The most recent American Express Platinum changes focus on earning rates and travel credits
American Express updated the Platinum Card's rewards structure and benefits in 2024 and into 2025, with the biggest changes affecting how you earn points on everyday purchases and what travel perks come included. The card now earns 3X points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines and on prepaid hotels through American Express Travel, up from the previous 1X rate on most purchases. The annual fee remains $695, but the card added a new $200 airline fee credit that works differently than the previous version — it now covers baggage fees, seat upgrades, and in-flight purchases at any airline, not just incidental fees.
These updates matter because they shift the card's value proposition. If you fly frequently or stay in hotels regularly, the higher earning rates and expanded airline credit could offset more of the annual fee than before. If you rarely travel or book through third-party sites like Kayak or Expedia, the changes may not help your situation much.
Key Takeaways
- Amex Platinum now earns 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines and prepaid hotels through Amex Travel, up from 1X on most everyday purchases.
- The $200 airline fee credit expanded to cover baggage fees, seat upgrades, and in-flight food or drinks at any airline, not just incidental charges.
- The $695 annual fee has not changed, but the card added a $200 hotel credit that covers prepaid bookings through Amex Travel.
- Amex Platinum still offers Centurion Lounge access, airport lounge credits, and statement credits for certain purchases, though some terms shifted.
Changes to earning rates and how they work
The Platinum Card's earning structure now rewards travel spending more heavily than before. You earn 3X points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines and on prepaid hotel stays booked through American Express Travel. This means if you book a $1,000 flight directly with Delta or United, you earn 3,000 Amex points instead of 1,000. The same applies to hotels — a $500 prepaid hotel booking through Amex Travel earns 1,500 points.
On other purchases, the card earns 1X point per dollar, which is standard for premium travel cards. This includes groceries, gas, restaurants, and everyday spending. The key limitation is that the 3X rate only applies to direct bookings with airlines and to Amex Travel bookings — if you book a flight through Kayak, Expedia, or another third-party site, you earn only 1X points. This is why the card works best for people who book travel directly or who are willing to use Amex's travel portal.
Expanded airline fee credit and how to use it
The $200 airline fee credit is now broader than it was previously. It covers baggage fees (including checked and carry-on bag fees), seat selection and upgrade fees, in-flight food and beverage purchases, and airline lounge day passes. The credit applies to any airline, not just one carrier, and it resets every calendar year. To use it, you charge the fee to your Platinum Card and Amex credits the amount back to your account automatically — you do not have to submit a claim or receipt.
The practical effect is that frequent flyers can offset a meaningful portion of the annual fee. If you fly twice a year and pay $50 in baggage fees each time, plus $100 in seat upgrades, you have already used $200 of the credit. For people who fly rarely or who fly on airlines that do not charge baggage fees, the credit has less value.
New hotel credit and prepaid booking requirement
Amex added a $200 annual hotel credit that works only on prepaid bookings through American Express Travel. This means you book the hotel through Amex's travel portal, pay in advance, and the credit applies automatically. You cannot use this credit on hotels booked through other sites like Booking.com or Hotels.com, and you cannot use it on pay-at-hotel reservations.
The credit resets every calendar year and applies to the room rate only — taxes and resort fees are not covered. For someone who takes one or two hotel stays per year, this credit can cover a significant portion of a night's stay, depending on the hotel's nightly rate. The trade-off is that you lose the flexibility to book through whichever site offers the best rate on any given day.
Lounge access and other travel benefits that remain the same
The Platinum Card still includes access to Centurion Lounges (American Express's own lounges at major U.S. airports), as well as access to other airport lounges through partnerships. You also get a $100 annual credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, which covers the process or renewal fee for either program. These benefits have not changed with the recent updates.
The card also includes trip delay reimbursement, lost luggage reimbursement, and emergency medical and dental coverage while traveling. These are insurance protections that come with the card at no extra cost. The terms and coverage limits remain the same as before, though it is worth reviewing your specific card's terms document to confirm current limits.
What did not change and what to watch for
The $695 annual fee remains unchanged. Amex has not raised it with these updates, but the company has raised it in the past and may do so in the future. The points earning rate on everyday purchases (groceries, gas, restaurants) is still 1X per dollar, which is lower than some competing premium cards offer on certain categories.
One thing to monitor is how Amex defines "prepaid" for the hotel credit and whether the airline fee credit continues to expand. Amex has adjusted these terms before, and the company may narrow or broaden what qualifies in future updates. If you are considering the card, read the current terms on Amex's website before you explore, because the details can shift.
How these changes compare to other premium travel cards
The Platinum Card competes with cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Capital One Venture X. The Chase card earns 3X points on travel and dining and includes a $300 annual travel credit, while the Capital One card earns 2X points on all purchases and includes a $300 annual travel credit. The Amex Platinum's advantage is the higher earning rate on direct airline bookings (3X versus 2X or 3X on broader categories) and the expanded airline fee credit. The disadvantage is that the earning rates are narrower — you earn 1X on everyday purchases, whereas some competitors earn 2X on all purchases.
The right card depends on your spending patterns. If you book flights directly and stay in hotels regularly, the Amex Platinum's 3X earning rates and $200 hotel credit may deliver more value. If you spend heavily on dining or groceries, or if you book travel through third-party sites, a different card might suit you better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use the airline fee credit every year or does it roll over?
The credit does not roll over. It resets every calendar year on January 1st, and any unused portion is forfeited. If you do not use the full $200 in a given year, you lose it. This is why some cardholders plan their travel or incidental airline purchases around the calendar year to maximize the credit.
Can I use the hotel credit on Airbnb or vacation rental sites?
No. The $200 hotel credit applies only to prepaid bookings through American Express Travel, which is Amex's own travel portal. Airbnb, VRBO, and other vacation rental platforms do not may have access to. You can book traditional hotels through Amex Travel to use the credit.
What happens if I charge an airline fee that is less than $200 in a year?
The unused portion of the credit is lost. The credit does not roll over to the next year, and Amex does not issue a refund or statement credit for the unused amount. This is why the credit is most valuable for people who fly frequently or who plan their travel spending around the calendar year.
Does the 3X earning rate explore if I book a flight through an airline's app?
Yes. Booking directly through an airline's website or app qualifies for the 3X earning rate. The key is that you are booking directly with the airline, not through a third-party travel site. If you use an airline's app to purchase a ticket, you earn 3X points.
Can I use the airline fee credit on award flights or upgrades purchased with miles?
The credit applies to fees charged to your card, so if you purchase an upgrade or pay for a baggage fee using your card, the credit applies. If you use miles to purchase an upgrade or pay a fee, the credit does not explore because no charge is made to your card.