Black Card Showdown: American Express vs. VISA

In the world of big ballin’, it’s understood that you’re not paid until you have a Black Card. And not just any black credit card: the American Express Centurion, a highly exclusive credit card that lets you buy a Bentley and pay your mortgage all in the same month.

But wait: VISA recently launched their own Black Card in partnership with Barclays. Will VISA be able to replace AmEx as the ultimate credit card for the super-rich? Check out our breakdown of both Black Cards below…

SPENDING

AMEX Centurion: In order to keep your black card, you need to drop at least $250,000 a year. To make it easier, that’s like a Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG, the Wu-Tang Dunks from Flight Club and a couple kilos of coke.

VISA Black Card: Your credit limit depends on your credit history. So 50 Cent will have a higher credit limit than, say, Rick Ross.

EXCLUSIVITY

AMEX Centurion: You must be an American Express card holder with outstanding credit history (think Bill Gates/Bono status) and, we’re guessing, a penchant for always going over your Platinum card limit to be invited to get a Centurion card.

VISA Black Card: London-based Barclay’s claims the card will only be available to 1% of the American population to ensure only the highest quality of members. That, and they still blame us for fucking up the world financial market.

CONCIERGE SERVICE

AMEX Centurion: American Express’ concierge service basically works like a genie in a bottle, your wish is their command. Along with being able to have them book travel and buy gifts, if you tell them you’re hitting up a certain high-end boutique (Gucci, Escada, etc), they will arrange a personal shopper for you. And because you’re a black card holder, there’s a good chance you’ll never hear the word “no.” Unless that’s what you’re into.

VISA Black Card: VISA’s 24-hour concierge service will do absolutely anything you want. You can have them rent your car, book your flights, do all your Christmas shopping, tell you where to go shopping in a certain city, book restaurant reservations and get tickets for whatever game you want.

EXTRA FEATURES

AMEX Centurion: Membership to Sony’s Cierge personal shopping program so you can get their products before they hit the streets'just like us! And if you want your entire family to be ballin’ out of control, AMEX can give you cards in all different colors that act as an extension of your account for the kids. Or for your weekend jump off. Either, or.

VISA Black Card: The VISA Black Card isn’t just black, it’s made out of a carbon… so it doesn’t wear out? We’re not sure why, but it’s dope. Also, the more you spend with your Black Card, the more you get back. Members will get 1% back on purchases that can be used for travel or airline costs at anytime. You know, just in case you don’t have your own G5.

COOL POINTS

AMEX Centurion: Everyone that claims to have money has one. Jay-Z , Diddy, Donald Trump, Marc Ecko, Snoop Dogg'even Bow Wow has one (”I ain’t gotta act hard, I’m under 21 with a Black Card”)!

VISA Black Card: No one we know has one…yet! We’re pretty sure that exclusive 1% already has a Centurion, so it may take a little while for them to outshine AMEX. But hey, everyone needs more ways to boss out, right?