VISA Barclays "Black Card"

[FinStar]

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@GaTech wrote:

This card is for s Uckers Don't do it!

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Not necessairly GaTech.  While we realize this specific product may not fit your specific needs there are others who may find it useful.  Not every product is a fit for everyone.

[gen-specific]

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@FinStar wrote:

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@gen-specific wrote:

So I have a white card from barclays through the Apple Store promotions

I got an offer for their black card, the faux elite card with a $400+ annual fee

It would match nice with my white barclays in my wallet, and with my blue CSP, I like the reactions these cards garner from cashiers, but thats not enough reason to get the visa black card

I've seen comparisons of this card online with other offers, and I don't get its worth

any insight appreciated

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Sounds like you would want it for "looks/status"... not sure that the AF is worth it?  

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yes, purely superficial reasons

The possibility of getting the fee waived and the 2 to 1 rewards points for flights seem to make it worth it.

Although CSP already gets me 2x 3x reward points on certain purchases

[jeffrey_MBP]

The card has great vegas benefits and the best travel rewards redemption, but the new lounge program is crap. I've used the concierge service twice and it wasn't too bad. I only had to wait a minute. Use this card for travel points and another card for lounge and concierge access.

[gen-specific]

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@jeffrey_MBP wrote:

The card has great vegas benefits and the best travel rewards redemption, but the new lounge program is crap. I've used the concierge service twice and it wasn't too bad. I only had to wait a minute. Use this card for travel points and another card for lounge and concierge access.

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Tell me more about the Vegas benefits???

Now if only I could transfer points TO the barclays black card, because I currently rack them up in other places

[gen-specific]

I was looking at the points I earned with my Chase Sapphire Preferred this statement and even with the 2x and 3x on dining with CSP I would have made more points with Visa Black Card, all my points are generally for subsidized flights

I don't see myself using Ultimate Rewards for shopping too much, and I'm sure Barclays has some kind of similar thing

[bribro]

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@gen-specific wrote:

I was looking at the points I earned with my Chase Sapphire Preferred this statement and even with the 2x and 3x on dining with CSP I would have made more points with Visa Black Card, all my points are generally for subsidized flights

I don't see myself using Ultimate Rewards for shopping too much, and I'm sure Barclays has some kind of similar thing

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That's comparing apples and hand grenades though. The points earned on the Black Card are very different from Chase UR points; the latter can be transferred to travel partners and redeemed for 4+ cents each in many cases. Meanwhile, Black Card points are worth 1 cent each, or 2 cents when redeemed for travel. So, when optimized properly, that basically makes the Black Card a 2% cash back travel card... with a $495 annual fee and a mediocre lounge program. The Barclay Arrival card is much better IMO if you're looking for cash back given the lower AF and better redemption ratio.

[gogotexan]

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@bribro wrote:

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@gen-specific wrote:

I was looking at the points I earned with my Chase Sapphire Preferred this statement and even with the 2x and 3x on dining with CSP I would have made more points with Visa Black Card, all my points are generally for subsidized flights

I don't see myself using Ultimate Rewards for shopping too much, and I'm sure Barclays has some kind of similar thing

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That's comparing apples and hand grenades though. The points earned on the Black Card are very different from Chase UR points; the latter can be transferred to travel partners and redeemed for 4+ cents each in many cases. Meanwhile, Black Card points are worth 1 cent each, or 2 cents when redeemed for travel. So, when optimized properly, that basically makes the Black Card a 2% cash back travel card... with a $495 annual fee and a mediocre lounge program. The Barclay Arrival card is much better IMO if you're looking for cash back given the lower AF and better redemption ratio.

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Hmmm...this card definitely doesn't sound like it's worth a $495 fee.  I think I'll stick with my NFCU siggy...it's a black card with decent rewards and APR.  :-) 

[Haisenberg]

That card is such a joke, not worth it in my opinion...

[gen-specific]

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@bribro wrote:

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@gen-specific wrote:

I was looking at the points I earned with my Chase Sapphire Preferred this statement and even with the 2x and 3x on dining with CSP I would have made more points with Visa Black Card, all my points are generally for subsidized flights

I don't see myself using Ultimate Rewards for shopping too much, and I'm sure Barclays has some kind of similar thing

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That's comparing apples and hand grenades though. The points earned on the Black Card are very different from Chase UR points; the latter can be transferred to travel partners and redeemed for 4+ cents each in many cases. Meanwhile, Black Card points are worth 1 cent each, or 2 cents when redeemed for travel. So, when optimized properly, that basically makes the Black Card a 2% cash back travel card... with a $495 annual fee and a mediocre lounge program. The Barclay Arrival card is much better IMO if you're looking for cash back given the lower AF and better redemption ratio.

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thanks for the perspective, I'm done with contemplating it

PASS!

[FinStar]

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@gen-specific wrote:

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@bribro wrote:

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@gen-specific wrote:

I was looking at the points I earned with my Chase Sapphire Preferred this statement and even with the 2x and 3x on dining with CSP I would have made more points with Visa Black Card, all my points are generally for subsidized flights

I don't see myself using Ultimate Rewards for shopping too much, and I'm sure Barclays has some kind of similar thing

---

That's comparing apples and hand grenades though. The points earned on the Black Card are very different from Chase UR points; the latter can be transferred to travel partners and redeemed for 4+ cents each in many cases. Meanwhile, Black Card points are worth 1 cent each, or 2 cents when redeemed for travel. So, when optimized properly, that basically makes the Black Card a 2% cash back travel card... with a $495 annual fee and a mediocre lounge program. The Barclay Arrival card is much better IMO if you're looking for cash back given the lower AF and better redemption ratio.

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thanks for the perspective, I'm done with contemplating it

PASS!

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Are you sure?  It seems *blingy* enough for the cashiers...LOL