✈ Amex Increases Authorized User Fees, American Adds 4 Routes to Europe & More News From TPG ✈

August 17, 2023

View in browser

TOGETHER WITH

Fee increases

by Summer Hull, Senior director of content

There’s bad news out this morning for travelers who like to share some of the benefits afforded by The Platinum Card® from American Express with additional cardholders on their account.

Until now, the annual fee to have authorized users for a Platinum card was $175 per year for up to three authorized user accounts. But unfortunately, that fee is now increasing to $195 each year … per additional authorized user account. For those accounts that have three additional authorized users, what did cost $175 total per year will now cost $585 each year once the new fee increase takes effect.

Being an authorized user on a Platinum card became increasingly important this year as many Platinum cardholders lost the ability to bring complimentary guests into the Amex Centurion Lounge network. However, since authorized users could still enter on their own additional card, that was a good way to ensure your regular travel partners could enjoy the lounge with you without paying the $50 per person guest fee each time.

With this fee increase, you’ll now need to crunch the numbers for your authorized users to see if it is still worth it to pay the higher fee each year or if perhaps that money is better used going toward their own Platinum card accounts or an occasional guest fee to visit the lounges.

Additional Amex Platinum changes related to the up to $240 annual digital entertainment credit and the spending required to earn the welcome bonus were also announced today.

Check out our full story on today’s Platinum card changes, including some early analysis on if it is still worth it to pay the increased fees for additional cardholders.

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.

Posts in this newsletter contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products, and this may impact how or where they appear. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.

Photo Credit: ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY.

TOGETHER WITH

With Delta Vacations, you can earn up to 10,000 bonus miles and get at least 15% more from your miles to any destination at any time. Terms apply.

Watch now

Today’s top stories

Cruising during hurricane season: What to know — and should you go?

Fall is a great time to snag a deal on a Caribbean cruise. But the deals come with a caveat: There’s a chance your sailing could be disrupted by a hurricane or tropical storm.

American unveils 4 new long-haul routes, major expansion for next summer

American Airlines is launching three brand-new transatlantic routes from Philadelphia as part of its largest European expansion since 2019.

2-day electric rentals from $50? Use this coupon to get a free day with Hertz electric rentals

Through Sept. 6, you can get a free day with Hertz if you use this promo code for eligible electric car rentals.

Finnair to adopt Avios as its loyalty currency and switch to revenue-based earning

Finnair will adopt Avios as its Finnair Plus loyalty currency in 2024, replacing Finnair Plus points. Avios is the same loyalty currency used by British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling and Qatar Airways.

Deal alert: Fly from Denver to Costa Rica for less than $400 round-trip this fall and winter

These round-trip flights normally go for $750, but United Airlines is offering them for just $374.

The latest

1.	Amex increases Platinum authorized user fee, changes digital entertainment credit

2.	Here’s why fall is a great time to visit Italy in 2023

3.	IHG unveils a new brand that targets budget travelers — and will grow quickly

4.	Capital One clarifies application restrictions, adds 48-month rule for personal cards

5.	3 ways Avianca LifeMiles could improve its program for travelers

6.	Deal alert: Save up to 20 cents per gallon at Mobil and Exxon with Walmart+, included with the Amex Platinum

7.	Want to optimize your cash-back rewards? Look no further than this credit card

8.	TSA announces Telos as latest TSA PreCheck enrollment provider

9.	What it’s like at Disney’s Riviera Resort, the newest resort at Disney World

10.	Why Silversea’s new Silver Nova is a game-changer for luxury cruising

You are receiving this email because you opted in at thepointsguy.com.

Where to find us:
The Points Guy 100 5th Ave., 16th Floor New York, NY 10011 USA USA

If this newsletter was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here.

Advertiser Disclosure:

The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

THE POINTS GUY © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023

Card Type

Card Issuer

Cobranded Cards

Learn About Credit Cards

Credit Card Reward Programs

Airline Rewards Programs

Hotel Rewards Program

Learn About Rewards Programs

Airlines

Hotels

Cruises

Resources

TPG points valuation

Award vs. cash calculator

CardMatch

Sign up for the TPG Daily for breaking news, game-changing tips and exclusive deals from TPG partners

You’re onboard! Welcome to the TPG Daily.

Advertiser disclosure

Advertiser disclosure