The $895 Price Tag for Amex’s Premium App Theme
▼ Summary
– The American Express Platinum card’s annual fee increased to $895, making it one of the most expensive credit cards available.
– The price increase takes effect for existing cardholders on January 2nd, 2026, while new cardmembers pay the new fee immediately.
– A new, exclusive black theme for the mobile app is a minor perk introduced alongside the fee hike.
– New and enhanced credits include $300 for Lululemon, $400 for Resy restaurants, $120 for Uber One, $200 for an Oura Ring, and a hotel credit increased to $400.
– The card may still be worthwhile for users who regularly utilize these specific credits and perks, despite the high cost.
The annual fee for the American Express Platinum card has climbed to $895, cementing its position as one of the market’s most premium financial products. This latest increase follows a previous jump to $695 in 2021. While new applicants will see the higher price immediately, current cardholders have until January 2nd, 2026, before the new fee takes effect. To help justify the steeper cost, American Express is rolling out a suite of enhanced benefits and a uniquely curated mobile app experience for its Platinum members.
A notable part of this refreshed offering is an exclusive, premium theme for the Amex mobile app. As a distinctive visual marker of Platinum status, cardholders can switch the interface from its standard navy blue to a darker, black color scheme. Feedback from users on platforms like Reddit suggests the aesthetic shift is quite subtle, particularly for those who have their phones set to a light mode. Beyond the new look, the card’s value proposition is bolstered by a significant expansion of statement credits. These include a $300 annual credit for Lululemon purchases, a $400 credit for bookings made through Resy, and a $120 credit for an Uber One membership. A new $200 credit toward an Oura Ring is also available, while the existing annual hotel credit has been doubled from $200 to $400.
For individuals who consistently take advantage of these specific perks, the card may continue to deliver strong value despite the higher fee. The collection of credits can substantially offset the annual cost for those whose spending habits align with the offered categories. The exclusive black app theme serves as a constant, if understated, reminder of the card’s elite positioning within the American Express portfolio.
(Source: The Verge)
