Amex just refreshed its Platinum card with new perks — but the annual fee now jumps to $895. Is it still worth it for UK users?
A Price Hike That Turns Heads
Would you pay nearly £730 a year for a credit card? That’s the new cost of the refreshed American Express Platinum, which just increased its annual fee from $695 to $895. The update is making headlines because Amex promises over $3,500 in perks — but most cardholders rarely use them all.
What’s Changing in 2025
The refresh adds juicy extras:
- £315 dining credits via Resy (Amex-owned restaurant booking app).
- £475 in hotel credits, split into two instalments.
- Monthly Uber and Lululemon credits.
Sounds generous, but the catch is complexity. Benefits are scattered across apps, months, and brands — meaning unless you track every perk, you’ll leave money on the table.
Why It Matters for the UK
UK Platinum members already pay £650 annually, and history suggests local fees could rise soon. With living costs already biting, many Brits will wonder: do they really need a card that demands spreadsheet-level organisation just to break even? Experts note that rival cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve and Capital One Venture X keep fees lower while still offering lounge access and travel rewards.
Final Word
The refreshed Amex Platinum certainly makes a statement — pricier than ever, but stacked with perks. The question is: will UK cardholders embrace the complexity, or switch to simpler (and cheaper) rivals? Would you still keep it in your wallet?