How to Prepare for the New American Express Platinum Card Refresh
Hey friends — Phillip here from Points with Phillip!
There’s been a lot of buzz lately about the upcoming refresh of the American Express Platinum Card, and I’ve had a ton of people ask: “What should I be doing to prepare?”
So in this post, I’m going to walk you through:
What we know about the new Platinum,
What we can learn from Amex’s past card changes, and
What I personally would be doing right now to get ready.
Let’s dive in.
💳 What We Know So Far
Recently, a terms and conditions page leaked (and then quickly disappeared) showing a big change to the Platinum’s Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR) and Hotel Collection credit.
Currently: $200 annual credit
Coming September 18, 2025 (based on the leak): $600 annual credit, split into two $300 credits every six months
That’s a massive upgrade in value if you actually use FHR bookings — though it also raises a big question: Will Amex increase the annual fee?
Rumors suggest the fee could jump from the current $695 to $895, but nothing’s official yet.
🔄 What History Tells Us (The Gold Card Refresh)
To understand what might happen, we can look back at the Amex Gold Card refresh in 2024:
Annual fee increased from $250 → $325
New credits (Resy, Dunkin) kicked in mid-year
Cardholders got access to new perks immediately, even if they had only paid the old annual fee
That tells us there’s a good chance current Platinum cardholders will get the new benefits without paying the higher fee until renewal.
Translation: If you already hold the Platinum, you could double dip this fall. Use your $200 FHR credit now, then snag another $300 credit starting September 18.
📝 What I’d Do If I Didn’t Have the Platinum Yet
If I didn’t already have the Platinum, I’d strongly consider getting it now. Why?
The annual fee is still $695, and we know that’s the price today.
Come September, the fee could jump (likely to $895 or more).
Based on history, you’d probably still get access to the new $600 credit right away.
Yes, the signup bonus might increase when the refresh launches — but I wouldn’t expect it to skyrocket. Right now, targeted offers are as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards points after $8,000 spend. Could it go to 200,000? Sure. But the spending requirement could also climb to $10,000 or more.
For me, locking in a strong bonus and the lower annual fee would outweigh waiting.
Maximizing Credits Before September 18
If you already hold the Platinum, here’s how I’d prepare before the refresh date:
FHR/Hotel Credit ($200 now, $300 coming in Sept): Use it now so you don’t lose out. Book prepaid stays for later if you need to.
Airline Fee Credit ($200): Use it ASAP — load up a United Travel Bank, book Delta extras, whatever works for you. This credit could disappear.
Saks Credit ($50 Jan–Jun, $50 Jul–Dec): The Saks credit may vanish after the refresh. If you value it, make sure to use it before Sept.
Monthly Credits (Uber, Digital Entertainment, Clear, etc.): These are harder to “prepay” since they’re monthly, but keep an eye out in case Amex shifts or removes any.
Think of it like clearing the table before a big meal — use what you’ve got now so you’re ready to enjoy the new benefits later.
📌 Final Thoughts
Here’s the bottom line:
If you already have the Platinum: Double dip! Use your credits now and prepare for the refresh in September.
If you don’t have the Platinum yet: Consider getting it before the annual fee goes up. The current bonuses are already strong, and history suggests you’ll still get the new benefits even at today’s fee.
We don’t know all the details yet, but Amex’s playbook with the Gold Card gives us some pretty good clues.
Until then — use your credits, plan ahead, and get ready for what could be a very rewarding fall.