Unboxing the Dazzling New Amex Platinum!
Hey Points Peeps! Phillip here, and you know I wouldn't leave you hanging when there's something shiny and new to talk about. Today, we're diving headfirst into the mirror-plated American Express Platinum card. And get this – it's so exclusive, I had to borrow one from a friend! Let's unbox this beauty and break down everything you need to know.
First Impressions: This Card is WILD!
Alright, the moment of truth! Okay, first off, this thing is HEAVY. Seriously, it feels like I'm holding a tiny, luxurious brick. The mirror finish is insane. It's like a dark, reflective pool – you can literally see your reflection in it. I can practically see my own eyebrows!
Compared to the classic Platinum, this one just screams, "LOOK AT ME!" It's bold, it's flashy, and yeah, it’s probably a fingerprint magnet. But man, is it cool.
I'm still waiting for mine to arrive in the mail (hopefully before my next trip!), but seeing it in person, I’m definitely intrigued.
Side-by-side comparison thoughts: The classic black has a timeless feel, and I love the white lettering on the back. The mirrored version? It's a statement piece. I'm torn! I'm not sure if I'll keep it long-term, but for now, it's definitely a conversation starter.
How to Snag the Mirror Finish Card
Already a Platinum cardholder? Getting this dazzling new design is pretty simple. Just hop into your Amex app, go to "Replace Card," and select the mirror finish option. Easy peasy! Word on the street is there may be a slight delay in shipping, mine's slated to arrive around October 3rd.
The Platinum Card Deets: What You Need to Know
Okay, let's get down to brass tacks. The Amex Platinum ain't cheap. The annual fee is now $895. Ouch! Authorized users will run you $195 a year each. But before you run screaming, let's talk about the perks. Amex claims you can squeeze out $3,500 in value from this card. Let's see if that math checks out, shall we?
The Earning Potential:
5x points on airfare (booked directly or through Amex Travel)
5x points on prepaid hotels through Amex Travel
1x point on everything else (not ideal, tbh)
Honestly, the real reason to hold this card is for the experience.
Lounge Access GALORE:
Centurion Lounges + Centurion Sidecar Lounges (new!)
Priority Pass
Delta Sky Club (10 day passes per year – HUGE!)
Lufthansa Lounges (when flying Lufthansa)
Escape Lounges
Sapphire Lounge (via Priority Pass, limited access)
That Delta Sky Club access is clutch. You can even use a single "day pass" for connecting flights. Land in JFK with a connection in Atlanta? Hit up both Sky Clubs and it still counts as one day.
Now, for the Coupon Book (aka, Credits):
This is where things get interesting, and where you really need to do the math to see if this card is worth it for you.
$600 Hotel Credit: $300 every 6 months for Fine Hotels + Resorts or Hotel Collection bookings. Pro-tip: Split a longer stay across the two 6-month periods to maximize this. Hello, staycation at the Conrad Orlando!
$200 Uber Cash: Standard, but stackable with other Amex cards.
$120 Uber One Credit: New!
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Same as before.
Clear Plus Credit: Stays the same!
$400 Resy Credit: $100 per quarter – date night, here we come!
$300 Digital Entertainment Credit: $25/month towards streaming services. YES! This now includes Disney+, Hulu, Peacock, NYT, WSJ, Paramount+, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV.
Global Dining Access with Resy: Amazing for snagging those hard-to-get reservations.
Shopping Credits (Because Why Not?):
Walmart+ Credit: Still going strong!
$300 Lululemon Credit: $75/quarter.
$100 Tax Credit: $50 every 6 months.
$200 Aura Ring Credit:
$300 Equinox Credit: (I don’t really value this one, so we won't dwell on it.)
Don't Forget to Sign Up for the Points Playbook!
Before we dive any deeper into credit card rewards, I want to invite you to sign up for my newsletter, the Points Playbook! Every Friday, I deliver the latest updates, credit card offers, and personal finance tips straight to your inbox. It's the perfect way to stay ahead of the game and maximize your rewards.
Final Verdict: Mirror, Mirror, On the Card…
So, what do I think of the new mirror-plated Amex Platinum? It's definitely a head-turner. It's bold, it's flashy, and it's sure to spark conversations. Whether it's a long-term keeper or just a temporary fling remains to be seen.
Now, I want to hear from you! What do you think of the new design? Would you rock this mirrored card, or stick with the classic black? Let me know in the comments below!
Until next time, keep racking up those points!