AmEx Platinum Charge Card – New Features and Increased Fee

There have been many rumors floating around that the fee structure of the American Express Platinum Charge Card will soon undergo some changes. Today, emails were sent out regarding the same, informing everyone about the increased fees and new features. The joining/annual charges shall now be increased from ₹60,000 to ₹66,000; this is exclusive of taxes and shall be implemented from 8th October 2024. Apart from the fee, several other changes have been made to the features of the AmEx Platinum Charge Card. While many new features have been added, some old ones have been removed.

Updates to Existing Benefits

The annual card membership fee for the American Express Platinum Charge Card will increase from ₹60,000 to ₹66,000 + GST, effective 8 October 2024. Here are the other changes to the present features of the card.

• While add-on credit cardholders will still have unlimited access to The Centurion Lounges in New Delhi and Mumbai, they will no longer be able to bring in guests.
• The benefit of Taj vouchers worth ₹10,000* provided during the birthday month will be discontinued. This is one of the most devaluating aspects of these new changes.

New Benefits from 8th October Onwards

Annual Renewal Benefit Worth ₹35,000

Get vouchers worth up to ₹35,000 on Platinum Charge Card renewal upon spending ₹20,00,000 in a membership year with Taj Hotels, Reliance Brands Limited (Luxe Gift Card), and Postcard Hotels & Resorts.

Savings Worth Up to ₹8,000 on Apple Products

Get instant cashback up to ₹8,000 on select Apple products every time you shop on apple.com or in-store. Additionally, also earn 5X rewards on online purchases through Reward Multiplier.

Offer Validity – 7th August 2024 – 2nd October 2024

Complimentary Memberships to Amazon Prime Lite, Disney+ Hotstar and More

Gain access to a variety of benefits with a curated Times Ace membership, including over 40 OTT platforms and publications such as the Wall Street Journal. Enjoy special offers on shopping, travel, health, and wellness from renowned brands like Ajio Luxe, Uber, Starbucks, TUMI, Kaya Skin Clinic, and more. Memberships are valued at up to ₹45,000.

Complimentary Elite Tier Memberships With No Qualifying Criteria

• Accor Plus Traveller Membership
• The Postcard Hotel Sunshine Club – Platinum Tier
• Prefer – Titanium Membership at The Leela Hotels & Resorts, Dusit Thani and More

Third Night Complimentary at The LaLiT

When you book a club room or suite at LaLiT properties in India for two or more nights, you’ll get a complimentary third night, dinner for two, spa service, butler service, and more. Here is a list of the complete benefits-

• Complimentary 1 Night on Room/Club Rooms/Suites
• Complimentary Welcome Drink
• Complimentary Butler Service
• Complimentary Dinner for Two for 1 Night
• Complimentary Wine/Chocolates
• Complimentary Spa Services
• Complimentary Birthday/Anniversary Cake

Bottom Line

Many are calling all of these changes a devaluation of the premium American Express Platinum Charge Card. Cardholders have expressed their dissent regarding the new features and fees, especially the removal of present features by American Express. The birthday voucher benefit along with guest visits to airport lounges both have been removed which were considered to be quite useful for all. While some new features have been added most cardholders dont feel they justify the hike in annual charges.

Apart from the above mentioned changes no other feature of the card shall be changed.