Why It Makes Sense To Apply for the Amex Platinum Before 2026

This past year witnessed the biggest card refresh ever for the iconic Platinum Card^® from American Express. The annual fee, which increased from $695 to $895 (rates & fees), means it’s officially the most expensive publicly available travel rewards card.

Many travelers — including myself — can now wholeheartedly agree that the benefits are worth the new yearly cost, as nothing was taken away from the card’s core perks. Instead, American Express packed in even more value pertaining to travel, dining, lifestyle, and more.

But here’s the bigger secret: When you apply for the card initially matters just as much as utilizing the benefits of the card on an ongoing basis. By strategically applying before 2025 ends, it’s possible to get twice the value on some of the card’s perks to bring home even more value during your first year of card membership.

Let’s explain how this maximization strategy works.

Earn Double the Statement Credits

Even though I usually use my Amex Platinum card for flights and big purchases to rack up rewards, truthfully, I think of it as more of a membership card. It’s packed with so many statement credits (many require prior enrollment) that it feels like a benefits package more than a typical rewards card.

The Amex Platinum card is certainly not the right fit for every traveler, but for those who can take advantage of its perks, the value quickly becomes clear. New cardmembers should take the time to review the terms and conditions for each statement credit to make the most of the benefits. For starters, the value of these credits doesn’t roll over, and the shelf life of each credit varies, ranging from annual to quarterly to monthly benefits.

By targeting the Amex Platinum card’s statement credits that reset on a calendar or quarterly basis, applying toward the end of the year can effectively double your value. You can use the available credits before 2025 wraps up and then enjoy a new set starting January 1, 2026 to help offset the $895 annual fee:

• Prepaid hotel credit for Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts Bookings or The Hotel Collection: You get a total value of up to $600 annually — up to $300 that can be used semiannually. The Hotel Collection requires a 2-night minimum stay.
• Resy dining credit: This is a total value of up to $400 annually — up to $100 that can be used quarterly. Enrollment is required.
• lululemon credit: This is a total value of up to $300 annually — up to $75 that can be used quarterly. Enrollment is required.
• Airline incidental fee credit: Get up to $200 annually for 1 qualifying airline of your choice for baggage fees, seat assignments, and other eligible charges. Enrollment is required.
• Saks Fifth Avenue credit: You get a total value of up to $100 annually — up to $50 that can be used semiannually. Enrollment is required.
• Oura Ring credit: Get up to $200 annually when you purchase an Oura Ring at ouraring.com each calendar year. Enrollment is required.

It’s possible to utilize up to $925 in value from these 6 statement credits by the end of 2025, and for the entirety of 2026, you can get up to $1,800 in value. Within the first year of card membership, that translates into potentially up to $2,725 worth of statement credits (if you use all the ones above!).

1. Prepaid Hotel Credit

With the latest card refresh, Amex increased the value of this luxury hotel credit from up to $200 annually to up to $600 annually. You receive up to $300 in statement credits for eligible prepaid properties from January to June followed by additional statement credits of up to $300 from July to December.

You must book properties with Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection with your Amex Platinum card — no enrollment required. Bookings through The Hotel Collection require a 2-night stay, while Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings can be for just 1 night, which is why I prefer the latter.

Amex FHR guests can also receive complimentary room upgrades (upon availability), breakfast for 2, an on-property credit valued at $100, early check-in, and 4 p.m. late checkout.

Of course, finding a hotel participating in the program charging around $300 for the nightly room rate is the sweet spot. If you’re a frequent traveler, you should have no problem taking advantage of this prepaid hotel credit. By being strategic, you can easily score a 1-night stay worth up to $300 before 2025 ends. You can replicate this strategy in 2026 to receive the total, up to $600 in value.

2. Resy Credit

Resy is one of my absolute favorite platforms for securing restaurant reservations. And with the new $400 Resy credit (enrollment required), Amex Platinum cardholders can get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when they pay with the card at over 10,000 U.S. Resy restaurants on the Resy platform.

However, you don’t necessarily need to book your reservation on Resy for this credit to apply (though securing a set time is a bonus!). As a frequent traveler, I love to browse the various restaurants on the Resy app (iOS, Android) to know how I can utilize my quarterly credit.

Since we’re in the final quarter of 2025, you have up to $100 in value to use before the year ends. Then, starting 2026, you’re eligible for up to $400 in Resy credits throughout each quarter.

3. lululemon Credit

Shopping at lululemon has been on my rotation for well over a decade as someone who is very active. Every quarter, you can receive up to $75 in statement credits at U.S. lululemon stores and online (excluding outlet locations, enrollment is required).

If you don’t shop at lululemon for yourself, know that many of their products make fantastic gifts for the holidays. As a new Amex Platinum cardmember, you’d have up to $75 in value to use before December 31, 2025. Then, starting each quarter in 2026, the credits reset.

4. Airline Incidental Fee Credit

I love the airline incidental fee credit on my Amex Platinum card, which provides up to $200 per year in reimbursements for eligible fees charged by an airline that you select. After enrolling and choosing your preferred airline in your Amex account annually, you can receive reimbursement for expenses such as seat selection fees, lounge day passes, and checked bag fees.

Applying right before the year ends gives you the full value of up to $200 you can use toward incidental fees on the airline of your choice. Then you’ll have brand new statement credits loaded to your account on January 1, 2026.

5. Saks Fifth Avenue Credit

If you truly want to maximize the Amex Platinum card, the semiannual Saks Fifth Avenue credit (enrollment required) is also worth mentioning. It offers up to $50 in statement credits twice per year, adding extra value to your Amex Platinum card from the start.

I like to use this credit for a small holiday gift or a little self-care purchase, especially when browsing the makeup and beauty section.

6. Oura Ring Credit

Like the Saks Fifth Avenue credit, this perk doesn’t appeal to everyone but it could be valuable for the right cardholder. You receive up to $200 in annual statement credits for purchases made directly through the Oura Ring website, where rings start around $349. Enrollment is required.

It could even make a great holiday gift, especially since new cardmembers can use their $200 credit before the end of 2025 and then earn another in 2026.

Get a Limited-Time Mirror Platinum Card

There’s simply no denying that the Amex Platinum card is already one of the most elegant designs out there — but the 2025 version takes it up a notch. Since its launch in September 2025, both new and existing cardmembers have been able to request the limited-edition mirror finish.

As a cardholder myself, I can confirm the mirror design is more than just a name. It genuinely works as a mirror in a pinch.

It’s easily one of my favorite Amex designs of the past decade. Just know that this limited-edition version is only available while supplies last, so don’t wait too long if you want to grab it.

Score as High as a 175K Welcome Bonus Offer

Eligible new applicants can score a massive welcome bonus offer, which requires you to meet the minimum spend requirements during the initial window:

• Apply and find out if you're eligible for as high as 175,000 points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases in the first 6 months. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

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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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Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

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 spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

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

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $3,850

Annual Fee

$895

APR

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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

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 $8,000 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.
• More Value! 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.
• More Value! $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.
• More Value! $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $25 in statement credits each month after you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card^® at participating partners. Enrollment required.
• More Value! $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.
• New! $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: When you use the Platinum Card^® to pay at U.S. Resy restaurants and to make other eligible purchases through Resy, you can get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter with the $400 Resy Credit benefit. 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, enrollment required.
• More Value! $209 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with the 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 upon arrival, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
• New! $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.
• $100 Saks Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com on the Platinum Card^®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December. No minimum purchase required. Enrollment required.
• 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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American Express Membership Rewards

This variable, as high as 175,000-bonus point welcome offer means the exact number of points you qualify for will be revealed after you submit your application and upon approval. Another key benefit of this is that approved applicants will now be able to see their welcome offer without any credit score impact. Only if you decide to open the new card will a hard inquiry then take effect.

Other Amex Platinum card benefits include:

• 5x points on airfare purchased directly with the airline or through AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per calendar year, then 1x), 5x points on prepaid hotels purchased through AmexTravel.com, 1x points on other purchases
• Access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection: Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (upon enrollment), 10 visits a year to Delta Sky Clubs (when traveling on same-day Delta flights, plus ability to unlock unlimited visits), and more
• Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite, and Leaders Club Sterling status upon enrollment
• Complimentary elite status and benefits at Avis, Hertz, and National upon enrollment
• Travel insurance benefits
• Other meaningful credits for CLEAR^® Plus, your choice of Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, select digital entertainment services, and many more

There are many people who would never consider paying an $895 annual fee, but for those who are frequently traveling and prefer luxury benefits, the Amex Platinum card is a clear winner.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 refresh of the Amex Platinum card means it now comes loaded with even more statement credits than ever before. If you’ve been considering this card for a while, applying before the year ends can be a great way to maximize this card so you can double-dip in some of these benefits and take home a tremendous amount of value.