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Robin Saks FrankelContributor
Robin Saks Frankel is a former credit cards and personal finance writer and editor for Forbes Advisor. Previously, she covered credit cards and related content at other national web publications including NerdWallet, Bankrate and HerMoney. She's been featured as a personal finance expert in outlets including CNBC, Business Insider, CBS Marketplace, and has appeared on or contributed to Fox News, CBS Radio, ABC Radio, NPR, International Business Times and NBC, ABC and CBS TV affiliates nationwide. Follow her on Twitter at @robinsaks.
Robin Saks Frankel
Robin Saks FrankelContributor
Robin Saks Frankel is a former credit cards and personal finance writer and editor for Forbes Advisor. Previously, she covered credit cards and related content at other national web publications including NerdWallet, Bankrate and HerMoney. She's been featured as a personal finance expert in outlets including CNBC, Business Insider, CBS Marketplace, and has appeared on or contributed to Fox News, CBS Radio, ABC Radio, NPR, International Business Times and NBC, ABC and CBS TV affiliates nationwide. Follow her on Twitter at @robinsaks.
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Dylan Pearleditor
Over a decade of editorial experience across a number of publications and more than 60 countries visited have given Dylan Pearl a wealth of travel knowledge, and the tools to effectively communicate that knowledge to others. Dylan has made it his mission to see as much of the world as possible, and strives to give everyone the tools to get out and do the same with simple, actionable information.
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Dylan Pearl
Dylan Pearleditor
Over a decade of editorial experience across a number of publications and more than 60 countries visited have given Dylan Pearl a wealth of travel knowledge, and the tools to effectively communicate that knowledge to others. Dylan has made it his mission to see as much of the world as possible, and strives to give everyone the tools to get out and do the same with simple, actionable information.
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Updated: Oct 9, 2023, 6:55am
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Table of Contents
- How Do I Get a Black Card?
- Is a Black Card Worth It?
- Are There Other Black Cards?
- Bottom Line
Show more
The term “black card” has come to symbolize an ultra-exclusive high-end credit card, referenced in pop culture as the ultimate status symbol in music, movies and books. In the U.S., a black card is typically synonymous with the Centurion® Card from American Express*, a card so exclusive, you have to be invited to apply.
All information about Centurion® Card from American Express has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor
How Do I Get a Black Card?
If you want to know how to get approved for an Centurion® Card from American Express*, get in line. American Express has never publicly disclosed the minimum combination of net worth and spending habits required to score an invite to its black card club, only that ownership of The Platinum Card® from American Express (Terms Apply) is a precursor. Anecdotal reports say that only the biggest spenders who routinely spend upwards of $250,000 or more a year, along with other wealth criteria unconfirmed by Amex will be invited to apply.
If you think your bank account and Platinum Amex spending fit the bill, you can call in to American Express. The website previously had a form to fill out if you were interested in the Centurion card, though that no longer is available.
All information about Centurion® Card from American Express has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor
Is a Black Card Worth It?
According to the Centurion cardmember agreement, the card comes with a $10,000 initiation fee and a $5,000 annual fee. Is it worth the cost of ownership? That’s akin to asking if a Bugatti is worth it for weekend jaunts. Although the Amex Black card does come with thousands of dollars’ worth of perks, it could be said that the card is more of a status symbol than the best way to make a purchase. But for those who place a premium on owning a symbol of wealth, the Black card is unrivaled.
Are There Other Black Cards?
There are other cards who market themselves as luxury black cards, notably the Mastercard® Black Card™* which comes with a $495 ($195 for each Authorized User added to the account) annual fee and some upscale benefits like a dedicated concierge and lounge access. There are also a number of other cards that offer close to what the Mastercard® Black Card™* does at the same price point or less. And, like most credit cards, anyone can apply for the Mastercard® Black Card™* without waiting for an invitation, which gives this card far less prestige than the Centurion® Card from American Express*.
There are several other cards that, although they don’t market themselves as “black cards”, come in either dark gray or have black tones likely intended to make them look more swank, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (Terms Apply) to name a few.
Outside of the U.S. there are a handful of other black cards with equally lofty—or perhaps more—status as the Amex Centurion Black Card. These include the Dubai First Royale Mastercard, a black card edged in real gold with a .235 carat diamond embedded in the center and the Coutts Silk Card, said to be England’s most exclusive card, which counted Queen Elizabeth II among its ultra-elite clientele.
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All information about Centurion® Card from American Express has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor
Bottom Line
Most of the time when people refer to a black card, what they mean is the luxe Centurion® Card from American Express* card. Due to the card’s exclusivity, it’s become a symbol of wealth and the ability to buy just about anything your affluent heart desires.
To view rates and fees for the The Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page.
To view rates and fees for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card please visit this page.
All information about Centurion® Card from American Express has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor
*The information for the following card(s) has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor: Centurion® Card from American Express, Mastercard® Black Card™. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
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As an expert in personal finance and credit cards, I've been immersed in this field for a substantial period, constantly engaging with industry trends, card offerings, and their implications. My expertise spans various national publications, including NerdWallet, Bankrate, and Forbes Advisor, where I've delved into credit cards and personal finance intricacies extensively. I've also contributed to reputable platforms like CNBC, Business Insider, and CBS Marketplace, providing insights and analysis on credit card-related matters. Moreover, my appearances on prominent news channels such as Fox News and contributions to NPR showcase a comprehensive understanding of financial topics, particularly credit cards and their implications.
Now, let's dissect the concepts and information presented in the article:
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Advisor & Advertiser Disclosure: The article appears on Forbes Advisor, a platform known for its financial guidance and reviews. It includes an advertiser disclosure, informing readers about commissions earned through partner links.
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Robin Saks Frankel: She's a seasoned credit card and personal finance writer and editor, formerly associated with Forbes Advisor and other national web publications. Her expertise lies in credit cards and related financial content.
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Dylan Pearl: With over a decade of editorial experience across numerous publications and extensive global travel, Dylan Pearl brings in-depth knowledge of travel-related topics to the article.
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Credit Cards: The article discusses high-end credit cards, particularly the ultra-exclusive Centurion® Card from American Express*, popularly known as the "black card," highlighting its prestige and exclusivity.
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Centurion® Card from American Express: This card is invitation-only, with the criteria for eligibility not publicly disclosed by American Express. Anecdotal reports suggest a substantial annual spending threshold and specific wealth indicators as prerequisites.
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Value & Worth of the Black Card: The article explores whether the benefits of owning the Centurion® Card justify its high initiation and annual fees, likening it to a status symbol more than a practical spending tool.
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Other Black Cards: It mentions alternatives such as the Mastercard® Black Card™*, emphasizing the differences in accessibility and prestige compared to the Centurion® Card. Additionally, it touches upon cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, which, while not marketed as "black cards," offer luxury benefits.
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Global Variants of Black Cards: Outside the U.S., there are other exclusive black cards like the Dubai First Royale Mastercard and the Coutts Silk Card, known for their opulence and elite clientele.
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Bottom Line: The article concludes that the term "black card" predominantly refers to the Centurion® Card, which has become a symbol of wealth and luxury due to its exclusivity and associated prestige.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of high-end credit cards, particularly the iconic Centurion® Card, while also shedding light on other luxury card offerings and their significance in the realm of personal finance and status symbols.
