American Express Platinum Card Refresh: A Hands-On Look and Future Predictions!
Hey everyone, Philip here from Points of Phillip! I'm excited to share my first impressions of a new Amex Platinum card I just received. It arrived just in time for the rumored Platinum refresh happening between now and September 18th. If you're reading this after September 18th, drop a comment and tell me what the future's like!
So, what's got me so excited? Well, the new card feels different from my previous Platinum, and I wanted to dive into those physical changes, discuss what we think we know about the upcoming Platinum updates, and even throw out a few wish-list items for this premium card.
First Impressions: A Physical Transformation?
Let's get right to it. I'm going to compare my Platinum card from February of this year to the one that just arrived.
My old Platinum card is super shiny and reflective, especially around the edges. It almost has a ridged texture, like the edge of a dime.
Now, check out the new card!
At first glance, it doesn't seem drastically different. But look closely:
The "World Service" text is raised, giving it a more tactile feel.
The edge has a darker, nickel-plated look – more like a darker metal.
It's noticeably firmer and less bendy than my old card. Surprisingly, it's also lighter!
The new card has a more textured feel overall, especially the "American Express" title. The metal feels different – sturdier. While it's lighter, it feels more premium. The darker edges give it a unique look, maybe even hinting at titanium.
Even though the cards look similar at first glance, the differences are definitely there.
Why This Matters
I was worried the redesign would be overly stylized or just plain ugly. I even tried the other Amex design, and I wasn't a fan. This new version is different enough to be interesting, without sacrificing the classic Platinum look.
This new card feels stronger. The fact that the metal is sturdier hints at the idea of a super-premium card. This aligns with rumors of a potential annual fee increase.
Mirror, Mirror… On My Card?
There's been talk of a Platinum refresh with a mirrored finish. The added texture on this new card could be a way to differentiate a mirrored version. The older card is already quite reflective, so a full mirror finish would be a big change.
What We Think We Know About the Platinum Refresh
Okay, let's get into the rumors!
Annual Fee Increase: The current annual fee is $695. The buzz is that it'll jump to $895. This is just speculation based on a Reddit post highlighted by Danny the Deal Guru, so take it with a grain of salt!
Hotel Credit Boost: The Fine Hotels & Resorts credit is rumored to be jumping from $200 to $600 per year on the personal Platinum. The business Platinum might also get a $600 hotel credit. This would make the business Platinum a lot more attractive.
My Platinum Wish List
Here's what I'd really like to see in the updated Platinum card:
1.5x Multiplier on EVERYTHING: The business Platinum gets 1.5x points on purchases over $5,000 and at certain business supply stores. I'd love to see the personal Platinum offer something similar. If the Platinum card bumped its multipliers (maybe 6x or 7x through the Amex Travel portal) and offered 1.5x on everyday purchases, it would be a game-changer.
Resy Credit: Amex has been pushing Resy hard, offering credits on the Gold card and Delta cards. Adding a Resy credit to the Platinum makes sense.
Farewell to Certain Credits?: I'm skeptical the Saks Fifth Avenue and Equinox credits will stick around. They aren't prominently featured on those companies' websites.
What Do You Think?
So, there you have it – my initial thoughts on the new Amex Platinum card and my predictions for the refresh. Now, I want to hear from you! What do you think of the new card design? What changes are you hoping to see in the Platinum refresh? Let me know in the comments below!