside, but the flexibility of Membership Rewards points makes up for it—they’re some of the most versatile points out there, transferable to numerous airline and hotel partners.
A Massive Welcome Bonus
New cardholders can earn up to 175,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 in the first six months. That’s a potential value of over $3,000, depending on how you redeem the points. However, the exact offer varies, and you’ll need to apply to see your personalized bonus. This is a solid incentive for big spenders, but it’s not guaranteed for everyone.
“The welcome bonus is a game-changer for those who can meet the spending requirement.”
– Credit card analyst
Comparing to Other Premium Cards
The Amex Platinum Card isn’t the only player in the premium card game. Let’s see how it stacks up against two competitors: the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
With a $795 annual fee (recently increased from $550), the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers:
- 125,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first three months.
- $300 annual travel credit for any travel purchase.
- Priority Pass lounge access and Chase Sapphire Lounges.
- 8X points on Chase Travel purchases and 3X points on dining.
The lower fee and simpler travel credit make this a strong contender, especially if you value flexibility. However, its lounge network is slightly smaller than Amex’s. I find the Chase card’s dining rewards particularly appealing for foodies.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
At a more approachable $395 annual fee, the Capital One Venture X offers:
- 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in three months.
- $300 travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel.
- 10X miles on hotels and rental cars, 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel.
- 2X miles on all other purchases.
This card is a great value for those who want premium perks without a sky-high fee. Its rewards structure is simpler, but the lounge access and travel credits are less extensive than Amex’s. If you’re not a frequent flyer, this might be a better fit.
| Card | Annual Fee | Welcome Bonus | Key Perks |
| Amex Platinum | $895 | Up to 175,000 points | 1,550+ lounges, $1,400+ credits |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | $795 | 125,000 points | $300 travel credit, 1,300+ lounges |
| Capital One Venture X | $395 | 75,000 miles | $300 travel credit, 2X miles on all purchases |
Is the Amex Platinum Worth It?
Here’s the million-dollar question: does the Amex Platinum Card justify its $895 annual fee? If you’re a frequent traveler who can maximize the credits—especially the hotel, Resy, and Uber credits—it’s a no-brainer. The lounge access and welcome bonus sweeten the deal. But if you rarely travel or don’t use services like lululemon or Uber One, the value diminishes.
In my experience, the key is to calculate your actual usage. If you’re only using half the credits, you’re essentially paying for perks you don’t need. That said, the card’s prestige and exclusive experiences, like Platinum Nights by Resy, add a layer of appeal that’s hard to quantify.
Tips to Maximize Your Amex Platinum Card
To get the most out of this card, you need a strategy. Here are some tips to ensure you’re squeezing every penny of value:
- Enroll in Every Benefit: Many credits require enrollment, so don’t miss out.
- Book Travel Wisely: Use American Express Travel for flights and hotels to earn 5X points.
- Track Your Credits: Set reminders for monthly or quarterly credits to avoid leaving money on the table.
- Leverage Lounge Access: Plan trips to include airports with Centurion or Priority Pass lounges.
- Redeem Points Strategically: Transfer points to travel partners for maximum value.
By staying organized, you can easily offset the annual fee. For example, combining the $600 hotel credit with the $200 airline credit covers most of the fee right there.
The Verdict: A Card for the Right Traveler
The Amex Platinum Card’s 2025 changes make it a powerhouse for those who live for travel and luxury. The $895 fee is steep, but with over $1,400 in potential credits, unmatched lounge access, and a massive welcome bonus, it’s a strong contender for the right user. If you’re not fully utilizing the perks, though, you might want to consider alternatives like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Capital One Venture X.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect is how this card caters to a specific lifestyle. It’s not just about travel—it’s about curating experiences, from dining at exclusive restaurants to relaxing in a plush lounge. For me, that’s the real draw. What about you? Are you ready to take the plunge, or is the fee too much to stomach?
Ultimately, the Amex Platinum Card is a tool. Used wisely, it can unlock a world of value. Used poorly, it’s an expensive piece of metal. The choice is yours.
