So-called “black credit cards” may be the ultimate status symbol, but there’s a lot of confusion surrounding what they actually are. The most popular black credit card is from American Express, but across the board, these exclusive cards offer superior perks and luxury rewards that other top credit cards just can’t match.
Before you decide between a black credit card or simply one of the best rewards credit cards, read on to learn what black cards are, how they work and why they’re so hard to get.
What is a black card?
A black credit card is a type of extremely exclusive credit card that is almost solely reserved for the ultrawealthy. Typically, the cards are available on an invitation-only basis. The threshold for entry into this elite echelon of card ownership is incredibly high, as are the annual fees. In some cases, black credit cards require you to spend tens of thousands — or even hundreds of thousands — of dollars on your card each year just to be considered.
Best black credit cards
Funnily enough, black cards aren’t necessarily black in color. Not only that, but many also go by different names, including the black credit card from American Express, which is also called The Centurion® Card from American Express*.
If your spending is high enough and you want access to exclusive perks, keep an eye out for an invitation to these top black cards and all they have to offer.
The Centurion Card from American Express
The Centurion Card from American Express is offered by invitation only (although you can request to be considered for the invitation) and it has a steep entry price. Not only do you have to pay a $10,000 initiation fee to get your hands on this card, but a $5,000 annual fee applies as well. Cardholder benefits include airline status with Delta, broad airport lounge access that includes Priority Pass and American Express Centurion Lounges and an airline fee credit. You can also access an exclusive 24/7 concierge program and you’ll receive automatic elite status with various hotel and rental car programs.
In terms of rewards, it’s reported that you’ll only earn 1X Membership Rewards points, although some say you’ll earn 1.5X points for all purchases over $5,000. You may also earn a hefty welcome offer, too, although reports vary on just how many points you can receive and the spending requirement.
Mastercard Black Card
The Mastercard® Black Card™, which is offered through Luxury Card, is a black-coated metal credit card that exudes exclusivity. However, applying for this card isn’t overly difficult since it’s available online, and the $495 annual fee (plus $195 for each authorized user) makes it a lot more affordable.
If you do opt to sign up for this black card, you’ll earn 1X points on all purchases. However, your rewards are worth 2 percent more when redeemed for airfare (with any eligible airline), and you’ll get a 1.5 percent bonus in value when you redeem your rewards for cash back. This makes the Mastercard Black Card a lot different from other premium travel credit cards that let you transfer your rewards to specific airline and hotel partners. However, the Mastercard Black card lets you redeem your points with any eligible airline, which makes the rewards earned just as flexible.
J.P. Morgan Reserve Card
The J.P. Morgan Reserve® Card* (formerly known as the Chase Palladium Card*) reportedly comes with a $595 annual fee. You have to be a private banking client of J.P. Morgan in order to qualify, and it’s generally believed, though unconfirmed, that you need to have $10 million worth of assets managed by J.P. Morgan. This card is strictly by invitation only.
The J.P. Morgan Reserve Card reportedly comes with United Club access and a Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership. You’ll also reportedly earn 3X points on travel purchases, 3X points on dining and 1X points on all other purchases. Some reports also mention an annual haul of bonus rewards when you meet a minimum spending requirement each year. However, Chase recently introduced some newer benefits for the J.P. Morgan Reserve Card. For example, cardholders now reportedly earn 5X points on flights and 10X points on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Further, cardholders also earn 10X points on dining options through Chase Dining.
How to get a black credit card
While it’s only natural to want an exclusive credit card, card issuers tend to be tight-lipped when it comes to how to receive an exclusive invite to a black credit card. Unfortunately, getting an invite is typically the only way to get a black credit card of your own. With the exception of the Mastercard Black Card from Luxury Card, you can’t simply hop online and apply for a black card just because you want one.
However, there are some steps you can take to get an invitation for black card membership. For example, past media reports have suggested that you can get an invitation to apply for a black credit card from American Express once you spend an average of $500,000 annually on another American Express credit card.
Other black credit cards, including options from Chase, may only be available to select banking clients who have a high dollar amount on deposit or invested with the bank. Once again, however, no one knows for sure the internal dollar figure required by card issuers for a formal invitation to black card status.
Should you accept the invitation to get your own black credit card?
If you’re on the verge of considering a black credit card, we would actually advise against it. Unless your main goal is having a credit card few other people have, you’re probably a lot better off with a premium travel credit card that is less exclusive.
For example, rewards credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express tend to offer a ton of value in exchange for the financial commitment. Not only can you earn valuable rewards and a hefty welcome offer, but you also get access to perks like annual travel credits and airport lounge access — both of which can bring hundreds of dollars of value to the table.
With the Chase Sapphire Reserve, for example, you’ll earn 10X points on hotel stays, car rentals and Chase Dining purchases through Ultimate Rewards; 10X points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025); 5X points on air travel through Ultimate Rewards; 3X points on restaurant and general travel purchases; and 1X points on all other purchases. You’ll also get exclusive benefits like airport lounge access, a $300 annual travel credit and up to a $100 application fee credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS. A $550 annual fee applies, but you can get considerably more value out of this card the first year and each subsequent year. The Chase Sapphire Reserve may not be invite-only, but it’s a much better value for almost anyone.
Don’t see the card for you? Our CardMatch feature can help you find a card that best fits your needs.
The bottom line
Black credit cards are the crème de la crème of the credit card industry. With high entry requirements and high fees, black credit cards have a well-earned reputation for exclusivity. Though card specifics, like invitations, are hard to come by, it’s likely that aside from bragging rights, you’ll be better served by a premium rewards credit card instead.
*All information about The Centurion® Card from American Express, J.P. Morgan Reserve® Card and Chase Palladium Card has been collected independently by Bankrate and has not been reviewed or approved by the issuer.
