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Amex Platinum Upgraded Its $300 Entertainment Credit -- Here's What's New

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, September 26th 2025 at 10:46 GMT by The Motley Fool
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American Express Platinum Gets a $300 Entertainment Credit—What’s New and Why It Matters

American Express has refreshed its flagship Platinum card in a move that should excite frequent travelers and high‑spending consumers alike. The company announced that the annual $300 Entertainment Credit—an optional benefit that helps offset the cost of streaming, movies, concerts, and other forms of leisure—will be upgraded to $300 from the previous $200 level. The change is part of a broader push to keep the Platinum card competitive with rivals such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Citi Prestige. Below is a breakdown of the most important updates, how they affect cardholders, and what the future could hold for the Amex Platinum program.

1. The $300 Entertainment Credit: What It Covers

The new Entertainment Credit replaces the earlier $200 credit that was available for streaming services (like Disney+ or Netflix) and event tickets. Under the upgraded credit, you can claim up to $300 per year in “entertainment” purchases that meet the following criteria:

Cardholders can redeem the credit through the Amex app or by submitting receipts via the “Credit Claims” portal. The credit is applied in real time, so you won’t see a separate charge on your statement—your purchase price is simply reduced.

2. How the New Credit Fits Into the Existing Benefits Bundle

American Express hasn’t altered the other key Platinum benefits, but the upgraded entertainment credit is a strategic addition that reinforces the card’s value proposition:

• Travel Credit – $200 per year for airfare, hotels, and car rentals booked through Amex Travel.
• Dining Credit – $200 per year for dining at select U.S. restaurants, food delivery services, and premium coffee shops.
• Uber Credit – $200 per year in Uber rides (U.S. only).
• Airport Lounge Access – Priority Pass™ membership with 7 free visits per year (plus 1 extra for a companion).
• Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® – Credit for the application fee.
• Hotel & Vacation Rentals – 5% bonus points on eligible bookings.

The new entertainment credit effectively replaces the older “Entertainment” credit, making it the most robust benefit of its kind in the industry. While some competitors (e.g., the Chase Sapphire Reserve’s $300 annual travel credit) focus exclusively on travel, the Platinum card now offers a comprehensive suite that covers both leisure and travel.

3. Pricing and How to Maximize Value

The Platinum card still carries an $695 annual fee (as of 2024). However, with the total of $800 in available credits, many high‑spenders find that the fee is justified. According to American Express, a typical Platinum holder can save up to $1,200 per year on travel, dining, and entertainment if they fully utilize the credit.

Here are a few ways to squeeze the most value out of the new credit:

1. Book Early – Use the credit for subscription services as soon as you sign up. The credit is applied automatically, but you’ll still benefit from early‑bird discounts that many services offer.
2. Plan for Major Events – If you know you’ll be attending a sold‑out concert or a premium sports event, buy tickets as soon as they’re available to lock in lower prices.
3. Leverage Companion Benefits – The $300 credit can also be used for a companion ticket when you purchase a primary ticket for an event, effectively doubling your entertainment value.
4. Coordinate with Other Amex Credits – Combining the entertainment credit with the dining, travel, and Uber credits can produce a multi‑benefit “bundle” that covers most of your major monthly expenses.

4. Who Is the Ideal Candidate?

The Platinum card remains a niche product, aimed at:

• Frequent travelers who value lounge access, travel insurance, and elite status.
• High‑income earners who can comfortably shoulder the $695 fee.
• Entertainment enthusiasts who regularly purchase concert, theater, or streaming tickets.
• Business professionals who can benefit from the Business Platinum edition and use the credit to offset client entertainment expenses.

If your lifestyle involves fewer travel expenses or you’re not a frequent event-goer, you might find the value proposition less compelling. However, for those who can maximize the credit, the upgrade offers a noticeable bump in return.

5. Looking Ahead

American Express has stated that the entertainment credit will be a permanent feature for the next three years, subject to review. The company is also exploring new ways to incorporate digital content into the Platinum experience, such as exclusive streaming packages and priority ticketing for major events.

For the moment, the $300 Entertainment Credit represents the most generous entertainment benefit among premium credit cards. Whether you’re a music lover, a movie buff, or a festival goer, the upgrade adds a fresh layer of flexibility and savings to the already potent arsenal of Platinum perks.

Sources & Further Reading

• American Express Platinum Card Overview – [ American Express ]
• “Amex Platinum Upgraded Its $300 Entertainment Credit—Here’s What’s New” – The Motley Fool article
• “Travel, Dining, and Entertainment Credit Comparison” – CreditCard.com
• “Is the Amex Platinum Card Worth the $695 Fee?” – NerdWallet