The Amex Platinum is getting a bit more colorful. We first learned about this several weeks back, and as of today cardmembers can request a redesigned card.
In this post:
Special Amex Platinum artist card designs
As of today (Thursday, January 20, 2022), Amex Platinum cardmembers can choose from two new card designs. This is available for consumer cards issued in the United States, for both new and existing cardmembers.
The two designs are by artists Julie Mehretu and Kehinde Wiley, who have transformed the cards into art. Usually I’d try to cover the basics in my own words, but reading the press release I’ve realized that I just can’t do that without sounding super awkward, so I’ll quote…
Amex Platinum x Julie Mehretu
Here’s how the card design by Julie Mehretu is described:
Julie Mehretu, one of the most renowned abstract artists today, created the Platinum x Julie Mehretu, which evokes the abstract modernity for which she is known.
“For me, making art comes from expanding the imagination and possibility, the incredible feeling of inventiveness and vitality that one can experience with a painting,” said Julie Mehretu. “Art is all around us and I am delighted that a part of my work can now be found on the smallest of canvases in Platinum Card Members’ wallets.”
Mehretu is known for her talismanic and profound works that link architecture, identity and history while also advancing concepts that are fundamental to art itself.
Amex Platinum x Kehinde Wiley
Here’s how the card design be Kehinde Wiley is described:
Designed by Kehinde Wiley, a visionary portrait painter best known for naturalistic portraits brought distinctive botanicals to the Platinum Card design for Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, which wonderfully captures the essence of his profound energy and worldview.
“This was an exciting project and powerful experience for me to translate my artistic approach into one of the reimagined designs for the Platinum Card,” said Kehinde Wiley. “I am proud to help Platinum Card Members enjoy a bit of artistic inspiration every day.”
Wiley’s work engages signs and visual rhetoric of the heroic, powerful, majestic and the sublime in his representation of diverse individuals.
How to request a redesigned Amex Platinum
The process of requesting a redesigned Amex Platinum is easy. Just log into your American Express online account, and click on the “Account Services” tab.
Then click the “Replace a Card” button.
Then select the option that says “I want to change my Card’s design.”
Once there, you’ll be able to choose which of the designs you’d like for your card.
My take on these Amex Platinum card designs
I’m of two minds when it comes to these Amex Platinum special art designs. On the one hand, this seems smart:
- These designs are unique, and will be conversation starters; what card issuer wouldn’t want their card to be a point of conversation?
- 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
On the other hand, from a rational standpoint, this seems silly:
- The Amex Platinum isn’t competitive when it comes to everyday spending, and the only spending I put on the card is for airfare, where I earn 5x points (the primary reason I have the card is for the perks); no matter how pretty the card is, I won’t spend more money on it
- I’d rather Amex invest more money into the core value proposition of the card, rather than the physical card itself; this kind of feels like when an airline partners with a celebrity chef, essentially writing them a check rather than investing in catering as such
Sure, I’ll request one of these cards, though it won’t impact my choice to put spending on the card.
Bottom line
The Amex Platinum has new card designs from artists, and cardmembers can request their cards as of today (January 20, 2022). This is available to both new and existing cardmembers of the personal card in the United States. The designs are cute, though obviously this is style over substance.
What do you make of the Amex Platinum card redesigns? Are you requesting one of the two designs, and if so, which one?
One more comment. The people dissing the art in the comment feed is the reason why they don't understand this card. People here with the AMEX Plat want more features and more things to max their benefits. AMEX isn't trying to do that. They are trying to target their more wealthy individuals. These art designs are wealthy new Gen Z high income earners, not for us. The new benefits, the gym benefit being one of...
One more comment. The people dissing the art in the comment feed is the reason why they don't understand this card. People here with the AMEX Plat want more features and more things to max their benefits. AMEX isn't trying to do that. They are trying to target their more wealthy individuals. These art designs are wealthy new Gen Z high income earners, not for us. The new benefits, the gym benefit being one of them, is for rich people, not for us. Its ironic - people complain this card is seeming less "fancy" are the same people that want to max their benefit with this card.
Majority of the comments here are definitely not getting the idea of the AMEX Plat card. The AMEX Plat, yes, has poorer income folks. But the core of the card, is still targeted at wealthy people. I think rich + savvy is the best way to describe it. People claim the "Coupon book" isn't rich and makes the card feel cheap. I beg the differ when there are coupons giving discounts to luxury brands. You...
Majority of the comments here are definitely not getting the idea of the AMEX Plat card. The AMEX Plat, yes, has poorer income folks. But the core of the card, is still targeted at wealthy people. I think rich + savvy is the best way to describe it. People claim the "Coupon book" isn't rich and makes the card feel cheap. I beg the differ when there are coupons giving discounts to luxury brands. You think rich wouldn't want to save a few dollars if they are already shopping at said places. They definitely would. And poor people don't have $690 dollars to blow on a credit card. The car itself is design for rich people (who didn't want Centurion), high income earners, upper-middle class and then there are people out there, like us, that read these articles that want to max benefits. Please remember this card isn't there for you to max your benefits.
I want to change the card's design is not a choice for me or my AU.
Curious
Just tried on a desktop browser and I'm getting "Sorry, our system is not responding. Please try again later." Guess these are more popular than they were expecting?
Do these work with cobranded cards? ie, Schwab & Morgan Stanley?
The option is not online for the Schwab version. You may need to call.
I have the Morgan Stanley card, did online chat and was told "not available" to partner cards.
You have the cards reversed. The flowers card is Wiley.
I think this is silly and a waste of time and money. I wish they would use these funds to figure out how to reduce the crowds in the airport lounges and improve the quality of the food in said lounges.
Cutting off guest access to the Centurion Lounges starting February 2023 doesn't count as an effort to reduce crowds?
I would like to say that I may have spoken too quickly regarding the quality of the food in the lounges. I am currently in a lounge and the spread is terrific. We are quick to complain when things are not right, but slow to compliment. So my apologies are offered here.
It’s live, at least on the app. Just ordered mine. Went with the Kehinde Wiley one. Estimated delivery via USPS at the end of next week.
you got the picture wrong, the more abstract one is by Mehretu, whereas the one with flower is by Wiley
Seriously ... is this really necessary? Waste of money and then they jack up the annual fee. in Australia it already about $1500. Stupidity.
And please ... can you you get rid of the video popups
Customers: the Amex plat has become a glorified coupon book with all these high breakage, niche credits.
Amex: would you prefer a coloring book?
Don't get it then!
This card isn't meant for poor people. The AF is an accounting error for me.
Wow, aren't you special???
Yes, I am special.
Go get a job that doesn't pay minimum wage and you won't worry about couponing anymore.
I agree that the Plat is not for poor people, but the point is that it's looking like a poor person's card these days, with all of the cheesy millennial gimmicks. Furthermore, this colorful new design appears to be targeting women and "creative" folks, i.e. not the rich businessman demographic that Amex traditionally symbolizes. I'm not saying that that's bad; I'm just pointing out that rich men are much more likely to resist these changes...
I agree that the Plat is not for poor people, but the point is that it's looking like a poor person's card these days, with all of the cheesy millennial gimmicks. Furthermore, this colorful new design appears to be targeting women and "creative" folks, i.e. not the rich businessman demographic that Amex traditionally symbolizes. I'm not saying that that's bad; I'm just pointing out that rich men are much more likely to resist these changes and to prefer the original bold silver design. To be frank, I think the new designs just look stupid on a high-end card.
Personally, I won't ditch the Plat -- even if they jack up the fees some more -- because I haven't slowed my traveling during the pandemic, and it easily pays itself off when you're a frequent flyer (particularly if your home airport has a Centurion Lounge). I'll just remain a disgruntled cardholder, cursing under my breath every time I need to choose a new digital subscription, or every time I see how ridiculous Equinox memberships are.
"Cheesy millenial (sic) gimmicks."
Okay, boomer.
Lmao at Kevin bragging about his wealth to internet strangers, because that's what happy, well adjusted people do. Seek therapy, dude.
1 one yr old would be like “hold my bottle, I got this” that scribble one looks hideous.
@Ben, I think you're absolutely right on this. AMEX needs to better invest in the value of this card. Since COVID, there are so many benefits that are pretty much worthless to me. Walmart + (nothing against Walmart, it just isn't a premium brand) isn't much of a benefit that goes with the prestige of having the Platinum card. Then in 2023 losing the ability to take a guest into the Centurion lounge might be...
@Ben, I think you're absolutely right on this. AMEX needs to better invest in the value of this card. Since COVID, there are so many benefits that are pretty much worthless to me. Walmart + (nothing against Walmart, it just isn't a premium brand) isn't much of a benefit that goes with the prestige of having the Platinum card. Then in 2023 losing the ability to take a guest into the Centurion lounge might be the kicker for me. "Sry wife, you're going to have to wait outside while I enjoy champagne in the lounge." Venture X card is looking more and more valuable to me these days.
If you can't afford to add your wife as an AU, then drop the card. It's not meant for poor people!
The card is most definitely not meant for the wealthy, look at the "perks" of the card. Commercial airport lounges, the "fine" hotels, uber credit, Walmart prime...
Off topic, but the guest restrictions couldn't come soon enough. I go to lounges to escape the family of five with a crying infant and two toddlers running around, and escape the spring break frat party doing shots, not to be confined in one space with them. One adult guest seems reasonable to me, but as rich Kaleb says, if it's your spouse, then just add him/her as an AU.
A more appropriate artwork choice would be of Fonz jumping the shark
No one is forcing you to get it. Calm down.
I love this effort and purely for this, I will take the platinum membership!
Really hate all these cheap tacky cards…
i HOPE AmEx is charging everybody who things to be in NEED of just getting this new design for fun an extra USD100,- just for the "FUN" of it!
I H O P E not everybody is now in the urgent "need" of ordering a new card even if the now present one is still valid for another 4 years??
This is a metal card and for those who think like Lucky, this is SOOOO WRONG!!
Can't those who have a valid and good Platinum Card just wait and get one once the expiry date is close rather then WASTING more resources than...
I H O P E not everybody is now in the urgent "need" of ordering a new card even if the now present one is still valid for another 4 years??
This is a metal card and for those who think like Lucky, this is SOOOO WRONG!!
Can't those who have a valid and good Platinum Card just wait and get one once the expiry date is close rather then WASTING more resources than needed?? I bet, AmEx had NOT that in mind to just get new cards printed as some people who might be members but have nothing else to do but worry about a new designed card and WASTE not just resources but also unnecessary postage and gasoline as well as absolutely unnecessary procedures at all ends.
When i read
"Sure, I’ll request one of these cards in January, though it won’t impact my choice to put spending on the card."
..... that makes me so sick, that i lose my believes in that Guy more and more!! Just because there is people who have REAL needs and URGENT things that should be at a 1. priority rather then spending or wasting more plastic or metal by getting a new Credit card, is the "old" one not good enough for the Prince any more, while the own mother should be a good example why cancer is still becoming a more and more spread disease rather then focusing on the more natural way of living!
Always good to see, those complaining most but then again doing little to nothing to change things to the better!
SICKENING, it really is.
Wonder, if that is just a US problem, as usual wasting and not caring much about other things!?
Very ugly, very stupid expensive card.
So long as these are only OPTIONS, then I do not care. if you want one, get one. I just got the Business Platinum for my wife so I intend to cancel my Business Platinum and apply for a personal Platinum after the first of the year when the initial spend on her card is complete. The "art" would not deter that plan as I am like Lucky and would barely use it after the...
So long as these are only OPTIONS, then I do not care. if you want one, get one. I just got the Business Platinum for my wife so I intend to cancel my Business Platinum and apply for a personal Platinum after the first of the year when the initial spend on her card is complete. The "art" would not deter that plan as I am like Lucky and would barely use it after the initial spend, I hope I can get the traditional design. I am not really into "art" and I prefer the serious, "financial instrument" appearance of the current design.
Me myself I love the old school original look but each is own and can get and do what they please but I’m old school and I love my original platinum card look! It’s classy!!✊✊
For those mystified by the comments: there is an underlying unhappiness with this product. Nobody's deeply unhappy about art on a card. We're unhappy with all the other changes that are designed for a very specific product mix and lifestyle, along with the long legacy of AmEx ensuring you can't extract value out of the card (I've not been able to use the $200 annual airline credit in years.)
This is literal lipstick on a $700 pig.
Then cancel your card - I find the whining about Amex Platinum to be insufferable, not just here but on other blogs and forums. The refresh benefited me tremendously. However, if my lifestyle changes, I will just cancel it
If the card doesn't work for you, then CANCEL it and move on with your life.
You know what's insane about these comments? The card isn't there for you to MAX your benefits. The AMEX Plat card is made for wealthy people, no matter how people claim it isn't with these perks. Rich people aren't reading these blogs and trying to max their points. They don't care if they lose profit in the AMEX card because they might see some benefits that benefit them.
I find a lot of the comments to be baffling. These options are not part of the suite of benefits the card offers. They don't make it more or less desirable. They are the equivalent of public art, that makes the world better and funds a few artists. Given that most card transactions don't involve you showing anyone else what the card looks like, the main benefit is giving you joy that you have it....
I find a lot of the comments to be baffling. These options are not part of the suite of benefits the card offers. They don't make it more or less desirable. They are the equivalent of public art, that makes the world better and funds a few artists. Given that most card transactions don't involve you showing anyone else what the card looks like, the main benefit is giving you joy that you have it. If Amex offers these in Australia or commissions Australian artists to create similar additions to their cards (having some indigenous art on my Amex card would be wonderful), I would be the first to request one.
Absolutely not. I love my current AE very unique card. It commands respect as is.
Amex should offer the ability to create your own card or pick a design (as many other companies have offered in the past) and let the user decide if they want to spiff up their cards or not, and concentrate on how Amex Plat is going to keep my business in 2022 - (I've been a plat card member since 98). There are really not many useful benefits left, all having been replaced with garbage...
Amex should offer the ability to create your own card or pick a design (as many other companies have offered in the past) and let the user decide if they want to spiff up their cards or not, and concentrate on how Amex Plat is going to keep my business in 2022 - (I've been a plat card member since 98). There are really not many useful benefits left, all having been replaced with garbage that (I'm sure they know) only .07% of card holders will use, and the ones that are semi useful are a pain in the ass to use.
Ben, it’s seems the images are the wrong way around. Just dread the Amex press release.
Both added nice and colorful design to the otherwise plain vanilla yet solid and conveys strength on the original design of the platinum card. I like all three designs, but Ms. Mehretu's design covers the visual CVV (the 3 digit code) that Amex and merchants ask for in front of the card, instead of the back of the card. It may be a challenge for some people to be able to read the numbers when...
Both added nice and colorful design to the otherwise plain vanilla yet solid and conveys strength on the original design of the platinum card. I like all three designs, but Ms. Mehretu's design covers the visual CVV (the 3 digit code) that Amex and merchants ask for in front of the card, instead of the back of the card. It may be a challenge for some people to be able to read the numbers when using this card's CVV. Maybe surround the three digits with a circular design with Platinum's original color background to make it readable for most people.
Correcting my previous comment for the artist's name. Commenters were saying that the design and artist's name were transposed. My earlier comment was meant for the artist with the floral design, it makes it difficult to read the CVV numbers for some people.
Just bad.
I'll say: this is a tried and true marketing tactic, and it generally works. It makes sense AmEx would try it
Look at Apple: Homepod Minis aren't selling, so make it orange. Boom, instant sales. They do the same with iMacs, iPhones, cases, watches, etc. The ditzy stuff works for some consumer products.
I'll also likely order one in January, but when my renewal comes around in September 2022 and the LAX lounge still isn't...
I'll say: this is a tried and true marketing tactic, and it generally works. It makes sense AmEx would try it
Look at Apple: Homepod Minis aren't selling, so make it orange. Boom, instant sales. They do the same with iMacs, iPhones, cases, watches, etc. The ditzy stuff works for some consumer products.
I'll also likely order one in January, but when my renewal comes around in September 2022 and the LAX lounge still isn't open and there are no Priority Pass lounges or restaurants, even a Murakami Superflat design isn't gonna save this card for me.
Abstract one looks like a kid got ahold of my card and started coloring on it with their crayons. A hot mess!! I would have said please start over and try again if I was an executive with Amex.
These are supposed to be artist! They should have the appearance of carrying around a small piece of art in your wallet not one of your kids school projects.lol
That's All!
I think I will stick with My Gold. Putting a design on the platinum card does not encourage me to want to have it, but increase the perks for every day use along with travels, will do it.
As pointless as their “rose gold” cards. I hate how these cards are metal now (too heavy). I think the majority here agree that the benefits AMEX packages are not worth the fees.
What's worse: they don't provide self-addressed envelopes for destruction anymore. They hope you'll foot the bill for the return route to Florida.
The next time I have to destroy a metal card for Amex, it's going in the recycling bin. If they're going to be that cheap after this AF increase, I'm going to disincentivize it.
I've always received prepaid mailers with replacement metal cards for Chase and Amex. And I'm sure they'll be happy to send you one upon request for no charge.
Cut in into 4 pieces with a tin snips. Problem solved. Time taken: 10 seconds.
That design is nit even in theme with three roman spartan displayed on the front card. This is very sloppy and tacky!!!!!!! I would be imbarrassed to so anybody the card for a simple transaction...especially, to pay that $600 yearly fee along with this!!!
This is garbage mawma.
“Wiley’s work engages signs and visual rhetoric of the heroic, powerful, majestic and the sublime in his representation of diverse individuals.” — blah blah blah. Bloviate nonsense.
I'm liking the botanicals. Not so much the abstract
Do cardholders have to get the new design cards I am happy with the design I have been a member since 1975
These Designs are boring !! More perks = more spending.
Who cares. This doesn't affect my points or miles strategy. May be they should consider more generalized perks for their cardholders rather than very specific perks like certain gyms, etc. May be they should also consider giving the benefit outright and giving bits each month or bits each ride.
Yeah, this is not the update the general public was looking for with all of their (our) recent complaints.
Tone deaf response to actual problems. Sounds familiar for the travel industry. What was it?
"We’re going to make a lot of changes and we think you’re going to like it"
- the guy who turned EWR into an airport that people have to use
A Roman Centurion surrounded by flowers seems like an odd pairing. And the other is a hot mess. I’d stick with the Original.
The one with the lines and curves appears to have yellow Capital One logo on it, so there’s that…
LOL - That's EXACTLY what I thought when I saw it too...
It's AMEX's way of asking "What's in your wallet?"
Flowers pretty
I think this is great. I’m swapping out for the Kehinde Wiley card ASAP — so much easier than coughing up $250,000 for an actual Kehinde Wiley.
Very whiny post and replies
1) The images are mixed up
2) The floral design is cool, I will get it
3) I have derived much more value from the Amex Platinum with the refresh - fully used two hotel credits, fully used Equinox and digital entertainment credits, fully used Clear credit, fully used two sets of Uber and Saks credits, put a lot of airline spend on the cards, used lounges, used...
Very whiny post and replies
1) The images are mixed up
2) The floral design is cool, I will get it
3) I have derived much more value from the Amex Platinum with the refresh - fully used two hotel credits, fully used Equinox and digital entertainment credits, fully used Clear credit, fully used two sets of Uber and Saks credits, put a lot of airline spend on the cards, used lounges, used a ton of Amex offers, switched cell phone bill to take advantage of insurance, put a decent amount of other spend on as well. Great card.
A very feeble attempt to justify the fee increase. The added benefits are pathetic at best and unusable by many. I will probably downgrade to the Gold Card as I can no longer justify the increased annual fee. It appears they are trying to drive away the riff raff like me who don't do exclusively "luxury" travel. Adding Wal-Mart as a perk to a high-end card??? A "pretty" card is meaningless when the benefit value...
A very feeble attempt to justify the fee increase. The added benefits are pathetic at best and unusable by many. I will probably downgrade to the Gold Card as I can no longer justify the increased annual fee. It appears they are trying to drive away the riff raff like me who don't do exclusively "luxury" travel. Adding Wal-Mart as a perk to a high-end card??? A "pretty" card is meaningless when the benefit value is so frequently diminished. How do you justify the annual fee if you only use it for airfare???
What do you like about the gold card? I got the business one just for the sign up bonus but will be cancelling as I see such little value. I really never used my platinum card for anything except the free benefits. Between Uber, Priority Pass, Airline credit and Centurion Lounge i had no problem paying the lower fee. Now that I've moved away from Denver and the Uber credit is only for US it's...
What do you like about the gold card? I got the business one just for the sign up bonus but will be cancelling as I see such little value. I really never used my platinum card for anything except the free benefits. Between Uber, Priority Pass, Airline credit and Centurion Lounge i had no problem paying the lower fee. Now that I've moved away from Denver and the Uber credit is only for US it's worthless. The priority pass is an absolute joke. Places are just dropping off there like flys. I went to the lounge in Cancun and 3 weeks later i was starving when I went again. No longer accepting Amex Priority Pass so I had to pay since I didn't bring anything with me. If you travel more than once a month the Centurion lounge benefit by itself could have paid for the card. They've made sure to devalue that aspect too though. If they offered me half off the annual fee I'd still say no thanks.
Happy to hear that Amex raised the annual fee to almost $700 in order to send all members a brand new "design" card.
Apart from the insurance benefits there is nothing unique about Amex anymore. Earning rates are not awesome and the $5 here, $10 there "credits" are terrible "benefits" just like Steve said
You have the wrong card with each description. Kehinde Wiley is the floral art and Julie Mehretu is the abstract scribbling.
Wow Amex is getting desperate what is the next #benefit? Probably going to be a $50 annual credit to amazon that is valid at $1 per week maximum up to $50 in total on purchases over $100 and paid for using the amex card in conjunction with amex pay with points but its not availble to prime members or valid on items that are not sold by amazon.com
You think im joking but im dead...
Wow Amex is getting desperate what is the next #benefit? Probably going to be a $50 annual credit to amazon that is valid at $1 per week maximum up to $50 in total on purchases over $100 and paid for using the amex card in conjunction with amex pay with points but its not availble to prime members or valid on items that are not sold by amazon.com
You think im joking but im dead serious, i could totally see them rolling something out like this and all the bloggers gushing over this amazing new $50 benefit.
This comment is spot on. I do feel as though their "benefits" are sounding more and more like this.
Agreed. The whole Walmart+ Benefit… Siriously, WTF? Doesn’t even work in NYC. What’s next?…..$5 off at Waffle House, only valid Tuesdays from 11am-3pm on purchases of $100 or more?
Rumor has it the next credit will be a $3 monthly credit for California Pizza Kitchen and $7 in July for a total of $40 annual credit. Valid only on orders of $30 or more when paying using Apple Pay. Excludes orders containing pizza or other sources of gluten.
I'm not really seeing how this is a sign of desperation especially since their earnings have been pretty solid. This is like saying if you repaint the outside of your house you must be desperate for attention.
I don't think anyone is mad about the paint on the house. They're mad the entire house is made of coupon books.
This is a tough group.
Hot trash.
Pardon me while I take a crayon to my Amex card.
ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS!!!!
DISAPPOINTED AMEX PLATINUM WOULD COME UP WITH A BIZARRE IDEA LIKE THIS. NOT IMPRESSIVE AND LOOKS TACKY AND CHEAP.
ANOTHER REASON TO CANCEL MY MEMBERSHIP AFTER 35+ YEARS!!!!!
I'M BEYOND DISAPPOINTED IN AMEX PLATINUM!!!!!