If you're thinking of what is actually printed on the cards it feels like it's in the eyes of the beholder.

While I might prefer the looks of an Amex Black, the avg. bank-customer ~50yr old thinks it's cute with flowers and a bird 'chip, chip-ing' on a chip and would despise an all black one.

+1 - All of my debit/credit cards are unfortunate looking. That's why I keep my Simple card (which I rarely use) at the top of the stack. It's just so beautiful.

It has to be noted here that banks work harder on a card design today. I think the point is in a big competition. I've recently got a Navy Federal American Express card (I had to address a Navy Federal customer service and become a member of Navy Federal Credit Union to apply for a card, but it was worth it). I should say, its design is good. In comparison to my first cards, I'm pleased with the design of my current ones.

There are some pretty cool designs out there. Maybe not from this bank but they exists

Absolutely agree, it looks awful.

What makes the design so bad?