Link: Learn more about the American Express Platinum Card®
The American Express Platinum Card® (review) has recently undergone a major refresh. With this, I’d argue that the card is more compelling than ever before. While I’d say that what’s most exciting is the new perks, it’s worth noting that the card also has a new design.
You can select your preferred design when you get approved, though existing cardmembers can also receive a card with the new design, so let’s talk about how that works.
The Platinum Card® has three special card designs
As a standard, the Platinum Card® is a metal card, with a platinum(ish) design finish. It’s a pretty nice looking card, but there are actually three special design options beyond that. With the recent refresh, we’ve seen the introduction of a new mirror design, which is certainly a unique look for a card (this is for cards issued in the United States).
However, cardmembers also have access to two other special design options, which were introduced back in 2022.
There’s the abstract design, which was created in partnership with abstract artist Julie Mehretu…
…and then there’s the floral design, which was created in partnership with portrait painter Kehinde Wiley.
All of these designs are available to both new and existing cardmembers.
How to request a special Platinum Card® design
If you’re an existing Platinum Card® cardmember, requesting the new card design is easy, and it can be done through the Amex website or app.
If you want to do it on the website, just log into your Amex online account, and click on the “Account Services” tab, and then click on “Change Card Design,” in the “Manage This Card” section.
You can then decide which card design you’d like, as you can choose from the abstract, floral, or mirror design (or if you want to reject all those designs, you can also go with an 85% recycled plastic card).
You’ll then be asked to confirm your shipping address (and you can even modify it, if you’d like), and you’ll be given an estimate of how long it’ll take to be delivered.
The process of requesting a different card design through the app is largely similar. On the “Account” tab, click the “Replace Card” heading,
On the next page you’ll need to select the card you want to replace, and then on the page after that, click the “Continue To Replace Card” button.
You’ll then want to select the “Change Card Design” option.
Then you’ll be able to pick your card design, and it’ll confirm your address and shipping date.
As you can see, it’s all pretty easy…
To what extent does premium card design matter?
There’s obviously a lot of competition between the major card issuers, especially when it comes to premium credit cards. There are all kinds of ways that issuers try to differentiate themselves, and card design has increasingly become one of those areas.
Objectively, I think what Amex is doing here is really smart. These designs are unique, and will be conversation starters. What card issuer wouldn’t want their card to be a point of conversation? Furthermore, the demographic that Amex is going after with the Platinum Card® will largely like this, and it could cause some people to choose to put this card front of wallet.
The card isn’t actually terribly compelling in terms of its rewards structure for everyday spending, so if this causes some spending to shift, there’s quite some upside there.
Personally, my approach is a little different, and I’ll let Amex save whatever amount it takes to create a new card. Why? Well, for one, I’m an introvert who isn’t trying to show off, so a card being a conversation starter isn’t exactly a plus for me. 😉
Furthermore, I don’t actually use the Platinum Card® for many in-person purchases. The primary category in which I spend on the card is airfare, given the compelling return, and those purchases aren’t made in-person. For most in-person purchases, I use mobile payment.
So whether the card is as pretty as an Airelles hotel or as ugly as a Cybertruck, it has no impact on my spending decision. But again, I realize I’m probably in the minority on that.
Bottom line
The Platinum Card® has recently undergone a refresh. What’s most exciting is that the card has new perks that help nicely with justifying the annual fee. However, the card also has a new mirror design, for those who care about that. It’s easy to request this, whether you’re a new or existing cardmember, in case that’s something you value.
Are you requesting a Platinum Card® with the new mirror design? How important do you think card design is?
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