Changes to the Amex Platinum Card: What Travelers Need to Know
Hey there travel bestie!
If you’ve been using The Platinum Card® from American Express, or even just been considering it, there are some changes that you’ll want to know about. So, let’s dive right in.
Authorized User Fee Jumps: A Closer Look
The first big change is the hike in the authorized user fee structure. Previously, Amex allowed cardholders to add three additional Platinum cards for a total of $175, with each subsequent card costing $175. Now? It’s going to be $195 per card!
But wait, if you’re already a cardmember, this doesn’t hit you right away. Amex will let you know when this updated fee structure applies to you. Until then, it’s business as usual.
I personally don’t have authorized users on my Amex Platinum, but I know many people add their family members and close friends as authorized users to share the amazing perks. If you have or plan to get the Amex Platinum for the benefit of having authorized users, brace yourself: With this change, you could be looking at an increase of over 230%!
Perks of the Authorized User
But before you decide to axe those extra cards, remember what they offer:
Access to the coveted Centurion Lounge network and many other airport lounges.
A statement credit (up to $100) for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
Gold status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy.
And, access to the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts portfolio.
However, they won't enjoy the $200 airline fee credit or the $240 digital entertainment credit, which remains exclusive to primary cardmembers.
The reason behind these fee hikes? One word: Crowding. Amex is trying to find a way to curve its overcrowding, and this could be Amex's way of controlling the crowd. I have been in the Centurion Amex lounges dozens of time at this point and they are notoriously crowded. Sometimes I have even had to wait a short time before being able to enter.
Digital Entertainment Credit Updates
Remember that $20 monthly statement credit for digital entertainment subscriptions? There’s a new addition: The Wall Street Journal. But come October, say goodbye to Audible from the list.
Bigger Hurdle for the Welcome Offer
New to the Platinum Card? The threshold to receive the welcome offer has now been bumped up. You now need to spend $8,000, up from the earlier $6,000, to earn those 80,000 Membership Rewards points in your first six months.
No-fee Cards Get a Makeover
Lastly, no-fee authorized user cards and business account cards have been rebranded as the Companion Card and Employee Business Expense Card, respectively, accompanied by new card designs.
Bottom Line
While some of these changes, like the digital entertainment credit tweaks, might not cause too much disruption, the spike in authorized user fees could be a major deterrent for many. If you've been maximizing the benefits by adding authorized users to your account, you'll now need to crunch the numbers and reevaluate. As always, it's about finding what offers the best value for your specific needs.
Safe travels, everyone!
