Amex Platinum New Travel Benefits and Price Changes 2024

The American Express Platinum Card has always been a top choice for travelers. It offers luxury perks and exclusive access. Now, Amex has announced big changes. There are new travel benefits and a new annual fee. This article will explain all the updates in simple terms.

We will cover what is new. We will discuss the new price. We will help you decide if the card is still worth it. Whether you are a current cardholder or thinking of applying, this guide is for you. Let's dive into the details.

What Are the New Travel Benefits?

Amex has added several new benefits to the Platinum Card. These are designed to enhance your travel experience. They include better lounge access, new credits, and more. Here is a breakdown of each new benefit.

Expanded Lounge Access

One of the biggest new benefits is expanded lounge access. Cardholders can now enter more lounges worldwide. This includes Centurion Lounges and partner lounges. You can relax before your flight in comfort. This is a great perk for frequent flyers.

According to American Express, there are over 1,400 lounges in the network. This makes it easy to find a lounge no matter where you travel. The lounges offer free food, drinks, and Wi-Fi. It is a nice way to start your journey.

New Travel Credits

Amex has also added new travel credits. These credits can be used for various expenses. For example, there is a new airline fee credit. This covers things like baggage fees and seat upgrades. There is also a hotel credit for certain properties.

These credits can save you money on travel. They are automatically applied when you use your card. Make sure to activate them online first. This ensures you get the full value from your card.

Enhanced Insurance Coverage

The card now offers better insurance coverage. This includes trip cancellation insurance and rental car insurance. If your trip is canceled, you may get reimbursed. If your rental car is damaged, you may be covered.

This gives peace of mind when traveling. Always read the terms and conditions. Know what is covered and what is not. This helps you avoid surprises.

How Much Is the New Annual Fee?

The annual fee for the Amex Platinum Card has increased. It is now $695 per year. This is up from $550. This is a significant jump. But the new benefits may justify the cost for some people.

Consider how much you travel. If you use the new benefits often, the fee may be worth it. If not, you might want to reconsider. We will help you calculate the value later in this article.

How to Maximize Your New Benefits

To get the most from your card, you need to use the benefits wisely. Here are some practical tips. These will help you save money and enjoy travel more.

Use All Available Credits

Make sure to use all the credits offered. This includes the airline fee credit and hotel credit. Plan your travel around these benefits. For example, choose airlines that qualify for the credit. This maximizes your savings.

Set reminders to activate credits each year. Do this as soon as you get your card. This ensures you do not forget. It is easy to do online or through the app.

Visit Lounges Frequently

Take advantage of the lounge access. Visit lounges whenever you fly. This can save you money on airport food and drinks. It also makes travel more enjoyable. You can relax in a quiet space.

Check the lounge locations before your trip. Know which ones you can access. This helps you plan your airport time better.

Leverage Insurance Benefits

Use the insurance benefits when needed. For example, if your flight is canceled, file a claim. Keep all receipts and documentation. This makes the process smoother.

Understand what is covered. Read the policy details. This helps you know when to use the insurance. It can save you money in unexpected situations.

Is the Amex Platinum Card Still Worth It?

With the new fee, you might wonder if the card is still worth it. The answer depends on your travel habits. If you travel frequently, the benefits can outweigh the cost. If you travel rarely, it might not be worth it.

Calculate how much value you get from the benefits. Add up the credits, lounge access, and other perks. If the total is more than $695, the card is worth it. If not, you might consider other options.

Real Examples of Benefit Usage

Here are some real examples of how people use the Amex Platinum benefits. These show the card's value in everyday life.

John travels for business twice a month. He uses the lounge access every time. He estimates this saves him $50 per trip on food and drinks. That is $1,200 per year. He also uses the airline fee credit. This saves him another $200. The hotel credit saves him $100. Total savings: $1,500. This is more than the annual fee.

Sarah travels once a year for vacation. She uses the lounge once. She saves $30. She does not use the other credits. Total savings: $30. This is less than the annual fee. For her, the card is not worth it.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the Card

If you decide to apply, here is a simple guide. Follow these steps to get your card.

1. Check your credit score. You need good credit to qualify.
2. Visit the American Express website.
3. Click on the Platinum Card application.
4. Fill out the form with your personal information.
5. Submit the application and wait for approval.
6. Once approved, activate your card and start using it.

Remember to use the benefits right away. Activate all credits. Enjoy your new card!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new annual fee for the Amex Platinum Card?

The new annual fee is $695. This is an increase from $550.

What are the new travel benefits?

New benefits include expanded lounge access, new travel credits, and enhanced insurance coverage.

How do I activate the travel credits?

You can activate the credits online through your account or via the Amex app.

Is the card worth it with the higher fee?

It depends on how much you travel. Frequent travelers may find it worth it. Occasional travelers may not.

Can I cancel my card if I don't want to pay the new fee?

Yes, you can cancel your card. But make sure to use any remaining benefits first.

Are there any new hidden fees?

No, there are no new hidden fees. The main change is the annual fee increase.

How do I contact customer service?

You can call the number on the back of your card or use the online chat feature.

Conclusion

The Amex Platinum Card has new travel benefits and a new price. The annual fee is now $695. But the new benefits may offer great value for frequent travelers. Expanded lounge access, new credits, and better insurance are all positive changes.

Consider your travel habits before deciding. Calculate the value you get from the card. If it makes sense for you, enjoy the new perks. If not, there are other cards available. Always make informed decisions about your finances.

Thank you for reading. We hope this guide was helpful. Safe travels!