Core Insights - American Express is significantly updating its Platinum Card and Business Platinum Card, introducing a new design and increased annual fees while enhancing benefits and credits [1][2][3] Group 1: Annual Fee Changes - The annual fee for the Amex Platinum Card will increase to $895, marking a $200 rise from the previous fee of $695 [2][3] - This is the first fee increase since 2021, when the fee rose from $550 to $695 [3] Group 2: Enhanced Benefits - Cardholders can now access over $3,500 in annual benefits, a substantial increase from the previous claim of over $1,500 [4] - The hotel credit has been enhanced to provide up to $600 in statement credits each year for prepaid bookings through Amex Travel, up from $200 [9][15] - New complimentary Leaders Club Sterling Status will be available, offering benefits at over 400 luxury properties worldwide [10] Group 3: Additional Annual Credits - New annual credits include up to $400 for dining through Resy, up to $300 for digital entertainment, up to $300 for Lululemon purchases, and up to $200 for Oura Ring purchases [16] - Existing benefits such as airline incidental credits and CLEAR Plus credits will remain intact, adding to the overall value of the card [12] Group 4: Business Platinum Card Updates - The Business Platinum Card will also see its annual fee rise to $895, with enhanced benefits for business travelers [21] - New credits for the Business Platinum include up to $600 for hotel bookings and up to $3,600 in credits for flights and Amex's One AP tool after meeting spending requirements [24] Group 5: Rewards Structure - The rewards structure for the Business Platinum Card will now offer 2x points on eligible purchases in key business categories and for purchases of $5,000 or more, up from 1.5x points [26]

Core Points - The article discusses the proper methods for disposing of expired or canceled metal credit cards to prevent fraud and protect sensitive information [1][6][12] Disposal Methods - Mailing the card back to the issuer is a recommended method, as many issuers provide prepaid envelopes for this purpose [5][14] - Visiting a local bank branch to drop off the card is another option, especially for cards issued by banks with physical locations [7][8] - For those who prefer a DIY approach, using tin snips or metal shears to cut the card into small pieces is effective, ensuring the EMV chip and magnetic stripe are destroyed [9][10][19] What to Avoid - Simply throwing the card in the garbage is strongly discouraged, as it poses a risk of identity theft [12] - Using standard paper shredders is ineffective for metal cards, which require specialized tools for proper destruction [11]