American Express is making a significant change to its popular Resy dining credits for Platinum and Gold cardholders. Going forward, these credits will only be usable at select restaurants, rather than any Resy partner, which sharply reduces their flexibility and value for many users.
Our Take
Bad news for Amex dining fans. This is a clear devaluation for Platinum and Gold cardholders who enjoyed the freedom to use their Resy credits at a wide range of restaurants. Restricting credits to a smaller, curated list makes it harder to maximize value and may leave many cardholders with unused benefits.
What Changed
- Resy dining credits on Amex Platinum and Gold cards are now restricted to select restaurants only
- Previously, credits could be used at any Resy partner restaurant
- Change is already appearing in cardholder statements
Who Benefits Most
- Cardholders living in major cities with many Resy-partnered 'select' restaurants: If your favorite spots remain on the list, you can still use the credits as before.
- Platinum and Gold cardholders who regularly dine at high-end, Amex-favored venues: These restaurants are more likely to remain eligible for the credit.
- Travelers who plan trips around dining at select, high-profile restaurants: If you can plan ahead, you may still extract some value.
Who Should Be Cautious
- Cardholders in smaller cities or suburbs: The pool of eligible restaurants may shrink dramatically, making it hard to use the credit at all.
- Users who valued flexibility: If you previously used the credit at a variety of casual or local spots, your options are now limited.
- Anyone who relied on the credits for routine dining: You may find it difficult to redeem the full value each year.
What To Do Right Now
- Log in to your Amex account and check the updated list of eligible Resy restaurants for your card.
- If you have unused credits, plan your next reservation at a qualifying restaurant before your next statement cycle.
- Consider whether the reduced flexibility still justifies the annual fee on your Platinum or Gold card.
- Track your credits to avoid leaving value on the table.
- If this change impacts your dining habits, explore other cards with more flexible dining rewards.
