The Landscape-Shifting Change for Amex Business Platinum Cardholders is Here.

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For years, the American Express Business Platinum card has been a cornerstone for savvy business travelers, largely thanks to its industry-leading 35% Membership Rewards "Pay with Points" rebate. This benefit transformed the value of your points, making premium cabin travel more accessible than ever.

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However, a major shakeup is coming that will fundamentally alter this perk. Effective September 18, 2025, the generous 35% rebate will only apply to flights booked with your one selected qualifying airline. For all other airlines – even when booking First or Business Class – your rebate will plummet to a mere 20%.

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This isn't just a minor tweak; it's a significant devaluation that impacts how you should approach your Membership Rewards strategy. What was once an effective 1.54 cents per point (cpp) value on most premium flights will now drop to approximately 1.25 cpp for non-selected airlines. This change drastically weakens the value proposition of using Amex points directly through their platform for flexible premium travel.

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If you're sitting on a substantial stash of Membership Rewards points, now is the critical moment to act. You might be asking, "Should I sell Amex points?" or "What's the best way to manage my American Express Business Platinum points before the deadline?" This guide has the answers.

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What Exactly Is Changing with Your Amex Business Platinum Points?

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Currently, the Amex Business Platinum Card offers a 35% rebate when you book First or Business Class flights using Membership Rewards "Pay with Points" through Amex Travel. This benefit also applies to any cabin class on your one selected qualifying airline. This means if a First Class flight costs 100,000 points, you'd effectively only use 65,000 points after the rebate.

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Starting September 18, 2025:

  • The 35% rebate will exclusively apply to flights booked with your one selected qualifying airline. This is the same airline you select annually for your up to $200 airline fee credit.
  • For all other airlines, even if you're booking First or Business Class, the rebate will be reduced to 20%. This means that 100,000-point First Class flight will now effectively cost you 80,000 points.
  • The rebate is capped at 1,000,000 points back per calendar year.

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Example of the Impact:

Imagine a $2,000 international Business Class flight.

  • Before Sept. 18, 2025 (Non-Selected Airline): Costs 200,000 points upfront, with 70,000 points rebated, bringing the net cost to 130,000 points (effective 1.54 cpp).
  • After Sept. 18, 2025 (Non-Selected Airline): Costs 200,000 points upfront, with only 40,000 points rebated, bringing the net cost to 160,000 points (effective 1.25 cpp).

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This is a 40% reduction in the rebate's value for a significant portion of premium redemptions, especially for those who enjoyed the flexibility of using it across multiple airlines. While the 35% rebate will still apply to your selected airline (which must be a US airline), it severely restricts the "Pay with Points" feature for international premium travel. This change directly impacts the overall value of Amex Business Platinum points.

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Why This Devaluation Matters Now

For years, the 35% rebate on the Amex Business Platinum positioned it as a top-tier card for fixed-value travel redemptions. It offered a consistent, high value that often competed favorably with, or even surpassed, some airline miles redemptions. Without that broad applicability, the "Pay with Points" option becomes far less competitive. This is why many are looking to sell American Express Business Platinum points or find alternative redemption strategies.

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At The Miles Market, we're already observing the significant repercussions:

  • Increased urgency from cardholders seeking to utilize or liquidate their points before the change.
  • Growing demand for strategic redemption advice, as travelers navigate the new landscape for Amex Membership Rewards devaluation.
  • A surge in inquiries from clients looking to sell their Amex points, recognizing the potential for reduced value in their current holdings. In fact, rates for Amex points through reputable brokers are at their highest in over two years, driven by this market shift. If you're wondering "where to sell Amex points," the current market is favorable for those considering this option.

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Your Strategic Game Plan Before September 18, 2025

If you're holding a substantial balance of Amex Membership Rewards points, don't let this devaluation catch you off guard. Here are your primary options, ranked by potential value and common use cases:

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1. Transfer Points to Airline Partners for Maximum Value

This is often the highest-value redemption strategy for Membership Rewards points, potentially yielding 2 cents per point (cpp) or more for premium cabin redemptions. While it requires more planning and flexibility with award availability, the upside can be significant.

  • How it Works: Instead of using "Pay with Points," transfer your Membership Rewards points to one of Amex's many airline loyalty partners (e.g., Air Canada Aeroplan, ANA Mileage Club, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, Emirates Skywards). Then, book award flights directly through the airline's program.
  • Why it Matters: Even with the previous 35% rebate, transferring points could often provide superior value, especially for aspirational First and Business Class flights. Post-devaluation, this method becomes even more critical for maximizing value from your Amex Business Platinum Membership Rewards.
  • Key Partners to Consider:
  • ANA Mileage Club: Excellent for long-haul Business and First Class (e.g., to Asia), often offering superb value.
  • Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: Can be a sweet spot for Delta One flights (though availability varies) and flights on Virgin Atlantic itself.
  • Air Canada Aeroplan: A versatile program for Star Alliance redemptions across various regions.
  • Emirates Skywards: Popular for lavish First Class experiences, though points can be costly.
  • Action: Research specific award flights and availability before transferring points, as transfers are generally irreversible. This requires patience but offers the greatest reward.
  • Learn More: [Link to "Beginner's Guide to Amex Airline Transfer Partners" on your site]
  • Explore: [Link to "Best Amex Transfer Partners for Premium Travel" on your site]

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2. Use Your Points for Travel via Amex Travel – While the 35% Rebate Still Applies Broadly

If you have specific travel plans for First or Business Class on an an airline that is not your selected qualifying airline, you have a limited window to book and still receive the full 35% rebate. This is crucial for maximizing your Amex Business Platinum points value before the change.

  • Why Now: This is your last chance to get 1.54 cpp on cash fares for premium cabins across almost any airline directly through Amex Travel.
  • Considerations: Ensure your travel dates are firm and that booking via Amex Travel (rather than transferring points) makes sense for your specific flight/fare.
  • Deadline: All bookings must be made before September 18, 2025.

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3. Sell Your Amex Points for Cash (If Travel Isn't an Option or You Prioritize Liquidity)

For those who aren't planning immediate premium travel, prefer cash flexibility, or simply want to divest their points before their value potentially shifts further, selling your Amex points is a viable option. This is especially relevant if you're looking to sell American Express Business Platinum points for immediate liquidity.

  • Current Market: Demand is currently high due to the devaluation announcement, driving competitive rates from reputable points brokers like The Miles Market.
  • When to Consider Selling: If you have a large balance of Amex Business Platinum points, no imminent travel plans, or prefer cash despite a per-point value that is typically lower than optimal travel redemptions (e.g., via airline transfers).
  • Action: Research reputable points brokers and compare rates to ensure you get the best possible return for your specific point balance.

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Don't Wait – This Window Is Closing for Your Amex Business Platinum Points

The landscape of Amex Business Platinum benefits is changing significantly. With more cardholders assessing their options before the September 18, 2025, deadline, the market for point redemptions and sales may fluctuate rapidly.

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At The Miles Market, we are here to help you navigate these changes, offering top rates for your Amex Business Platinum points if you choose to sell, or assisting with deeply discounted Business and First Class flight bookings using your points.

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Act now to ensure you maximize the value of your Amex Membership Rewards points.

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‍👉 Get a Quote to Sell Your Amex Points Today!👉