American Express and Chase are expanding premium credit card lounges beyond airports to music festivals, sporting events, and permanent stadium locations. The move follows annual fee increases last year, with Amex Platinum now at $895 and Chase Sapphire Reserve at $795. The expansion aims to differentiate premium card offerings and retain high-spending cardholders through exclusive access experiences. Wells Fargo managing director Donald Fandetti noted issuers view these investments as premium differentiators justifying higher annual fees. The strategy reflects intensifying competition between the two companies for affluent customers in the premium credit card market.
American Express and Chase Expand Lounges to Festivals and Sporting Events
American Express Platinum cardholders gained lounge access to events including the US Open tennis tournament, Stagecoach music festival in California, and multiple Formula 1 races worldwide in 2025. Chase Sapphire Reserve customers accessed lounges at Lollapalooza in Chicago, Miami Art Week, Sundance Film Festival, and PGA Tour events. While some lounges remain open to all customers, many spaces are exclusively reserved for premium cardholders. Laura Picciano, general manager of Chase Sapphire, stated the company finds premium customers highly engaged with strong loyalty once acquired.
Credit Card Companies Build Permanent Lounges in Stadiums and Arenas
American Express operates partnerships with more than 20 venues worldwide, with eight current locations featuring lounges including Hard Rock Stadium in Miami and the O2 arena in London. A new lounge is set to open at New York City's Barclays Center this year. Bess Spaeth, executive vice president of global brand management and experiences at American Express, said factors like footprint, food and beverage provision, and viewing capabilities determine which venues receive lounges. Chase built lounges at Madison Square Garden and the Chicago Theatre open to all customers, with Madison Square Garden featuring a dedicated space for Sapphire Reserve cardholders.
Premium Cardholders Spend Double Average on Monthly Purchases
Cardholders with credit scores of 720 or above—typically required for Sapphire Reserve or Platinum card approval—spend more than double the average of those with scores between 660 and 719, according to Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia data. J.D. Power data shows cardholders with annual fees exceeding $500 spent an average of $3,200 per month from May 2025 to June 2026, up 17% from the prior 12-month period. Those with fees below $500 spent an average of $1,144 monthly, up 6% year-over-year. American Express credit card fees totaled nearly $10 billion in 2025, up approximately 18% since 2024. A 2025 Mastercard report found affluent consumers—defined as households with income of $200,000 or more and at least $250,000 in investable assets—spend 4.3 times the general population on discretionary purchases.
Chase and American Express Leverage Sponsorships for Cardholder Perks
Chase offers gift bags, premium viewing areas, special merchandise access, and food discounts through venue partnerships, according to Paul Needham, head of dining and lifestyle at Chase. Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders receive access to dinner events hosted on FIFA World Cup pitches in New Jersey and California. Marriott Bonvoy partnered with American Express in April to recreate New York City's Rao's restaurant inside a hotel for a cardholder dinner event. American Express' partnership with Formula 1 launched in 2023, marking its first new sports sponsorship in more than a decade, and expanded a year later with trackside lounges and fan perks.
FAQ
What are the annual fees for American Express Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve cards?
American Express Platinum carries an annual fee of $895, while Chase Sapphire Reserve has an annual fee of $795. Both cards increased their fees last year.
How much do premium credit card holders spend per month on average?
Cardholders with annual fees exceeding $500 spent an average of $3,200 per month from May 2025 to June 2026, up 17% from the prior 12-month period, according to J.D. Power data. Those with fees below $500 spent an average of $1,144 monthly, up 6% year-over-year.
Where has American Express built permanent credit card lounges?
American Express operates lounges at eight venues including Hard Rock Stadium in Miami and the O2 arena in London, with a new location set to open at New York City's Barclays Center this year. The company has partnerships with more than 20 venues worldwide.
