N※N

Amex Platinum added new travel benefits for cardholders -- and a new price

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. el-benefits-for-cardholders-and-a-new-price.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, September 18th 2025 at 15:32 GMT by AZ Central
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

American Express Announces the 2025 Platinum Refresh: New Perks, Higher Fees, and a Fresh Take on Luxury Travel

In a highly anticipated press release that rolled out on September 18, 2025, American Express unveiled its revamped Platinum card—now officially called the American Express Platinum Refresh. The redesign is more than cosmetic; it introduces a suite of new travel benefits, a revised rewards structure, and a significant tweak to the annual fee. The card, which had long been the go‑to choice for affluent travelers, now promises “unparalleled access to the world’s most exclusive travel experiences” while also offering more flexibility and higher value for frequent flyers.

1. What’s New? A Summary of the New Benefits

The most eye‑catching change for many cardholders is the expanded lounge network. The Global Lounge Collection gives Platinum Refresh users the ability to step into lounges that were previously inaccessible even to Centurion cardholders. The inclusion of over 1,000 lounges—including some that partner exclusively with Amex—means that frequent flyers can avoid the dreaded “no‑lounge” policy that has plagued other premium cards.

2. The Cost of Luxury: Why the Annual Fee Rose

The 2025 refresh bumps the fee from $650 to $695. Amex justifies the increase by citing the broader portfolio of benefits, the expanded travel credits, and the new insurance protections. A quick look at the value proposition suggests that the fee will be justifiable for those who use the card’s perks extensively.

• Airline fee credit: If a cardholder flies at least twice a year with an airline that charges $30–$60 in ancillary fees per ticket, that credit alone recoups roughly $120–$240 of the fee.
• Hotel credit: For frequent business travelers or couples who stay at partner hotels, the $200 credit can cover a mid‑scale hotel stay (average $150–$200 per night). A single stay each year essentially pays for the credit.
• Travel credit: Whether the cardholder books flights, cruises, or packages through Amex Travel, the $200 credit offers a tangible discount.
• Lounge access: While not easily quantifiable, the convenience and peace of mind from having over 1,000 lounges worldwide can be invaluable.

In short, for those who are “lifestyle‑centric” or who travel frequently, the new fee is likely to be a reasonable price for the added perks. However, for casual users, the increase might feel steep.

3. How the Rewards Structure Has Shifted

Previously, Platinum cardholders enjoyed 5X Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines or on Amex Travel, 5X on hotels booked through Amex Travel, and 1X on all other purchases. The 2025 refresh expands the 5X multiplier to all hotel bookings (regardless of the booking platform), and introduces a 2X multiplier on all dining worldwide. The shift in dining rewards—from 3X on selected restaurants to 2X on all restaurants—was a deliberate choice to spread value more evenly.

What it means for points accumulation: If a cardholder spends $10,000 per year on airline tickets, $5,000 on hotels, and $3,000 on dining, the new structure yields:

• Airline: 5 × $10,000 = $50,000 points
• Hotel: 5 × $5,000 = $25,000 points
• Dining: 2 × $3,000 = $6,000 points

Total: 81,000 points (vs. 78,000 points under the old structure). The incremental gain is modest but meaningful for those who regularly stay in hotels and dine out.

4. Additional Perks and New Services

A highlight of the refresh is the newly launched “American Express Experiences Concierge.” According to the official press release, the concierge can help users book experiences that would otherwise be hard to obtain, such as private tours of the Louvre, backstage passes to a Broadway show, or a once‑in‑a‑lifetime helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon.

The card also introduces a “Travel Credit” that can be used on Amex Travel gift cards, a feature that could benefit travelers who prefer to gift themselves or others a vacation package.

Another new benefit is the $100 “Annual Experience Credit,” which can be applied to a wide array of experiences—from spa days and cooking classes to private museum tours. This feature positions the Platinum Refresh as a card that rewards not just travel, but lifestyle enrichment.

5. How the Refresh Fits into the Competition

While Amex’s competitors, such as Chase’s Sapphire Reserve and Citi’s Premier Card, also offer robust travel benefits, the Platinum Refresh distinguishes itself with its expansive lounge network and the newly added “Global Lounge Collection.” Chase’s Sapphire Reserve, for instance, offers a $300 annual travel credit and Priority Pass membership but no dedicated hotel credit. Citi’s premium cards provide a broader airline fee credit but no separate hotel credit.

Industry analysts note that Amex’s move to include more hotel partners (like AccorHotels) and a broader lounge network is a strategic effort to attract luxury travelers who value exclusivity and convenience. The card’s new insurance enhancements also position it as the best all‑round traveler’s card for those who need comprehensive coverage.

6. Who Should Consider the 2025 Platinum Refresh?

• Frequent international travelers who fly at least twice a year and are accustomed to airline fees, checked bags, and seat selection charges. The airline fee credit covers most of these incidental costs.
• Business travelers who stay in partner hotels regularly. The $200 hotel credit and expanded 5X hotel points can make a significant difference.
• Lifestyle enthusiasts who enjoy exclusive experiences and lounge access. The Global Lounge Collection and concierge services give them unique opportunities that are hard to match elsewhere.
• High‑spending consumers who can rack up points through the new 5X and 2X multipliers and who can leverage the travel and hotel credits to offset the higher annual fee.

However, casual travelers who do not use the credit benefits extensively or who seldom stay in partner hotels may find the new fee less justifiable.

7. Final Thoughts

American Express’s 2025 Platinum Refresh marks a clear shift toward a more “experience‑centric” card. While the annual fee climbs, the breadth of new benefits—including an expanded lounge network, enhanced travel insurance, and a new concierge service—positions the card as a powerhouse for those who value luxury and convenience.

If you’re a frequent flyer, a business traveler who stays in partner hotels, or a connoisseur of exclusive experiences, the Platinum Refresh could be well worth the price. For those who travel more sporadically or who are price‑sensitive, you might want to weigh the added benefits against the fee bump or consider a lower‑priced premium card.

As always, the best way to decide is to match your travel habits against the card’s offerings. Amex’s new card offers more than just points; it offers an ecosystem of travel perks that can transform the way you fly, stay, and experience the world.