American Express Platinum Now $895 Per Year

[Burgerwars]

I couldn't justify the old fee. Instead of spending time trying to figure out some statement credits, I'm capable of booking an air and hotel vacation for less than that. 

 

https://www.cnbc.com/select/amex-platinum-card-2025-changes

 

[MP80]

Currently, American Express (AmEx) charges an annual fee on its Charge Card. This is company policy, and since the Charge Card was introduced in the 1950s, annual fees have been in place indefinitely. The annual fee associated with the AmEx Charge Card is mandatory and will be charged in perpetuity, representing revenue.

 

Getting a "Charge Card" is a psychological recognition. The NPSL identity, the iconic design, the "Sign & Travel" peripheral POT account, and the memorable historical advertising slogan on TV, all of these things have left a mark on people's minds for more than 60 years. Except for the American Express "Charge Card", no other credit card can have such a strong impact on people. Some people are willing to pay a significant amount to get a "Charge Card", even though some people have been waiting on the blacklist since the mid-1990s, and American Express has loosened and relaxed the restrictions and let them rejoin due to the high annual fee revenue.

I believe that in today's digital world, with the continuous advancement of credit, there's absolutely no reason to justify any credit card that charges an annual fee of $895. 

[Flyingifr]

On 9/19/2025 at 9:04 AM, Burgerwars said:

I couldn't justify the old fee. Instead of spending time trying to figure out some statement credits, I'm capable of booking an air and hotel vacation for less than that. 

 

https://www.cnbc.com/select/amex-platinum-card-2025-changes

 

I pay an AF of $295 for my Amex Delta card, but I use it for an annual  Companion Fare that would cost me at least $500, probably more. As long as the benefits you get exceed the AF, don't be afraid of the AF.

[Kat58]

@IndyPoolPlayer What say you?

 

[cv91915]

Even at the higher price, it's a much better coupon book than it was before.

 

I was able to Hoover up the 3Q Resy credit before it evaporated, but the only place to conveniently burn the whole hundred on lunch with short notice was Rodizio, the Arby's of churrasco.

[get.randy]

I went to a restaurant we like and bought a gift card on 9/29 and got the credit same day.

[TheVig]

I dumped my Platinum a long time ago. But thanks to my recent CSR approval (did it for the SUB), I enjoyed my $795 breakfast of rehydrated eggs and sausage made from turkey parts at the Club Lounge at CLT last Saturday.........sarcasm

 

[muso]

It's weird to me how AmEx presents the Platinum Card as an elite card for world travelers.  It's really just a coupon book.  There's a points bonus for airfare, and that's it (unless you want to book through their travel agency then you get their list of hotels).

 

The Green Card is a much better travel card.  I'll take 3 points on everything even remotely connected to travel - including parking meters! - over 5 just for airfare*.  I suppose there's the Centurion Lounge access but I fly First or Business so I get the airline's lounge with my ticket.  And I don't have any "incidentals" with those tickets so the $200, one-airline incidentals credit is useless.  

 

I dumped my Platinum for the Green a couple of years ago and I don't miss it.  

 

*Edit:  Hotels and airfare have to be booked through AmEx.  Everything else travel like taxis, train tickets and transit (important in Europe) can be direct.  The Clear credit of $219 more than covers the $150AF and that is one thing I definitely use!

Edited Saturday at 08:52 PM by muso

[ShawnPY1972]

On 9/19/2025 at 9:07 PM, MP80 said:

Currently, American Express (AmEx) charges an annual fee on its Charge Card. This is company policy, and since the Charge Card was introduced in the 1950s, annual fees have been in place indefinitely. The annual fee associated with the AmEx Charge Card is mandatory and will be charged in perpetuity, representing revenue.

 

Getting a "Charge Card" is a psychological recognition. The NPSL identity, the iconic design, the "Sign & Travel" peripheral POT account, and the memorable historical advertising slogan on TV, all of these things have left a mark on people's minds for more than 60 years. Except for the American Express "Charge Card", no other credit card can have such a strong impact on people. Some people are willing to pay a significant amount to get a "Charge Card", even though some people have been waiting on the blacklist since the mid-1990s, and American Express has loosened and relaxed the restrictions and let them rejoin due to the high annual fee revenue.

I believe that in today's digital world, with the continuous advancement of credit, there's absolutely no reason to justify any credit card that charges an annual fee of $895. 

 

I had this card many many years ago and at the time it was well worth it for me to pay the $350 annual fee as I saved a lot of money when I was traveling.  I was under 25 years of age and I rented a lot of cars and I saved significant money renting cars through Hertz.  I have several American Express cards now but not through American Express.  

 

I have more than $100,000 in American Express credit lines and I pay no annual fees.

Edited Saturday at 11:55 PM by ShawnPY1972

[MP80]

9 hours ago, ShawnPY1972 said:

 

I had this card many many years ago and at the time it was well worth it for me to pay the $350 annual fee as I saved a lot of money when I was traveling.  I was under 25 years of age and I rented a lot of cars and I saved significant money renting cars through Hertz.  I have several American Express cards now but not through American Express.  

 

I have more than $100,000 in American Express credit lines and I pay no annual fees.

I’m really happy you secured a $100,000 credit limit with AmEx. Reading your description, I’m a bit puzzled: you currently hold several AmEx cards—though it seems you didn't obtain them directly through AmEx channels—and you have over $100,000 in total credit across them, all without paying an annual fee.

 

I used to have the AmEx Platinum Card; I recall the annual fee was $395 back then, while the Gold Card was $75 and the personal Green Card was $55.

 

Currently, I only hold the Classic Green Card, the BCE card, and the BCE Magnet card, with a combined credit limit of $60,000. I’ve said many times that if AmEx revamps the Classic Green Card and significantly raises the annual fee (to over $200), that would be a deal-breaker for me; at that point, I’d have to part ways with the card reluctantly.

[ShawnPY1972]

12 hours ago, MP80 said:

I’m really happy you secured a $100,000 credit limit with AmEx. Reading your description, I’m a bit puzzled: you currently hold several AmEx cards—though it seems you didn't obtain them directly through AmEx channels—and you have over $100,000 in total credit across them, all without paying an annual fee.

 

I used to have the AmEx Platinum Card; I recall the annual fee was $395 back then, while the Gold Card was $75 and the personal Green Card was $55.

 

Currently, I only hold the Classic Green Card, the BCE card, and the BCE Magnet card, with a combined credit limit of $60,000. I’ve said many times that if AmEx revamps the Classic Green Card and significantly raises the annual fee (to over $200), that would be a deal-breaker for me; at that point, I’d have to part ways with the card reluctantly.

 

I tried to apply for the regular American Express card but they keep wanting my tax returns just to do a pre-approval.

 

I have an American Express card with both Macy's and Bloomingdales with $30,000 each.  I have the raktuken, fetch and coin base one card totaling $40,000.  

 

I'm okay not having a regular American Express card. I have all the credit that I need.  I've come a very long way from where I was 20 years ago.  I'm a much different person now. I carry very little debt.

[MP80]

10 hours ago, ShawnPY1972 said:

 

I tried to apply for the regular American Express card but they keep wanting my tax returns just to do a pre-approval.

 

I'm okay not having a regular American Express card. I have all the credit that I need.  I've come a very long way from where I was 20 years ago.  I'm a much different person now. I carry very little debt.

Being asked to provide bank account details as early as the pre-approval stage is certainly disappointing. This usually indicates that your credit report contains factors that trigger an automated system alert, or it may stem from your past relationship with American Express; regardless of the reason, it suggests the application process may not be entirely smooth sailing.

 

Looking at the broader credit landscape, many banks and credit unions are currently tightening risk controls and scrutinizing applicants' income and assets more rigorously. However, American Express is particularly aggressive in this regard, often requiring tax records and bank account information when processing new applications or requests for credit limit increases.

It is certainly good if your current financial situation is sound, but you must curb debt growth—the sooner you pay it off, the better. Without vigilant monitoring, much like a hawk keeping a sharp eye on its prey, debt can easily spiral out of control. Many intelligent people have stumbled precisely on this point.

[ShawnPY1972]

16 hours ago, MP80 said:

Being asked to provide bank account details as early as the pre-approval stage is certainly disappointing. This usually indicates that your credit report contains factors that trigger an automated system alert, or it may stem from your past relationship with American Express; regardless of the reason, it suggests the application process may not be entirely smooth sailing.

 

Looking at the broader credit landscape, many banks and credit unions are currently tightening risk controls and scrutinizing applicants' income and assets more rigorously. However, American Express is particularly aggressive in this regard, often requiring tax records and bank account information when processing new applications or requests for credit limit increases.

It is certainly good if your current financial situation is sound, but you must curb debt growth—the sooner you pay it off, the better. Without vigilant monitoring, much like a hawk keeping a sharp eye on its prey, debt can easily spiral out of control. Many intelligent people have stumbled precisely on this point.

 

I have 800 scores and less than $10,000 in debt.  I have money in the bank, bills are paid and I know if my car breaks down that I can afford to get it fixed.

 

Amex told me the reason they were scrutinizing my pre-approval was because I had several applications in a short time.  I was having trouble one night because I had my credit report Frozen and I thought I had removed the freeze and submitted a few applications by accident with my report Frozen.  I figure I'll wait a few years and at that time I might try again.  I honestly don't need the card. It's more for status.  😊