The author is reconsidering keeping the Amex Platinum card after its annual fee increased from $695 to $895, questioning whether the benefits justify the higher cost, especially given the need to adapt spending habits to maximize rewards. Despite added perks, the value of the card depends on individual usage and lifestyle, with some finding it worth the cost and others feeling the expense is excessive.
The American Express Platinum Card, with an $895 annual fee, now offers over $2,800 in perks including extensive lounge access, travel credits, elite status, and bonus points, making it a valuable option for frequent travelers who can maximize its benefits, though it may not be suitable for infrequent travelers or those not utilizing its credits.
American Express has announced a major refresh for the Amex Platinum card in 2025, introducing new and enhanced benefits to attract and retain premium cardholders.
American Express has revamped its Platinum Card, adding numerous new perks across travel, dining, wellness, and entertainment, while increasing the annual fee to a record $895. Existing cardholders will see the higher fee after their next renewal, but new applicants pay immediately. The updates include expanded hotel credits, dining and wellness credits, exclusive reservations, and a new card design, emphasizing the card as a lifestyle membership rather than just a travel card. Despite the fee hike, the card's benefits aim to create a comprehensive ecosystem to retain affluent customers amid rising competition in the premium credit card market.
Alaska Airlines has launched a premium credit card with a $395 annual fee, offering extensive benefits like lounge passes, Wi-Fi, and travel rewards, making it a competitive option among airline credit cards despite its hefty price tag.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve has been refreshed with new perks including a $250 annual credit for Apple Music and Apple TV+, along with a sign-up bonus of 100,000 points and a $500 travel credit, making it a compelling option for frequent travelers and Apple users. Current cardholders can upgrade their cards starting October 26, 2025, while new applicants can enjoy the benefits immediately.
The Sapphire Reserve® card now offers twice-yearly $150 credits for spending at a curated selection of high-end restaurants through the Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables program, which can be earned without reservations or payments through Chase or OpenTable, with some access restrictions for new applicants.
Chase is increasing the annual fee for its Sapphire Reserve credit card from $550 to $795, introducing new benefits such as hotel credits, dining and entertainment perks, and travel credits, aiming to deliver over $2,700 in annual value. The decision on whether it's worth it depends on individual spending habits and how much one can utilize the new perks, with high spenders and frequent travelers likely to find it valuable, while casual users may not see enough benefit to justify the higher cost.
American Express has opened its first Centurion Lounge at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in Washington, D.C. The nearly 12,000-square-foot lounge offers a variety of amenities, including a unique dining concept with dishes from award-winning chefs, relaxation areas, and a dedicated space for Centurion cardholders. The lounge is accessible to Amex Centurion and Platinum cardholders, as well as certain Delta SkyMiles Reserve cardholders. Despite lacking a spa or outdoor terrace, the lounge sets a high standard for credit card-branded airport lounges at DCA.
