American Express Revamps Card Benefits and Rewards Programmes

American Express has announced changes to its card benefits and support services in India. The company will be withdrawing two long-standing perks, including the Emergency Card Replacement service on October 8 and the 'Check Your Spending Power' facility on September 16.

The changes are separate from a broader revision of American Express rewards, which includes the closure of its Reward Multiplier programme and alterations to milestone benefits on the Platinum Travel Credit Card. The Reward Multiplier programme will end on September 30, but accelerated Membership Rewards points will continue to be available on eligible ShopWise purchases.

The Platinum Travel card is also undergoing changes. From September 10, cardholders will no longer receive the additional 7,500 Membership Rewards points attached to annual spending of Rs 1.9 lakh. The Rs 4 lakh spending milestone remains unchanged, but the Rs 7 lakh milestone will be replaced with a Taj Experiences e-Gift Card worth Rs 20,000.

American Express notes that card benefits can change considerably even when the card itself remains the same. Customers choosing a card based on a particular milestone reward or accelerated-points programme may find that the economics look different a few months later.