Upgrade Your Travel Experience with the American Express Platinum Card

One of the world’s best credit cards for travel just got a serious upgrade.

The travel-oriented American Express Platinum Card has just gotten a major refresh at a moment when Americans are hitting the road in near-record numbers, with vaccinations driving a resurgence in domestic and even international travel.

American Express has added a variety of new travel benefits, including a $200 hotel credit, a $179 credit to cover a year-long membership in Clear—which speeds users through security at select airports and sports venues—and free access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. This includes over 40 Centurion Lounges, such as the one that just opened at LaGuardia Airport in New York City. Additionally, a discount of up to 40% on WheelsUp membership, a private-jet charter company, has been introduced.

Other new benefits include a $300 credit for Equinox gym memberships or Equinox+ online classes and a $240 credit for select digital news and entertainment subscriptions, covering services like Audible, The New York Times, Peacock, and SiriusXM.

Moreover, Platinum card members are automatically enrolled in “Global Dining Access by Resy,” a new program that unlocks special access to some of the most sought-after restaurants. This initiative provides priority reservations for hard-to-snag tables, invitations to exclusive events, and a VIP badge that signifies a Platinum card member’s presence. Among the exclusive events are evenings reserved solely for American Express customers during the Chef in Residence at Stone Barns program, bringing notable culinary talent to Stone Barns, a non-profit agriculture center near New York City.

However, these new benefits do not come without an increase in costs. American Express has raised the annual fee for the Platinum Card from $550 to $695, making this rewards card one of the priciest on the market. Existing card members will notice the fee increase upon renewal after January 1, 2022.

American Express maintains that the card is a worthwhile investment, stating, “The suite of benefits now offers card members access to more than $1,400 in value each year.” Many existing benefits remain unchanged, including 5x Membership Rewards Points on travel, a $200 airline fee credit (for expenses like checked bags or change fees), global concierge service, and a cell phone protection plan that covers replacements for broken or stolen devices.

Americans Are Expected to Spend More on Summer Vacations

The revamped card’s changes follow the pandemic’s impact, which forced many issuers to reassess the perks they offer. With traditional benefits like Global Entry credits, lounge access, and flexible travel redemptions diminished in value, major card brands have pivoted to offer benefits such as credits for streaming services and cash back for grocery purchases. For instance, American Express provided bonus points on groceries and statement credits for takeout and delivery last year.

Last fall, American Express enhanced the appeal for existing Platinum card members with a $150 statement credit for those booking over $800 in travel—though this offer concluded in 2020.

Complete List of New Perks Offered

• $200 Hotel Credit: An annual statement credit for prepaid bookings at Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection properties made through American Express Travel.
• $179 CLEAR Credit: An annual statement credit for a CLEAR membership, which offers expedited security screening at airports.
• More Lounges in More Places: Access to more airport lounges compared to any other U.S. credit card program, with over 1,300 airport lounges in 500+ airports and 140 countries around the world. This includes the recently expanded The Centurion® Network, featuring over 40 lounge locations worldwide for a premium airport lounge experience.
• Premium Private Jet Access: Up to 40% off membership for the Premium Private Jet Program with Wheels Up, plus up to $2,000 in initial year flight credits to book private charter flights.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Offers up to $240 in annual statement credits ($20/month) on purchases or subscriptions with Audible, The New York Times, SiriusXM, and Peacock, along with exclusive experiences from these partners.
• $300 Equinox Credit: Card Members can receive up to $300 annually in statement credits ($25/month) on specific Equinox memberships or a digital subscription to Equinox+ (the on-demand fitness app).
• Exclusive Global Dining Access by Resy: The Global Dining Access program by Resy gives Platinum Card Members exclusive reservations at some of the world’s top restaurants, access to premium events, and other perks.