The world of premium credit cards just got a major shake-up. American Express has unveiled the Amex Platinum refresh, reworking its most famous card with new lifestyle perks, a bigger travel focus — and yes, a higher annual fee.
For frequent travelers, digital nomads, and lifestyle-focused explorers, here’s everything you need to know about the changes, whether the $895 price tag is worth it, and how to make the most of the revamped benefits.
The Big Change: Annual Fee
- The annual fee is rising from $695 → $895.
- New cardmembers pay the higher fee immediately.
- Existing members will see the new fee upon renewal starting January 2, 2026.
That $200 jump makes Platinum one of the priciest cards on the market, but Amex is betting the added perks will outweigh the sticker shock.
What’s New in the Amex Platinum Refresh
The refresh expands the card beyond flights and lounges into wellness, dining, and everyday lifestyle. Here are the standout updates:
- $600 Hotel Credit — $300 every six months for prepaid stays at Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection (booked via Amex Travel).
- $400 Resy Dining Credit — $100 per quarter at U.S. Resy-partner restaurants.
- $300 Digital Entertainment Credit — $25/month for eligible services like YouTube Premium, YouTube TV, and Paramount+.
- $300 Lululemon Credit — $75 per quarter at Lululemon stores or online (U.S. only).
- $200 Oura Ring Credit — Toward fitness and wellness hardware (subscription not included).
- $120 Uber One Credit — Annual membership credit, in addition to existing Uber Cash benefits.
- Leaders Club Sterling Status — Complimentary status with The Leading Hotels of the World®.
- Mirror Card Design + New App Tools — A sleek new reflective finish and a refreshed Amex app with benefit-tracking.
What’s Staying the Same
Amex knows not to mess with its most loyal travelers’ favorites. The Amex Platinum refresh keeps:
- Centurion Lounge and Global Lounge Collection access
- Hotel elite status (Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold)
- Airline incidental credits
- 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels via Amex Travel
- TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credits and other staples
In other words, the card still delivers the same core travel power while adding lifestyle credits.
Who the New Platinum Is Best For
This refresh is ideal if you:
- Travel often and value lounge access, hotel perks, and elite status.
- Eat out regularly, especially at Resy-partner restaurants.
- Already spend on streaming, Uber, or wellness gear.
- Don’t mind tracking credits and planning around expiration dates.
It’s less compelling if you travel occasionally or your spending doesn’t align with these categories.
Bottom Line: Is the Amex Platinum Refresh Worth It?
The Amex Platinum 2025 refresh takes the card deeper into the world of lifestyle and luxury, pairing elite travel benefits with perks in wellness, dining, and entertainment. The higher $895 fee is significant, but for those who can fully use the stack of credits, the value is there.