Does your Amex feel light? Here’s why
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
A few months ago, we had a TPG reader reach out to us about The Platinum Card® from American Express feeling lighter and flimsier, so we put it to the test, and it was indeed one gram lighter and bent more than before. This was because of the change to contactless cards by Amex, forcing the company to use different metal materials to incorporate the technology. Ultimately, it brought the Platinum card from the second-strongest metal card — behind the Black card — to fifth-strongest metal card.
Recently another TPG reader tweeted at Amex asking about the change, to which Amex responded:
Amex has confirmed with TPG that the new contactless metal cards (except the Centurion card) are not completely metal, and feature a plastic backside. That means the Amex Platinum, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express and the American Express® Gold Card will no longer be as clunky and heavy as before. Amex says that this change was implemented in July, although it appears that the Amex Gold card was made with a lighter-weight metal or plastic back earlier than then.
Related: Which card is right for you? Amex Platinum vs Amex Business Platinum
This also explains why some of our staffers with the old contactless Platinum and Gold cards have had issues using the “tap-to-pay” feature on New York City’s subway. In order for the contactless feature to work, the antenna needs to be able to reach the card reader, which the metal blocks.
If you’re a fan of the the “tap to pay” feature, this is good news for you as it’ll make it much more functional. However, if you’re all about the strength, durability and weight of your card then you’re out of luck. And if you’ve never thought about either of these things, then you probably didn’t even notice.
What do you think about this change? Would you rather be able to tap to pay or the satisfaction (or regret) of a good old-fashioned swipe and the clank of the metal? Personally, I think convenience is king and don’t mind the plastic backing.
Featured photo by The Points Guy.
Sign-up Successful!
Welcome to The Points Guy!
WELCOME OFFER: 80,000 Points
TPG'S BONUS VALUATION*: $1,650
CARD HIGHLIGHTS: 2X points on all travel and dining, points transferrable to over a dozen travel partners
*Bonus value is an estimated value calculated by TPG and not the card issuer. View our latest valuations here.
- Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Plus earn up to $50 in statement credits towards grocery store purchases within your first year of account opening.
- Earn 2X points on dining including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out and travel. Plus, earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 80,000 points are worth $1,000 toward travel.
- With Pay Yourself Back℠, your points are worth 25% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories.
- Get unlimited deliveries with a $0 delivery fee and reduced service fees on eligible orders over $12 for a minimum of one year with DashPass, DoorDash's subscription service. Activate by 12/31/21.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Get up to $60 back on an eligible Peloton Digital or All-Access Membership through 12/31/2021, and get full access to their workout library through the Peloton app, including cardio, running, strength, yoga, and more. Take classes using a phone, tablet, or TV. No fitness equipment is required.
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.