Amex Platinum annual fee jumps to $895 (from $695), a 29% increase
The Amex Platinum's annual fee rises to $895. It's effective immediately for new cardmembers and from Jan 2, 2026 for existing ones. Is the card still worth it?
The American Express Platinum's annual fee moves from $695 to $895, a 29% jump.
What changed
| Old | New | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $695 | $895 |
| New cardmembers | n/a | Effective immediately |
| Existing cardmembers | n/a | From Jan 2, 2026 |
Earn rates are unchanged; this is a straight fee increase (paired with a refreshed credit structure).
Who's hit
Every Platinum holder. But existing cardmembers get a runway until their fee posts on/after Jan 2, 2026, which is a window to front-load statement credits before the higher fee lands.
What to do
At $895, the Platinum only pays for itself if you actually use the credits and lounge access it's built around. Do the honest math: add up the credits you'll realistically redeem and compare against the fee. If the answer is shaky, Polo Match can surface a lower-fee travel card that fits how you actually spend.
Cards affected
Is your card still the best one to hold?
Devaluations change the math. Re-run Polo Match in 60 seconds and see the top 3 cards for your spending by real net annual value. Free, no bank login.
Re-check my cards →More updates
SBI Cashback Card caps rewards at ₹4,000/cycle and cuts out gaming, tolls & govt spends
India's most-recommended cashback card gets a hard ₹4,000 per-cycle ceiling and new exclusions from April 2026. Here's what still earns and what to do about it.
Marriott Bonvoy reportedly raises award prices 5–10% across the board
A broad Marriott Bonvoy award-price increase of roughly 5–10% was spotted in July 2026, a rare all-at-once devaluation since Marriott went fully dynamic. What it means for your transferable points.
IDFC First devalues its lifetime-free cards: base earn cut 25%, forex rewards halved
IDFC First, long the 'generous' issuer, moved its base earn from per ₹150 to per ₹200 (a 25% cut) and dropped forex rewards from 10X to 5X from April 2026.