American Express Membership Rewards News

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July 1 - The Platinum Card® from American Express Raises Annual Fee and Enhances Benefits

The standard for high-end travel credit cards is raising the bar ... and the annual fee. The Platinum Card® from American Express's new applicants will have to pay a steep $695 annual fee. Existing cardholders will have to pay the increased fee when their card renews after Jan. 1, 2022. Terms apply.

In return, cardholders will get some additional or enhanced benefits, including some non-travel-related:

• A $200 hotel credit.

• $189 Clear credit.

• $240 digital entertainment credit.

• $300 Equinox credit.

• Cell phone protection.

Terms apply.

In addition to the existing airline, Uber and Saks credits, cardholders could get more than $1,400 in value with the new benefits on the card. Learn whether The Platinum Card® from American Express is worth the annual fee.

March 16 - AmEx Cardholders Can Get a 40% Bonus on Transfers to Hotel Partners

AmEx is offering a limited-time transfer bonus when cardmembers turn their American Express Membership Rewards into Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors points. Every 1,000 AmEx Membership Rewards points will net 1,400 Marriott points or 2,800 Hilton points. Keep in mind that with NerdWallet's valuation of hotel and credit card points, Marriott and Hilton points are usually worth less than AmEx Membership Rewards, but this offer makes the transfer more favorable for people to book with hotel loyalty programs instead. Cardholders would be exchanging about $11 worth of AmEx Membership Rewards for $12.60 of Marriott points or $11.20 worth of Hilton points. The 40% bonus is valid on transfers through June 15, 2021. Terms apply.