Credit Card Review: Is the $895 American Express Platinum Card Still Worth It? Full Review of New Benefits and Credits.

Michael Dade
Sep 24
5 min read

Updated: Oct 11

At Resort Chasers, we live for the details that turn an ordinary trip into an unforgettable journey. And when it comes to travel tools, few cards spark more conversation than the American Express Platinum. On September 18, 2025, AmEx rolled out a major refresh to its flagship card—introducing fresh perks, expanding old favorites, and yes, raising the annual fee to $895.

So, is the new Platinum Card still worth it? Let’s unpack what’s changing and how it fits into a modern traveler’s lifestyle.

A Platinum Refresh: What’s New

AmEx now claims Platinum members can unlock over $3,500 in yearly value—and for the right traveler, that’s not just marketing spin. Here’s what’s hitting the lineup:

$600 Hotel Credit (Enhanced)

Split into $300 every six months for prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection stays through AmEx Travel.

Resort Chasers Tip: Use it at a Park Hyatt in Paris or a Four Seasons weekend in Miami, where you’ll also enjoy daily breakfast, late checkout, and upgrade perks. That’s luxury at a serious discount.
$400 Resy Dining Credit (New)

$100 each quarter at more than 10,000 Resy restaurants across the U.S.

Think: A chef’s tasting menu in New York, a night out in Miami’s hottest dining rooms, or simply offsetting brunch dates close to home.
$300 lululemon Credit (New)

$75 quarterly at lululemon stores or online.

Hello, travel wardrobe refresh: Slip into new joggers for the plane in spring, and grab a performance hoodie come fall—no out-of-pocket cost.
$120 Uber One Membership (New)

Annual credit that covers Uber’s premium membership, with discounted rides and 0% delivery fees.

Perfect for: Anyone who leans on Uber Eats during late-night hotel stays or uses rideshares to get around new cities.
$200 ŌURA Ring Credit (New)

An annual credit for the sleep- and wellness-tracking ring.

Jet-set hack: Use it to track sleep cycles on long-haul flights and smooth the transition across time zones.
Premium Hotel Status (New)

Complimentary Leaders Club Sterling Status with The Leading Hotels of the World®.

Think: Upgrade opportunities, breakfast for two, and extra perks at 400+ boutique luxury properties worldwide.
Platinum Nights by Resy (New)

Early access to coveted reservations in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. Because sometimes the hardest part of travel is landing the table.
Digital Entertainment Credit (Enhanced)

$25 monthly ($300 annually) across partners like Disney+, Hulu, YouTube Premium, Paramount+, The New York Times, and more.

Translation: Your streaming habit is covered.

Oh—and if looks matter, there’s now a limited-edition mirrored Platinum Card for a little extra shine when you hand it over.

Classics That Still Deliver

AmEx hasn’t taken away any of the Platinum favorites. You’ll still get:

Access to 1,550+ airport lounges—from Centurion Lounges and Priority Pass lounges to 10 annual Delta Sky Club visits when flying Delta.
The $200 airline fee credit for baggage and other incidentals on a chosen airline.
$200 Uber Cash each year, split monthly with a December bonus.
$100 Saks Fifth Avenue credit, $50 twice per year.
A $209 CLEAR Plus credit to zip through airport security.
Credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
$300 Equinox credit for fitness memberships or digital subscriptions.
A Walmart+ monthly membership credit, covering up to $12.95/month.
And of course, 5× Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through AmEx Travel.

Why Travelers Still Love Platinum

The Platinum Card’s updates add to its already impressive set of travel features.

Lounge Access: With entry to the Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta, up to 10 visits annually), and Priority Pass lounges, the card continues to dominate.

Example: A frequent flyer from Los Angeles to New York can stop at the Centurion Lounge at LAX for a sit-down meal before the flight, and then visit the JFK Centurion Lounge for a cocktail during the return trip. These experiences can easily save $50–$100 in airport food and drinks per trip.
Luxury Hotels: Pair the new $600 hotel credit with Fine Hotels + Resorts perks for major savings.

Example: A weekend stay at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills might cost $850. Apply the $300 credit, enjoy free daily breakfast (worth around $100 per day), late checkout, and a $100 property credit. The real-world value is closer to $500 back on a single stay.
Travel Insurance and Protections: Coverage includes trip cancellation, trip interruption, and car rental loss/damage. While coverage limits vary, travelers who face last-minute disruptions could save thousands.

Example: If a $4,000 European trip is canceled due to illness, card protections may cover the nonrefundable bookings.
Points Earning: With 5× Membership Rewards points on flights and prepaid hotels, heavy travelers can rack up rewards quickly.

Example: Spend $10,000 annually on international business-class tickets and you’ll earn 50,000 Membership Rewards points—enough for a roundtrip flight to Europe in economy via transfer partners.
Airport Speed: CLEAR Plus credit (worth $209), plus Global Entry or TSA PreCheck reimbursement, can cut down security wait times.

Example: At Orlando Airport, where security lines often stretch over an hour, CLEAR members are often through in less than 10 minutes.

When Platinum Isn’t the Right Fit

The Platinum Card is still not for every traveler.

The $895 annual fee demands commitment. If you don’t plan trips that take advantage of the hotel credit or if you forget quarterly credits like Resy or Lululemon, you’ll miss out. Enrollment is required for many credits, which can trip up more casual cardholders.

It’s also not a strong card for everyday spending. Groceries, gas, and regular dining earn just 1× points, meaning you may need a second card to maximize those categories. And while AmEx Travel perks are valuable, prepaid bookings may sometimes cost more than booking directly with hotels or airlines, eating into the value.

The Verdict: Platinum Perfected

The updated Platinum Card cements itself as a top-tier luxury travel tool. Travelers who are organized, fly often, and enjoy premium services can unlock far more than the $895 fee in real value. Between the new hotel, dining, and lifestyle credits, lounge access, and elite hotel perks, it can genuinely elevate your trips.

But if you’re more of a casual traveler or prefer a simpler rewards card, it may feel like more hassle than it’s worth. In that case, a lower-fee travel card could be the better choice.

If you can picture yourself using credits at Resy restaurants each quarter, booking a luxury hotel stay or two per year, and breezing through airport security with CLEAR, then the Platinum Card isn’t just worth it—it’s designed for you.