American Express recently updated its Platinum Card, with new benefits that go live today and an increase in the annual fee from $450 to $550. Considering this was the first “premium” charge or credit card, it’s also notable that Amex has finally provided the option to get a metal version of its Platinum Card. Other card issuers have offered this feature for a few years.
If you’re already a Platinum cardholder, you can request a replacement card through your online account. Just log in, click on “Account Services” in the top menu, and then click on “Card Management” in the side menu.
You want to look for the option to replace your card. As long as it wasn’t lost or stolen, you can request a replacement card that should (I think) have the same card number. This one, however, will be made of metal.
You can choose between standard first class mail or overnight via UPS. If you order it soon, you should be able to get it by March 31, as I did. That’s it! It’s a really simple process to request a new card. If for some reason this option isn’t available online, you can probably request a new card by phone.
It’s debatable whether it truly matters what material is used to make your card, but if we assume at least some of these cardholders are interested in making a fashionable impression (why else would they use a card that earns fewer points than some cheaper alternatives?), then there’s an argument that Amex needed to make this change eventually. I requested a new one mostly for the purpose of writing this post. 😉
I use my Platinum Card mostly for the perks, not for earning rewards. Things like booking Fine Hotels & Resorts, access to the Centurion Lounge, a $200 airline fee credit, and even the international companion airfare discount. For those reasons alone, I’ll probably keep using my Platinum Card despite the fee increase.
