The Thrifty Traveler Podcast The New Amex Platinum Card: The Good, The Bad & The Oura Ring
Sep 18, 2025
Nick Cerati, co-founder of Thrifty Traveler and a savvy expert on points and miles, joins the discussion on the revamped Amex Platinum Card. They dissect its shiny new features, including the hefty $895 annual fee and various credits like the $600 hotel benefit and $300 for Lululemon. The team explores whether these perks justify the cost, shares essential tips to maximize value, and debates the best points transfer options. Plus, find out if the Platinum card is a worthy choice for travelers!
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Platinum Pivot: More Perks, Higher Fee
- American Express kept legacy Platinum credits and added many new lifestyle perks, shifting the card beyond pure travel focus.
- The annual fee rose to $895 but Amex compensated with more and varied statement credits to broaden appeal.
Lock In The Lower Renewal Rate
- If you already hold the Platinum card, your renewal through Dec 31 locks in the old $695 annual fee for one more year.
- Take advantage of that grace period and plan how you'll use new credits before the $895 fee starts on Jan 2.
Maximize The $600 Hotel Credit
- Use the new $600 hotel credit (up to $300 twice yearly) by booking with Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts or Hotel Collection through Amex Travel.
- Rebook existing FHR reservations to capture the new credit if useful.