Looking for the best credit lines, service, and some pampering? A black credit card may be just what you need. These cards are the absolute best cards you can get. Some will consider you a showoff just for having this, given a hefty fee you need to pay just to carry one of these credit cards. Aside from the price tag, it is considered more exclusive since membership is limited. Depending on who you get your card from, the details will differ but across the board, black is currently the top of the line.
Citigroup Chairman MasterCard
The Citigroup Chairman MasterCard is this bank’s top offering. It also comes with a large annual fee of $500. Of course, this card is also private, meaning you have to be part of one of their banks.
Perks from this card are similar to those of other cards, including a concierge that sits around all day long waiting to handle any needs you have regarding information, travel plans, business information, and more. You also benefit with VIP lounges at airports. If you can get one of these, you’ll enjoy a sky high limit of $300,000 for this credit card.
Chase Sapphire Card
Looking for an exclusive card, but don’t want a Citi, Visa, or American Express card? Chase is another alternative for an elite black credit card. These are offered to those in the United States with a minimum annual income of $120,000.
Enjoy a better rewards program, a low $95 annual fee, and more insurance perks. These perks include rental insurance, insurance for traveling, and emergency travel help. (This is the credit card you can see one of my favorites, Anthony Bourdain, shamelessly promoting on his travel and food TV show.)
Natwest Black Credit Card
Sure you get the same benefits with the Natwest Black Credit Card such as airport lounge access. The annual fee is almost the same at $395, even a bit lower than the other black cards.
Of course, you get the expected concierge service around the clock and special accommodations on your trips. What makes this card stand out is the amazing $1,500,000 spending limit.
American Express Centurion Card
The Centurion Card is the elite card offered by AMEX since 1999. It is actually a charge-card and not a credit card. This means there is no limit on the card, since you have to pay off the balance in full each month. It’s comprised of titanium, instead of plastic.
This card is available by invitation only, and AMEX’s site doesn’t tell you a thing about it other than that. There are strict requirements including an annual fee to obtain this card. Depending on the country you live in, you could pay around $2,500 for the annual fee including double that amount just for signing up. Benefits include the best customer service including benefits at hotels, and access to exclusive events.
Visa Black Card
Trying to differentiate itself from the pack, Visa’s card is constructed with carbon. Like the other cards, they promise full 24-hour concierge service with any of your card and travel needs. This concierge includes everything from trip planning, business planning, gift arrangements, any information about your travel plans in any city, and your very own team to track down hard to obtain gifts (legal of course!).
The annual fee for this one rings in at $495. Enjoy benefits such as VIP airport lounge access, gifts, exclusive rewards program, and limited membership. This card, however, is one that you can apply to get.