Bigger changes are coming to American Express Credit Cards executing from June 12, 2025. Whether you are a Platinum user or a SmartEarn holder, these updates are more probable to impact every Amex card holder. These revised rewards to updated fees, Amex is overhauling many of the key features. Here is why you should pay attention to:
- Some benefits are reduced and some are removed.
- New features and offers are being added
- The terms and conditions are changing for both the new and existing users.
Summary of the Key Changes
AMEX has revised several card features that are effective from June 12, 2025. These changes apply across popular cards like Platinum, Gold, SmartEarn and MRCC. These revisions aim to focus on premium, high-spending users, however may affect the value for everyday users. Up next, we will break down the changes card by card to help you decide your next move.Here is a snapshot of the major updates:
- Rewards Structure Updates:
- Lower reward points on selected spending categories like fuel and utilities are allowed.
- Higher reward points are granted for specific partner brands or online spends only.
- Caps are introduced on monthly reward earnings for some cards.
- Lounge Access Changes:
- Complimentary lounge visits are limited to only a few visits per quarter.
- Some international lounge benefits are moved to paid access categories
- Platinum card retains most premium access but with updated conditions.
- Fee Revisions:
- Annual renewal fees have also been increased on certain cards.
- Milestone benefits are adjusted to justify the higher fees.
- Some cards may now have conditional fee waivers based on the spending threshold.
- Redemption Policy Tweaks
- Minimum threshold for redeeming the points has now increased
- Selected categories are no longer eligible for full point redemption
- Flight and hotel booking were now available only via the AMex Travel Portal
- Partner Offers and Benefits
- New tie-ups are introduced with premium lifestyle and travel brands.
- Increased cashback offers are available only with specific merchants and platforms
- Limited-time welcome offers for new cardholders post-June12
Detailed Breakdown by Card Type
1. American Express Platinum Card
The platinum card sees updates that are focused on the premium travel and lifestyle benefits.
- Travel Benefits: Fewer complimentary international lounge access while using the priority pass; however the Centurion lounge access remains the same.
- Hotel Perks: Some hotel loyalty program benefits now need a minimum threshold stay conditions.
- Rewards: Enhanced rewards on luxury spendings like travel, dining, and curated partner brands.
- Concierge Services: More digital concierge support is available now, but only fewer in-person event invitations are allowed.
- Fees: Annual Fee is revised to INR70,000 + taxes (Up from INR60,000)
- Ideal for: High spenders who travel frequently and use Amex Travel ecosystem for the same.
2. American Express Gold Charge Card
The gold charge card sees restructured point earning and contains tighter redemption rules.
- Rewards:
- Monthly milestone rewards now require a higher spending of INR15,000 per month which was earlier at INR10,000.
- Bonus points for using selected partner merchants.
- Redemption:
- Statement credit redemptions now offer the reduced point-to-value ratio.
- Gift vouchers and travel redemptions are only available via updated Amex Rewards portal
- Ideal for: Loyal Amex customers who are comfortable with the structured monthly spending habits.
3. American Express SmartEarn Credit Card
These cards are designed exclusively for the beginners, this card sees updates that reflects the shift toward lifestyle partnerships.
- Cashback:
- Flat 10X rewards on Amazon, Flipkart and Zomato are now capped at INR1,000 per month.
- No more accelerated rewards on utility bill payments.
- Partner Brands:
- New tie-ups with Myntra, BigBasket and Swiggy for bonus cashback
- Limited period offers with e-commerce websites and platforms during sales.
- Best for: Students or young professionals looking to build credit
4. American Express Membership Rewards Credit Card (MRCC)
This card is popular for earning points, the MRCC now includes limits on accumulation and redemption.
- Limits: Monthly 1,000 bonus points benefit now applies only after INR10,000 in monthly spends.
- Point expiry after 3 years for inactive users as per the new rule.
- Rewards Program
- Milestone rewards restructured to encourage consistent use.
- Points redeemable only through Amex Travel and selected voucher categories.
- Ideal for: Users focused on long-term reward accumulation and milestone benefits.
5. American Express Platinum Card
Changes in travel benefits, rewards and concierge fees
- Gold Charge Card: Modified reward earning and redemption structure
- SmartEarn Credit Card: New cashback rules or partner brand tie-ups are introduced.
- Membership Rewards Credit Card: Any revised limits, point expiration policies
Also read: Most Popular HDFC Credit Cards — Why These Cards Are a Must Have in 2025
What’s Removed or Reduced
Several existing benefits across the American Express cards are being either discontinued or scaled down. These changes may impact the users who heavily relied on lifestyle perks or travel advantages.
- Benefits Discontinued:
- During discounts and hotel stays, vouchers are removed for entry-level cards like SmartEarn.
- Movie ticket cashback offers are no longer available.
- Fuel surcharge waivers are discontinued across most cards.
- Reduced or Limited Perks
- Lounge Access:
- Fewer complimentary domestic and international visits.
- Some airport lounges now require minimum spends in the previous quarter to be eligible.
- Reward Caps Introduced:
- Monthly cap on accelerated rewards eg. 10x rewards now limited to INR1,000 cashback.
- Milestone bonuses now require higher spending to unlock.
- Concierge & Lifestyle Benefits:
- Invitations to luxury events are reduced to only selected Platinum-tier users only.
- Limited availability of in-person concierge services and bookings; moved to digital-first model
New Additions & Enhanced Offers
While some perks are being reduced, American Express is introducing new partner offers and milestone rewards in order to add more value for high-spending users. These additions are clearly designed to reward premium usage and lifestyle spending. If you frequently spend your funds in these categories, the changes could offer more targeted value.
- New Partner Offers
- Retail: Bonus rewards are allowed on spends at premium brands like Tata CLiQ Luxury, Nykaa Luxe and Ajio Gold.
- Travel: Exclusive discounts and bonus points on flight bookings via Amex Travel
- Lifestyle: Tie-ups with wellness, spa and fine-dining partners across the metropolitan cities.
- Limited-time launch offers are available and are valid from June 12 to September 30, 2025.
- Milestone & Bonus Rewards
- Platinum and Gold users can now unlock the higher milestone bonuses at the new spending slabs.
- For instance, if you spend INR 1.5 L in a quarter, then you can earn 15,000 bonus points while it was only 10,000 earlier.
- Bonus rewards for achieving cumulative spends in specific categories like travel, online shopping or dining.
Conclusion
American Express is shifting the gears. And, your benefits may not look the same after it is effective from 12 of June, 2025. If you hold an Amex card, then now is the time to:
- Review the updated terms and conditions
- Track how these changes can impact your everyday spending milestone
- Take time to reconsider whether your current card can fit your lifestyle and goals.
Written by Kavitha Sugumar
