Is American Express Stepping Back from India? (Rumors)

There’s a major buzz going around in the credit card community: American Express (Amex) seems to be quietly shutting down most of its products in India.


According to multiple reports and user observations, Amex is now offering only two cards in the country:

• Platinum Reserve Credit Card
• Platinum Charge Card

What’s Happening?
These aren’t new products. Both cards have been part of Amex’s lineup for years, but they’ve always catered to a selected premium audience.

• The Platinum Reserve Credit Card costs around ₹10,000 + GST per year.
• The Platinum Charge Card, Amex’s most expensive offering, comes in at about ₹77,000 + GST per year.

That’s quite a steep price, especially when compared to other premium cards in the market.


Final Thoughts
Amex India has been working on several initiatives to improve its IT infrastructure, data localization, and other arareas.
we don’t think they’re planning to leave India - that can’t be true. Currently, Amex isn’t actively promoting their credit cards except for the Platinum and Platinum Reserve, which are being marketed mainly through partnership and Member-Get-Member (MGM) programs. This seems to be a temporary phase.

As far as we know, Amex India is preparing to make significant changes to its product lineup, and that’s likely why they’re not focusing on issuing or promoting lower-cost cards at the moment.

Hopefully, we’ll see Amex’s entry-level cards return soon.

 

[TechnoFinoTechnoFino is verified member.]

Amex India has been working on several initiatives to improve its IT infrastructure, data localization, and other areas.

I don’t think they’re planning to leave India - that can’t be true. Currently, Amex isn’t actively promoting their credit cards except for the Platinum and Platinum Reserve, which are being marketed mainly through partnership and Member-Get-Member (MGM) programs. This seems to be a temporary phase.

As far as I know, Amex India is preparing to make significant changes to its product lineup, and that’s likely why they’re not focusing on issuing or promoting lower-cost cards at the moment.

Hopefully, we’ll see Amex’s entry-level cards return soon.

 

[Yugi]

We never know what's up with Amex India. Maybe Amex Insiders can give some info.

 

[SSV]

There’s a major buzz going around in the credit card community: American Express (Amex) seems to be quietly shutting down most of its products in India.


According to multiple reports and user observations, Amex is now offering only two cards in the country:

• Platinum Reserve Credit Card
• Platinum Charge Card

What’s Happening?
These aren’t new products. Both cards have been part of Amex’s lineup for years, but they’ve always catered to a very small, premium audience.

• The Platinum Reserve Credit Card costs around ₹10,000 + GST per year.
• The Platinum Charge Card, Amex’s most expensive offering, comes in at about ₹77,000 + GST per year.

That’s quite a steep price, especially when compared to other premium cards in the market.


The Real Shock
The real surprise is that all other popular Amex cards like the Membership Rewards Card (MRCC), Gold Charge Card, SmartEarn, and Platinum Travel Card, are being phased out.

For a brand that once symbolised luxury and exclusivity, this sudden shift looks less like a “repositioning” and more like a gradual withdrawal from India’s credit card market.


Are the Remaining Cards Worth It?
Frankly, neither of the two remaining cards offers much value for most Indian users today:

• The Platinum Reserve doesn’t provide any standout benefits to justify its annual fee.
• The Platinum Charge does come with lifestyle privileges, but at ₹77,000+, it feels overpriced when compared to Indian premium cards like HDFC Diners Club Black, Axis Bank Magnus, or HSBC Premier.

Why Is Amex Struggling?
Amex’s challenges in India aren’t new. The company has faced a series of setbacks over the past few years:

• RBI restrictions temporarily stopped it from onboarding new customers.
• Limited acceptance, as many merchants in India still don’t accept Amex cards.
• Strong competition from Indian banks offering better rewards, lounge access, and travel perks at much lower annual fees.

What Does This Mean?
With only two niche cards left and no signs of new launches, Amex seems to be maintaining a token presence just enough to say they still operate in India.

To many, it feels like Amex is slowly preparing for an exit from one of the world’s fastest-growing credit card markets.


Final Thoughts
Once seen as the gold standard of premium banking worldwide, American Express is now losing relevance in India’s competitive credit card landscape.

Whether this is just a short-term clean-up or the beginning of Amex India’s final chapter, only time will tell.

What do you think?
Is this a temporary move, or are we witnessing the slow end of American Express in India?

I don't know whether amex India is withdrawing from the Indian market or not but I already started withdrawing from Amex India...
...
Closed already Gold card and Plat travel in the recent months...
Just left with MRCC with 1.5K fee..
All the best guys...

So.in essence , I am stepping back from Amex India

Post in thread 'Amex Plat Travel - No Retention Benefits Offered - July 2025' https://technofino.in/community/thr...benefits-offered-july-2025.42218/post-1055028

Post in thread 'Amex Plat Travel - No Retention Benefits Offered - July 2025' https://technofino.in/community/thr...benefits-offered-july-2025.42218/post-1108526

 

[Abhishek012]

Amex should tie up with RuPay and launch a RuPay–Amex Ekaa co-branded global card.

 

[SSV]

Amex should tie up with RuPay and launch a RuPay–Amex Ekaa co-branded global card.

Which effectively means, shutting down from India..

 

[RAMESH BABU N]

Very happy to have AmEx MRCC (with add-on card). Only last week - paid 1500/+GST thru Reward Points.

I don't think AmEx would exit our market.

Based on what is officially available news in the print media, this year's pruning (of CCs on offer) is to make some major changes in their strategies/processes.

They would NOT have re-opened their CCs for new customers - if they had their own intentions to quit the Indian CC market. Moreover, back home, their economy is not so great now - compared to our vibrant n fastest growing economy.

However, who knows ? Political pressures n Governmental restrictions - from the US Government alone - could decide such decisions.

I still wonder why CITI BANK CC left. Despite having a very good product line up, much better n wider acceptance in the market n a great setup delivering top class service n support. May be, they left for "other" reasons.

 

[VasukiVasuki is verified member.]

There’s a major buzz going around in the credit card community: American Express (Amex) seems to be quietly shutting down most of its products in India.


According to multiple reports and user observations, Amex is now offering only two cards in the country:

• Platinum Reserve Credit Card
• Platinum Charge Card

What’s Happening?
These aren’t new products. Both cards have been part of Amex’s lineup for years, but they’ve always catered to a very small, premium audience.

• The Platinum Reserve Credit Card costs around ₹10,000 + GST per year.
• The Platinum Charge Card, Amex’s most expensive offering, comes in at about ₹77,000 + GST per year.

That’s quite a steep price, especially when compared to other premium cards in the market.


The Real Shock
The real surprise is that all other popular Amex cards like the Membership Rewards Card (MRCC), Gold Charge Card, SmartEarn, and Platinum Travel Card, are being phased out.

For a brand that once symbolised luxury and exclusivity, this sudden shift looks less like a “repositioning” and more like a gradual withdrawal from India’s credit card market.


Are the Remaining Cards Worth It?
Frankly, neither of the two remaining cards offers much value for most Indian users today:

• The Platinum Reserve doesn’t provide any standout benefits to justify its annual fee.
• The Platinum Charge does come with lifestyle privileges, but at ₹77,000+, it feels overpriced when compared to Indian premium cards like HDFC Diners Club Black, Axis Bank Magnus, or HSBC Premier.

Why Is Amex Struggling?
Amex’s challenges in India aren’t new. The company has faced a series of setbacks over the past few years:

• RBI restrictions temporarily stopped it from onboarding new customers.
• Limited acceptance, as many merchants in India still don’t accept Amex cards.
• Strong competition from Indian banks offering better rewards, lounge access, and travel perks at much lower annual fees.

What Does This Mean?
With only two niche cards left and no signs of new launches, Amex seems to be maintaining a token presence just enough to say they still operate in India.

To many, it feels like Amex is slowly preparing for an exit from one of the world’s fastest-growing credit card markets.


Final Thoughts
Once seen as the gold standard of premium banking worldwide, American Express is now losing relevance in India’s competitive credit card landscape.

Whether this is just a short-term clean-up or the beginning of Amex India’s final chapter, only time will tell.

What do you think?
Is this a temporary move, or are we witnessing the slow end of American Express in India?

They hevaliy
Doing card promotion in South Delhi
Although it's limited to two right now

 

[BhaiyaJi]

Will miss AMEX cards and their stalls in lounges

 

[cardio_guycardio_guy is verified member.]

I just got the Platinum Travel card last month luckily when they opened the application (or maybe a glitch) for a few days.
The only regret is that I didn't apply for Gold Charge card along with it during that time. I could have done it, but missed.

 

[AlgoTrader]

so they are not issues gold and platinum cards now?

 

[neel]

I just got the Platinum Travel card last month luckily when they opened the application (or maybe a glitch) for a few days.
The only regret is that I didn't apply for Gold Charge card along with it during that time. I could have done it, but missed.

Was it FYF?

 

[kiranjain]

Last week ho tho renewal fees pay k thi without any renewal benefits for platinum travel card.

 

[cardio_guycardio_guy is verified member.]

Was it FYF?

No, fully paid. 5900 joining fees.

 

[Ram1]

This is all due to their worst referral program. Gave rps to referrals like crazy,now regretting about costs in india

 

[HumorSimpson]

Amex should tie up with RuPay and launch a RuPay–Amex Ekaa co-branded global card.

We can call it, Kichdi card

 

[theglobalinvestor]

Maybe they will do an HSBC...quit and come back. Amex only wants the top 1%.

 

[iSayyed]

There’s a major buzz going around in the credit card community: American Express (Amex) seems to be quietly shutting down most of its products in India.

A post on social media went viral after someone claimed that 'uncle' at the airport mentioned certain information. This sparked a lot of speculation.

I believe there’s no chance that AMEX will exit this market.

 

[Nihhaar]

I don't know whether amex India is withdrawing from the Indian market or not but I already started withdrawing from Amex India...
...
Closed already Gold card and Plat travel in the recent months...
Just left with MRCC with 1.5K fee..
All the best guys...

So.in essence , I am stepping back from Amex India

Post in thread 'Amex Plat Travel - No Retention Benefits Offered - July 2025' https://technofino.in/community/thr...benefits-offered-july-2025.42218/post-1055028

Post in thread 'Amex Plat Travel - No Retention Benefits Offered - July 2025' https://technofino.in/community/thr...benefits-offered-july-2025.42218/post-1108526

If we close all Amex cards, what happens to our MR points? Will they be forfeited? Should I always maintain an Amex card for the points?

 

[SSV]

If we close all Amex cards, what happens to our MR points? Will they be forfeited? Should I always maintain an Amex card for the points?

I think, we will have 30 days time to redeem points after closing cards...