There’s a few new benefits and updates to the American Express Platinum card:
- The fee will increase from $450 to $550 on March 30. Apply now and you’ll only pay the $450 fee this year.
- Hotels booked through Amex Travel (not directly with the hotel) will earn 5x points.
- The Amex Platinum card will turn into a metal card, instead of the current plastic version.
- Each month out of the year will receive $15 in Uber credits. December will feature $35 in credits. In addition, Platinum card holders will be upgraded to Uber VIP status, allowing them to access better drivers in select cities.
- Other benefits will not change. You’ll still receive access to Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass membership, 5x points on airfare and more.
Personally, I don’t find any of these changes to be worth the $100 increase in fee. I really wish the 5x on hotels were valid on stays booked directly with the hotel itself, and better matched the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
To apply for the Platinum Card from American Express, hover over the credit cards tab above and click on Travel cards.
Jamie Larounis is an avid traveler, blogger and miles/points educator. Traveling well over 100,000 miles a year and staying in hotels for over 100 nights, he leverages miles, points and other deals to fly in first class cabins, and stay in 5-star hotels. The Forward Cabin shares his experiences, musings, reviews, tips, tricks, resources and industry news with you, the fellow traveler.
I was already considering downgrading to gold, this should seal the deal for me. There’s no way I will pay more for a metal card, Uber, etc. With Chase stepping up, this is almost suicidal for Amex.