| With all these distinguishing features, it cannot be | | | | launched, the annual fee was only $1,000. Today, it has |
| denied Black American Express credit cards are, | | | | increased to a whopping $2,500. |
| indeed, designed to be different. | | | | Benefits |
| How to Get One | | | | Black American Express credit cards come with a |
| While most credit card companies relentlessly hound | | | | personal concierge, complete with a direct phone |
| you to apply for a credit card, providers of Black | | | | number and email address. The concierge does the |
| American Express credit cards do the opposite. Black | | | | cardholder's bidding, as long as this is legal. Personal |
| American Express credit cards are so exclusive you | | | | concierges typically make travel arrangements and |
| cannot apply for one. In fact, you need a special | | | | secure tickets to sold-out events at very short notice. |
| invitation to have one. Moreover, for you to even be | | | | As if that is not impressive enough, Black American |
| considered eligible for an invite, you need to be an | | | | Express credit cards also provide other exclusive |
| American Express cardholder of excellent credit | | | | privileges, such as complimentary companion airline |
| standing. Additionally, you must charge an average of | | | | tickets to trans-Atlantic flights, personal shoppers at |
| $250,000 a year. | | | | high-end shops like Gucci and Saks Fifth Avenue, and |
| Black American Express credit cards also bill you a | | | | a complimentary suite in any Mandarin Oriental hotel |
| gargantuan annual fee. When the cards were first | | | | worldwide every year. |