Luxury credit card rivalry heats up as Amex, JPMorgan tease updates to their premier cards
Share and Follow


The long-running rivalry between the country’s top premium credit cards is about to heat up again.

JPMorgan Chase announced last week that a refresh of its Sapphire Reserve — the travel and dining rewards card that went viral when it arrived in 2016 — was imminent.

In response, American Express on Monday said that “major” changes were coming to its consumer and business Platinum cards later this year. While short on details, the New York-based card company said that its update would be its largest ever investment in a card refresh.

“We are going to double down on the things we know based on the data that our card members love,” said Amex President of U.S. Consumer Services Howard Grosfield in an interview. “But more importantly, we’ll bring a whole bunch of new and exciting benefits and value that will far, far, far exceed the annual fee.”

American Express pioneered the premium credit card space decades ago with cards that bundled perks at airlines and hotels with access to its own network of high-end airport lounges. But JPMorgan shook up the industry in 2016, igniting stiff competition among card issuers with a lavish sign-on bonus and other incentives for its Sapphire card.

The expectation among industry experts is that both companies will offer ever-longer lists of perks in travel, dining and experiences, while potentially raising their annual fees, as has been the pattern with recent updates.

The Platinum card has a $695 annual fee, while the Sapphire has a $550 fee.

On Reddit and other forums, card users circulated rumors that JPMorgan was hiking the annual fee on its Sapphire product to $795. A JPMorgan spokesperson declined to comment.

The new Platinum card will launch in the fall, Grosfield said.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Lawyer for man accused in Tupac Shakur murder asks judge to toss evidence from search

Attorney for Suspect in Tupac Shakur Case Seeks Dismissal of Search Evidence

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Attorneys representing the man accused of murdering legendary…
Tiny 'Survivor' island will start taking Trump deportees

Remote Island Prepares to Welcome Deportees Under Trump Policy

The small Pacific island nation of Palau has entered an agreement to…
Zelenskyy says fresh Russian attack on Ukraine shows Putin's 'true attitude' ahead of Trump meeting

Zelenskyy Highlights Putin’s Aggression in New Russian Assault as Trump Meeting Approaches

A renewed onslaught by Russia targeting Kyiv with a barrage of drones…
Layoff announcements top 1.1 million, most since 2020 pandemic

Job Cuts Surge to Highest Levels Since 2020: Over 1.1 Million Positions Affected

According to recent data from Challenger, Gray & Christmas, U.S. employers have…
Man killed after firing at police during child custody exchange in quiet North Carolina suburb

Tragic Turn: Fatal Shooting at Child Custody Exchange Shakes Peaceful North Carolina Suburb

MINT HILL, N.C. (AP) — A tragic incident unfolded on Friday when…
Fears for 19-year-old who vanished on Christmas Eve in Texas hotspot

Urgent Search Underway for Missing Teen Who Disappeared on Christmas Eve in Popular Texas Area

A 19-year-old woman from Texas has gone missing after setting out on…
More companies charging restocking fees this year than last as many make returns after Christmas 2025 | What to know

Increase in Companies Implementing Restocking Fees Compared to Last Year Amid Post-Christmas 2025 Return Surge | Key Insights

As the twinkling lights of Christmas fade into memory, retailers are bracing…
How hurricanes help balance the planet's climate

Discover How Hurricanes Play a Crucial Role in Stabilizing Earth’s Climate

Hurricanes serve as potent reminders of our planet’s interconnectedness, illustrating how even…