Following the massive refresh that bumped the annual fee to a hefty $895, American Express isn't slowing down. While 2026 hasn't brought a single ground-shaking overhaul, Amex has been quietly cutting, slicing, and swapping out perks.
Whether you are looking to maximize your remaining benefits or trying to decide if the card is still worth its premium price tag, keeping track of these timelines is crucial. Here is the updated list of the Amex Platinum Card Changes in 2026 and the exact dates they take effect.
📅 The 2026 Timeline: What's Changing (and When)
| Benefit / Feature | The Change | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| Saks Fifth Avenue Credit | The $100 annual credit is discontinued entirely. | March 26, 2026 (New applicants) / June 30, 2026 (Existing members) |
| Uber VIP Status | Uber VIP status is replaced by "Signature Support for Amex" priority customer service. | May 7, 2026 |
| "Events by Amex" | Dedicated program wound down; core exclusive ticket access rebranded. | June 10, 2026 |
| Centurion Lounge Rules | Access restricted to within 5 hours of departure; guests must be on the same flight. | July 8, 2026 |
| Lufthansa Lounge Access | Complimentary access to Lufthansa Business Lounges is removed. | October 1, 2026 |
🔍 A Closer Look at the Key Changes
1. The Death of the Saks Fifth Avenue Credit
Following Saks Global filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this year, Amex officially pulled the plug on the $100 Saks Fifth Avenue statement credit. For new cardmembers, the perk vanished instantly on March 26. Existing cardholders had until June 30, 2026, to squeeze out their final use of the credit.
2. Tightened Rules at the Centurion Lounge
Starting July 8, 2026, Amex is clamping down on lounge crowding with two major rule adjustments:
- The 5-Hour Rule: You can no longer camp out all day. Lounge access will be limited to within 5 hours of your departing or connecting flight.
- Same-Flight Guest Policy: If you pay to bring guests into the lounge, they must now be booked on the exact same flight itinerary as you, closing a long-standing loophole.
3. Uber VIP Swapped for "Signature Support"
On May 7, 2026, Amex quietly retired Uber VIP status. In its place, cardmembers get Signature Support for Amex, which offers 24/7 priority live agent support directly inside the Uber, Uber Eats, and Postmates apps.
Note: The core $200 annual Uber Cash credit and the Uber One credit remain completely unchanged.
4. Lufthansa Lounge Access Exit
The latest travel perk to face the chopping block is the partnership with Lufthansa. Beginning October 1, 2026, Platinum cardholders will officially lose access to Lufthansa Business Lounges.
💡 Is the Platinum Card Still Worth It?
With these subtle erosions to the lounge network and shopping credits, the value proposition of the $895 card is shifting. However, it's not all bad news. Amex has rolled out an updated Airfare Program covering select domestic Economy tickets, alongside the value found in newer perks like the Resy and lululemon credits.
If you leverage the heavy travel insurances, lounge access restrictions don't bother you, and you regularly use the remaining credits, the card can still easily pay for itself. But if you primarily held the card for early airport arrivals and Saks shopping sprees, it might be time to evaluate other premium options in your wallet.
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