Comments on: Visa Black Card Review

By: nicole d

nicole d — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 21:26:22 +0000

I purchased this visa black card mainly for the VIP airport lounges. They were supposed to be using Priority Pass as a provider. Well, they changed to Lounge Club as of December 2011 and now the airport lounge choices have diminished significantly. There are only a total of 16 US airport lounges to choose from! Of course, Newark is my airport of choice and it is NOT on the list. I am not happy and they refuse to compensate with anything else. I think I will go back to AM Platinum.

By: AndyTheGameInventor

AndyTheGameInventor — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 04:21:49 +0000

I think what alot of people are missing is the entry to the airline clubs as a major perk of the card. If you don’t fly very often, this means little to you. If you fly for a living (I don’t) and you fly every week or so, this card would be a bargain, as for $495 you would be able to use airport lounges from multiple airlines, which each charge about $400 a year for membership. I’ve only visited airline lounges a handful of times but they really make the airport stay pleasant, especially when your layover is lengthy.

By: Retired USAF Col

Retired USAF Col — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 14:11:03 +0000

Received a solicitation in the mail and was stunned by the fee and the hype. I have a Platinum VISA through USAA. What more could I want than the excellent service USAA always provides. I suppose this caters to people who think they can make a statement by using this card. How shallow! Yet another credit card solicitation I tore up and threw in the trash.

By: Falcon Pilot

Falcon Pilot — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 00:55:07 +0000

I use this card for work. I travel 15-20 days a month. When I got the card they waived the fee immediately, and I hadn’t even used it yet. I’ve been very happy with customer service so far. 25,000 points gets you a $500 plane ticket. Most other cards would take 50,000 points for that ticket. I think the perks will be good.

By: Mike

Mike — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 06:33:19 +0000

Really? Put the bottle of Jack down and take a chill. This is on the internet in forum, and please don’t treat my post as a dissertation. Most people write what meets the setting (would you spell out every word in a text?) If your expected to read a proper sentence structure and grammar on every comment… ugh pick the bottle back up.

By: Mike

Mike — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 06:19:56 +0000

Sounds about right, they call you and verify all your information.. As mentioned there is history of many CC company’s soliciting to just about everyone. That doesn’t mean just everyone is getting it. Good luck to your baby, dog, and no disrespect dead ones, on answering the questions and verifying information. I think this card was designed for people like me that are in the Medium to Upper Class. If it was designed for the supper rich, the fee would be closer to $3-4K similar to the AMEX Centurion

“In summation, if you do not meet the criteria, spend less time online and more time learning how to increase* your income and credit score to qualify. Life is not fair!” Love It

By: Mike

Mike — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 06:11:14 +0000

Sounds about similar to me, it is what it is. Nothing more (especially) nothing less. The ones that feel like they are getting screwed or its a bad card are the ones that get it and expect the $500 card to be similar to a $3000 card. Like I said it is what its.

By: Mike

Mike — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 06:03:56 +0000

I would first like to say that I respect everyone’s opinion and feel they are free to say as they please. Please accept my comment with the same mindset. I’m an individual who works very hard for every dollar I earn, no hand outs. I’m not making the money where I would go out and spend 2-3k on a Credit card fee. Of-course if you’re Henry you can afford that and the Visa Black would be a joke. However for me not the case. Im the type of person who pays my bills on time and attempt to build credit in the process. So I may use a Credit Card then pay at the end of the month. With that all being said, If I want to pay a decent fee to treat myself so be it. I think many individuals are acting a little harsh on a the card. For a couple apparent reasons, your either to good for it and have the real deal AMEX Black, cant qualify for it, or just simply don’t care for what it offers. Once again this doesn’t apply to me I think I like having the ability to build my credit, through a single card that, continuously sends a variety of free gifts that range from Pens, Purses, or Tickets, and having the ability to have 24/7 hour concierge service. I never had a problem with it and it does everything it says it would, some people obviously expected more. All in all if its for you go for and don’t let the nay-Sayers scare you away. If not so be it, but don’t make it more, or less then what it is.
.Thanks for the time, God Bless

By: GDWhiskey24

GDWhiskey24 — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 19:52:36 +0000

Um, you may want to learn how to spell “epitome” before you attempt to give someone grammar lessons.

By: Henry

Henry — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 17:05:21 +0000

The 1% stat is similar to the Amex platinum. They have about the same standards when soliciting card members. If you read online you’ll see that Visa isn’t as picky as they let on. Offers have gone to peoples dogs and long deceased individuals. Clever marketing, but in fact it’s not that exclusive.

By: MGL

MGL — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 15:50:52 +0000

Also, I’m not interested in this card. I get free “concierge service” on a couple of no annual fee cards I have. I also get more than 1% cash back on the card I use most often (average about 1.5%).

By: MGL

MGL — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 15:39:33 +0000

I don’t know what offer some of you people are reading, but mine specifically states, ”
Limited Membership – Membership in Black Card is limited per credit card product to 1% of the US population based on the 2000 Census.” The offer I received makes absolutely no mention of a need to be wealthy or specifically marketed to the wealthy. Mine is a “pre-approved” offer. I do have a credit score between 820 & 830 (on the 850 scale), but my income is only in the middle to upper middle class range.

By: Simon Lee

Simon Lee — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 14:22:15 +0000

I don’t know what happened to me I am usually a pretty smart guy, but with this I turned into a total moron, why did I get this card? I totally agree with what you say it’s ridiculous that they can screw you like this. You pay the money and they treat you terribly. They made a mistake and refused to refund fees, when I threatened to close the card they said “no problem I can close it right away”. They don’t care about you been loyal or staying with them as you already paid the $450 fee and thats all that they wanted. STAY AWAY from this card, terrible service.

By: damyelle

damyelle — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 12:54:56 +0000

D**m that was dumb to say!!

By: WTH

WTH — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 18:21:36 +0000

Haven’t the American tax payer bailed out the banks enough and now they ask for annual fees and outrageous interest rates to cover their mismanagement of money. Shouldn’t they pay us BACK? Isn’t it time the consumer start setting the examples and stop fall into their financial traps???? Just to carry a BLACK CARD, all my other visa cards offer the same service at no extra charge.

By: Average Joe

Average Joe — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 21:11:57 +0000

I got the invite today, and all I can say is…they must be desperate for cardholders. Although I am (bordering on obsessive) careful with my credit and have an excellent credit score, I would never be considered “wealthy”! I am just an average schmoe who works in state government with a second job just to keep that credit score up there. I’m 40 years old, have only been on a plane twice in my life and, even if I was swimming in wealth, would never ever pay a “concierge” to take care of something I can take care of myself. I couldn’t shred this “invitation” fast enough!

By: Simon Lee

Simon Lee — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 16:42:59 +0000

Dont do it, it’s a total scam worst customer service ever they really don’t care at all.

By: Simon Lee

Simon Lee — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 16:41:00 +0000

This is the first review I have ever written about any service, the Visa Black Card is that bad that I really feel the need to warn others. Honestly its a HUGE scam, they charge you money and you get nothing at all for it, nothing. The worst thing is the they have the most terrible customer service they really don’t care. I think the sole purpose is to get your $450 and then after that they don’t care. STAY AWAY STAY AWAY.

By: Henry

Henry — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 13:43:52 +0000

The Amex fees are well worth the money. I’ve had the centurion card for over 3 years and the concierge and travel service benefits are amazing. My fiance and I decided to take a last minute trip to Napa and called Amex one night. Within 15 minutes we had flights, limo, hotel and reservations at top notch restaurants (sorry to say we never made it because of too much “tasting”). They’ve helped me with random concierge requests, tickets and even a lost passport in Prague and I have found the card to be well worth the money.

Unfortunately I have also applied and received the Visa Black Card. This thing is a joke. I have no idea why I did it and regret the day I ever came across the card. First off the card came with a complete joke of a limit. Throw in the $500 annual fee and you just have to scratch your head. I just finished furnishing a new house and a few people didn’t take Amex. I used the Visa card and accidentally busted through the joke of a limit (is it really a limit then). Visa was nice enough to post that to my credit report which immediately dropped it 46 points. I called and they gave me the biggest BS excuse as to why this happened. Turns out I own a credit card processing company and know a thing or two about this and some dope CS rep just flat out lied about trashing my credit.

Bottom line… Don’t even consider the wannabe Visa Black Card. It’s a joke in every way. Their concierge service is worthless, their limits are a joke, and the card even feels flimsy like bad toilet paper. I’m not the type of guy that likes to turn heads with a credit card but I’ll never have that problem with the Visa card. It doesn’t get any second glances and anyone in the know understands that it’s a worthless card that they’ll give to anyone.

By: erik

erik — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 07:28:39 +0000

i think that black card is made for people that really make very good money and use it allot like a american express, i have one my self and i get points and after a year or two i have a free air plane ticket for me and my wife. and my 1 percent cash back pays my annual fee. so it is a very good card

By: Athena Rolando

Athena Rolando — Fri, 20 May 2011 05:35:04 +0000

All I can say is, I met 3 people within 6 years that had black Amex (1997-2003) and they were all used to purchase cheap food at big city restaurants. Los Angeles, Miami Beach and New York City. I see everyone sort of knit-picking at the in and outs of the card. Bottom line, it’s easy to blo $495 on something, just make sure you are happy with what you receive, there are many options…VISA was just at the end of it….MASTERCARD….any thoughts :)…. Hey if someone wants to let me use their Black Card, I think I could show you how to have fun and get a lot of merchandise for $50,000….BIG LOL :)

By: JB

JB — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 17:08:50 +0000

And people with a financial background will tell you that buying a brand new car is the worst possible investment out there. Buying used is the best plan of action, leasing is the second.

By: Bob

Bob — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 22:28:06 +0000

No, dumb people lease cars. Leasing a car is almost always a very bad financial decision. Ask anyone with a financial background or a CPA to explain it to you.

By: ELIAS KFOURY

ELIAS KFOURY — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 19:35:49 +0000

Happy New Year ,
Wish 2011 will bring you a healthier and wealthier lifestyle
I’d like to be one of the VISA BLACK CARD cardholdres

Thanks

By: Mark

Mark — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 01:48:49 +0000

Paying cash for expensive cars is just foolish. Smart people lease.

By: Widow

Widow — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 13:55:34 +0000

I’m the one who’s deceased husband got the solicitation. This shows me that Black Visa has inferior solicitation mailing list technology and is not seeking out people who would be interested in this card. Sure my dead husband receives mail like this, but I would think that if this were something really exclusive, the solicitation would be able to find people who would be interested. My husband’s death was reported to all matters of banking and credit. I just thought that it was ironic that dead people receive special Black invitations.

But I already have a credit card with no annual fee and it includes all the concierge services and other benefits you mention, for free. I also get reward points, with much less limitation than the Black Visa. I just use this card to pay for everyday expenses and then pay it off. Then my credit rating goes up and when it’s time to pay for special things, like vacations, I cash in the points and get a lot for free.

I personally don’t find it anything to brag about to be paying a lot for nothing, I’m more proud of getting a lot or very little, but if I did have much more money than I needed, and I did want to show off, I would make large philanthropic donations to show off to the world at large and I would get a big yacht and villa on the French Riviera, to show off to the other billionaires and still have something I could really enjoy myself.

This card seems to be for people who are insecure and are falling for something that’s almost a hoax.

By: Christopher

Christopher — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 15:48:55 +0000

I am a Visa Black card holder. I find the comments here quite interesting. Specifically, the comments where one person claims that a deceased person recieved and offer and another that complains about the annual fee. ALL credit card companies have a history of soliciting persons that are deceased. That is simply an error on the part of the issuer. In terms of the annual fee, in turn you get unlimited usage of an assistant to help with planning travel, shopping and so forth. $495 a year for that service is more than worth the cost. An employed personal assistant would cost at lease $35k plus a year. No, I do not work for visa, but I am a card holder. When applying, you will be contacted to verify income, employment and so forth. I do not believe for one instant that a person with low income and marginal credit will ever get this card. You must have both a high income coupled with excellent credit. I suppose it is possible that a person with above average income could get the car, but that individual will have to have amazing credit. In such a case that person would more than likely have a lower limit than the rest of the card holders. However, the more I htink about that the more unlikely it seems that such a person would get this card. The card does offer valuable perks, an assistant, prestige, good insurance protection from purchases, world wide acceptance…..it is an excellent card. The packaging, upon arrival , was a very nice presentation. I recieved two personal follow calls regarding my card within one week of its arrival. Simly put, if you are a person that complains about a $495 annual fee then this card is not for you. You cannot affford this type of card. It is for a more affluent class that you do not fall into. It serves a class of people that spend $500 or more on dinners, travel often and so forth. In summation, if you do not meet the criteria, spend less time online and more time learning how to incrase your income and credit score to qualify. Life is not fair!

By: Erick

Erick — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 06:47:44 +0000

Mrs. Accountability:

Thank you!!!! IF more people were like you and spent what they made we would all be happy! again Thank YOU!

By: Taleeya Green

Taleeya Green — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 23:22:53 +0000

How can I get a black card?

By: Taleeya Green

Taleeya Green — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 23:20:25 +0000

Can you please tell me what the qualifying factors are in order to apply for the card.

By: Agassi

Agassi — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 02:48:52 +0000

This card is a piece of crap. They are out there looking to rip people off. $495 ANNUAL FEE.. UNBELIEVABLE !! They are better deals out there than this crap.

By: bobby

bobby — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:09:27 +0000

it’s called the “flexperk visa” at us bank. The same and more no fee

By: Brent

Brent — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:22:44 +0000

I got this card in the mail today. I laughed for a good few minutes. It would take me 5 years to spend $50,000…

By: Brent

Brent — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 01:22:00 +0000

I got this card in the mail today. I laughed for a good few minutes. It would take me 5 years to spend $50,000…

By: Sean

Sean — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 02:27:17 +0000

1% of $50,000 is $500. Ergo, if you spend $50,000 per year you’ll get the $495 annual fee (plus a whopping $5) back. Is it worth it ? Not to me, but my expenditures don’t come close to $50,000 per year.

By: Joske Van Kloten Vermeulen, Schoten

Joske Van Kloten Vermeulen, Schoten — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 21:21:21 +0000

“Mr. Better than you” is pulling your leg. Relax.

By: W.C. Varones

W.C. Varones — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 03:36:54 +0000

Complete scam for idiots.

By: RR

RR — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 03:17:35 +0000

I received the offer, IMO this is strictly for snob appeal. I have a no fee Fidelity VISA card that I charge almost every purchase we make and I get 1.75% back that I put into my investment account. This works out to about $1k/yr in my case. Better than paying the $495 up front for services I don’t really need. If I traveled more something like this may be worthwhile, but everyone needs to remember, exclusivity is an expensive indulgence and there are many that want to make your money their money by offering exclusiveness. Caveat Emptor.

By: Chriseana Finley

Chriseana Finley — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:39:31 +0000

You have the audacity to ask for $495 a year. That is absolutely crazy, especially the way the economy is these days. People do not have that kind of money to spend a year on a visa card that was suppose to be designed to help. This card is out rages… What were you thinking and what was I thinking…?

By: Bobby Davis

Bobby Davis — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 18:34:37 +0000

Man!,,, That was so mean? Who would say this to a group of strangers they have never met? You may have money, but you DON’T have any manners!!! A very good grammar class would not hurt either !!

By: Chicagoguy

Chicagoguy — Thu, 28 May 2009 20:33:03 +0000

I got one in the mail yesterday and read how it was only marketed to the top 1% of earners in US. I’m probably in the top 3% but definitely not in the top1% based on my research done during tax times, so strike 1. Strike 2 was how all the extras I am supposed to get meant crap to me. Concierge service? Are you f’ing kidding me? Not for me. Strike 3 was the $495 annual service. I actually laughed out loud when I saw that and took vicious pleasure in tearing that beautiful envelope and marketing materials up. I’m not in the market for this type of gimmick even if I was in the top 1% though being a geek at heart, I did like the fact that this one came in carbon fiber ;)

By: ChrisW

ChrisW — Tue, 26 May 2009 17:54:57 +0000

Sounds like a shill for the company trying to put some lipstick on this pig.

By: ChrisW

ChrisW — Tue, 26 May 2009 17:53:14 +0000

This card is a joke!

I got an “exclusive” invitation to apply for one, but they SPELLED MY NAME WRONG!

Wonder which 1% spam list they got my name from.

Oh, and the TERMS! LOL

13% interest, or prime plus 9.99. Same as Bank of America or Bob’s Fly-by-night Bank.

Worse than any other card I carry, including American Express.

Abnd what line of credit do you get? At least $250, far less than the $500 they charge you for a year.

A guarantee you will be over limit from day one?

Looks like.

Report this fraud to your state attorney general NOW!

I BURNED the offer and laughed the entire time!

By: JDWhiskey24

JDWhiskey24 — Mon, 25 May 2009 16:44:38 +0000

I hope ‘Mr. Better than you’ goes to school soon. Proper grammar would be a start. ‘im’ should be “I’m” and “mabe” should be ‘maybe’. I’m sure you’re the epitomy of Asher Roth’s “I love college”, but you should take your own advice: “mabe all of you go to college and get better jobs” (or go back if you’ve already been). I didn’t go to college and I don’t throw my ‘no college degree’ in peoples faces. I have a black Amex, drive a nice car, own my house, have several Mont Blanc pens (to use when I sign checks to pay for my cars…in full). Don’t be so quick to judge; we’re just talking about a f+!?#@*g credit card here.

By: Mathew

Mathew — Sun, 24 May 2009 11:57:46 +0000

I think the claim that this card is for uber-rich high net worth individuals is nonsense. I received an offer for this card and I am nowhere near the so-called 1% of US population that is supposed to be the customer for this card.Infact I have not used a credit card in years and carry no debt other than mortgage. Barclay’s must be really desperate to offer me this card.
.
Although the brochure is impressive in it’s design and writing and for a second I thought of getting this card until I saw the $495 annual fee,In no time I ripped the brochure and application form into peices

By: Mr. Better than you

Mr. Better than you — Wed, 20 May 2009 06:17:38 +0000

You are all mad because you are all poor. You all are complaining about a $500 fee. I laugh at you. Im guessing that most of you who have posted have horrible jobs making less than $10 an hour. Mabe all of you go to college and get better jobs. Again just to let you know, im laughing at all of you.

By: TW

TW — Mon, 04 May 2009 15:57:29 +0000

I have the Platinum American Express card. I’ve had it for years and swear by it. I got stuck in an airport during a bad snow storm. I called them up and while others were sleeping on the floor, AE got us a room in a hotel and even picked us up. The airport was closed for 3 days.

My mom is 94. Her only income is SS. She lives with me and I take care of her. You guessed it…she got a Black Visa invite. I didn’t.

Think I’d switch? Hah!

By: Widow

Widow — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 01:52:28 +0000

I am not only curious about what criteria are used to determine who will be the 1%, but even more so, how perspective members are found, for promotion by mail. I have a high credit rating and several credit and charge cards,in good standing,(with much better deals than this one), and I was not solicited for this Black Card. However, my late husband received a large, black envelope, with an application to apply. He’s been dead for 7 years and is listed as deceased with all matters of credit and banking. I thought it was a funny coincidence, for a deceased person to receive an ad for a BLACK card, in this funereal design, and when I saw that it’s only for 1%, I wondered if one of the criteria is being deceased? lol But seriously, it shows poor research technique, in marketing.

By: Chilly

Chilly — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 17:17:24 +0000

I call the Black VISA number to inquire about waiving of the $495 annual fee if the card holder spends $50K by the end of the one-year term. The representative told me that this was not true. Is the person I spoke with ill informed or did you receive information from them directly noting the waived fee? If yes, could you share the source? Thanks!

By: Mike

Mike — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 14:48:40 +0000

I have my Black Card for a few months now and all I have received is a $50 pen as a gift. I am sure my wife would have loved a Chanel bag or plan tickets but a pen? The concierge service is great as they were able to locate 50 yard line seats to the Super Bowl for me.