How can I customize my Capital One QuicksilverOne card?

I think the most creative credit card designs at the moment are metal credit cards. People expect a credit card to be a slab of plastic, but these cards put the same technology into a piece of metal. It’s a more solid material and looks classier when you take it out. Some good metal cards are ... read full answerCapital One Venture, Chase Sapphire Preferred and Amex Platinum. I also think that people can be a lot more creative than credit card companies.

But “most creative” is a matter of personal taste. And there are plenty of other contenders to consider. Let’s take a closer look at them to get your creative juices flowing.

Here are the most creative credit card designs:

• Photo credit cards: These cards let you supply a picture of your choosing to use as your card’s design. Options include the Milestone Mastercard and several Wells Fargo cards, including the Cash Wise Visa.
• Metal credit cards: Metal cards are usually composed of materials like steel or titanium. They’re heavier and sturdier than their plastic counterparts. Some examples are Capital One Venture, Chase Sapphire Preferred and Amex Platinum.
• Picture credit cards: You can’t provide your own design for these cards. But you can pick from a range of options, from animals and landscapes to patriotic themes and abstract art.

But as cool as it is to have a credit card with an eye-catching design, you shouldn’t base your applications on that. Having a fun picture doesn’t give you any extra benefits. So you should shop around for the best card first and then take whatever customization options you can get. If you have good credit and can qualify for Capital One Venture, that’s always a good option, and you’ll get that neat metal card too.

A black credit card is an exclusive, invitation-only credit card issued by American Express. The so-called Amex black card is more formally known as the Centurion® Card from American Express, and it has become a status symbol in pop culture.

What you should know about the Centurion® Card from American Express

Amex does not disclose requirements for the Centurion® Card from American Express, but online reports say you have to spend a certain amount per year on an Amex card to merit consideration for an invitation. The Centurion® Card from American Express also requires a $10,000 initiation fee and a $5000 annual fee. And its main perks, aside from the prestige, appear to be hotel benefits, ... read full answerCenturion Lounges, Delta Medallion status and a do-anything, round-the-clock personal concierge.

But if you’re looking for a black card that you can actually apply for, there are some alternatives. They won’t carry the same social weight, but their fees aren’t as astronomical, either.

Here are some notable black credit cards:

The Mastercard® Black Card offers 1 point per $1 on all purchases. You can redeem points for airfare at a value of 2 cents per point, and for cash back at 1.5 cents per point. You’ll also get a $100 annual air travel credit, 24/7 concierge to assist you with travel needs, and a $100 credit to cover the cost of applying for Global Entry. You need good credit or better to get approved. The annual fee is $495.

The RBC Bank Visa Signature Black Credit Card has a $75 annual fee. You get 1 point / $1 spent, redeemable through RBC Rewards. You need good credit to get approved.

This black-in-color credit card has a $650 annual fee. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant offers 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months, plus a free night every year on your account anniversary. You can also earn 6 points / $1 spent at hotel participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program. The card also offers up to $300 in statement credits each year (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide.

The Centurion® Card from American Express is apparently reserved for Amex cardholders who spend a certain amount per year. The annual fee is $5000 and there’s a $10,000 initiation fee as well. It offers access to Centurion Lounges, hotel benefits, Delta Medallion status, and personal concierge. Plus, you can earn 1 point per $1 in Membership Rewards.

A black credit will always have a certain amount of mystique because of the secrecy and exclusivity of the Centurion® Card from American Express. But you can’t just apply for the real thing, and most of us don’t spend enough to qualify, anyway. Plus, it doesn’t really matter what color your credit card is, as long as it offers good terms.

So, you’re probably better off with a regular rewards card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Citi Double Cash Card or Capital One Venture. Some credit card companies, including Wells Fargo, also let you customize your card’s appearance, so you can turn lots of credit cards into black cards if you want.