After a long pause, American Express has resumed accepting new applications for its cards in India. For those who have been waiting patiently to get back into the Amex fold, there’s finally some good news. However, this reopening comes with a caveat. Currently, only two premium cards in the lineup are being offered: the American Express Platinum Charge Card and the American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card.
Amex is back in business
American Express had placed a temporary hold on new applications in March 2025. The company explained at the time that the hiatus was necessary to integrate new systems into its domestic card-issuing platform. Existing cardholders were not impacted and continued to use their cards without disruption, but anyone hoping to sign up was left waiting. That waiting period has now ended, though the restart is deliberately limited.
The Platinum Charge Card, Amex’s flagship product, is now available again. It carries an annual fee of INR 66,000 plus taxes, but this fee comes with a host of benefits for those who can use it. Cardholders get unlimited access to domestic and international lounges, complimentary elite status across hotel loyalty programmes such as Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors and Taj Epicure, along with the ability to enjoy no preset spending limits. The card has always been positioned as a luxury lifestyle product, and the reopening keeps it firmly in that space.
Also back in circulation is the Platinum Reserve Credit Card, which comes with a more modest annual fee of INR 10,000 plus taxes. This card has long been pitched as a mid-premium lifestyle card. It offers lounge access, concierge services, golf privileges, and a simple spending-linked benefit, where those who spend INR 50,000 per month can claim vouchers worth INR 1,000 for shopping or movies. While it does not match the expansive benefits of the Platinum Charge, it offers a taste of the American Express premium experience at a lower price point.
The decision to open up applications only for the top-tier cards is telling. It signals that Amex wants to re-establish itself firmly in the premium credit card space before broadening the scope. Also, they are perhaps testing their “new” systems before they go for the bigger audience.
It also puts them squarely back in the competitive landscape, where HDFC, ICICI, and others have been busy refining their premium offerings. Amex’s return is bound to spark a reaction from rivals who know that the Platinum Charge and Reserve attract a very specific, affluent customer base.
For potential applicants, the key consideration remains whether the perks justify the fees. The Platinum Charge makes sense for those who travel frequently, utilise lounge access extensively, and value hotel upgrades and elite statuses. The Platinum Reserve appeals more to those who want a flavour of these benefits without committing to the heavier price tag. Either way, the reopening gives interested customers a chance to re-enter the American Express ecosystem after a period of six months.
Bottomline
American Express is accepting applications for new cards in India again, but it’s choosing to re-enter with its most exclusive cards first. If you’ve been waiting to apply, this is your chance. However, as always, the right choice depends on how well you can make the benefits work for your lifestyle and travel patterns.
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I am planning to apply for Amex Platinum reserve.
Is the Amex Platinum reserve Taj Innercircle plus membership complimentary only for 1st year or is the membership automatically renewed every year by Taj/Amex ?
Thanks for your response Puneet.
Any specific reason Puneet?
The upgrade offer is valid only until 30th sept.
hey Ajay
i already received today an email from AMEX with an upgrade offer from amex reserve to plat charge card with a choice of either 125k points OR 65k Taj vouchers. its a limited time offer until end of the month.
ironically, i had returned the plat charge card just 2 months back due to lack of healthy retain offer.
and now this…..
i am wondering if its wise to take it up. i am tempted to. DO LET ME KNOW your views. i know you have given up yours. but its like 125k points for ₹78k.
@nishank, I’d say wait it out!