is a senior reporter who’s been covering and reviewing the latest gadgets and tech since 2006, but has loved all things electronic since he was a kid.
Following a significant price bump in 2021 from $550 to $695, American Express once again increased the annual fee for its Platinum card to $895 last week, making it one of the most expensive credit cards you can sign up for. To soften the blow when the price increase goes into effect for existing cardholders on January 2nd, 2026 (new cardmembers will be paying $895 immediately) the Platinum card comes with plenty of benefits, additional shopping credits, and a “newly enhanced” American Express mobile app that will make Platinum cardholders feel extra special with an exclusive premium theme that… turns the app black.
Yep, as a thank you for dropping $895 on the ability to buy things and pay for them later with interest, Platinum cardholders won’t have to endure the same navy blue app theme as the proletariat. They can join the elite by switching the app to a darker black theme, although, according to users on Reddit, the change is subtle and can be hard to discern when using iOS’ Light mode.
Other new perks for Platinum cardholders include a $300 credit for Lululemon, a $400 Resy restaurant credit, a $120 Uber One credit, a $200 Oura Ring credit, and the hotel credit was bumped from $200 to $400/year. If you regularly use those perks, or hate that the mobile app’s standard navy blue theming makes you feel like a commoner, the card could still be worth it, even with the hefty price bump.