Why the Updated Amex Platinum Might Be the Best Card of October 2025

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The American Express Platinum Card® just got its biggest update in years -- and spoiler alert: It somehow got even more valuable.

Yes, Amex's flagship premium card now has an $895 annual fee (see rates and fees) -- $200 higher than before. But it also has a long list of new benefits that more than make up for the price hike, plus all the existing perks cardholders know and love.

Here's why we think the Platinum Card® might be the best card out there right now.

Almost $1,500 in new and expanded perks

First, the refreshed Platinum Card® added a handful of new perks and expanded some existing ones. You'll get:

  • $600 in annual hotel credits -- Increased from $200 a year. The card now offers up to $300 back twice a year on prepaid bookings through Amex Travel at Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection. Note that there's a two-night minimum stay for The Hotel Collection.
  • $400 in annual Resy credits -- A new addition. Users can get up to $100 back each quarter on dining at Resy restaurants in the U.S. (enrollment required).
  • $300 in annual lululemon credits -- Another new perk. Users can get up to $75 back per quarter on eligible purchases at lululemon in the U.S. (enrollment required).
  • $300 in annual digital entertainment credits -- An upgrade to an existing perk. You'll now get up to $25/month for eligible digital subscriptions when you pay with your Platinum Card®, up from $20/month (enrollment required). Services include Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu and The New York Times, plus a few new additions: Paramount+, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV.
  • A $209 annual CLEAR® Plus Credit -- This one's increased from $199 to cover the increased cost of CLEAR® Plus membership.
  • A $200 Oura Ring credit -- With this new perk, you can get up to $200 back each year when you buy an Oura Ring, the popular health-tracking accessory (enrollment required).
  • $120 in annual Uber One Credits -- The Platinum Card® can now cover the cost of Uber's premium membership, Uber One, which comes with discounted rides, $0 delivery fees with Uber Eats, and more. Terms apply. It's a nice pairing with the card's existing $200 in annual Uber Cash credits.
  • Terms apply; enrollment may be required

Add it all together, and you've got $1,490 in new or expanded perks, enough to cover the $200 annual fee increase seven times over.

Want to enjoy thousands of dollars in annual benefits? Read our full review of the Platinum Card® and apply today.

Everything else is staying the same

Here's another plus: All the current perks of the Platinum Card® (except the ones upgraded above) are staying as-is.

That means you'll still get:

  • $300 a year in Equinox credits
  • $200 a year in airline fee credits
  • $155 a year in annual Walmart+ credits
  • $100 a year in annual Saks Fifth Avenue credits
  • Access to over 1,550 airport lounges
  • Terms apply; enrollment may be required

Altogether, the Platinum Card® now offers over $3,500 in potential annual value.

Is the updated Platinum Card® right for you?

I get it -- an $895 annual fee might seem tough to swallow. But the Platinum Card® can actually be a huge value-add if:

  • You travel a lot: The $600 in hotel credits and $209 Clear® Plus credit nearly cover the card's annual fee by themselves. You'll also get 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel® up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel®. Terms apply; enrollment may be required.
  • You're a big spender: If you already spend a lot on things like streaming services, lululemon, Uber, and fine dining, the Platinum Card® can unlock serious value.

Remember that you only need to use a fraction of the Platinum Card®'s perks to justify the annual fee. The card offers over $3,500 in total annual value -- meaning if you use even a third of that, the Platinum Card® is very much worth it.

Ready to get started? Read our full review of the Platinum Card® to apply today.

Our Research Expert