The updated Amex Platinum benefits for 2025 are bigger and broader than ever, redefining what it means to hold a premium credit card. With new lifestyle perks, enhanced travel credits, and a higher annual fee, American Express has positioned the Platinum Card as a complete luxury product. While it comes with one of the steepest annual fees in the market at $895, the card now offers over $3,500 in potential yearly value—if cardmembers know how to maximize the benefits.
Annual Fee Adjustment
The Platinum Card’s fee increase from $695 to $895 has been one of the most talked-about changes. Amex justifies this by adding hundreds of dollars in new credits across travel, dining, entertainment, and wellness. For heavy users, the perks outweigh the cost. For casual cardholders, it raises the question of whether the Platinum still makes sense.
Travel-Centric Amex Platinum Benefits
Travel has always been the heart of the Platinum Card, and those benefits remain its strongest feature.
- Hotel Credit: The new $600 annual credit is split into two $300 portions, one for the first half of the year and one for the second half. This encourages multiple bookings through Fine Hotels & Resorts or The Hotel Collection, where benefits often include free breakfast, late checkout, and upgrades.
- Airport Lounge Access: Platinum cardholders continue to enjoy one of the most comprehensive lounge networks in the world. Access includes Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), and select partner lounges globally.
- Airline Fee Credit: Annual reimbursement for incidental fees like checked bags, seat upgrades, or in-flight purchases.
- Global Entry / TSA PreCheck Credit: The Platinum covers application fees, saving travelers both time and money at airports.
For frequent fliers, these travel-related Amex Platinum benefits alone can exceed the annual fee.
Dining & Food Credits
American Express has expanded the food benefits significantly.
- Resy Dining Credit: $400 annually, split into quarterly credits, usable at participating Resy restaurants. This encourages dining throughout the year instead of a single large redemption.
- Uber Cash: Cardholders receive $200 in Uber Cash annually, automatically applied to Uber rides or Uber Eats orders.
- Global Dining Access: Through partnerships, Platinum holders can access exclusive tables and reservations at top restaurants around the world.
These dining perks make the Platinum attractive to food enthusiasts who enjoy premium experiences.
Entertainment Enhancements
Entertainment credits have become a major part of the Platinum package.
- Digital Entertainment Credit: Increased to $300 annually. It can be applied toward streaming subscriptions, music platforms, or premium video services.
- Exclusive Event Access: Platinum cardholders often receive early access to concert tickets, sporting events, and private experiences.
- Special Partnerships: Collaborations with entertainment platforms continue to expand, giving cardmembers discounts and unique offerings.
For households with multiple streaming services, this credit can easily be maximized.
Lifestyle & Wellness Credits
A new focus on lifestyle benefits ensures the Platinum caters to more than just travelers.
- Lululemon Credit: Up to $300 annually for apparel and fitness accessories.
- Wellness Devices: $200 credit toward smart health wearables like the Oura Ring.
- Saks Fifth Avenue Credit: Cardholders still receive $100 annually in two $50 installments.
These additions make the Platinum useful year-round, even for those who travel less frequently.
Shopping Protections & Security
The Platinum continues to stand out with robust consumer protections.
- Extended Warranty: Purchases made with the Platinum may qualify for extended coverage beyond the manufacturer’s warranty.
- Purchase Protection: Eligible purchases are covered against accidental damage or theft for the first 90 days.
- Return Protection: If a retailer refuses a return, Amex may reimburse the cardholder directly.
- Fraud Protection: Advanced security monitoring and zero liability policies provide peace of mind for high-value transactions.
These features make the card particularly attractive for those making large purchases of electronics, jewelry, or fashion.
Membership Rewards Points
Earning and redeeming Membership Rewards remains a cornerstone of the Platinum experience.
- 5X Points on flights booked directly with airlines or via Amex Travel.
- 5X Points on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel.
- 1X Point on everyday eligible purchases.
Points are flexible and can be transferred to a wide network of airline and hotel partners, making them one of the most valuable rewards currencies in the market.
Concierge & Luxury Travel Services
The Platinum concierge service is an often-overlooked benefit but can be extremely valuable. Cardmembers can rely on it for:
- Securing hard-to-get reservations.
- Locating sold-out event tickets.
- Arranging curated travel experiences.
Through Fine Hotels & Resorts, Platinum users also enjoy guaranteed perks like late checkout, free breakfast, and resort credits, often valued at hundreds of dollars per stay.
New Card Design Options
In 2025, Amex introduced a new mirrored stainless steel card design alongside the classic metal option. This change underscores the prestige of the Platinum Card, while giving members a choice to match their personal style.
Who Should Apply for the Amex Platinum?
The updated Amex Platinum benefits make it best suited for:
- Frequent travelers who stay in premium hotels and fly regularly.
- Dining enthusiasts who take advantage of the Resy and Uber credits.
- Luxury lifestyle seekers who enjoy fashion, wellness, and exclusive events.
If you rarely travel or don’t spend much on dining, you may struggle to justify the high fee.
How to Maximize Amex Platinum Benefits
To get the full value from the card, it’s essential to plan around the credits.
- Schedule two hotel stays each year to fully use the $600 hotel credit.
- Plan quarterly dining to use the $400 Resy credit without rushing.
- Move subscriptions to platforms covered by the $300 entertainment credit.
- Always activate credits in your account, since some require enrollment.
- Track your Uber usage to ensure you spend the monthly credits before they expire.
These strategies turn the Platinum Card into a tool for savings rather than just a luxury status symbol.
Drawbacks to Consider
Despite its strong lineup of perks, the Platinum Card is not without downsides.
- High Annual Fee: At $895, it’s one of the most expensive cards available.
- Geographic Limitations: Resy restaurants and some lifestyle partners may not be available in smaller cities.
- Breakage Risk: Unused credits do not roll over, so forgetting to use them reduces the card’s value.
These factors should be carefully weighed before applying.
Final Thoughts
The refreshed Amex Platinum benefits make the card one of the most comprehensive luxury credit cards available in 2025. With its blend of travel perks, lifestyle credits, shopping protections, and premium design, the Platinum offers unmatched value for those who maximize it.
However, with the annual fee approaching $900, it’s not for everyone. The Platinum Card shines brightest in the hands of frequent travelers, food lovers, and those who enjoy luxury experiences year-round. For the right user, it remains one of the most rewarding cards on the market.
Are you planning to keep, upgrade, or apply for the Platinum Card under its new structure? Share your perspective—it’s a conversation many premium cardholders are having right now.