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Ultra-premium luxury credit cards, or "black cards," are the most exclusive credit cards on the market.
There's a lot of mystery and myth surrounding these elite credit cards, but we know a few things for certain: They come with very high annual fees, have very high spending requirements and aren't marketed toward the average consumer.
But, should you ever be given the opportunity, are black cards actually worth it?
Below CNBC Select digs into the additional value of having a black card, who qualifies for a black card and other premium credit cards you might consider instead.
What is a black card?
The credit card most associated with the phrase "black card" is the Centurion® Card from American Express, or the "Amex Black Card." It was released in 1999 and created such a buzz that other card issuers wanted to create their own deluxe credit cards to reward their highest-spending customers.
Enter the age of the black card. Now there are many alternatives to the Amex Centurion for consumers of all income levels and credit histories. Many premier rewards cards have borrowed the black color for their best credit card products, and card issuers have found ways to make their most popular travel rewards cards feel upscale.
The Amex Black Card helped launch the metal card trend, and these days, many consumers have at least one metal card in their wallets. There are even no-annual-fee cards like the Verizon Visa® Card* and Prime Visa (see rates and fees) now that are made of metal. But a true black card is invitation-only and was designed for only the top-tier spenders.
Who qualifies for a black card?
It's hard to find precise information on exactly who qualifies for a black card. Some invitation-only credit cards, such as the Chase J.P. Morgan Reserve®, are an additional perk that comes if your assets are managed by a particular banking institution, while others require that you've been a cardholder with an issuer for a certain number of years.
American Express allows existing Amex cardholders who are interested in Centurion membership to request consideration by filling out a short online form, but there are still no published qualifications.
Regardless, you should expect to need an excellent credit score (scores of 800 and above) to qualify for a black card.
How much do you have to spend to get a black card?
There are very high spending requirements to get a black card. Generally, a card issuer invites only its most loyal customers who spend upwards of six figures or more a year to become a black cardholder.
The latest Census Household Income Report found that the median American household income is $83,730 per year, making a six-figure minimum spending requirement well out of reach. While the average consumer will likely never use a black card, there are now many affordable credit cards that offer welcome bonuses with spending requirements as low as $500.
What are the benefits of a black card?
Some of the rewards offered by black cards are similar to what you get with more accessible, high-end cards, like the American Express Platinum Card® or the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees).
These include opportunities to quickly rack up points on travel, dining and shopping around the globe, plus other perks like exclusive airport lounge access. (With the Platinum Card®, enrollment is required to gain access to the Global Lounge Collection®.)
But many of the high-end perks that come with ultra-elite black cards remain out of reach, even for those who are willing to pay an annual fee to access them.
Exclusive travel benefits
The privileges of a black card include upgrades and special permissions for rental cars, as well as access to some of the most breathtaking hotel suites in hard-to-reach destinations. Black cards also offer dedicated concierge services, and some are even rumored to provide charter jet service.
Growing businesses
In other cases, having a black card can help cardholders navigate the rigors of a high-demand business lifestyle with services like Royale Lifestyle Management, which comes complimentary with the Dubai First Royale Mastercard.
Elite status
Other perks of the Centurion card include automatic Delta SkyMiles Platinum Medallion elite status, top-tier Hilton Honors Diamond elite status, access to the Centurion Hotel Program, IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite status, an Equinox Destination Access gym membership and much more (enrollment required). American Express also has an exclusive club in Midtown Manhattan for Centurion cardholders, spanning the 55th floor of One Vanderbilt.
Premium lounges
Centurion cardholders have access to the American Express Centurion Lounges at airports like New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). These lounges offer travelers a place to relax with a full complimentary bar, spa services and high-quality amenities.
However, Centurion customers aren't the only Amex cardholders who can access these lounges. Cardholders with the American Express Platinum Card®, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express*, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card can also use the lounge when they pass through airports with Centurion lounges.
(Note: Delta SkyMiles Reserve card members are only eligible to visit the Centurion Lounge when flying on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight. Terms apply.)
* Access is limited to eligible Card Members.
How much does a black card cost?
The fees for these exclusive cards can vary widely. In the case of the Dubai First Royale Mastercard, the card issuer doesn't disclose its annual fee publicly.
The Amex Centurion Black Card cardholder agreement states that the annual fee is $5,000, and that there is a one-time initiation fee of $5,000 when you sign up.
What cards compare to a black card?
It's been over two decades since Amex launched the original black card, and card issuers are increasingly offering luxury perks at a more accessible price point to a larger portion of their customers.
American Express Platinum Card
The biggest draw of elite rewards cards is the many travel benefits they offer. As mentioned above, the American Express Platinum Card® offers similar perks to those of the Black Card, like extensive airport lounge access, hotel elite status with Marriott and Hilton, credits toward an Equinox gym membership and much more (enrollment required; terms apply). Instead of a $5,000 annual fee, you'll pay $895 per year (see rates and fees).
The American Express Platinum Card® is a premium card loaded with annual statement credits, entertainment benefits, extensive airport lounge access, elite status perks and more. (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
- Access to 1,550+ airport lounges, including Priority Pass™ Select lounges (enrollment required) and Amex Centurion lounges
- Statement credit offers worth up to twice what the annual fee costs
- Elite status perks for hotels and rental cars (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
- High annual fee
- Many statement credit offers are complicated and are earned in increments or limited to specific purchases
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you're approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you're approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
- With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges.* As of 07/2025.
- $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
- $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
- $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® to make eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you.
- $209 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
- Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
- $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That's up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®.* Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- $895 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Balance transfer fee
N/A
Foreign transaction fee
None
Chase Sapphire Reserve
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® delivers a lot of value for a $795 annual fee. When cardholders take full advantage of Chase's welcome bonus, the $300 Annual Travel Credit and generous rewards program, it's more than possible to make the fee worthwhile. Similar to the Amex Platinum, the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers airport lounge access, hotel elite status and luxury-forward travel and entertainment statement credits.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a standout premium credit card with plenty of luxury perks and statement credits to justify its annual fee.
- Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority PassTM Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests.
- Up to $300 in annual travel credit each account anniversary year
- You can transfer rewards to all of Chase's travel partners including World of Hyatt, Southwest Rapid Rewards and many more
- Top-tier travel and shopping protections
- High annual fee
- Requires a high credit score
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn 150,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Get $3,000 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
- Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase TravelSM, including The EditSM and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
- $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority PassTM Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
- Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
- Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $288 annually
- Member FDIC
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
American Express Gold Card
If your spending skews toward travel and dining, the American Express® Gold Card is a top option. For a lower $325 annual fee (see rates and fees), the card offers over $500 in value each year, split across five different travel and dining statement credit opportunities. You'll also earn rewards at restaurants worldwide, U.S. supermarkets and on select travel.
For those interested in upcoming experiences, the card offers access to Events with Amex™, which provides presale and special ticket access to select events, from Coachella to Formula 1.
The American Express Gold Card is great for earning valuable Membership Rewards® points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets.
- You can earn $400+ in dining and rideshare credits every year (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
- Exceptionally rewarding for eligible restaurant and U.S. supermarket purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
- Larger annual fee
- Credits are more complicated, you earn them monthly or semi-annually
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you're approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you're approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You'll know upfront exactly how much you'll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Foreign transaction fee
None
FAQs
How much is the black card fee?
The fee will vary by each specific black card. For the Amex Centurion, there is a $5,000 initiation fee and a $5,000 annual fee, for a total of $10,000.
How rare is it to have a black card?
Owning a black credit card is generally considered uncommon, as these cards require substantial finances for approval and are often tied to an invite-only program, making them more exclusive.
What do black credit cardholders get?
It varies by each card, but owners of a black credit card can expect to receive the highest-quality concierge service, exclusive perks and unmatched experiences not available to traditional rewards cardholders.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express Platinum Card® click here.
*No Annual Fee/No Foreign Transaction Fee - For New Accounts: Variable Purchase APRs are 24.74% or 28.74% for the Verizon Visa Credit Card or 21.74%, 24.74% or 28.74% for the Verizon Visa Signature Credit Card. APRs are accurate as of 10/1/22 and will vary with the market based on Prime Rate (as defined in your credit card agreement). Minimum Interest Charge is $2.
Click here for additional details on the Verizon Visa® Card.
Information about the American Express Centurion Card and Dubai First Royale Mastercard has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.
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