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
AMERICAN troops may be deployed to Nigeria, official says

U.S. Considers Troop Deployment to Nigeria: What You Need to Know

A Nigerian official has hinted at the possibility of American troops being…
Crime lords turn Motor City into car-theft supermarket for Middle East buyers: ‘Somebody's getting paid’

Detroit’s Car Theft Surge: A Lucrative Market for Middle Eastern Buyers

Law enforcement agencies are increasingly concerned over a rise in the smuggling…
Michigan confirm Sherrone Moore replacement on $41m five-year deal

Michigan Announces New Five-Year $41M Deal for Sherrone Moore’s Successor

The University of Michigan has taken a notable step in revitalizing its…
Bensenville man Ismael Andrade Pin accused of trying to kidnap Jewel employee with special needs from York Road store: officials

Bensenville Resident Charged in Attempted Abduction of Jewel Employee with Special Needs, Authorities Report

A man from Bensenville, aged 53, faces serious charges after allegedly attempting…
Israel becomes first country to recognize Somaliland; Trump 'not ready'

Historic Diplomatic Shift: Israel Officially Recognizes Somaliland as Trump Holds Back

In a groundbreaking move, Israel has now become the first country to…
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…
Zelensky to dash to Mar-a-Lago for urgent meeting

Zelensky Set to Visit Mar-a-Lago for Critical Discussions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is gearing up for a swift visit to…
These are Americans' top New Year's resolutions for 2026: Survey

Discover the Most Popular New Year’s Resolutions for Americans in 2026: Survey Insights

by: Ashleigh Fields, The Hill Posted: Dec 26, 2025 / 05:08 PM…