Comparing the Visa Black Card with American Express Platinum and Centurion Cards
American Express created a frenzy among the wealthy when it decided to take advantage of rumors of an exclusive black-colored charge card, used by movie stars and music celebrities for purchasing jets and other items beyond the financial reach of us mere mortals. In 1999, American Express introduced the Centurion Card, a black charge card with no spending limits and a veritable cornucopia of exclusive benefits, all for a significant fee.
Last year, Visa saw the opportunity to market to the same demographic when this company launched its answer to the Centurion Card, the Visa Black Card which I’ve previously described in detail. Although the assumption is that the Visa Black Card would compete with the American Express Centurion Card, it actually has more in common with The Platinum Card® from American Express.
- Apply for the Visa Black Card
- Apply for the The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Application to the American Express Centurion Card is by invitation only
Do you qualify?
If you want to hold a Centurion Card, you must be a Platinum cardholder for at least one year and you must have spent $250,000 on the card in twelve months. Both the Platinum and Centurion Cards are charge cards, not credit cards, so you are expected to pay off your entire charged balance each month.
To qualify for The Platinum Card from American Express, the prevailing thought is that you will need an annual income of at least $100,000 and a high credit score in order to be approved. To check your credit score, visit GoFreeCredit.com for a 7-day free trial.
The Visa Black Card is a credit card, not a charge card, offered to only 1% of the United States population. You and three million other people might qualify for this card. Some current Visa customers have received invitations or have had their existing Visa cards automatically upgraded. There have been reports of people with poor credit and little or no income being approved for this card, and an invitation package was sent to a man who had been deceased for seven years.
Annual fees
The Centurion Card is in a class of its own. When you qualify for the Centurion Card, you will be charged a $5,000 initiation fee and an annual membership fee of $2,500. That’s a total of $7,500 will will owe after the first billing period without having spent any money.
The Visa Black Card carries an annual fee of $495 while the The Platinum Card from American Express requires a yearly membership payment of $450. This fee comparison makes it clear that the features of the Visa Black Card are more likely to be in line with the Platinum rather than the Centurion.
Concierge services
All three cards offer 24-hour concierge services. The purpose of a concierge is to have a personal assistant with the resources to take care of arrangements you do not have time for yourself. A good concierge should be able to order and deliver gifts to the people you specify, give dining recommendations and make reservations, even in the most popular restaurants. A concierge would be your proxy for shopping.
The Centurion Card goes further by assigning you a personal concierge, so you theoretically always deal with the same employee from the service, who gets to know you and your preferences. Additionally, the Centurion Card reportedly permits you to schedule private shopping at high end stores, such as Gucci, Neiman Marcus, and Sony.
Travel services
The Visa Black Card offers 24/7 legal, medical, and financial emergency travel services, as does the Platinum Card and the Centurion Card. All three cards offer travel accident insurance. The Visa Black Card offers up to $250,000 insurance while the The Platinum Card® from American Express offers $500,000 insurance. The Centurion Card offers $1,500,000 in travel accident insurance.
If your baggage is delayed while traveling, the Visa Black Card will credit you $100 a day for three days, while the Platinum Card will insure your baggage up to $2,000. The Centurion Card will insure up to $1,250 for carry-on items and $500 for each checked bag.
Purchase protection and warranties
If there is a problem with any purchase you make with the Visa Black Card, the card can reimburse the owner up to $500 before 90 days have passed since the date of purchase. The Centurion Cards protects holders up to $10,000 per occurrence and $50,000 total per cardholder per year within the same 90 days of the purchase.
Summary
In most cases, the Visa Black Card, despite its appearance, is more competitive with The Platinum Card® from American Express. Based on these benefits, the American Express Centurion Card is in its own class despite some features in common with the The Platinum Card® from American Express. Many of the Visa Black Card’s services are more aligned with Visa Signature benefits, a level that usually does not carry any annual membership fees. I’ll stick with a free Visa Signature Card, which also comes with concierge services, purchase security, and all features at levels identical to the Visa Black Card.
Your opinions
With fees starting at $450, are luxury credit cards worthwhile? Have you received any offers for the Visa Black Card?
Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by American Express. Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of American Express, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. This site may be compensated through American Express Affiliate Program.
Important Note! The information in this article is believed to be accurate as of the date it was written. Please keep in mind that offers change frequently. Therefore, we can not guarantee the accuracy of the information in this article. Please verify all terms and conditions of any credit or charge card prior to applying.
Article comments
A black card isn’t for everyone. You all have made annoyingly more clear. People who are complaining about how $500 is a steal or isn’t worth the money obviously have no business with BCs. Five hundred dollars should be five dollars to a black card member. No one even brings up the 2,000 or 5,000 dollar cards. This means you just muster up 500 bucks like for an iPad and wait for an invitation or apply. There are way more benefits for the more expensive cards. When you get a black card it’s not something you save up for or make room for. You have to have a lot of extra cash to blow and you get it to add to your rich life style. Why buy a Bugati when you have a 2004 Sedan minivan in your drive way? It’s a nicer perk in life. Not all, but many clerks and managers WILL be tons more willing to serve you faster and better when they see the card. It’s a symbol that represents you’re a big spender and you have money. It’s just something to think about. I believe it’s definitely worth it, but if you’re complaining about the prices and wether or not it’s worth the money, then it has no place in your wallet.
This card is a scam. They set a very low credit limit of $5000 and charge $500 a year in fees. If you ask for them to raise the limit they want to pull another credit report. That would be 2 hard credit checks in 3 days. Obviously this will lower your credit score it will cost you more for all other credit and loans in the future. There is nothing exclusive or prestigious about the Visa Black card. It is just very expensive and will not replace your current high limit credit cards.
You are completely ignorant. Nothing you’ve said is true. Have you even ever owned a black card. It sounds like you haven’t. It seems like you just go around reading articles online and basing your arguments off of stupid nonsense comments like your own.
I will absolutely be shredding my invitation to Visa Black even though I could use an Amex alternative (besides debit.) I’ve been an Amex Platinum holder for almost 10 years but at the time of my invite I barely made 40K and didn’t own a thing, so I don’t know exactly how prestigious that is either. I’m betting it has more to do with that lovely yearly fee. This seems like the worst kind of pandering to those who are doing slightly well but want to either believe or pretend they are doing much better. That’s the only reason that silly 1% line was so clearly shown. Like other posters have said, we’re not getting Centurion offers and those who do don’t have to give in to the gimmickry.
I am a Centurion card holder. The Centurion card is a very interesting card and a mystery to a lot of people. The visa black card however is not and just a marketing scam in my opinion. A Visa Signature card offers more benefits without a $500 fee. The Amex Platinum card is also a good card if you want the benefits. A true “black card” the centurion card doesn’t need to brag. One who holds a centurion card will know.
just thought I might throw a few facts out there for anyone curious about whether this card is as exclusive as some of the more known ones. My husband and I are pretty much middle earners, with a combined income of just under 100,00 USD a year- unfortunately we have a lot of rental properties which are worth about half what we bought them for and pay a lot on those mortgages every month (when a few of them go unrented, believe me we dont even feel like middle earners). we are lucky in having good credit scores (last time i think one of us was 770 and one was 730-something). I have received this ‘exclusive’ invitation three times in the last couple of years. (I am the one with the higher credit score) We’re really not wealthy at all, just average middle class people. I get the feeling that no one from amex will be sending us an invitation to get a centurian card any time soon, so I kind of think that this black card might be a bit of gimmick to prey on peoples’ feelings of insecurity.
This card is garbage.
I wish I had read about it before I got it.
-Horrible unprofessional customer service. According to the agent on the phone “Credit” Department refused to speak to me on the phone but told her what to tell me. I’m mean really…
-Visa set a really low insulting limit when I have a strong credit score and income – What’s the point then…I’ll stick with my Amex platinum.
-Flimsy bendable card
-Cheap packaging – The platinum amex is better presented in its’ package
-Benefits are a joke a 1st grader would tell
-Only nice thing this card has going is the commercial and the hot girl in it. I bet she doesn’t even have this black card and carries AMEX HA!
-The list goes on and on
Do not get this card…PERIOD!
Better off with AMEX or even the Capital One Venture Card.
Thanks for the right up. I just got an invitation to the Visa Black Card (and wanted to know more). I think I will just go with the Visa Signature Card after reading this post.
I am a Centurion member for over ten years and I have to say, I agree with above negative comments. It really is a total waste of money and I am changing to a Platinum card – or even the normal green one, for heavens sake.
The services a member supposedly receives are totally, absolutely useless in every way. I have only used them in absolute emergency, and every time have been disappointed. As one comment above suggests, if a restaurant or a show is full – it’s full! A table or a seat is not magically going to appear just because someone is waving around a black metal card.
Also, I find that the services I receive in my home country (not the US) are much, much more expensive than anywhere else in the world, for the same or less actual experience than what other purchasers are buying from other places, regardless of which card they use. The only possible benefit this card has ever brought is being able to scare nasty, ill-behaved shop assistants. That’s it. I found this site because I was researching another type of charge card that isn’t so needlessly expensive but had hopefully better service. Looks like they are a bit cheaper but otherwise the same.
The American Express Platinum Card is not for everyone, if you can ‘t afford the membership, don’t get one. The American Express Platinum Card is like a BMW and Mercedes, everyone is not ment to have one.
I agree Mr. The Dean. Most people are meant to have the rusty ’93 Chevy Prizm (no A/C). And their credit cards will look like craps because they will be the fake example versions the CC companies send to them once a week letting them know they are approved (and their lives have just become a little less depraved). I do wonder though about how people can even stand the smell of the Prizm interior, all stained with cheap cigarette smoke. This is not to mention the inexpensive plastic (gasp!) of their demo cards.
We Amex Platinum Charge holders are the lucky breed, the pick of the litter, the cream of the crop. We will stop at nothing. We will endlessly look into our wallets for self gratification.
Anything they can do, we can do better!
In comparing the AMEX Platinum card vs. Visa Black card I have chosen to keep the AMEX Platinum. The AMEX Platinum is equivalent to carrying three cards in one, a charge card, has the option to pay over time, pay in full, and a debit card. Yes, a debit card, you can link you AMEX Platinum card to your checking account and be able to withdraw a very high daily amount way above the normal debit card limit imposed by the banks. Helps when traveling overseas when in areas where no credit cards of any kind are accepted and cash is king. AMEX goes out of there way to keep customers informed of the latest, travel hot spots, food, restaurants, and bespoke items available around the world. Information is power. One day before leaving for a business trip to mainland China my AMEX card broke in half, I use it that much, I called AMEX immediately that after noon by the time I was ready to leave the next morning a new card was sent to me. There is a host of other great features that go along with the card that I find very useful. I look at the AMEX card as Swiss Army knife of cards, multiple functions available for a Global citizen. The Visa Black card on the other hand is worthless unless you are trying to impress people. Airport access limited to two free visits, after that a fee. Plus with Visa Black card airport access program you have to carry an additional card with you. I don’t like having to carry extra cards. Information about upcoming events printed on craft paper with Visa Black. Do you relay want to be around people who value / judge a person character based on the card you carry? The cost of the card and the benefits a person gets is very little. If a person must have a card other than AMEX I’m very happy with my Visa Signature card and it’s free. Visa Black Card has a long way to go to improve options for its customers in addition to services offered to warrant it’s annul fee. One plus for Visa Black card while your on hold for a while you do get to listen to lady with a very nice European / British accent.
I’m not employed by AMEX just a very happy customer who has enjoyed the value of great service both locally and internationally with AMEX since 1991.
I hope you guys realize that the Visa Black Card, under no circumstances would be able to meet to prestige and benefits of a Platinum, or certainly of the Centurion car by Amex. The benefits of Amex are amazing, you get access to Lounges in Airports if you’re not already flying First or Business. Also, many many hotel and luxurious benefit. (i.e. Late check-outs,free nights, room upgrades on the spot)
My parents have centurion cards and I understand that this card is not practical for most people, but if someone can afford it it’s not a “waste of money”. My parents are almost always upgraded to first class, they fly often and rack up points which are equivalent to frequent flyer miles which can be “cashed in” for other plane tickets, they get to enter the vip private lounges at airports and train stations which are usually exclusive for airline members who pay an annual fee, the more you spend the more points you gain which are “banked” and can be cashed in for different things that come in a monthly booklet such as gift cards for different department stores, restaurants airlines etc. We also can buy concert tickets before they go on sale to the general public to have first choice for seats. Sometimes my mother gets personal shoppers at places like Saks department store for no extra cost for having the card, once when I was with her they brought us into the VIP lounge for lunch and champagne, i never even knew that Saks had a VIP lounge.
I’d gladly pay $2500/yr for the upgrades, etc but you have to be a gazillionaire to get the card.
I’ve been a customer of American Express International Bank since 1984, and they have always provided me with an AMEX card tied to my account at no extra charge. Before 2000 it was a Platinum card, and then they upgraded it to a Centurion card. The only other card I carry is a zero fee / cash back MC because there are a few places that don’t take AMEX. The Centurion card is wonderful, although I think most of what I use is also available to Platinum cardholders. There are huge discounts on lots of things, such as a free companion ticket on international flights, which are clearly worth more than a $2500 fee. In addition, all my company expenses go through it (about $10k / mo), and my banker is nice enough to hand me a spread sheet every week in a format ready to hand in for reimbursement. I just have to delete my personal expenses. But the concierge service is the best. They can’t do the impossible, like get you seats at sold out restaurants on 10 minutes notice. But they do produce great seats to sold out sporting events and concerts with 2-3 days notice and they managed to get us a medical evacuation on a private jet from the boondocks of Turkey when my daughter had a perforated appendix. For me, the card is worth it.
Most people will never benefit from havong an Amex Platinum/centurion card… However, if you are a business owner, often travel out of the country, or have elderly parents whose travel you book- the card is justifiable in the least and beneficial at best. The Amex platinum card offers a 20% discount on mileage tickets booked through the site… At our pace, i will have no problem booking 2-3 100,000 mile tickets every year with the mileage program. The 20% mileage savings on 300,000 miles (60,000 miles) equates to $600 discount. The seperate travel insurance that i bought for my elderly parents whr. I took them with me to Mexico cost me $400 this last December (you ought to price what it costs to have this extraction done… Often many 10’s of $1000s. The $200 aitline credit also works… So every year by owning this card and simply using it to purchase trips id have taken anyway, and buy travel insurance id have bout anyway i stand to save anywhere between $600 and $1500 after deducting the annual fee for the card while also gaining access to the numerous airport clubs, etc. Again, for most people its not worth it… But dont be dismissive like i was at first. Look at the benefits and do the math!
I’m 11 and my dad has a centurion card. He very easily makes the minimum charges per year. It is really cool when he takes me to a really nice dinner that costs like 300 dollars. We always get upgraded when we stay at a ritz caralton ( 5 times a year ). We always fly first class. We go to the special lounge while we wait for out flight at the airport.
hahaha, what a joke
^^^ Agreed.
I have a card that gives me 1.5% cash back on all purchases. I pay my bill in full every month, have never paid the credit card company a dime in interest or fees. They have paid me thousands of dollars over the years. It’s much better to make money off credit card companies than pay them fees and interest. I understand I’m a “dead beat” according to credit card companies, since they make no money off me.
I carry a platinum American express for the sole purpose of extra travel insurance. I have the opportunity to carry both a black visa and American express but I simply don’t see the purpose to it, except to come off as a snob. I prefer to use the normal green cards.
I resemble that remark, Rob. I love my old Ford.
I can pretty much afford anything I want in life but would never, ever pay a monthly fee for a credit card. I pay it off monthly and only use a card that pays me back a %. I have not paid for an airline ticket in 5 years and probably never will….. I am lobbying my reps in congress to force card companies to pay interest on payments made above monthly balance at the same rate as their highest interest charges..Just wan’t to hear those crooks howl. lol
Lobby away. Your reps in congress will never consider your silly request. Interest rates for credit cards will always be higher because it is unsecured debt.
It is a relatively simple concept:
– the lower the credit score, the greater the risk
– the greater the risk, the greater the interest rate
Businesses do not force people to obtain and use credit cards.
In addition, the U.S. government has a federal law called: The Truth in Lending Act. I have attached a Wikipedia site (Should be easy for you to understand).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truth_in_Lending_Act
As an Amex centurion cardmember for 4 years and a VISA black cardmember for 1 year I can say that I am not happy with either company. Amex has lowered their “invisible limits” and VISA black is just a black plastic card. It is nice having the concierge service available while travelling but probably not worth all the extra cost. The only real benefit I see to Amex Centurion is the fact that most people have never seen one, the problem with that is you have to end up paying for dinner just for peoole to see it.
I’m loving your reply…
Elizabetty,
Do you use your American Express Pre-Paid Platinum Debit Card at McDonald’s, or is the jingle just stuck in your head?
If you only make $60K a year you shouldn’t have had the AmEx platinum card in the first place (if you actually had it).
bmw , you do not seem to understand much about cards… I started with a amex gree in 2007 and a declared income of 40k. I charged 6k on the card. In 2008 Amex sent me an invitation for the Amex Gold. I took it. I had a montly limit of 4k. I charged 10k in 2008. In 2009 I wrote Amex a fax stating that I would accept being a platinum card menber should they wave their entry free. They did. Since 2009 I have been a platinum card member and my montly limit is 6k.
What those companies want is to create a buzz, make the card important, associate it with rich people, give it a glamour coating, but in the end they will take anyone with an impecable credit history who will pay in time. I do not even have 60k (well I have, but since I do not declare it there is no way I can prove it) and I still have an Amex Platinum Card.
Credit card companies want to sell cards and collect fees, the higher the better. They will give any card to any people who will pay back in time. So, I have 6k limit /months that I have to pay back in full at the end of the month, and I pay the yearly fee – Amex has another client who gives them money to will and pays on time. They will eventualy sell the centurion card to anyone, but really anyone who is willing to pay the anual fee and has an impecable credit history. Of course, not many people are willing to shell out 2500 a year for a card. You would not be surprised if I tell you how stingy really wealthy people can be. Ask Warren Buffett is he has the Centurion card … (well maybe he does, but I am sure he did not pay for it )
You have absolutely no idea what you are talking about…as an AmEx Business Card Associate, I can tell you that if you do not have AT LEAST 100k in earnings per year, you will NOT qualify for AmEx Platinum Charge Card (perhaps the Credit Card, but that’s nothing special at all). Also, the minimum credit limit is $20,000, so you’re 6,000 credit limit, is a JOKE
“Your” grammar is equally a joke. 🙂
Sven, you must’ve gotten the fool card. I have never heard of Amex waiving the annual fee on their Platinum CHARGE card. Furthermore, the CHARGE CARDhas NO LIMITS (within reason). Your $6k / month spending limit is for the Platinum CREDIT CARD, which is not the card we are talking about here.
And for the record, I also received a Platinum Credit Card from Amex 12 years ago after graduating college. I have a platinum charge card now, and there’s a world of difference.
There is no entry fee for AmEx Platinum (charge card).
Ryan: Stop eating the paint chips you moron. Better yet, stop pontificating on the web and head to the Golden Corral. You can be the first in line.
For all you people who are either considering the Visa Black Card, or have been invited to apply, STAY AWAY!!
I was invited to apply for this card, and did. The card was approved immediatly as I have a credit beacon of between 759-785 depending on the reporting agency, with an annual income of approx. 350k. So far so good. The card arrived in a box just as my Amex Platinum did (big deal) along with several gifts, i.e. pen/pencil set, etc. My wife and I used the card for a dinner out one night a week before we went on a trip to North Carolina and the dinner charge went without a hitch. What happend next was mortifying (keep in mind the big selling point for this card is the concierge and traveling services.) During the trip to NC, I went to use the Visa Black Card to make a $201 purchase at a local shop and I handed the card to the girl behind the counter, she commented on how she had never seen on of these before, and of course I went through the whole spiel about its exclusivity and benefits. No sooner did I finish and she leans over the counter and says “your card was declined”. Needless to say I told her there was some error as I had plenty of credit and the card was good, so she tried again and the same message popped up. I gave her my Amex Platinum card that went right through as it always does. I was so mad I couldnt wait to get out of the store to call VB customer service. When I got on with someone they told me that the card was declined because the charge was out of my home state of Connecticut and they assumed the card was being used fraudulantly. The crazy thing was that I used the card at an Applebee’s in NC 3 hours earlier to buy my wife and her sister lunch, and that charge went through with no problem. This is the card that they rave about for its travel services. Needless to say, I tried to close the account during my call to customer service I was so angry and the service rep told me she had to put me through to a senior rep to close the account (here it comes, the attempts to save a platinum customer).
The senior rep offered to refund my annual fee ($450) and reduce my annual interest rate if I kept the account, I declined and threw the card out of the sun roof of my car as I drove down I-95 on the way home. Moral of the story: It may look like a Centurion card (My brother has one of those, I don’t), but, trust me, it’s not even the equivilent to an Amex Green card.
STAY AWAY, there is no way this card is worth $450 a year. Get an Amex Platinum Card if you travel, you will be much happier.
Was checking out the Visa website and your comments came up. I am not going to get the VISA BC. Thier website is very misleading and I thought I could save some money because I have the Centurion card for myself and my wife ($4000 annually.) We travel quite a bit so the concierge service is great. Thank you so much for your timely and truthful comments.
I carry a Amex Platinum Charge and it has more than paid for itself. I have made two trips this year.
1) From LA To NY. Used the American Airlines Admirals lounge at both airports. I also got a free upgrade both nights at a Sheraton because with Amex Platinum you get Starwood gold preferred status. (Estimated value: $200)
2) Half Moon Bay Ritz Carlton. The magical Amex Platinum Fine Hotels and Resorts Program. It was a two night stay and I booked the cheapest rooms. The first night I got upgraded to a suite. I also received free breakfast for each day, $100 dining credit, and a 4 pm late checkout. (Estimated value: $350)
3) There was a line to enter a lounge, about 30 people long. I called the concierge, and 5 minutes later, I was talking to the bouncer at the front and the host escorted us in and called me by name. The people waiting in line were both surprised and I am sure angry. (Estimated value: Not sure, but you have to pry this Amex Plat out of my cold dead hands)
4) I have also used the concierge to make reservations.
Let it be noted: I have tried on a few occasions to cut in line again with the concierge to no avail, so it does not always work for last minute reservations.
I love my Amex Platinum charge card, not to be confused with the Amex Platinum credit card.
The card – I got the offer in the mail, filled out the application and received the card about a week later. Its packaging was very nice and card looks and feels amazing.
The limit – My limit was $10,000 which is hilarious for a card where you’re supposed to have the power to make very large purchases.
The gifts – About a month later I received an engraved multipurpose pen, pencil and stylus.
The concierge service – I called inquire about hotel room reservations in Miami, FL. About 28 hours later I received an email with my options. Thats a long time to wait. I could’ve went on any internet based travel site and got the results in a fraction of the time.
The winner – Barclay’s. Think about it…Barclay’s states only 1% of the U.S. residents (308,899) will be approved for the card, which equates to $152,905,005 (308,899 x $495) in annual fees!
The verdict – The value of this card isn’t worth $495 a year and I will be canceling before the next membership fee is due. Save your money get a basic rewards card with no annual fee and comparable interest rate because the Visa Black Card isn’t worth the money.
1% of 300,000,000 as in US population is 3,000,000 not 300,000.
I believe db was saying that 1% of the population can QUALIFY, but about 10% will be accepted…hence, 300,000 people.
he didnt say that
Does anyone feel that he/she has a line by line comparison of the Visa Black vs. Amex platinum? Also, by reading the above responses, it appears to me that both Visa & Amex change the rules regularly such that any decision today probably doesn’t have much longevity to it. Any responses would be appreciated.
I live and work in Palm Beach, FL. I have had the Amex Centurion Card for about 5 years now and the $2500/year fee is fine. (disclaimer: I spend about 40k/month on card) I get cash back and bonus’ for everything. I get upgraded on flights for free. I get into resturants in Philly, New York, LA, with a simple phone call when I visit. The black card from Visa is for those who need an ego boost. You get cash back of 1%, but thats really about it. (disclaimer: I do not have the Visa Black Card) I use the Chase Freedom Visa for everything that doesn’t take Amex. The Chase card is great for the everyday person. They give you 1% back plus bonus points that can equal up to an additional 1% and it has no annual fee. If you have an account at Chase or JPMorgan you get even more bonus points. Hope this helps.
Cash back? Really?
Just got my Visa Black Card today. I’m FURIOUS with this ripoff. I’ve been an AMEX platinum card holder for a few years. I thought about canceling my AMEX platinum when they dropped their companion ticket benefit. I justified the cost of the card ($450 annual) with the free companion tickets. The main reason I got it was for access to airport lounges, but that benefit was imperfect — I have status on United, and United seems to be the only airline that the Amex Platinum card doesn’t get you access to. And since San Francisco is my home airport, it just didn’t make sense to leave United.
So when I was invited to get the Visa Black Card, I was thrilled to learn that I could get access to United’s airport lounges. I even called customer service to confirm this. Today I got my new card, activated it, signed up for the airport club access and ONLY THEN discovered that it isn’t really included as a card benefit. The first four visits are free, but after that they charge you $27 per person per visit. This, in my mind, is BS — and false advertising. I can’t find any fine print anywhere that explains this, and had I known I would have kept my Amex Platinum card.
For $495 per year Visa Black dares to play tricks on your customers AFTER we’ve been hit with a credit check that could dampen my perfect credit score? I’ve been a customer for less than 1 hour, I’m furious, and I’m canceling this card and ranting about it every chance I get. Visa, shame on you.
Wow – thanks for this info – what a scam.
Julie, just got the invite from Visa Black. They just lost a customer before they earned him. Thanks! What a scam! In today’s world of social media, it pays to be above board. smh
I had a Plat card, I earn 60k and had a 730 score. Never any missed payments, just a limited score due to a limited credit history as I emigrated to the US. I canceled it before my annual fee renewal as there really is no benefit having it. I now use my Citi AAdvantage Mastercard, it’s cheaper plus I get a lot of miles which I can redeem for free flights back to the UK.
Shame really, but once you’ve been hit with a $450 fee, you learn that $85 plus miles is way better.
I had this card for a few months. I have a high income and excellent credit. Inadvertently went over the limit purchasing a gift for my wife. They sent me a letter saying they were raising my rate to 24.9% or I could opt out by cancelling the account. I cancelled the account and will pay off as soon as the bill comes. It is bad enough that they charge a large fee but to try and rob you on the interest rate? BEWARE!
Same problem with Black Card Services (Barclay Bank). This card is the biggest scam out there. I would ABSOLUTELY tell everyone to stay away, or just mail the invitation back to them.
Yes, BEWARE!!!
I use the AMEX platinum often. I will say that the $450 fee is a steal. I use the concierge service early and often and would have to say i make up the $450 in a matter of months just on cover charges i save at nightclubs for me and my friends when they call ahead of time to put us on the list. Airport lounges are nice and save a pretty penny. I have used them for their fine hotels and resorts program which is only for pretty ridiculous hotels but on the few occassions i used them they got me a better than advertised rate, a free upgrade, a late check out, and a free gift from the hotel (at skylofts in vegas it was their $50 continental breakfast for two every day of your stay). I mean if you travel and do a lot of nightlife oriented things, the AMEX plat is worth is weight in gold. I did get suckered into the visa black just to see if the concierge service was good and no contest AMEX hands down. Visa black called to get us on a list at a club and was told the list was closed, 5 minutes later the AMEX concierge called and it was done and we were met by the GM of the club out front for a smooth entry. I am an AMEX man all the way. If you get one use the perks and you will not even sweat the annual fee.
Nice post, AMEX employee
You must be going to some real exclusive venues….If the AMEX concierge called any decent nightclub in the meat packing district in NYC you would get laughed at at the door.
I recieved a black card invitation in the mail, and I have never even owned a credit card! haha I am 21 and still in college! With no income and absolutely no credit history, getting this invitation was obviously a mistake. They must know how cool and fun I am.
Only an idiot would pay 500 dollars a year for a flipping credit card.
The Visa Black Card is for middle income earners that want to pretend they are wealthy.
Like the dolts that live in their mom’s basement and go out on Friday night to buy “bottle service” at some stupid club..
Nice to meet you. My name is Idiot.
Are you one of the dolts Mike? You seen to know all about them? Why are you posting on this website???
Ditto, I got one of the Visa Black Cards last month. My brother has the Amex Centurion Card and thought this this would be somewhat comparable. Wrong. It looks like cheaper plastic than my Visa Signature card.
Ditto, I got one of the Visa Black Cards last month. My brother has the Amex Centurion Card and thought this this would be somewhat comparable. Wrong. It looks like cheaper plastic than my Visa Signature card.
The real benefit to the Amex Platinum and the Visa Black Card is in the concierge services. You can get a table at exclusive restaurants that are booked for several months anytime with these cards. You can also get better seats at concerts and theatre events, again, at the drop of a hat and as late as the day of the event. If that’s your lifestyle, then it’s worth the $495 annual fee. It’s greatest benefit is “exclusive spontaneity.” It’s not for everyone, but it’s great for some of us who value the convenience of never being told “no table” or “no seats available.”
You clearly dont have either of these cards. The concierge service is BS. All they do is call up the restaurant for you, and if there are no tables available, they still wont be able to get you a reservation…
Actually, the concierge service is excellent, if you know how to use it to your advantage. For example, I called them to find me all restaurants in my city that had a particular food on its menu. Within 90 minutes they called me with a list and got me a table.
Do you know what, though? I do not think you own an AmEx Platinum because you are ignorant about the benefits.
I just today received my pre-approved invitation in a lovely jet black envelope. My motto: Any financial institution that wants me as an exclusive member (for a fee) is probably not an institution I want to belong to.
Great gimmick.
PRAY… TELL ME WHAT GOOD IS THIS CARD ? A $495 FEE ? UGA MUGA ! YOU ARE BLOWING A GREAT DEAL OF ARTFUL SMOKE ON YOUR SELF… I REALY WANT TO KNOW…
4495 FEE
Chris-I’m running into the same situation with my Platinum. Have had one since the mid-90’s and originally got it due to the great travel-related benefits. But now, they’ve taken some of them away, the cost has gone up, etc. I actually was on the phone with AMEX yesterday and will be transitioning to a Gold when the next annual fee rolls around. Account is still the same, credit is not effected, etc. Give them a call…
Dave and Chris R., ..both of you guys are correct… I too hold a American Express Platinum Card . American Express did indeed discontinue the free ‘Domestic’ Companion ticket portion of their program. But they kept the ‘International’ Companion ticket part. I actually thought about going back to Gold or even the Green Card because the value of the Platinum Card had been cheapened or de-valued with no decrease in annual fee. I am glad to see Visa Black come on the market because it gives some other choices to guys like us that feel we were lured to Amex Platinum with such perks as Free Domestic Companion tickets, and then had the rug snatched right from under us.
I have a Platinum Express card as well, while they do not offer the domestic companion ticket they do offer $200 per year credit on any airline you register on their website. Plus if you have premier fidelity account the annual fee is only $300.
I’m an American Express Platinum card member. They used to have a benefit where you could get four free domestic companion airline tickets per year. Most of the time this wasn’t worth it as you had to purchase non-discount tickets though American Express Travel. However there would typically be at least one blackout-date trip back home per year and the savings for my wife and I to fly to a non-major airport would more than exceed the annual $495 fee. It’s also nice to get higher status memberships to rental car companies, hotels, and you can get into the nicer waiting areas at the airport (such as American Airlines’ Admirals’ Lounge).
However since they’ve done away with the companion ticket program, I’m really wrestling with keeping the card. It certainly doesn’t pay for itself now and I don’t travel enough to take advantage of most of its benefits. The only thing holding me back at this point is not wanting to inflict any damage to my credit score by closing an account with whom I have a great credit record. Too bad I closed my “Green” card with AMEX once I got the Platinum card (no reason to pay two annual fees).
I got a pre-approved offer in the mail today for this card. I can’t see any other reason to apply for it beyond saying that I have the card in my wallet. I currently have a black diamond card from CITI with no annual fee and a platinum from Bank of America, again without the fee, so what’s the point of the black card? Just a waste.
I AGREE WITH YOU,I HAVE A COUPLE OF BLACK CARDS THAT LOOK THE SAME AS THE VISA BLACK CARD WHICH I HAVE.I LIKE THE NO FEE FOR THE CARD.
GOOD TIP, THANKS TONY D
Just got a VISA Black Card, NOT impressed with quality of the card for $495…..any of my other credit cards are nicer looking, thought a carbon card would be a stiff metal like material, however it appears to be just cheap plastic…. Come on you guys at Visa Black Card marketing, spend a little more out of the $495 and give folks at least a nice looking card they can showoff and help boost their ego’s, not some cheap piece of plastic that you bs folks into thinking is carbon! You’ll be getting lotsa returns/cancellations of the card before its activated because of this!
huh? did you get mailed the wrong card? i have a carbon visa black and it is awesome! whenever i hand it over to merchants, they always ask me how the heck did i get one of these. it totally feels like carbon. you better call visa up and ask them if they gave you a demo card or something.
I have a couple of Citi World cards which apparently let me borrow above my credit limit without any fees, but must be brought below the limit by the next due date.
I have a Mastercard that is all black and looks really cool. At first I thought it was some sort of promotion, but it wasn’t – same no fee card I’ve always had. I think I’ll keep it instead of applying for one of these – afraid I don’t meet the spending requirements.
Total wastes of money. I will go out on a limb and say that the only people that carry the black cards are ones that can qualify for it and are immature enough to care about telling people that they have one.
…and the only ones that criticize people who get the black card clearly can’t qualify for one, lol
^^^ haha
Funny but true. Lol.
Lol. That guy Erik is an idiot. I appreciate you putting him in his place.
I’ve been offered one a couple times now and I think it’s stupid. I was hoping there would be some other benefits that aren’t listed in the little invitation letter, but apparently not. I think my (non-platinum) AMEX credit card is a much better deal. I get cash back on all of my purchases, plus all the travel insurance, warranty extension, etc.
This one appears to have even fewer benefits than my amazon visa, barring a concierge service which I have heard horror stories about.
The old AMEX platinum card actually had a really awesome benefit if you were a frequent traveler, in that you could get a free “companion ticket” by paying full fare for any ticket, not to mention the lounge access and whatnot. But, they dropped that benefit and even increased the annual fee.
Platinum Charge by American Express…You still get a companion certificate for international travel each time you fly first or business class. You are just responsible for the goverment taxes and fees. It gets you access to the airport lounges, plus a complimentary membership to the priority pass select membership to give you the option of going to any lounge regardless of the airline you fly… so… it’s the same. The Platinum American Express has over 200 individual benefits and is still cheaper than the Black Visa. When I got mine, they had to send me a nice thick book with all of my perks. wouldn’t trade it for anything.
I agree with Erik and I was just sent an offer. $495 to let people know you have a lot of money is idiotic.
It’s not $495 for just the bragging rights of owning a black card. Most of the comments here are childish. I have a Black Amex because of the benefits, in the hundreds of times use it per year I rarely if ever get any comments about it. However the mileage bonus, airport lounge access, perks, and payback I get for spending $400,000 / year make the $2.5k a no-brainer. That said, this Black Visa seems no better than the Amex Platinum EXCEPT.. that my Amex cards are not taken everywhere like Visa is. At the moment I use the Continental (United) Presidential Plus. for these situations since I fly Continental (United). The only reason this card makes sense is BECAUSE it is a Visa.