A significant shift occurred in September for American Express Platinum Card members. The annual fee jumped to $895, a substantial increase that prompted many to re-evaluate the card’s value.
However, alongside the new fee came an expanded collection of benefits designed to soften the impact. These included quarterly credits for popular brands and enhanced travel perks, aiming to justify the premium cost.
For those who savor exceptional dining experiences, the most enticing addition is undoubtedly the Resy credit. Platinum cardholders now receive up to $100 each quarter – a total of $400 annually – to spend at participating U.S. restaurants listed on the Resy platform.
The beauty of this credit lies in its simplicity. A reservation isn’t required; simply pay with your Platinum Card at a participating restaurant and the credit will typically appear on your statement within days.
To maximize this benefit, it’s best to utilize the full $100 credit in a single transaction. Unused funds don’t roll over, so planning a memorable meal each quarter is key.
Consider Penny in New York City, a 31-seat seafood counter where even a simple shrimp cocktail is elevated to an extraordinary experience. Chef Joshua Pinsky’s team masterfully balances understated elegance with unforgettable flavors.
In New Orleans, Emeril’s has entered a vibrant new chapter under the direction of E.J. Lagasse. The refreshed restaurant offers a refined six-course menu, complete with playful touches like a miniature po’boy and a tableside sno-ball cart.
Philadelphia’s Dancerobot delivers a high-energy izakaya experience, showcasing Japanese comfort food with a creative twist. Wagyu roast beef, katsu curry, and crispy takoyaki are just a few highlights.
Kasama in Chicago presents a unique duality. By day, it’s a charming bakery and cafe; by night, it transforms into a reservation-only, 13-course tasting experience celebrating Filipino cuisine. It was the first Filipino restaurant to earn a Michelin star.
Albi in Washington, D.C., channels the warmth of the Levant through wood-fire cooking. Chef Michael Rafidi’s Michelin-starred restaurant showcases bold Palestinian flavors, including barbecued lamb kebabs and brown-butter knafeh.
FIG in Charleston, a cornerstone of the city’s culinary scene since 2003, marries seasonal Low Country ingredients with French technique. It remains the benchmark for refined Southern cuisine.
Miami’s Sunny’s Steakhouse offers a big, buzzy, and joyful dining experience. From Parker House rolls to steaks cooked over a live wood fire, it’s a celebration of classic steakhouse fare.
Atomix in New York City, led by a husband-and-wife team, is a masterclass in modern Korean fine dining. The 12-course tasting menu is a rotating showcase of exquisite dishes and recently topped North America’s list on the World’s 50 Best.
Holbox in Los Angeles, nestled inside Mercado La Paloma, celebrates Mexican coastal cooking with pristine, sustainably sourced seafood. It’s a testament to the fact that world-class dining doesn’t always require formality.
Liholiho Yacht Club in San Francisco is pure fun, with an open kitchen, tropical cocktails, and shareable plates. Chef Ravi Kapur blends Polynesian, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean flavors in a truly unique way.
Ultimately, the Amex Platinum’s Resy credit offers a tangible way to offset the card’s annual fee. By strategically utilizing the $100 quarterly credit, cardholders can enjoy four exceptional meals a year at some of the nation’s most acclaimed restaurants.
