American Express is reportedly revamping its premium Platinum and Business Platinum cards, and a new leak suggests one of the card’s most important new benefits.
Last month, Amex had announced that both The Platinum Card® and The Business Platinum Card® would be revamped later this fall but offered little information. Now, due to a stumble on the company’s Fine Hotels + Resorts® reservation website, we might have a better idea of what’s in store. A Reddit member caught redesigned terms temporarily posted online revealing that both Business Platinum and Platinum cardmembers would get an annual $600 hotel credit starting from September 18, 2025. The credit would be divided into two semi-annual $300 payments, tripling the existing hotel benefit for Platinum cardmembers and rolling out a similar benefit to Business Platinum customers for the first time.
While the news was swiftly deleted from Amex’s site, the timing is a very strong indication that September 18 may be the formal rollout date of the broader Platinum overhaul. The existing Platinum Card includes a $200 annual hotel credit for qualifying Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection reservations, but the Business Platinum does not include this perk at all, instead delivering $200 in annual Hilton credits in $50 quarterly installments. Extending and increasing these advantages would represent a fundamental change in the way Amex designs its high-end travel benefits.
Industry observers predict the action would be no surprise. Competitor Chase recently enhanced its Sapphire Reserve® card with a $500 hotel credit annually through The Edit by Chase Travel℠, a program based closely on Amex’s Fine Hotels + Resorts. Matching – and even topping – Chase’s deal would be a reasonable move for Amex in the battle for premium card dominance.
In addition to the hotel credit, rumors swirl about other potential adjustments. The annual fee for the Platinum Card is said to increase from $695 to $895, with Amex reportedly bundling that hike with additional lifestyle and travel perks. Watchers of the card hope to see a dining credit at U.S. Resy restaurants, along with possible benefits related to live experiences, concerts, or entertainment – categories where both Chase and Citi have been growing.
Amex has already hinted at revamps elsewhere, such as a drastic change to the Business Platinum’s 35% points rebate on business class flights. From September 18, the rebate will be on just one carrier of the card member’s choice instead of any carrier, a pretty strong indication that a broader shake-up is imminent.
With the leaked hotel credit, increased fees, and additional speculated credits incoming, the Platinum refresh is looking to be one of the biggest Amex updates in years. For prospective applicants, it might be the perfect time, as new cardmembers might be able to get the best of both worlds with existing benefits and upcoming benefits launching this fall.
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