American Express has updated its Platinum Card® for 2025, introducing a range of new statement credits for dining, retail, and wellness, while also increasing several existing benefits. The changes are accompanied by a $200 increase in the card's annual fee, bringing the total to $895.
The update aims to broaden the card's appeal beyond travel by adding value in everyday spending categories. Core travel benefits, such as extensive airport lounge access and airline fee credits, remain intact.
Key Takeaways
- Annual Fee Increase: The yearly fee for the American Express Platinum Card® has been raised from $695 to $895.
- New Statement Credits: The card now includes new annual credits for Resy ($400), lululemon ($300), and Oura Ring ($200).
- Enhanced Benefits: The hotel credit has been increased to $600 annually, the digital entertainment credit is now $300, and an Uber One membership credit has been added.
- Core Benefits Unchanged: Key travel perks like the Global Lounge Collection access, $200 airline fee credit, and CLEAR® Plus credit remain part of the card's offerings.
Overview of the 2025 Platinum Card Changes
American Express has implemented a significant refresh for its flagship Platinum Card®, a move that adds over a thousand dollars in potential new statement credits. However, these additions come with a higher cost of ownership, as the annual fee has increased to $895.
The strategy appears focused on providing value across a wider spectrum of lifestyle categories, not just luxury travel. By adding credits for popular services and brands like Resy, lululemon, and Uber One, American Express is positioning the card to be more integrated into a cardholder's daily and weekly spending habits.
A Shift in Strategy
Premium credit cards are increasingly competing by offering a suite of lifestyle benefits rather than focusing solely on travel rewards. This update from American Express is a clear example of this trend, designed to ensure the card remains valuable even during periods when a cardholder may not be traveling frequently.
While existing cardholders will need to evaluate if the new benefits justify the higher fee, the changes significantly increase the total potential value available through statement credits. The company has not removed any existing benefits, instead choosing to build upon the card's established foundation.
New Dining and Lifestyle Credits Introduced
A major part of the 2025 update involves the introduction of several new statement credits that target dining, apparel, and wellness categories. These benefits are designed to provide value on a recurring basis throughout the year.
$400 Resy Credit for Dining
Cardholders can now receive up to $400 in statement credits annually for dining through Resy. This benefit is distributed as up to $100 in credits each quarter.
The credit applies to eligible purchases made at U.S. restaurants on the Resy platform, which includes over 10,000 locations as of March 2025. Cardholders also gain access to "Platinum Nights by Resy," offering special reservation availability at select restaurants in high-demand cities.
$300 lululemon Credit
A new retail benefit provides up to $300 in statement credits each year for purchases at lululemon. This is broken down into quarterly credits of up to $75. The credit is valid for purchases made at U.S. lululemon retail stores and on lululemon.com, though outlet stores are excluded. Enrollment is required to activate this benefit.
Additional New Perks
Beyond the major credits, American Express also added a $200 Oura Ring credit, providing a statement credit for the purchase of an Oura Ring each calendar year. Furthermore, cardholders now receive complimentary Leaders Club Sterling Status with The Leading Hotels of the World®, which includes benefits like potential room upgrades.
Enhancements to Existing Travel and Entertainment Benefits
In addition to launching new credits, American Express has increased the value of several key benefits that cardholders already use. These enhancements focus on travel, transportation, and digital subscriptions.
Hotel Credit Value Tripled to $600
The annual statement credit for hotel bookings has been significantly boosted. Previously $200 per year, the benefit is now structured as a $300 credit available semi-annually, for a total of up to $600 per year.
This credit applies to prepaid bookings made through American Express Travel® for properties in the Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection programs. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay to use the credit.
Expanded Uber and Digital Entertainment Credits
The card's existing Uber benefit, which provides $15 in Uber Cash monthly (plus a $20 bonus in December), remains in place. A new feature has been added: up to $120 in statement credits per year to cover the cost of an auto-renewing Uber One membership. This subscription offers perks like $0 delivery fees and discounts on rides and Uber Eats orders.
The digital entertainment credit has also been increased. The total annual value is now up to $300, provided as a monthly statement credit of up to $25. American Express also expanded the list of eligible services to include Paramount+, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV, alongside existing partners like Disney+, Hulu, and The New York Times.
Core Travel Perks Remain a Foundation
Despite the focus on new lifestyle benefits, the American Express Platinum Card® retains its extensive suite of travel-focused perks. These long-standing benefits are central to the card's reputation as a premium travel product.
Unmatched Airport Lounge Access
The card continues to offer access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection®. This network includes more than 1,550 lounges worldwide, which is more than any other credit card issuer, according to data from July 2025.
- Centurion Lounges: Access to American Express's exclusive Centurion Lounges.
- Priority Pass Select: Membership in the Priority Pass network (enrollment required).
- Delta Sky Club: 10 complimentary visits per year when flying on an eligible Delta flight.
- Other Partner Lounges: Access to Plaza Premium and other select lounges.
This comprehensive lounge access is often cited by users as one of the card's most valuable features, with an estimated annual value of over $850.
Established Travel and Security Credits
Other key benefits that have not changed include:
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: An annual statement credit for incidental fees, such as checked bags or in-flight refreshments, on one pre-selected qualifying airline.
- $209 CLEAR® Plus Credit: A statement credit that covers the full cost of a CLEAR Plus membership, which uses biometrics to expedite airport security screening.
- $100 Saks Credit: Distributed as two $50 credits, one for each half of the year, for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: A monthly statement credit that covers the cost of a Walmart+ membership.
Evaluating the New $895 Annual Fee
With the annual fee now at $895, prospective and current cardholders must determine if the card's benefits align with their spending habits. The total potential value from all statement credits now exceeds $3,500 annually, but this requires using each benefit fully.
For individuals who already spend on services like Uber, Walmart+, various streaming platforms, and brands like lululemon, the new and enhanced credits can directly offset costs they would already incur. The value proposition becomes particularly strong for frequent travelers who can maximize the lounge access and hotel credits.
However, the value is highly personal. A cardholder who does not use Resy for dining or has no interest in an Oura Ring will not benefit from those specific credits. The key to justifying the fee is aligning the card's numerous perks with pre-existing spending patterns rather than spending extra just to utilize the credits.
The refresh solidifies the Platinum Card's position as a comprehensive travel and lifestyle product, but its higher price point requires a more careful calculation of its potential return for each individual user.
