AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.
In a nutshell
The term "black credit card" describes the most exclusive, luxurious credit cards on the market today.
- Black credit cards are typically available on an invite-only basis.
- To receive an invite for a black credit card, you need to be a big spender willing to pay thousands of dollars in credit card fees each year.
- In the United States, the term "black credit card" typically describes the Centurion® Card from American Express.
How does a black credit card work?
A black credit card provides high-net-worth individuals with elevated benefits and rewards and premium customer service in exchange for very high fees.
While there are numerous cards that fall into the ultra-premium credit card category, consumers commonly associate the term "black credit card" with the Centurion Card from American Express. First launched in 1999, the American Express Centurion Card was geared toward high-net-worth individuals who charge tens of thousands of dollars (and potentially more) each month. American Express believed this level of spending warranted a card with elevated benefits and rewards, along with an exclusive look.
While the fee structure has certainly changed since the card's introduction more than 20 years ago, today's cardholder agreement for the Centurion Card from American Express shows a $10,000 initiation fee and a $5,000 annual fee.
Types of black credit cards
The launch of the Centurion Card from American Express created quite a stir, so much so that other card issuers wanted to get into the ultra-premium credit card game. Today, a range of black credit cards are available, both inside and outside the United States.
Today's black credit cards include the Bank of Dubai First Royale credit card, which is available only to Middle Eastern royalty and multi-millionaires, and is studded with a diamond. Then there's the Chase J.P. Morgan Reserve® (formerly the Palladium card), which is essentially a more exclusive, invite-only version of the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card that requires a bank balance in the millions to qualify.
Some card issuers have also launched various "black credit cards" with more attainable requirements for approval. A company called Luxury Card offers the Mastercard® Black Card, which is made of black PVD-coated metal. Anyone has the option of applying for this card online at any time, and it comes with premium benefits like concierge services, airport lounge access and travel credits for an annual fee of $495.
What are the requirements for getting a black card?
The exact requirements to get a black credit card are shrouded in mystery, mostly on purpose. Not surprisingly, American Express and other ultra-premium card issuers are tight-lipped on what it takes to score an invitation.
Anecdotal reports have shown that cardholders with the Platinum Card® from American Express or the Business Platinum Card® from American Express can qualify for an invite to the Centurion Card if they make at least $250,000 in charges over the course of a year. However, some sources report being invited after crossing the threshold of spending $500,000 or more per year.
Requirements for other black credit cards vary, but their invite-only basis means you typically need to have another credit card to even be considered. From there, card issuers invite their most loyal customers who spend significant sums of money (at least six figures or more) each year.
The benefits of black credit cards
The benefits of black credit cards vary widely based on the offer itself. However, these cards are known for offering the highest levels of customer service and assistance and premium travel benefits.
For example, the Centurion Card from American Express comes with elite concierge services that help cardholders make travel plans, book dinner reservations and secure tickets to the world's most exclusive events. Other benefits include airport lounge access including Priority Pass and Amex Centurion lounges, VIP airport arrival and departure at select airports, Gold Medallion status with Delta, Hilton Honors Diamond status, Platinum Elite status with IHG One Rewards, a CLEAR Plus membership and more.
The Centurion Card from American Express also comes with annual travel credits that apply to airfare, hotels and other reservations as well as discounts of up to $1,000 off private jet bookings.
Other black credit card benefits vary. With the Mastercard® Black Card, for example, members get concierge services, a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership, a $100 annual airline credit, Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership, exclusive hotel benefits at 3,000 global properties and a broad selection of travel insurance benefits.
How to apply for a black credit card
Most black credit cards are invite-only, meaning you can't just search for them online and fill out an application. However, some reports indicate that individuals with the Platinum Card® from American Express have successfully requested consideration for the Centurion Card from American Express on the company website in the past.
The Chase J.P. Morgan Reserve® is invite-only as well, and it's only available to members of Chase Private Client, the bank's premium relationship banking product. Reports also show that Private Client members only become eligible for an invitation to the card once they have at least $10 million in assets held with the bank.
How much does a black card cost?
The cost of black credit cards varies widely, but the most expensive option available to U.S. customers is the Centurion Card from American Express with a $10,000 initiation fee and a $5,000 annual fee. Despite its sky-high barrier to entry, the Chase J.P. Morgan Reserve® comes with the same $550 annual fee as the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.
Other premium credit cards on the market today feature annual fees that range from $395 to $695, although these cards aren't technically "black credit cards."
Alternatives to black credit cards
While true black credit cards are invite-only, there are quite a few premium travel credit cards that are much easier to attain. And really, the benefits you get with top-tier credit cards from issuers like American Express, Capital One and Chase aren't that far off from what you get with black credit cards that charge thousands of dollars in annual fees each year.
Take the metal Chase Sapphire Reserve® card, for example. This card charges a $550 annual fee, but it comes with exclusive benefits like airport lounge access through Priority Pass, a $300 annual travel credit, a fee credit toward Global Entry, NEXUS or TSA PreCheck membership, 50% more value for points redeemed for travel through Chase and more. Best of all, this card earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points that can be transferred to 14 airline and hotel partners including British Airways, Southwest Rapid Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy and World of Hyatt.
The Platinum Card® from American Express is also made of metal and highly valuable on its own, even if you don't spend enough to get an invite to the Centurion Card from American Express. In exchange for a $695 annual fee, this card comes with the same airport lounge membership you get with the Centurion Card and more than $1,500 in statement credits for everything from eligible hotel stays to digital entertainment and airline incidental charges. This card also earns flexible American Express Membership Rewards points, which transfer to a range of Amex airline and hotel partners like Delta SkyMiles and Hilton Honors.
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is also a solid black credit card alternative, both for its benefits and its appearance. The Capital One Venture X charges a $395 annual fee, and cardholders get access to Priority Pass and Capital One airport lounges, a $300 annual travel credit, a fee credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership, Hertz President's Circle elite status and more. This card also earns Capital One miles, which can be used for gift cards, statement credits, travel through Capital One or point transfers to the brand's airline and hotel partners.
The AP Buyline roundup
Black credit cards like the iconic Centurion Card from American Express unlock access to a range of exclusive benefits that appeal to affluent spenders and elite business owners. Examples include dedicated concierge services, premium airport lounge access and automatic elite status with various travel brands, to name a few.
Fortunately, you can get many of the same exclusive benefits with premium travel credit cards that are marketed to the masses — and with annual fees in the hundreds of dollars instead of the thousands. You can apply for premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or the Platinum Card® from American Express without a special invitation.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Is a black card worth it?
Black credit cards might be worth considering for big spenders who want the best of everything, including top-tier concierge services and automatic elite status that can otherwise be difficult to attain. Just remember that many premium credit cards offer similar perks to black credit cards for a much lower overall cost.
Who qualifies for a black card?
The exact requirements for a black credit card depend on the card in question, and card issuers that issue black credit cards don't publish these details. However, anecdotal evidence shows that consumers typically get an invitation to a black credit card after making $250,000 or more in charges on another credit card from the same bank. Some black credit cards like the Chase J.P. Morgan Reserve® may even require $10 million in assets under management.
What do black credit cards mean?
The term "black credit card" describes the most exclusive, invite-only travel credit cards on the market today. These cards are typically made of metal, are black or stone gray in color and are available only to affluent customers who charge tens of thousands of dollars in purchases every month.
What is the credit limit on a black card?
Black credit cards are often charge cards instead of traditional credit cards, which means they don't have a preset limit. Other credit cards marketed as black cards may base credit limits on your income, credit score and other factors, so read over your cardholder agreement after you're approved.
What's the point of a black card?
Black credit cards are status symbols designed to appeal to big spenders who want the best of everything regardless of cost. These cards are reserved for the wealthiest individuals around the world, and having one unlocks access to exclusive perks you can't get anywhere else.
AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.
