Does the Visa Black Card still exist?

The American Express Black Card’s requirements are rumored to include being an Amex cardholder for at least a year, spending over $100,000 annually on American Express credit cards, and annual income of at least $1 million. You’ll probably need to have an excellent credit score, too. To be clear, these things only get you an invitation to apply for the card. So that's just the bare minimum needed. There is a steep "initiation fee" of $10,000 and an annual fee of $5000.… read full answer

Amex doesn't publicize many details about its Black Card (also known as the American Express Centurion Card), so it's hard to say exactly what the approval requirements are. But recently, Amex added an invitation request form to the website, so if you want to get on Amex’s Black Card radar, fill out the form here.

The Mastercard® Black Card’s requirements for approval include a good credit score, U.S. residency, and enough income to afford the card’s $495 annual fee and monthly bill payments. Barclays (the issuer of the Mastercard® Black Card) doesn’t publish specific income requirements, but the more you earn and the less you owe already, the better your chances for approval. Applicants must also be at least 18 years old.… read full answer

Even if you do meet the requirements for the Mastercard® Black Card, it’s likely not your best option. It has a huge annual fee, and the rewards don’t quite live up to what you can get with other cards. You get a simple 1 point per dollar on all purchases, which is less than the average rate for rewards credit cards. It also offers a $100 annual airline credit and airport-lounge access, with the latter being the only benefit you’ll receive that you can’t get from a card with no annual fee.

While the card offers an introductory balance transfer APR of 0% for 15 months, it has a balance transfer fee of 3% (min $5). So, it may be a cool looking card with its stainless-steel design, but there are better cards that will give you more bang for your buck.

The terms and conditions for the American Express Black Card don’t state a minimum or starting credit limit, so there’s no way to know exactly what credit limit cardholders will get. Like most credit cards, the Amex Black Card’s credit limit will be based on the applicant’s overall creditworthiness, annual income, and account history. But if the initiation fee ($10,000) and annual fee ($5000) are any indication, it’s unlikely a cardholder will be limited in spending power with the Amex Black Card.… read full answer