Karl at The Cards Guy, What I Think About the 2025 Amex Platinum Refresh

American Express has just made its biggest update in years to the Platinum Card, bumping the annual fee from $695 to a hefty $895. As someone who watches the premium card space closely, I’ve dived into these changes—and here’s my candid take and recommendations for anyone thinking about keeping or getting this card.

Karl says: “Fee Jump, But Big Perks”

The fee spike is a headline-grabber, but Amex isn’t raising it without stacking new credits and lifestyle benefits. By my count, if you’re strategic, there’s over $3,500 in potential annual value—enough to offset the added cost for frequent users more than.

Here’s what stands out to me:

• Hotel credit goes up: The hotel credit jumps to $600 annually, split into $300 twice a year, and can be used at select luxury partners via Amex Travel. For regular travelers, this can be a game-changer.
• Dining credit makes life sweeter: A new $400 credit for restaurant reservations opens up real savings at a huge list of spots. I always stack my credit with gift cards for maximum value.
• Digital entertainment and fitness boost: The digital entertainment credit now totals $300 for eligible streaming and news services. Plus, $300 at Lululemon and $200 for the Oura ring add some wellness love for active cardholders.
• Old perks remain: Lounge access (Centurion, Delta SkyClub, Priority Pass), airline fee credits, Saks credit, and automatic hotel elite status are all still here—no losses, just more options.
• Cool new look: The Platinum Card gets a mirrored-gloss finish for its latest edition. Sure, it’s just style, but it feels ultra-premium in the wallet.

What Karl Recommends

I always tell readers: the Platinum Card is a tool for those who use the perks, not just dream about them. With quarterly, biannual, and monthly credits, set reminders to activate and spend before time runs out, or your fee is basically wasted money.

If you dine out, travel, or enjoy fitness splurges, Amex’s update puts serious cash back in your pocket. But if your spending doesn’t fit the benefit categories, think carefully before renewing or applying. For some, the new fee will outweigh the rewards.

Business Platinum fans: You get matching hotel and dining credits, beefed-up earning rates on big purchases, and higher rewards on select business categories. Great for high-rollers, but less flexible for point redemption in 2025—watch that carefully.

Karl’s Verdict

Amex is clearly betting big that premium cardholders want richer perks and are willing to pay for them. If you max out the credits and prioritize travel and lifestyle spending, I say the new Platinum easily justifies its fee. For everyone else, make sure to do the math. Unused credits are just flashy window dressing.

Better benefits, higher fee, and a whole lot to think about. As always, I’ll be bringing detailed breakdowns and tips at thecardsguy.com, so cardholders can squeeze every last dollar out of their cards.

Written by Karl at thecardsguy.com — honest advice, not sponsored

FAQs for Amex Platinum Card 2025 Refresh

What are the key new benefits of the Amex Platinum Card in 2025?

The 2025 refresh introduces an increased annual fee of $895 but adds $3,500+ in annual credits and perks, including boosted hotel credits, a $400 dining credit via Resy, expanded streaming credits, fitness-related benefits with Lululemon and Oura Ring credits, and new elite statuses.

Is the $895 annual fee for the Amex Platinum Card worth it?

The value depends on how well you can maximize the new and existing credits and benefits. Frequent travelers and lifestyle-oriented users who utilize the hotel, dining, streaming, and ride credits can more than offset the higher fee.

How does the Amex Platinum Card compare to competitors like Chase Sapphire Reserve and Capital One Venture X?

The Amex Platinum offers superior lounge access, luxury hotel benefits, and comprehensive credits but at a higher fee. Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a slightly lower fee with good travel credits, while Capital One Venture X provides similar lounge access at a more affordable annual fee.

What should I know about the welcome offer with the new Amex Platinum Card?

New cardholders may earn up to 175,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months. Offers vary by applicant, and there is no credit pull for offer viewing.

Are there any unchanged benefits on the Amex Platinum Card after the 2025 refresh?

Yes, key benefits like airline fee credits, Equinox memberships, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credits, Saks credits, Uber Cash, Walmart+, hotel elite statuses, and airport lounge access remain intact.

What are some alternatives to the Amex Platinum Card for travelers?

Alternatives include the Chase Sapphire Reserve with a $795 annual fee and strong travel credits, Capital One Venture X with a $395 fee offering lounge access and credits, and Amex Gold Card with a $325 fee focused on dining and groceries.

How do the Business Platinum Card updates differ from the Consumer Platinum Card?

The Business Platinum sees new hotel credits and enhanced earnings on large purchases, but loses some points redemption flexibility, including limitations on the 35% airline rebate and stronger focus on business expenses.