Question 1

When will I be charged the higher $895 annual fee if I'm an existing cardholder?

Accepted Answer

If you're an existing personal Platinum Card member, you won't be charged the higher $895 annual fee until your first renewal date on or after January 2, 2026. For Business Platinum cardholders, the higher fee applies at the first renewal on or after December 2, 2025. This means if your card renews in November 2025, you won't see the $895 fee until November 2026, but you'll get all the new benefits immediately.

Question 2

Can I use the new $300 hotel credit for July-December 2025 if I already used my $200 hotel credit earlier this year?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can. The new hotel credit structure gives you $300 semi-annually (January-June and July-December), replacing the previous $200 annual credit. Even if you already used your $200 credit earlier in 2025, you can still use the new $300 credit for the second half of 2025 immediately. This effectively gives existing cardholders $500 in hotel credits for 2025 ($200 from the old benefit plus $300 from the new semi-annual structure).

Question 3

Do I need to make Resy reservations to use the new $100 quarterly dining credit?

Accepted Answer

No, you don't need to make reservations through Resy to use the credit. You simply need to pay with your Platinum Card at any of the 10,000+ U.S. restaurants that use the Resy platform. The credit will automatically apply to eligible purchases, making it one of the more flexible and easy-to-use benefits in the refreshed card portfolio. Remember to enroll in this benefit through your Amex account before making purchases.

Question 4

How do I get the new mirror-finish Platinum Card design?

Accepted Answer

Existing cardholders can request the new limited-edition mirror-finish Platinum Card by ordering a replacement card through their online Amex account. Navigate to the "Account Services" section and select "Replace a Card." This will not change your card number or affect any automatic payments. Amex is also offering a plastic version of the Platinum Card again for those who prefer a lighter alternative to the metal card.

Question 5

What is Leaders Club Sterling status and what benefits does it provide?

Accepted Answer

Leaders Club Sterling is the top tier of The Leading Hotels of the World's loyalty program, normally requiring $5,000 in annual spending to qualify. Key benefits include five pre-arrival room upgrades per year (subject to availability), continental breakfast for two daily, early check-in and late check-out when available, and welcome amenities. To activate this benefit, you first need to sign up for the free Leaders Club membership and then enroll for Sterling status through your Amex benefits portal.

Question 6

Has anything been removed or reduced with this Platinum Card refresh?

Accepted Answer

No, nothing has been removed or reduced with this refresh. All existing benefits remain intact, and several have been enhanced or added. The only negative change is the $200 increase in the annual fee, from $695 to $895. The earning structure also remains unchanged, with the card still earning 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel (up to $500,000 annually) and on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel, and 1X points on all other purchases.

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