DansDeals will receive compensation if you are approved for a credit card via a link in this post. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers, visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
AMEX is closely watching what Chase is doing.
When the Chase Sapphire Reserve® launched with a 50% bonus value on travel, AMEX quickly introduced a points rebate on the AMEX Business Platinum card.
At first, it was ridiculously generous, with a 50% rebate on redeemed points in coach on the airline of your choice and in business/first class on all airlines with no cap.
That was quickly devalued to 35%, with a cap of 500K rebated points per calendar year, though later the cap was raised to 1 million rebated points per calendar year.
It was still a generous offering. When El Al was offering vouchers for canceled flights, you were able to book a business class ticket, get a 35% rebate, and use the funds as a voucher for future travel. Even after they stopped allowing free vouchers, it has still been possible to add El Al Protect for $29 by calling El Al on the same day as the ticket purchase and turn it into a voucher.
Alas, the good times are coming to an end for that.
Chase announced the end of the 50% bonus value on Sapphire Reserve yesterday.
And now AMEX announced that effective 9/18/25, Business Platinum Card Members will only receive the 35% rebate on the airline for which they’re registered for the $200 annual airline fee credit. Previously that was the case for economy tickets, but now it will apply for all tickets. That limits the benefit to Alaska, American, Delta, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, or United. Officially, that selection can only be made once per year, though I have had success making multiple changes via AMEX Chat.
You can book other airlines via codeshare with the airline of your choice, but the ability to gain El Al vouchers, for example, will be eliminated.
I can’t say that I’m surprised by this. There’s no reason for AMEX to be overly generous if their main competition is no longer overly generous. And I’m happy that the 35% rebate will remain in place for the airline of your choice.
AMEX also announced that later this year, both the AMEX Consumer Platinum card and AMEX Business Platinum card will see major updates in the company’s “largest investment ever in a Card refresh.
We’re going to take these Cards to a new level, not only in what they offer in travel, dining and lifestyle benefits, but also in how they look and feel, to meet the evolving needs of our customers.”
AMEX and Delta are also planning on releasing an ultra-premium card that’s placed higher than the Delta Reserve card.
I’d expect that the annual fees on these cards will be at least $895. I sure hope they offer the perks to back that up, as the loss of the 35% rebate on all airlines means it’s already going to be a tough sell.
What changes do you expect to see on these cards?
Leave a Reply
32 Comments On "AMEX Will Devalue Business Platinum Rebate, Make Major Changes To Platinum Cards, And Add New Ultra-Premium Delta Card"
All opinions expressed below are user generated and the opinions aren’t provided, reviewed or endorsed by any advertiser or DansDeals.
Time to abandon the credit card business.
What’s the better option?
Any suggestions how to redeem the Hilton credit now that gift cards are not working
You can buy Waldorf Jerusalem spa and dining credit. I’m sure there are other hotels that do that as well.
How do you do that? Can you buy online, if so how? Thanks
Is there a way to buy it online or only in person?
Yeah, same question. I would do this asap for this quarter. can send my son too if needed i nperson.
Yes, I’ll make a post.
@Dan When?
Buying an Elal flight through Delta codeshare to trigger the 35% isn’t a good workaround either as Delta charges A LOT more than Elal for same flight.
I have seen JetBlue charge less for an El Al codeshare than El Al. It can vary by date.
Higher Annual Fee. Amex platinum exclusive appeal is in large part due to its high AF. will not be suprised to see AF going to over $1000 which would be ridiculous buy not a illogical from their part.
I’ll guess $895 or maybe $995. I don’t think the mainstream is ready for a 4 digit annual fee yet.
So if you wanna book ElAl outright business once this is in effect that’s no longer an option?
Correct, there would be no rebate.
CSR and BP both oy sad day for us
Dan, will the 9/18/25 deadline be effective for any booking up until that date or for travel up until that date. I assume booking, but I just wanted to know if you knew more.
Thanks!
Booking.
Would we be able request an adjustment on the annual fee due to this benefit change?
You can always ask. Or downgrade and then close.
Race to the bottom!
Delta devaluing everything! Now they want to have an ultra high end card? What are they gonna offer garunteed silver medallion status???? lol
Come on, hourly coupon book! Over $25K of value per card, split into $3-per-hour increments! Think of the AMAZING value!!
Will the rebate still work as long as booked by 9/18 even though points for rebate will deposit after 9/18?
Yes.
For a desired new Amex Plat benefit for my $900 fee, I would like to have the Lounge at MIA not be capacity controlled whenever I need to use it.
Any luck with EL AL protect recently with booked with amex travel?
Yes, read the post. 🙂
Assuming horrendous wait times these days?
@Dan, best place to transfer all points Alaska? My annual fee just hit, and I am getting out.
Correct
Any changes on the Centurion?