Episode Details

The Platinum Card® from American Express announced that its annual fee just went up. Learn how to decide if the new credits, perks, and lounge access are worth it.

Is the Amex Platinum worth its higher annual fee? How do you maximize new statement credits without lifestyle creep? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss the Amex Platinum’s updated perks, including dining, hotel credits, and streaming, to help you understand whether its perks outweigh the new $895 annual fee. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including a limited-time Chase Sapphire Preferred restaurant promotion, a Hilton points devaluation at luxury brands like Waldorf Astoria, and San Diego International’s Terminal 1 reopening with improvements to its parking, seating, and TSA checkpoints.

Then, Meghan and Sally dig into the Amex Platinum overhaul, with tips on stacking quarterly dining credits, booking through Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) for added perks, and valuing lounge visits against airport food costs. They also cover how to split hotel credits across the year, make the most of digital entertainment subscriptions, and avoid overspending just to “use the credits.” The conversation closes with comparisons to Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X, and the Amex Gold Card, plus guidance on whether to keep the Platinum based on city access, travel frequency, and realistic usage.

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

• American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/american-express-platinum 

• Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-sapphire-preferred

• Hilton Honors Aspire Review: Rich Rewards, Luxury Perks for a Price https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/hilton-honors-aspire 

• Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-sapphire-reserve

• Capital One Venture X Review: A Worthy Option Among Premium Cards https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/capital-one-venture-x 

• American Express Gold Card Review: Dining Rewards Royalty https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/american-express-premier-rewards-gold 

Resources discussed in this episode:

• How Much Are Travel Points and Miles Worth in 2025? https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/airline-miles-and-hotel-points-valuations 

• 5 Best Credit Card Points Programs and Who They Partner With https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/heres-how-you-can-transfer-your-points-from-any-major-credit-card-issuer 

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