AMEX “premium” app theme for $895 #Vergecast

American Express has increased its Platinum card annual fee to $895, controversially including a 'premium theme' dark mode in its app as a cardholder perk, sparking debate over its value.

• Amex Platinum annual fee now $895.

• Dark mode app theme is a 'premium' Platinum card perk.

• High fee for basic app customization sparks controversy.

American Express has raised the annual fee for its Platinum card to $895, making a 'premium theme' for its mobile app, primarily a dark mode feature, an exclusive perk. This move has drawn comparisons to other companies charging for minor enhancements, highlighting the perceived absurdity of paying a high fee for a basic app customization.

AMEX Platinum Fee Hike

• 00:00:15 American Express recently increased the annual fee for its Platinum card to $895, significantly more than typical no-fee credit cards. This substantial cost positions the Platinum card as a luxury product aimed at a specific clientele, prompting questions about the value proposition for such a high annual expense.

Premium App Theme

• 00:00:34 A new 'premium theme' feature, essentially turning the app from dark blue to black, is being offered as an exclusive perk for Platinum cardholders. This dark mode is now bundled with other benefits like restaurant points and rental car insurance, suggesting Amex views app customization as a high-value incentive.

Value and Absurdity

• 00:01:31 The concept of paying $895 for an app's dark mode is widely seen as ludicrous, drawing parallels to BMW charging for minor car performance upgrades. This situation highlights the perceived absurdity of credit card companies bundling basic software features with premium annual fees, sparking debate on whether such a perk justifies the cost.

Credit Card Industry Critique

• 00:01:48 The introduction of a paid dark mode as a premium perk is interpreted by some as fully exposing the ludicrous nature of the entire credit card industry. This move is seen as an extreme example of how companies can package trivial features as high-value benefits, ultimately making the Platinum card experience feel less about tangible benefits and more about exclusive, albeit minor, aesthetic choices.