American Express is preparing to update both the personal and business versions of its Platinum Card, with the full refresh expected to be announced this fall.
While the company hasn’t officially announced any fee increase, many cardholders and industry experts believe changes are coming—especially with competitors like the Chase Sapphire Reserve recently rolling out updates.
The Platinum card last saw a major revamp in 2021. Before that, it was 2017. Given that pattern, another update seems likely soon. With that pattern, many expected a refresh in 2025.
American Express hasn’t shared specific details yet. A spokesperson said more updates will come later this year.
Anticipated Changes and Speculation
Currently, the Platinum Card carries a $695 annual fee. Many speculate this could climb closer to $995 to match the luxury tier of other premium cards.
The Sapphire Reserve, for example, is rumored to increase its own fee while adding hotel and dining credits. If that happens, American Express is likely to respond with more robust perks of its own.
Travel and dining appear to be the focus. In recent months, American Express has made acquisitions like Tock, a dining reservation platform, and expanded its Resy partnership. These moves hint at future credits tied to curated dining.
Fine Hotels & Resorts, which guarantees 4 p.m. checkout and other perks, is also likely to receive increased emphasis.
“Just give me $500 or $600 in hotel credits, and I’m already sold,” one user commented in an online forum. “The rest is just bonus.”
New Lounges on the Horizon
Three new Centurion Lounges are set to open within the next year—in Newark, Salt Lake City, and Tokyo. That would bring the total to 32 worldwide.
International access is often cited as a weak point, so expanding lounge locations could help address that concern.
Many travelers use lounge access as a key value point. Long wait times have become a problem, though. Some suggest a future refresh may tighten guest access or raise the fee for adding authorized users.
Right now, it costs $195 to add an authorized user. If the annual fee increases, that figure may also rise.
What Might Stay the Same
Some benefits are expected to continue. These include:
- $200 hotel credit
- $240 digital entertainment credit
- $200 airline fee credit
- Uber Cash
- Saks Fifth Avenue credits
Still, cardholders are watching closely for changes.
One area under debate is whether the digital entertainment credit will remain untouched. It’s been static for a while. Others wonder if American Express will follow Chase’s lead and add entertainment credits like StubHub or Apple TV.
The company might also align more closely with Hilton, a frequent partner, or expand access to unique experiences through its Amex Experiences program.
Business Platinum and Competitive Pressure
The business version of the Platinum Card is also due for a refresh. Current benefits include credits for Dell, Indeed, Adobe, and Clear.
That set of perks feels more segmented. Speculation suggests these may be tweaked to match broader trends—perhaps more travel-oriented offerings or simplified redemption paths.
American Express is also expected to continue integrating its services across the board. Amex perks often link to its own services, like Resy and Fine Hotels & Resorts.
By keeping users in its ecosystem, the company offers a smooth travel and lifestyle experience while keeping value in-house.
The Bigger Picture
Top credit card companies are competing for attention by bundling perks in travel, dining, and entertainment.
The Platinum refresh is part of that arms race.
With the Chase Sapphire Reserve already moving, American Express may have to respond quickly to keep pace.
Some believe the Platinum Card remains unmatched in prestige. Others feel the value needs to catch up to its price tag.
Either way, expectations are rising. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or someone planning just a couple of big trips a year, this refresh could affect how you pay for those experiences.
Final details are expected by year’s end. Until then, both speculation and anticipation are likely to grow.
