what is black card?

[milkshakes]

i honestly think OP's friend's date had the Visa black card. if it was the centurion, she probably wouldve noticed the distinct amex logo as well.

the majority of us here on FICO know the majority of the two and benefits (or in the Visa Black Card's case, lack thereof) tied to them, but the average person on the street has no clue. and the black card sure does a great job at hiding its shortcomings as an actual reward card with its luxurious look and feel.

[CreditScholar]

They don't "make" you. They simply offer you the card if you spend about $200k+ on a Platinum yearly. In all honesty this card is mostly a gimmick - it does have some perks but it really is a lifestyle status symbol. Once you obtain it, as long as you pay the $2500 AF yearly, they won't take it away. $200k/year is an enourmous amount for many/most. But, for some wealthy people, it can easily be funding their typical daily lifestyle (travel + spend). Amex wanted to find a way to make these people feel "special". The Centurion Card was the answer. That being said, I know a couple of wealthy people that could likely qualify but just keep a standard Platinum card and run a lot through airport cards to gain miles with their preferred airline. It is really all up to what people feel works best for them. +1. Mostly good information here, although they've made it much more difficult to obtain invitations in recent years as Amex was concerned about the watering-down of the centurion brand. 200k is definitely too low for an invite these days.

[nachoslibres]

Maybe it was this card?

http://www.creditmoneyblog.com/discover-card-loyalty-does-not-pay-off/

[woodyman100]

funny funny funny

[Shock]

I saw the black card on its website...makes me wonder if this card is even a Visa Signature because it isnt illustrated as such.

[Cookie2120987]

Amex centruim is amazing to hold... Will I ever get one... Most likely not lol. One of my teachers while I was in Culinary school had it though and was ALWAYS flashing it. He had a very high net wealth and a lot properties, his wife was also wealthy. 

Ill also add even though he SAID it was a personal it could have been a business version of  centruim.

regardless is was awesome to even hold.

[negg]

Let's not forget the other black CC.  Marriott rewards is black.   Btw forgot who was asking.  The Marriott give you one free night at cat 4 or lower when you sign up then every year you get one night in a cat 5 hotel. Points rack up fast on this card. 

[kkapdolee]

This forum seems to have gotten a lot meaner and full of sarcasm and off topic discussions lately.

[Bman70]

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@kkapdolee wrote:

This forum seems to have gotten a lot meaner and full of sarcasm and off topic discussions lately.

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I don't think it's mean or off topic.. I think this is more a forum for people with a practical approach to credit, who look at value and usefulness over other concerns like social status or the appearance of it. That's why I like the forum - people here are impressed by the Sallie Mae. Which makes a lot more sense than the Visa Black. Here's another link to the Time article that mentions it: http://business.time.com/2012/11/07/5-credit-cards-you-dont-want-to-own/

[merlinflex]

How does everyone get the little credit cards to show up in their signature posts?