What's Happening?
American Express has announced changes to its Platinum Travel Credit Card in India, effective October 1, 2026. The card, which previously offered eight complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per year, will now require cardholders to spend INR 1 lakh
or more in eligible transactions in the preceding calendar quarter to qualify for up to two complimentary lounge visits. This change is part of a broader strategy by American Express to focus on higher spending cardholders, as evidenced by the removal of the INR 1.9 lakh milestone and the restructuring of rewards at the INR 7 lakh milestone. The new structure will replace the 22,500 bonus Membership Rewards points with an INR 20,000 Taj Experiences e-Gift Card.
Why It's Important?
The changes reflect American Express's strategy to target high-spending customers, potentially affecting a wide range of cardholders who previously benefited from the card's rewards structure. By linking lounge access to spending, American Express is encouraging increased usage of the card, which could lead to higher revenue from transaction fees. This move may also push cardholders towards other premium cards like the Platinum Reserve Credit Card, aligning with American Express's focus on the top end of the market. The restructuring of rewards could impact customer satisfaction and loyalty, particularly among those who valued the previous milestone rewards.
What's Next?
Cardholders will need to adjust their spending habits to maintain lounge access benefits. American Express may continue to refine its card offerings to align with its strategic focus on high-value customers. The changes could prompt cardholders to explore alternative credit card options that offer more favorable rewards and benefits. Additionally, the impact on customer retention and acquisition will be closely monitored by American Express as it seeks to balance profitability with customer satisfaction.
