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It’s Official! New AMEX Platinum (Personal and Business) Bonus Categories

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    Earlier, I wrote an AMEX representative unofficially shared news that folks with the The Platinum Card® from American Express will soon earn 5X AMEX Membership Rewards points on airfare purchases.

    Now, American Express has released a statement confirming the new bonus category will take effect October 6, 2016.

    In addition, an AMEX spokeswoman announced folks with The Business Platinum Card® from American Express OPEN will earn 1.5X AMEX Membership Rewards points on purchases of $5,000+.

    Confirmed! The AMEX Platinum Personal and Small Business Card Will Have New Bonus Spending Categories!

    I’ll share more about the official news!

    New AMEX Platinum Bonus Categories

    Link:   Associated Press AMEX Story

    Link:   The Platinum Card® from American Express

    Link:   The Business Platinum Card® from American Express OPEN 

    As of October 6, 2016, the AMEX Platinum card will have a new bonus spending category.  You’ll earn 5X AMEX Membership Rewards points on airfare purchased directly from airlines or from American Express Travel.

    And, you’ll earn 1.5X AMEX Membership Rewards points with the AMEX Business Platinum on purchases of $5,000 or more.  I’m disappointed that the 5X bonus for airfare won’t apply to the Business Platinum and that you earn 1.5X points only for a single purchase over $5,000.

    Some folks were hopeful AMEX would announce a new card with a higher sign-up bonus to compete with the Chase Sapphire Reserve.  Or improved perks, like free checked bags and an easier-to-use airline credit.

    There’ll be a media event later today detailing all the changes.  I’ll update you as soon as I have more information!

    Bottom Line

    Starting October 6, 2016, folks with the AMEX Platinum card will earn 5X AMEX Membership Rewards points on airfare purchased directly from airlines or from American Express Travel. .

    And folks with the AMEX Business Platinum will earn 1.5X AMEX Membership Rewards points on purchases of $5,000+.

    Editorial Note: We're the Million Mile Secrets team. And we're proud of our content, opinions and analysis, and of our reader's comments. These haven’t been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of the airlines, hotels, or credit card issuers which we often write about. And that’s just how we like it! :)