Who Qualifies for a Black Card? (2024)

FAQs

Who Qualifies for a Black Card? ›

Amex Black Card Requirements

The card likely requires an excellent credit score of 800 or higher. American Express previously allowed existing Amex cardholders to inquire about Centurion membership through a short interest form online. The form is currently unavailable, and there is no indication as to whether it will reappear in the future.

There's no credit limit

The American Express Black Card doesn't have a pre-set spending limit, so cardholders can spend as much as they want every month. But that's only the case if they can afford it. The Centurion® Card from American Express is a charge card, so cardholders can't carry a balance.

Eligibility and Financial Requirements. Obtaining a black card is not an easy task; the requirements are confidential and not publicly revealed. These cards are exclusive to a small elite whose spending patterns far exceed the $67,000 national median household income.

Black cards usually require a high level of spending and are invitation-only, but if you have good or excellent credit there is one you can apply for.

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.

What is the most prestigious credit card? One of the world's most prestigious credit cards is the Centurion® Card from American Express*. Though there may be other cards with more elaborate benefits, those cards are kept well under wraps.

The credit card tiers depend always on the card provider. This means that you can't necessarily compare the cards very easily. But a good rule of thumb: the card in the highest tier is usually the black credit card.

Clouded in secrecy, black cards are often talked about, even used in television and movies, but rarely seen in daily use. Black cards are rare due to their high spending requirements, and steep fees, that make them out of reach for a majority of the population.

Is there a card higher than the Black Card? ›

No, there aren't any credit cards higher than the “Amex Black Card.” Officially called the Centurion® Card from American Express, the Amex Black Card is far and away the most exclusive, prestigious credit card on the market.

The Centurion Card from American Express offers white-glove service to a select, chosen few. Better known as the Black Card, you'll need a personal invitation from AmEx to apply, and if approved, you'll be on the hook for a one-time $10,000 initiation fee on top of a $5,000 annual fee. Terms apply.

What Credit Card Do the Super Rich Use? The super rich use a variety of different credit cards, many of which have strict requirements to obtain, such as invitation only or a high minimum net worth. Such cards include the American Express Centurion (Black Card) and the JP Morgan Chase Reserve.

Elite Status

The invitation-only Diners Club Black Credit Card requires a high level of financial stability and impeccable credit history. To be eligible for this elite status, you typically need to have a substantial income and a credit score that exceeds conventional requirements.

The best credit card overall is the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card because it gives 2% cash rewards on all purchases and has a $0 annual fee. For comparison purposes, the average cash rewards card in 2024 gives about 1% back.

This is an invite-only card for those with a minimum of $10 million in assets managed by J.P. Morgan's private bank. It ranks up there with the Centurion® Card from American Express in terms of exclusivity. It does offer valuable benefits that justify its annual fee of $550 ($75 for each additional user).

If you are lucky enough to garner an invitation, you're still on the hook for some hefty fees. The initiation fee is $10,000 and the annual fee is $5000. The Mastercard® Black Card doesn't require an invitation or an initiation fee like the Centurion® Card from American Express, but it does charge a $495 annual fee.

Meeting the highest expectations of our elite clients, our Black Card is available by invitation only to those who expect the very best. You'll receive a privileged credit limit and acceptance at more locations worldwide than any other high-end premium card.