Amex launches new platinum card with 100,000 points bonus

As of July 1 The Platinum Card from American Express is not just a coveted luxury travel credit card, but a premium lifestyle card for just about every consumer.

American Express has given The Platinum Card a makeover with additional enhanced travel benefits and new daily benefits to help cardholders get the most out of their dining, wellness, shopping and entertainment spending. Amex estimates that this new set of benefits is worth up to $1,400 each year, helping to offset the new annual fee, which increases from $550 to $695.

In addition to the enhanced benefits, American Express offers new Platinum cardholders a very generous welcome bonus: you can earn 100,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend $6,000 on card purchases in your first six months of card membership.

American Express also encourages cardholders to shop and dine out by offering higher rewards when you use your card at eligible small businesses and restaurants: Earn 10x points on eligible card purchases at restaurants around the world world and when you shop small in the US, on up to $25,000 in combined purchases, during your first six months of card membership.

“The new Platinum Card is a premium lifestyle card designed for how people live today,” said Howard Grosfield, EVP and general manager of US Consumer and Global Premium Services. “We see a huge demand for travel and dining, and a new appreciation for the comforts of home.”

Here’s what you can expect from the updated Amex Platinum:

If you’re someone who likes to travel in comfort, these extra benefits will make your next vacation or business trip that much more luxurious:

• $200 hotel credit: Cardholders receive an annual credit for prepaid bookings at Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection properties made through American Express Travel.
• $179 CLEAR credit: Cardholders receive an annual credit towards a CLEAR membership, which provides expedited security checks at select airports and stadiums in the US
• Access to even more airport lounges: Cardholders get access to more than 1,300 airport lounges in more than 500 airports and 140 countries. This includes the recently expanded Centurion Network with more than 40 premium lounges located worldwide.
• Premium Private Jet Program: Cardholders can take advantage of 20% off Wheels Up Connect and 40% off Wheels Up Core memberships, allowing you to book private jet charters on demand. Cardholders will also receive a $500 or $2,000 credit added to their Wheels Up account to use toward their first flight within their first year of membership, depending on their selected Wheels Up plan. Visit the Wheels Up website for more information.

Platinum card members have already enjoyed a slew of travel benefits, including up to $200 airline credit, up to $200 Uber credit, and up to $100 for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees (every four years for Global Entry and every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck).

In addition to new travel benefits, Platinum card members can now enjoy a range of benefits aimed at improving their daily lives.

• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Cardholders receive up to $240 in annual credits ($20 per month) on eligible purchases or subscriptions from Peacock, Audible, SiriusXM and The New York Times (registration required).
• $300 Equinox Credit: Cardholders can take advantage of a $300 ($25 per month) annual credit on purchases of select monthly Equinox Fitness Club memberships or a digital subscription to Equinox+ (the on-demand fitness app).
• Worldwide access to dinners by Resy: Cardholders can take advantage of the new Global Dining Access Program by Resy which offers exclusive reservations at some of the world’s top restaurants, access to premium events, and other benefits such as priority notification and VIP status.

New travel and lifestyle benefits come at a higher cost for Platinum card members. The new annual fee is $695, which is an increase of $145.

Platinum cardholders who opened an account before July 1, 2021 will see the new annual fee take effect on their annual renewal date on or after January 1, 2022.

In addition to all new statement credits, the Amex Platinum will continue to offer a generous rewards program:

• 10X points on eligible card purchases at restaurants worldwide and when you shop small in the US, on up to $25,000 in combined purchases, during your first six months of card membership
• 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (As of January 1, 2021, this applies to up to $500,000 in eligible purchases per calendar year)
• 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
• 1X points on all other eligible purchases

Amex Platinum cardholders can still enjoy the following membership benefits and services:

• $100 Saks Fifth Avenue Credit on in-store purchases or online at saks.com (up to $50 in statement credits from January to June and up to $50 in statement credits from July to December, upon subscription).
• Free package of benefits with an average value of $550 at over 1,100 properties worldwide when you book through Amex’s Fine Hotels + Resorts. Benefits include a complimentary daily breakfast, room upgrades when available upon check-in, and a $100 worth of property, dining, or spa credit.
• Payment flexibility with features such as Pay It Plan It and Pay Over Time, so cardholders can choose to create monthly payment plans with a fixed amount, keep a balance with interest, or pay the full amount each month. Learn more about these features and conditions.
• Purchase Protection, which can help protect eligible purchases made on your Amex Platinum card if they are stolen, lost or accidentally damaged. Cardholders get up to 90 days of coverage from date of purchase and $10,000 per event, $50,000 per calendar year.
• Mobile phone protection for repair or replacement costs after damage or theft up to $800 per claim, with a limit of two approved claims per 12 month period, when the cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the previous month’s wireless bill was paid by a eligible card account. A $50 deductible applies for each approved claim.

For the rates and fees of The Platinum Card from American Express, Please click here.