Consumerism Commentary - Latest Comments in Comparing the Visa Black Card With American Express Platinum and Centurion Cards

Re: Comparing the Visa Black Card With American Express Platinum and Centurion Cards

rob — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 02:38:52 -0000

this reminds me of people who say the Porsche is the car for middle earners who pretend they r driving a ferrari.... Usualy they drive Ford.

Re: Comparing the Visa Black Card With American Express Platinum and Centurion Cards

rob — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 02:37:15 -0000

this is impossible.

Re: Comparing the Visa Black Card With American Express Platinum and Centurion Cards

Sven — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 02:32:50 -0000

bmw , you do not seem to understand much about cards... I started with a amex gree in 2007 and a declared income of 40k. I charged 6k on the card. In 2008 Amex sent me an invitation for the Amex Gold. I took it. I had a montly limit of 4k. I charged 10k in 2008. In 2009 I wrote Amex a fax stating that I would accept being a platinum card menber should they wave their entry free. They did. Since 2009 I have been a platinum card member and my montly limit is 6k.
What those companies want is to create a buzz, make the card important, associate it with rich people, give it a glamour coating, but in the end they will take anyone with an impecable credit history who will pay in time. I do not even have 60k (well I have, but since I do not declare it there is no way I can prove it) and I still have an Amex Platinum Card.
Credit card companies want to sell cards and collect fees, the higher the better. They will give any card to any people who will pay back in time. So, I have 6k limit /months that I have to pay back in full at the end of the month, and I pay the yearly fee - Amex has another client who gives them money to will and pays on time. They will eventualy sell the centurion card to anyone, but really anyone who is willing to pay the anual fee and has an impecable credit history. Of course, not many people are willing to shell out 2500 a year for a card. You would not be surprised if I tell you how stingy really wealthy people can be. Ask Warren Buffett is he has the Centurion card ... (well maybe he does, but I am sure he did not pay for it )

Re: Comparing the Visa Black Card With American Express Platinum and Centurion Cards

rob — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 02:13:37 -0000

I just wonder how you can get reservations anywhere just by calling. If the restaurant is full, it is really full and there is no space unless they put tables on top of another. I used the centurion card concierge for a reservation done 3 days in advance for pierre gagnaire s restaurant in paris and they told me "we were not successful". The restaurant was full, really full. Try getting a reservation for the El Buly in Pais Basco and you will see that the restaurant has no reservations for the next year !! It is fully booked for 2011.

Re: Comparing the Visa Black Card With American Express Platinum and Centurion Cards

Francisco — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 02:04:39 -0000

I agree. But no one should think that platinum of the Centurion Amex can open all doors. I wanted to get a reservation at a top paris restaurant, restaurant pierre gagnaire, 3 days in advance and they could not do it. Not even the Centurion concierge service could do it ( the platinum card concierge put me through to the centurion concierge since they were not so busy - there are not as many millionaires in germany as there as is the us :)) - to no avail.

Re: Comparing the Visa Black Card With American Express Platinum and Centurion Cards

Francisco — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 01:56:15 -0000

what happened to you is not impossible to happen. If you have a purchasing history of relatively small purchases and suddely want to charge 5000 usd even with a platinum card, say amex it can nor can not be aproved. Thats is why I always tell Amex when I go to another continent or when I want to purchase something major in advance.

Of course, the idea that amex cards have no predefined limit is just a publicity thing. All cards have limits. It is just not set in stone, it is flexible and it may be very high.Thats is why it is a good idea to ask upfront before using the card, how much credit you have with them at the moment. My 1st Year Amex Platinum limit was 5000 EUR, which is plenty for me ( never would I charge so much). But I am sure that if I went to a jeweler in a wim and bought a 4900 EUR watch without telling them in advance, probably the charge would not be approved.
I have the Amex Platinum and I am very happy even though I live in Germany where the Membership is 500 EUR or 652 USD, more than it costs in the US. I dont know of any country in Europe where there is Visa Black, with the exception of the UK.

I would not have thrown the card out of the window.... I hope you cut it to pieces first :))

Re: Comparing the Visa Black Card With American Express Platinum and Centurion Cards

bmw — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 17:12:08 -0000

If you only make $60K a year you shouldn't have had the AmEx platinum card in the first place (if you actually had it).

Re: Comparing the Visa Black Card With American Express Platinum and Centurion Cards

Don4540 — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 18:22:02 -0000

Ryan: Stop eating the paint chips you moron. Better yet, stop pontificating on the web and head to the Golden Corral. You can be the first in line.

Re: Comparing the Visa Black Card With American Express Platinum and Centurion Cards

Ryan — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 17:37:29 -0000

...and the only ones that criticize people who get the black card clearly can't qualify for one, lol

Re: Comparing the Visa Black Card With American Express Platinum and Centurion Cards

Douglas Moss — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:06:31 -0000

For all you people who are either considering the Visa Black Card, or have been invited to apply, STAY AWAY!!
I was invited to apply for this card, and did. The card was approved immediatly as I have a credit beacon of between 759-785 depending on the reporting agency, with an annual income of approx. 350k. So far so good. The card arrived in a box just as my Amex Platinum did (big deal) along with several gifts, i.e. pen/pencil set, etc. My wife and I used the card for a dinner out one night a week before we went on a trip to North Carolina and the dinner charge went without a hitch. What happend next was mortifying (keep in mind the big selling point for this card is the concierge and traveling services.) During the trip to NC, I went to use the Visa Black Card to make a $201 purchase at a local shop and I handed the card to the girl behind the counter, she commented on how she had never seen on of these before, and of course I went through the whole spiel about its exclusivity and benefits. No sooner did I finish and she leans over the counter and says "your card was declined". Needless to say I told her there was some error as I had plenty of credit and the card was good, so she tried again and the same message popped up. I gave her my Amex Platinum card that went right through as it always does. I was so mad I couldnt wait to get out of the store to call VB customer service. When I got on with someone they told me that the card was declined because the charge was out of my home state of Connecticut and they assumed the card was being used fraudulantly. The crazy thing was that I used the card at an Applebee's in NC 3 hours earlier to buy my wife and her sister lunch, and that charge went through with no problem. This is the card that they rave about for its travel services. Needless to say, I tried to close the account during my call to customer service I was so angry and the service rep told me she had to put me through to a senior rep to close the account (here it comes, the attempts to save a platinum customer).
The senior rep offered to refund my annual fee ($450) and reduce my annual interest rate if I kept the account, I declined and threw the card out of the sun roof of my car as I drove down I-95 on the way home. Moral of the story: It may look like a Centurion card (My brother has one of those, I don't), but, trust me, it's not even the equivilent to an Amex Green card.
STAY AWAY, there is no way this card is worth $450 a year. Get an Amex Platinum Card if you travel, you will be much happier.

Re: Comparing the Visa Black Card With American Express Platinum and Centurion Cards

chuck — Wed, 12 May 2010 00:32:20 -0000

1% of 300,000,000 as in US population is 3,000,000 not 300,000.

Re: Comparing the Visa Black Card With American Express Platinum and Centurion Cards

S T — Fri, 07 May 2010 00:18:45 -0000

I carry a Amex Platinum Charge and it has more than paid for itself. I have made two trips this year.

1) From LA To NY. Used the American Airlines Admirals lounge at both airports. I also got a free upgrade both nights at a Sheraton because with Amex Platinum you get Starwood gold preferred status. (Estimated value: $200)

2) Half Moon Bay Ritz Carlton. The magical Amex Platinum Fine Hotels and Resorts Program. It was a two night stay and I booked the cheapest rooms. The first night I got upgraded to a suite. I also received free breakfast for each day, $100 dining credit, and a 4 pm late checkout. (Estimated value: $350)

3) There was a line to enter a lounge, about 30 people long. I called the concierge, and 5 minutes later, I was talking to the bouncer at the front and the host escorted us in and called me by name. The people waiting in line were both surprised and I am sure angry. (Estimated value: Not sure, but you have to pry this Amex Plat out of my cold dead hands)

4) I have also used the concierge to make reservations.

Let it be noted: I have tried on a few occasions to cut in line again with the concierge to no avail, so it does not always work for last minute reservations.

I love my Amex Platinum charge card, not to be confused with the Amex Platinum credit card.

Re: Comparing the Visa Black Card With American Express Platinum and Centurion Cards

Rob Bell — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 10:42:32 -0000

Same problem with Black Card Services (Barclay Bank). This card is the biggest scam out there. I would ABSOLUTELY tell everyone to stay away, or just mail the invitation back to them.
Yes, BEWARE!!!

Re: Comparing the Visa Black Card With American Express Platinum and Centurion Cards

db — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:57:53 -0000

The card - I got the offer in the mail, filled out the application and received the card about a week later. Its packaging was very nice and card looks and feels amazing.

The limit - My limit was $10,000 which is hilarious for a card where you're supposed to have the power to make very large purchases.

The gifts - About a month later I received an engraved multipurpose pen, pencil and stylus.

The concierge service - I called inquire about hotel room reservations in Miami, FL. About 28 hours later I received an email with my options. Thats a long time to wait. I could've went on any internet based travel site and got the results in a fraction of the time.

The winner - Barclay's. Think about it...Barclay's states only 1% of the U.S. residents (308,899) will be approved for the card, which equates to $152,905,005 (308,899 x $495) in annual fees!

The verdict - The value of this card isn't worth $495 a year and I will be canceling before the next membership fee is due. Save your money get a basic rewards card with no annual fee and comparable interest rate because the Visa Black Card isn't worth the money.

Re: Comparing the Visa Black Card With American Express Platinum and Centurion Cards

FA — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:15:23 -0000

I live and work in Palm Beach, FL. I have had the Amex Centurion Card for about 5 years now and the $2500/year fee is fine. (disclaimer: I spend about 40k/month on card) I get cash back and bonus' for everything. I get upgraded on flights for free. I get into resturants in Philly, New York, LA, with a simple phone call when I visit. The black card from Visa is for those who need an ego boost. You get cash back of 1%, but thats really about it. (disclaimer: I do not have the Visa Black Card) I use the Chase Freedom Visa for everything that doesn't take Amex. The Chase card is great for the everyday person. They give you 1% back plus bonus points that can equal up to an additional 1% and it has no annual fee. If you have an account at Chase or JPMorgan you get even more bonus points. Hope this helps.

Re: Comparing the Visa Black Card With American Express Platinum and Centurion Cards

DT — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:48:24 -0000

Does anyone feel that he/she has a line by line comparison of the Visa Black vs. Amex platinum? Also, by reading the above responses, it appears to me that both Visa & Amex change the rules regularly such that any decision today probably doesn't have much longevity to it. Any responses would be appreciated.

Re: Comparing the Visa Black Card With American Express Platinum and Centurion Cards

Julie in CA — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 01:03:09 -0000

Just got my Visa Black Card today. I'm FURIOUS with this ripoff. I've been an AMEX platinum card holder for a few years. I thought about canceling my AMEX platinum when they dropped their companion ticket benefit. I justified the cost of the card ($450 annual) with the free companion tickets. The main reason I got it was for access to airport lounges, but that benefit was imperfect -- I have status on United, and United seems to be the only airline that the Amex Platinum card doesn't get you access to. And since San Francisco is my home airport, it just didn't make sense to leave United.

So when I was invited to get the Visa Black Card, I was thrilled to learn that I could get access to United's airport lounges. I even called customer service to confirm this. Today I got my new card, activated it, signed up for the airport club access and ONLY THEN discovered that it isn't really included as a card benefit. The first four visits are free, but after that they charge you $27 per person per visit. This, in my mind, is BS -- and false advertising. I can't find any fine print anywhere that explains this, and had I known I would have kept my Amex Platinum card.

For $495 per year Visa Black dares to play tricks on your customers AFTER we've been hit with a credit check that could dampen my perfect credit score? I've been a customer for less than 1 hour, I'm furious, and I'm canceling this card and ranting about it every chance I get. Visa, shame on you.

Re: Comparing the Visa Black Card With American Express Platinum and Centurion Cards

mark m — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 23:08:48 -0000

I had a Plat card, I earn 60k and had a 730 score. Never any missed payments, just a limited score due to a limited credit history as I emigrated to the US. I canceled it before my annual fee renewal as there really is no benefit having it. I now use my Citi AAdvantage Mastercard, it's cheaper plus I get a lot of miles which I can redeem for free flights back to the UK.
Shame really, but once you've been hit with a $450 fee, you learn that $85 plus miles is way better.

Re: Comparing the Visa Black Card With American Express Platinum and Centurion Cards

Scott — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 23:54:49 -0000

I had this card for a few months. I have a high income and excellent credit. Inadvertently went over the limit purchasing a gift for my wife. They sent me a letter saying they were raising my rate to 24.9% or I could opt out by cancelling the account. I cancelled the account and will pay off as soon as the bill comes. It is bad enough that they charge a large fee but to try and rob you on the interest rate? BEWARE!

Re: Comparing the Visa Black Card With American Express Platinum and Centurion Cards

PK — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:01:54 -0000

I use the AMEX platinum often. I will say that the $450 fee is a steal. I use the concierge service early and often and would have to say i make up the $450 in a matter of months just on cover charges i save at nightclubs for me and my friends when they call ahead of time to put us on the list. Airport lounges are nice and save a pretty penny. I have used them for their fine hotels and resorts program which is only for pretty ridiculous hotels but on the few occassions i used them they got me a better than advertised rate, a free upgrade, a late check out, and a free gift from the hotel (at skylofts in vegas it was their $50 continental breakfast for two every day of your stay). I mean if you travel and do a lot of nightlife oriented things, the AMEX plat is worth is weight in gold. I did get suckered into the visa black just to see if the concierge service was good and no contest AMEX hands down. Visa black called to get us on a list at a club and was told the list was closed, 5 minutes later the AMEX concierge called and it was done and we were met by the GM of the club out front for a smooth entry. I am an AMEX man all the way. If you get one use the perks and you will not even sweat the annual fee.

Re: Comparing the Visa Black Card With American Express Platinum and Centurion Cards

Paul — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:45:26 -0000

I recieved a black card invitation in the mail, and I have never even owned a credit card! haha I am 21 and still in college! With no income and absolutely no credit history, getting this invitation was obviously a mistake. They must know how cool and fun I am.

Re: Comparing the Visa Black Card With American Express Platinum and Centurion Cards

Mike V. — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:56:32 -0000

Only an idiot would pay 500 dollars a year for a flipping credit card.
The Visa Black Card is for middle income earners that want to pretend they are wealthy.
Like the dolts that live in their mom's basement and go out on Friday night to buy "bottle service" at some stupid club..

Re: Comparing the Visa Black Card With American Express Platinum and Centurion Cards

mganderson1 — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:58:15 -0000

Ditto, I got one of the Visa Black Cards last month. My brother has the Amex Centurion Card and thought this this would be somewhat comparable. Wrong. It looks like cheaper plastic than my Visa Signature card.

Re: Comparing the Visa Black Card With American Express Platinum and Centurion Cards

Shelley — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:25:58 -0000

The real benefit to the Amex Platinum and the Visa Black Card is in the concierge services. You can get a table at exclusive restaurants that are booked for several months anytime with these cards. You can also get better seats at concerts and theatre events, again, at the drop of a hat and as late as the day of the event. If that's your lifestyle, then it's worth the $495 annual fee. It's greatest benefit is "exclusive spontaneity." It's not for everyone, but it's great for some of us who value the convenience of never being told "no table" or "no seats available."

Re: Comparing the Visa Black Card With American Express Platinum and Centurion Cards

meg — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:46:04 -0000

I just today received my pre-approved invitation in a lovely jet black envelope. My motto: Any financial institution that wants me as an exclusive member (for a fee) is probably not an institution I want to belong to.

Great gimmick.