Luxury isn’t a dream. It’s a decision.
It’s time we talk about one of the biggest money conversations happening right now, American Express just increased the Platinum Card annual fee to $895.
Now before you roll your eyes and say, “They’re doing too much,” let’s unpack what this really means for Black women who are redefining what luxury looks like on our own terms.
We’ve Been Taught to Feel Guilty for Wanting More
For too long, Black women have been told that luxury is an extra, a reward we get after everyone else is taken care of.
We hustle, we serve, we provide and when we finally decide to treat ourselves to first class or a five-star stay, there’s that little whisper:
“Do you really need that?”
But here’s the truth: wanting ease, access, and excellence doesn’t make you bougie, it makes you balanced.
The Fee Went Up But So Did the Value
Yes, the Platinum Card fee jumped from $695 to $895, but so did the perks.
Let’s break it down the Diva way:
- $600 annual hotel credit when you book luxury stays through Amex Travel.
- $400 in dining credits via Resy, because a girl’s gotta brunch.
- $300 in wellness credits at Lululemon, streaming platforms, and other lifestyle brands.
- Airport lounge access, upgrades, and elite status that make travel feel like a warm welcome instead of a hassle.
When you add it up, the value more than doubles what you’re paying for. But here’s the real gem: it’s not just about saving money, it’s about raising your standards.
This Is About Access, Not Expense
You step off your flight and there’s a driver waiting with your name on a sign.
You glide into a hotel lobby where they greet you by name and hand you your favorite drink
Your dinner reservation? Already handled.
That’s not fantasy. That’s what happens when you decide that luxury isn’t something you wait for, it’s something you live.
This is what Travel Divas stands for: Black women showing up, showing out, and showing the world what it means to travel with intention, pride, and peace.
Book Your Next Trip the Diva Way
So yes, the Amex Platinum Card fee went up. But maybe that’s the universe saying:
“It’s time to stop apologizing for wanting more.”
Whether it’s first class, fine dining, or five-star hotels, let’s normalize Black women embracing high-end experiences without guilt.
Book your next trip the Diva way, no shortcuts to excellence.
Because luxury isn’t about the price tag — it’s about the peace that comes with knowing you’ve earned every single moment.
