According to rumor Reported by Dr. Credit, American Express's Platinum Card® could be “refreshed” this year and have a mirror finish. Nick and I recently thrust into predicting the perks and rebates they offer in the podcast episode, “Refreshed Platinum Card Prediction.” I think we got a lot from that show but forgot to include one of my main predictions. So I'm declaring a redo. I take the best predictions from the show. Additionally, in addition to restaurant credits, there are several ideas that have been contributed by the audience to create a new set of predictions. Below is what a refreshed platinum card does Really It looks like this. 110% guaranteed1.
1 is guaranteed to be as accurate as the southwest.
The next forecast is for consumer platinum cards. Business Platinum Cards have a variety of changes when updated.
Annual fee: $895
I think Amex will grow here and will increase the fee from $695 to $895. it hurts.
Points revenue has not changed (unfortunately)
Currently, the Platinum Card earns 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly on airlines or on American Express trips and 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked directly on American Express trips. All other purchases earn only one point per dollar. Compared to most other popular cards, it's really poor. Here we want to see Amex make the platinum card more competitive. in minimum,This card must continue to win 5x in the selected travel category, Three times more for all other travel purchases. Three times for food all over the world. Unfortunately, I don't think that's the case, even if it is.
$300 Resy Restaurant Credit (New)
Given that Amex recently added Resy credits to its Delta Skymiles Platinum and Reserve and Amex Gold cards, this prediction is Slam Dunk. That's why it's particularly exciting that I forgot to mention it on my podcast!
We expect credits to be made every month. A return of up to $25 a month for spending at US restaurants listed on the Libby Platform. This is advertised as $300 credit (25 x 12 months) to encourage customers to believe that it is a great trade-off for increased annual fees.
$300 Lifestyle/Wellness Credit (replaces $300 equinox and soul cycle credits)
This was proposed by Whitney (here). The credits are expected to accommodate spending at gyms, spas, wellness apps and more. I expect to be leaving every month, with a maximum of $25 a month. I don't think this is as bad as the predicted RESY credits, but I think this will be a general new benefit. It's great to be able to choose our own path to wellness rather than decide to do it through equinox or soul cycles to Amex.
$200 flight credit (replaces airline contingent fee credits)
Platinum Cards currently receive a refund of up to $200 per calendar year with incidental airline rates. That credit will be replaced with $50 per quarterly flight credit. Purchases purchased directly from the airline must qualify for up to $50 per quarter. This reflects a similar change made to the Hilton Aswire Card several years ago.
This switch isn't limited to airline fees and makes it easier to use credits because it spreads quarterly.
$240 Rideshare Credit (replaces $200 Uber Credit)
Platinum cardholders currently earn $200 a year on USE-IT or LOSE-IT credits of $15 a month and $35 in December. We expect this to be replaced by a $20/month ride-share rebate (similar to the $10/month ride-share rebate on Delta Platinum and Reserve Cards. The good thing about this is that it's not limited to Uber. One bad thing, another bad thing is that families with multiple Platinum cards can't pool their ride-share credits now.
$120 Walmart Cash (replaces $100 saxophone)
Nick came up with this and I think he is probably right. My guess is that we use $10 per month to get oor lose-it it cash. For Walmart shoppers, this complements the current Walmart and rebates. This new credit will likely replace the $100 SAKS credits we currently have ($50 every six months).
Delta Free Upgrade (New)
This is a bit of a guess, but I think it makes sense. In the past, Amex Platinum cards came with Delta Platinum Elite status. I don't think it's going to happen again, but I think it's easy and inexpensive for Delta to allow Platinum Cardholders to make a free (mainly domestic) upgrade to a complementary upgrade list with a comfortable +, first class, or Delta upgrade. This reflects the benefits seen on the Delta Skymiles Platinum card (Details here).
Many perks have not changed
Platinum Card offers many other popular perks, including lounge access, elite status with Hilton and Marriott, car rental perks, prepaid hotel credits, and digital entertainment credits. I expect most of these will not change. For more information about Platinum Card Benefits, see the AMEX Platinum Complete Guide.
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