Amex downgrades Priority Pass lounge access for the Platinum card from 2028
American Express is changing how Priority Pass lounge access works on the UK Platinum Card. From 1 January 2028, most cardholders will get a fixed number of free visits each year rather than unlimited entry. Spend enough, and you keep the unlimited access.
Nothing changes yet. Your current Priority Pass access stays as it is throughout 2026 and 2027.
What is changing with Amex Platinum Priority Pass access?
From 1 January 2028, Platinum Cardmembers will receive a limited number of complimentary Priority Pass lounge visits each calendar year, unless you spend £30,000 or more on your Platinum Card in a qualifying year. Supplementary cardholders will also have changes to their complimentary Priority Pass.
Amex says the change is designed to "maintain the quality of the lounge experience while continuing to recognise those who make Platinum their card of choice". Make of that what you will.
Your spend in the previous calendar year | Priority Pass access in the following year |
Under £30,000 | 20 free visits for the Primary Cardmember, plus 10 for each Platinum Supplementary Cardmember |
£30,000 or more | Unlimited visits for Primary and Supplementary Cardmembers, plus one guest (standard guest policy applies) |
When does the £30,000 spend period start?
Access in any year is based on your spend in the previous calendar year. The first qualifying year is 2027. Hit £30,000 in 2027 and you unlock unlimited access for 2028. Spend less and you move to the 20-visit allowance.
£30,000 works out at £2,500 a month. Amex has told cardholders in the email communicating these changes whether their spend is forecasted to hit this target.
What counts towards the £30,000?
Eligible purchases made at American Express merchants count, whether by the Primary Cardmember or any Supplementary Cardmember on the account. Interest, annual fees, other fees and cash equivalent transactions do not count. Credits, returns and adjustments are deducted from your total.
You can track your spend through your monthly statements, your online account or the Amex app.
What is not changing?
The change applies to Priority Pass lounges only. Access to other lounges in the Global Lounge Collection, including The Centurion Lounge, Plaza Premium, and Eurostar Business Premier Lounges, stays the same.
Priority Pass pre-book entitlements are less clear. Amex says you have 8 complimentary pre-book entitlements per calendar year between 1 January 2026 and 31 December 2027. The email does not say what happens to pre-booking after 2027, so watch for further details.
What should Platinum cardholders do now?
There is no action needed today. If you regularly use Priority Pass lounges, it is worth checking whether your spending is likely to reach £30,000 in 2027, and whether 20 visits a year would cover your travel. For a lot of people, 20 visits a year would cover them. But it is worth noting that supplementary cardholders will get only 10 passes a year.
Amex says it will contact cardholders again during 2027 with more information, and if we hear more, we will let you know.
Helena
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