American Express

I received a piece of American Express junk mail today announcing “The New Blue Card”. However it turned out not to be for paying for access to adult sites after all; the headline was in fact referring to the styling.

The dummy card enclosed with the letter was transparent plastic, with the name and number embossed in silver, and American Express written in a blue font. However, despite the claim that “The New Clear Blue Card is this year's clear must have” I just wasn’t tempted. There’s little point in looking at any credit card application that wants to know my gross annual income, as the laughter that normally accompanies the knock-back is quite humiliating.

After lobbing it on to the table, my daughter reached forward and picked it up, asking if she could have it.

“Fine” I said, “What are you going to do with it?”

“Go to the bank,” she replied.

“It’s just a pretend one, Meg”

“No, I’ll go to the bank!” She glared at me as though I was an idiot.

“Meg, it’s just a toy.”

“Hrmph.” She looked quite disgusted and tossed it back on to the table. “I don't want it now," she growled, "Put it in the bin.”

Do American Express have any idea just how much family strife they are responsible for?