American Express Cards Add New Benefits

If you’re looking for a great travel rewards credit card and aren’t sure which one offers the best perks, keep reading. Three American Express cards are adding a suite of new services and benefits for cardholders, including double reward points, trip planning, luggage fee reimbursement, and more. These are in addition to the great rewards already offered by American Express, making the cards even more valuable for the casual or frequent traveler.

The Amex Premier Rewards Gold card, the Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) credit card, and the SPG Amex OPEN Business card are all getting a new lineup of perks which will be appreciated by travelers and diners. Here’s the scoop on the new benefits each card offers.

The American Express Premier Rewards Gold card, which already offers triple rewards points on flights bought directly from airlines, double points on purchases at gas stations and supermarkets, and access to the more than 350 properties in The Hotel Collection along with a $75 hotel amenities credit and room upgrade when available will be adding the following:

• Double points at restaurants across the United States
• A $100 credit to reimburse members for airline fees, including bag check fees
• Access to travel advisors who will provide personalized travel planning service for any itinerary
• No foreign transaction fees for purchases made overseas

The annual fee for the Premier Rewards Gold card is going up $20, from $175 to $195. Cardholders can get additional cards for up to five people at no extra cost.

The SPG credit card from American Express is also waiving foreign transaction fees when the new benefits take effect, as well as offering free, unlimited Wi-Fi access through Boingo. The service offers Wi-Fi at over 1,000,000 hotspots worldwide, with no roaming fees. Cardholders will also get free in-room Internet access at SPG Hotels.

This is in addition to existing benefits such as up to five Starpoints per dollar spent at SPG Hotels, credit for five nights and two stays toward SPG elite status each year, and an upgrade to SPG Gold status when you spend $30,000 in eligible purchases in one calendar year.

The annual fee for the SPG card will go from $65 to $95, and the first year’s fee will continue to be waived.

The SPG American Express OPEN Business card will now give cardholders access Sheraton Club Lounges when they stay at a Sheraton property. The lounges offer free breakfast every day, a selection of premium beverages and hors d’oeuvres each evening, and an area for having meetings with colleagues or drinks with friends.

The new benefits for all these cards will be available on August 11, 2015. New fees will also go into effect on that date. Current and new cardholders will be eligible for the perks. Some cards will feature new designs, and the new cards will be sent out to current customers.

American Express Membership Rewards points can be used with more than 20 airline and hotel partners. Members can also redeem points at restaurants, in taxis and car services, and with many online retailers.