Amex Significantly Increases the Cost of Platinum Card Authorized User Fees

A couple of years ago, Amex made wholesale changes to The Platinum Card^® from American Express, which included the addition of new credits and benefits as well as an increase to its annual fee.

Now, perhaps, comes the biggest change since that major 2021 revamp: Amex is increasing the cost of authorized user cards — and it’s not just a minor bump. In addition, there are some other nominal shifts to the card’s digital entertainment credit.

Here’s what you should know.

Amex Increases Authorized User Fee

Previously, Amex Platinum card primary account holders were charged $175 (rates & fees) for up to 3 additional users, then $175 for each card thereafter. However, with Amex’s update today, authorized user fees for additional Amex Platinum cards will jump to $195 per card.

Let’s do the math to determine what this means for those who have — or plan to have — authorized users on their accounts.

While it’s only a modest $20 bump for primary account holders with 1 authorized user, today’s change brings a massive fee increase for 3 additional Amex Platinum cards. For a cardholder with 3 users, you’d now be on the hook for $410 more in fees per year (a 230% increase).

Authorized Platinum cardmembers receive several of the same perks given to the primary cardholder, perhaps most importantly access to Amex’s Global Lounge Collection which includes the Centurion Lounge network, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying same day on Delta), and many more lounges.

In addition, authorized users get an application fee statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy Gold status upon enrollment, car rental perks (enrollment required), and access to the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts portfolio.

It’s important to note that authorized users do not receive their own credits that primary accounts receive like the airline fee credit, Uber Cash, digital entertainment credit, and others.

These changes are effective immediately for new Amex Platinum cardmembers and any new authorized users added to existing accounts. However, current card members will receive a notice 45 days notice before the effective date of the new fee for authorized users on their account.

Minor Digital Entertainment Credit Adjustment

Speaking of the digital entertainment credit, Amex is making a slight modification to this perk that was first introduced in 2021 for primary Amex Platinum cardmembers. The credit, given out in monthly $20 increments, is only valid on select subscription services.

Starting today, Amex is adding The Wall Street Journal as an eligible subscription service to receive the $20 monthly credit. And in October, Amex will remove Audible from the list of eligible brands. The full list of companies is below:

• Audible (ending in October)
• Disney+
• The Disney Bundle
• ESPN+
• Hulu
• Peacock
• The New York Times
• The Wall Street Journal

Final Thoughts

This authorized user fee increase on the Amex Platinum is a noteworthy change and one that negatively impacts those with additional cardmembers on their account.

However, on the other hand, this news from Amex likely stems from just how popular Centurion Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs have become in recent years. In that regard, this may help mitigate some of the crowds and lines that make for a less-than-stellar user experience in those spaces.