Overview

• The September 18 refresh replaces a single $200 annual prepaid hotel credit with up to $300 credits twice a year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings via Amex Travel, for a total of up to $600 annually.
• Frequent Miler documented cases where reservations prepaid on September 16–17 posted under the new $300 benefit rather than the prior $200 credit, including a $287.47 example.
• Some cardholders who already used the former $200 credit appear able to receive the new $300 allotment for July–December, yielding as much as $500 in 2025 hotel credits according to reader reports.
• Cardholders report Amex customer service is investigating the credit timing questions with estimates of 6–8 weeks for resolution, with indications the issuer may apply benefits based on the credit-posting date rather than the booking date.
• The fee hike aligns with a broader shift in premium cards, as Chase raised Sapphire Reserve to $795 and reworked perks, while travel analysts say Amex’s new hotel credits can substantially offset costs for users who can fully utilize them.