Amex Platinum Card Lounge Access Change History: 2013 to 2026

The Platinum Card^® from American Express is unmatched in 1 major arena: airport lounge access. With more than 30 Centurion Lounges and entry to over 1,550 locations across multiple networks worldwide, no other product has ever come close to being the best lounge access card.

That said, it can be difficult to keep track of lounge access rules, from guest policies to entry timing restrictions. These policies, implemented over time, aim to address overcrowding and improve the guest experience.

So, where do things stand with the Amex Platinum card in 2026? In this guide, we break down the previous rules and compare them with today’s policies.

Amex Platinum Card Lounge Access Change History

The first American Express Centurion Lounge opened at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in March 2013. At the time, the lounge was considered innovative for its complimentary food and drinks, comfortable seating, and elevated experience — a noticeable step above traditional airport lounges, which didn’t have nearly the same reputation.

Since then, the network has grown to nearly 3 dozen locations, helping fuel a broader boom in bigger and better airport lounges across the country.

Lounge access rules from 13 years ago still apply today. Centurion Lounges are free to enter if you have the invite-only Centurion Card^® from American Express, the Amex Platinum card, or its business counterpart, The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express.

However, other rules have changed over time, and we’ve documented the main changes since 2013.

March 2013 to March 2014

When American Express opened its first Centurion Lounge in 2013, complimentary entry was granted to the primary cardholder with a same-day boarding pass for any airline, provided the cardholder had a valid government-issued ID.

Back then, cardholders could bring in their spouse or domestic partner and children under 18, or 2 traveling companions as complimentary guests.

This made Centurion Lounges incredibly popular, as access wasn’t tied to a specific airline. Even travelers flying Spirit Airlines could enter the lounge — something that felt like a novel concept at the time.

Cardmembers could also add up to 3 authorized users for a flat annual fee of $175, each with their own lounge access. As you can imagine, this significantly expanded the number of people eligible to enter Centurion Lounges over time.

The Amex Platinum card also unlocked access to other lounge networks, including Priority Pass (upon enrollment), as well as unlimited visits to Delta Sky Club, American Airlines Admirals Club, and US Airways Club lounges. However, entry to these airline-operated lounges required a same-day ticket on the respective airline.

March 2014 to June 2015

After American Airlines and US Airways announced their merger in February 2014, Amex Platinum cardmembers lost access to both the Admirals Club and US Airways Club networks the following month in March 2014.

June 2015 to March 2017

The Plaza Premium network was added to the American Express Global Lounge Collection in June 2015, further expanding access.

March 2017 to March 2019

The Amex Platinum card saw guest enhancements for Priority Pass lounges specifically in 2017. Cardholders could enroll in a more comprehensive Priority Pass Select membership, which allowed them to bring up to 2 guests into Priority Pass lounges at no additional cost — a welcome improvement.

At the same time, complimentary guest access was significantly cut back to 2 guests per cardmember, regardless of family size. Previously, larger families could bring children under 18 into the lounge, but the updated policy strictly capped guest access at 2 people.

Moreover, in 2019, American Express removed the ability to use your Priority Pass membership for non-lounge experiences, such as Priority Pass restaurants, nap rooms, spas, and other similar experiences.

March 2019 to April 2021

By 2019, airport lounges had surged in popularity, with nearly a dozen Centurion Lounge locations open at major U.S. airports. As overcrowding began to emerge, American Express introduced its 3-hour entry rule — a policy that still exists today.

Under this rule, cardmembers could only enter the lounge within 3 hours of their scheduled departure. However, this restriction did not apply to connecting passengers, provided they could further prove that they were on a layover.

In March 2019, American Express slightly revised its guest policy. Children under 2 years old no longer counted toward the 2-guest limit, as long as they had a lap infant boarding pass or proof of age.

Finally, American Express removed “non-lounge experiences” like restaurants and spas from Priority Pass access on August 1, 2019, limiting access to airport lounges only. Afterward, other issuers followed suit by adding similar limitations to their Priority Pass memberships.

April 2021 to February 2023

On April 9, 2021, American Express announced major changes to lounge access as part of a broader refresh of the Amex Platinum card, including an annual fee increase. The updates included the end of complimentary guest access, though Amex gave cardmembers nearly 2 years’ notice before the policy officially took effect on February 1, 2023.

February 2023 to August 2023

As COVID-19 restrictions faded, travel returned stronger than ever. Demand for premium cards and high-end travel experiences surged as travelers were once again willing to spend. At the same time, airport lounges — particularly Centurion Lounges — became increasingly overcrowded.

On February 1, 2023, Amex Platinum cardmembers lost complimentary guest access. From that point forward, guests were charged $50 per adult or $30 per child ages 2 to 17.

To restore complimentary guest privileges, cardholders had to spend at least $75,000 on their card within a calendar year, unlocking the benefit for the remainder of that year.

August 2023 to January 2024

Easy access to airport lounges became more limited in August 2023. Up until this point, adding authorized users to the Amex Platinum card was popular, since it cost only $175 for up to 3 additional cards. Best of all, these cardholders received lounge access without the primary cardholder needing to be present.

In August 2023, the fees for additional Platinum cards were significantly increased to $195 per card (rates & fees). The change was designed to reduce the number of cardholders with lounge access by making it more expensive.

January 2024 to February 2025

While Centurion Lounges remain the most popular benefit for cardholders, Delta Sky Club access has always been another major perk. Although entry has always required flying on a Delta-operated flight, unlimited access made the benefit especially valuable alongside Centurion Lounge access.

That changed on January 1, 2024, when cardholders lost access to the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a basic economy ticket. The restriction was part of a broader lounge access update from Delta, but it marked the start of tighter rules for Amex Platinum cardholders within the Delta lounge network.

February 2025 to July 8, 2026

Delta Sky Club access became even more restricted when Amex limited cardholders to just 10 complimentary visits per calendar year. The same requirements still applied: Cardmembers must be flying on a Delta-operated flight and cannot be traveling on a basic economy ticket.

Similar to the guest access policy, cardholders can restore unlimited Delta Sky Club visits by spending $75,000 on the card within a calendar year.

Hot Tip:

Amex launched digital waitlists and wait times for lounges in its new AmexTravel.com app (iOS, Android).

Current Policies in 2026

More changes are on the way. American Express announced additional lounge access updates at the beginning of this year that will take effect on July 8, 2026.

Guests must be traveling with the cardholder on the same flight to enter the Centurion Lounge. In addition, layover access is also being tightened to 5 hours. Previously, connecting passengers were exempt from the infamous 3-hour entry rule. Under the new policy, connecting passengers can only enter a Centurion Lounge within 5 hours of their departing flight.

There’s also a small expansion to the Lufthansa Lounge network worth noting. As of February 2026, American Express and Lufthansa broadened access to include passengers flying in any cabin on Lufthansa Group airlines, including Air Dolomiti, Discover Airlines, Edelweiss Air, and Eurowings. Here’s how it works:

• Lufthansa Business Class Lounges (entry tier): Eligible American Express cardmembers flying economy with any Lufthansa Group carrier
• Lufthansa Senator Lounges (middle tier): Eligible American Express cardmembers flying business class with any Lufthansa Group carrier
• Lufthansa First Class lounges (top tier): Centurion cardmembers flying any cabin class with any Lufthansa Group carrier

Amex Platinum Card Lounge Access

Let’s review the lounges you can enter right now with the Amex Platinum card or the Amex Business Platinum card within the Global Lounge Collection:

• U.S. and international Centurion Lounges, including the new Sidecar lounge
• 10 visits a year to Delta Sky Club (when flying Delta same-day, plus the ability to unlock unlimited visits after spending $75,000 on purchases in a calendar year)
• Aspire Lounges
• Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner
• Select Lufthansa Lounges (when flying Lufthansa same-day)
• Plaza Premium Lounges
• Priority Pass lounges (upon enrollment)
• Select Virgin Clubhouses

BEST LOUNGE CARD

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Platinum Card^® from American Express

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The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

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Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted. 

As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $3,850

Annual Fee

$895

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than the Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,550 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
• Annual and monthly statement credits upon enrollment (airline credit, Uber Cash and Uber One, Resy, Saks Fifth Avenue credit, lululemon credit, streaming credit, prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, Walmart+ credit, CLEAR+ credit, and Equinox credit)
• TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
• Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts and Amex International Airline Program
• Access to Amex transfer partners
• No foreign transaction fees (rates and fees)

 

Cons

• $895 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

 

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Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards^® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel^®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts^® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel^® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
• With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection^®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club^® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges.* As of 07/2025.
• $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card^® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card^® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
• $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card^® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
• $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel^® using the Platinum Card^®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card^® to make eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card^®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you.
• $209 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card^®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card^® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
• Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts^® through American Express Travel^®, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
• $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card^® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card^®.* Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
• Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
• $895 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Hot Tip: Apply and find out if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of as high as 175,000 points with the Amex Platinum. Welcome offers may vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

 

ELEVATED WELCOME OFFER

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The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Welcome Offer

Earn 150,000 200,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.

150,000 200,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $4,400

Annual Fee

$895

APR

17.74% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Amex Business Platinum Card is a premium travel rewards card tailored for business owners who are frequent travelers with high annual expenses.

When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers, like the best airport lounge access at over 1,550 lounges and numerous annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Earn 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on eligible travel purchases like flights, prepaid hotels, and prepaid short-term rentals booked through AmexTravel.com
• Access to over 1,550 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
• Earn 2x Membership Rewards points on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (on up to $2 million per calendar year)

Cons

• High annual fee of $895 (rates & fees)
• Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags

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Card Highlights

• Elevated Welcome Offer: Earn 200,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Business Platinum Card^® within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection^® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,550 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card company on the market as of 07/2025.
• See how you can unlock over $3,500 in business and travel value annually after meeting qualifying spend thresholds on the Business Platinum Card. Terms apply.
• Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually for up to a total of $600 in statement credits per calendar year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using the Business Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• No Preset Spending Limit: The spending limit on the Business Platinum Card is flexible, so unlike a traditional credit card with a set limit, the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment and credit history.
• Make the Business Platinum Card^® work even harder for you. Hilton for Business members get up to $200 back per calendar year when you make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties across the globe. Gift cards are not an eligible purchase. Benefit enrollment required.
• Fly like a pro with a $200 Airline Fee Credit. Select one qualifying airline to receive up to $200 back per year on baggage fees and other incidentals.
• Use the Business Platinum Card and get up to $209 back per calendar year on your CLEAR^® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal).
• Maximize your time away with Fine Hotels + Resorts through Amex Travel™.
• Enroll and get up to $150 in statement credits on U.S purchases directly with Dell Technologies on the Business Platinum Card and an additional $1,000 statement credit after you spend $5,000 or more on that same Card per calendar year.
• Enroll and get a $250 statement credit after you spend $600 or more on U.S. purchases directly with Adobe per calendar year on the Business Platinum Card.
• Get up to $90 in statement credits quarterly for purchases with Indeed on the Business Platinum Card. That’s up to $360 back per year. Enrollment required.
• Get up to $10 in statement credits per month for wireless telephone service purchases made directly with a wireless provider in the U.S. on the Business Platinum Card. That’s up to $120 back per year. Enrollment required.
• Enhanced! 2X points on purchases at U.S. construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more, up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
• 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com
• 1X points on other eligible purchases
• $895 Annual Fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 17.74% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 250,000 points with the Amex Business Platinum card. The current public offer is 150,000 200,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

Final Thoughts

While the Amex Platinum card still offers one of the most comprehensive lounge access portfolios available today, the rules have clearly tightened over time. What started as a relatively generous benefit — with free guests, unlimited lounge visits, and fewer restrictions — has gradually become more structured as demand for airport lounges has surged.

The Amex Platinum card and the Amex Business Platinum card aren’t the only products that have seen changes. Other premium cards have also adjusted their lounge access policies over time. The shifts may simply feel more noticeable with the Platinum cards, given their long-standing reputation as the flagship cards for airport lounge access.