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A black credit card is a premium credit card available from issuers. Compare a range of black credit cards, including their rates, fees and features, and choose a black credit card to suit your needs.

60+ credit card providers in RateCity’s database

180+ credit card products in RateCity’s database

Alex Ritchie

Updated on

20 May, 2024

What is a black credit card?

A black credit card refers to a high status credit card tier sitting at or above premium. They are offered by a handful of credit card issuers, and come with a significant amount of benefits and perks, and generous credit card limits.

The term ‘black credit card’ was made popular by the American Express Black Card. Reserved for rock stars and titans of industry, it is reported to have an ‘unlimited’ credit limit and is famously shrouded in mystery.

Generally speaking, black credit cards often simply refer to the highest-status card offered by a provider. They may not be labeled as a “black credit card”. Just as there are standard, gold and platinum credit cards, a black credit card is typically seen as one of the highest status levels that a cardholder can be approved for. Not every provider will call this tiered credit card ‘black’ and may use their own category descriptions.

It is considered to be a luxury credit card, reserved for the biggest spending applicants with higher incomes. This also ensures that cardholders can afford the typically higher-than-average purchase rates and annual fees that are associated with these products.

Who provides black credit cards?

There are 13 card issuers in Australia that provide black credit cards, according to RateCity’s database, including American Express, Citi and Virgin Money.

But as a black credit card can just refer to a highest-status level card, it may be listed under an alternative name by some providers, including the big four banks.

Big four bank ‘black’ credit cards:

Provider	Highest status credit card	Annual Fee	Intro fees
ANZ	Rewards Black	$375
	Frequent Flyer Black	$425

CBA	Ultimate Awards (CommBank Awards Points)	$420	Free if you spend $2,500 each month and opt for online statements
	Ultimate Awards (Qantas Points)	$450	$420 waived if you spend $2,500 each month and opt for online statement. $30 annual Qantas Points opt-in fees remain.
	Diamond Awards	$349

NAB	Rewards Signature Card	$295	$195 for first 12 months
	Qantas Rewards Signature Card	$395	$295 for first 12 months

Westpac	Altitude Black (Altitude Rewards)	$250	$99 for first 12 months
	Altitude Black (Altitude Qantas)	$300	$150 for first 12 months
	Altitude Black (Altitude Velocity)	$300	$150 for first 12 months

Source: RateCity.com.au. Data accurate as of 26/04/23

What is the most exclusive credit card?

The American Express Centurion Card is generally considered to be the most exclusive credit card, and commonly referred to as the ‘AMEX Black Card’.

It gained this reputation by the level of mystery surrounding the eligibility criteria and application process involved. You can only be invited to sign up for this credit card.

While AMEX does not publicise eligibility details, Australian Frequent Flyer reported that it is speculated you need to spend at least $100,000 a year on your card and be on a high income.

The card is so famous it has its own Snopes page, with reports that the perks provided are so high-status that when one cardholder wanted a “handful of sand from the Dead Sea for a child’s school project on the Holy Land, someone was dispatched by motorcycle to the shores of the Dead Sea to obtain the sand, which was couriered back to London.”

You’ll need to be an existing AMEX member and an active user for at least a year to be considered for invitation. It reportedly also comes with a $5,000 ‘initiation fee’, and $5,000 annual fee.

What are the benefits of a black credit card?

Black credit cards are sought after in the Australian credit card market for their high standard of perks and rewards. While these benefits may also translate to a higher-than-average annual fee or purchase rate, the perks offered are considered worthy of these costs.

Some of the benefits of a black credit card may include:

Membership rewards points
Frequent flyer points
Airport lounge access
24/7 concierge service
Brand partner discounts
Access to special events and stadium lounge access
VIP seating and packages

You may also gain access to the following protections:

Fraud protection
Free domestic and international travel insurance
Extended warranty
Purchase protection insurance
Rental car excess insurance
Transit accident insurance
Guaranteed pricing scheme

What are the disadvantages of a black credit card?

The fees and interest rates associated with black credit cards are some of the highest on the market. However, if you can afford to qualify for a black credit card, then you’re generally considered to be able to afford these costs.

The RateCity database shows that the average purchase rate for a credit card has sat at around 16% for years, with an average annual fee of around $130-$140. The Qantas Money Premier Titanium credit card, by comparison, has an annual fee of $1,200 and a purchase rate of 19.99%.

A $1,200 annual fee may be considered a disadvantage to some Australians looking to keep their ongoing costs low. However, if you’re in the market for a high-status credit card, these higher costs are likely to be commonplace.

It is still worth comparing your options to see what fees and interest rates are charged across the available black credit cards so you can find one that suits your needs and budget.

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How do I get approved for a black credit card?

To gain approval for any credit card you will need to meet standard eligibility criteria, such as being 18-years or over and being employed part or full time. For a black credit card, gaining approval can require meeting a higher income limit than your standard credit card or platinum credit card. You’ll also typically need to be a big spender, with your annual credit card spending and payments reaching $100,000 - $500,000 or more, depending on the card provider.

Black credit card holders may also need to have an excellent credit score to qualify. For the two major credit reporting bureaus in Australia, this may mean a score of 800-1000 for Experian or 800-1200 for Equifax.

What is the credit limit of a black credit card?

A black credit card will typically offer a much higher credit limit than your standard credit card, or no maximum credit limit at all. This may be considered one of the biggest advantages of being approved for this status level.

The American Express Centurion Card, or ‘Black AMEX’, is famous for reportedly offering no credit limit to its customers. CommBank’s Diamond Awards credit card and NAB’s Rewards Signature cards also have no set maximum credit limit, with minimum limits of $15,000.

Comparatively, if you look at the big four bank black credit cards, two of four options do carry maximum credit limits of $75,000.

Some of the big four bank black credit card limits

Big four bank	Minimum credit limit	Maximum credit limit
ANZ Rewards Black	$15,000	$75,000
CBA’s Diamond Awards	$15,000	No set maximum
NAB Rewards Signature Card	$15,000	No set maximum
Westpac Altitude Black Card	$15,000	$75,000

Source: RateCity.com.au. Data accurate as of 26/04/23

What is the most luxurious credit card in the world?

The most exclusive credit cards in the world are typically invite-only, and require customers to reach a certain income level or professional status.

While it’s hard to pinpoint which credit card is the most exclusive or luxurious, these options may be what you find in the wallets of royalty and world leaders:

American Express Centurion - The most well-known luxury credit card offering no spending limit. Customers must be invited to join.
JPMorgan Reserve Card (formerly Chase Palladium) - Offered to customers with a minimum of $10 million in assets, managed by J.P. Morgan’s private bank.
Dubai First Royale Mastercard -Boasting edges adorned with real gold and a .235-carat diamond in the middle of it, this credit card is exclusive to the ultra-rich and royal family of the United Arab Emirates.
Citi Chairman American Express Card - An invite-only credit card reserved for those who boast significant financial investments with Citi.
Stratus Rewards Visa White Card - Commonly known as the ‘white card’, customers must be invited by another member to join, and must spend at least $100,000 a year to qualify.
Coutts Silk Card - Allegedly the credit card used by British royal family members. The UK-based private bank requires eligible applicants to deposit $1 million pounds when opening the account.
Sberbank Visa Infinite Gold Card - Made from real gold, diamonds and mother of pearl, this luxury credit card comes with a $100,000 spending limit minimum.

How do I compare black credit cards

If you’re in the market for a black credit card, you’ll want to ensure you’re choosing the best option for your goals. It may be worth writing a list of the types of perks and brand partnerships you would prefer to earn rewards with.

For example, if you’re a frequent flyer with Qantas, prioritising a black credit card that offers Qantas lounge access, airport meet and greet service and elite rental car access may be a priority.

Next, consider using a comparison table, such as the one on this page, to view black credit card options side by side. This can allow you to compare apples with apples and explore how each credit card compares in terms of fees, interest rates and rewards.

You can also narrow down your short list using the comparison table filter and select more personalised options, such as Visa, Mastercard or AMEX or the partner program you prefer.

Alex Ritchie

Personal Finance Editor

Alex Ritchie is a Personal Finance Writer and Editor at RateCity, and has been writing about Australian finance for over six years. Her expertise and passion covers loans, credit, superannuation, and closing the gender pay gap, and she aims to help young Aussies to overcome their financial apathy. Alongside RateCity, Alex has been published in numerous publications, including Australia's Money Magazine, Business Insider, Lifehacker Australia, and in health via NPS MedicineWise.

This article was reviewed by Personal Finance Editor Georgia Brown before it was published as part of RateCity's Fact Check process.

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^Words such as "top", "best", "cheapest" or "lowest" are not a recommendation or rating of products. This page compares a range of products from selected providers and not all products or providers are included in the comparison. There is no such thing as a 'one- size-fits-all' financial product. The best loan, credit card, superannuation account or bank account for you might not be the best choice for someone else. Before selecting any financial product you should read the fine print carefully, including the product disclosure statement, target market determination fact sheet or terms and conditions document and obtain professional financial advice on whether a product is right for you and your finances.

What is a black credit card?

What are the benefits of a black credit card?

Some of the benefits of a black credit card may include:

Membership rewards points
Frequent flyer points
Airport lounge access
24/7 concierge service
Brand partner discounts
Access to special events and stadium lounge access
VIP seating and packages

You may also gain access to the following protections:

Fraud protection
Free domestic and international travel insurance
Extended warranty
Purchase protection insurance
Rental car excess insurance
Transit accident insurance
Guaranteed pricing scheme

What is the most luxurious credit card in the world?

The most exclusive credit cards in the world are typically invite-only, and require customers to reach a certain income level or professional status.

While it’s hard to pinpoint which credit card is the most exclusive or luxurious, these options may be what you find in the wallets of royalty and world leaders:

American Express Centurion - The most well-known luxury credit card offering no spending limit. Customers must be invited to join.
JPMorgan Reserve Card (formerly Chase Palladium) - Offered to customers with a minimum of $10 million in assets, managed by J.P. Morgan’s private bank.
Dubai First Royale Mastercard -Boasting edges adorned with real gold and a .235-carat diamond in the middle of it, this credit card is exclusive to the ultra-rich and royal family of the United Arab Emirates.
Citi Chairman American Express Card - An invite-only credit card reserved for those who boast significant financial investments with Citi.
Stratus Rewards Visa White Card - Commonly known as the ‘white card’, customers must be invited by another member to join, and must spend at least $100,000 a year to qualify.
Coutts Silk Card - Allegedly the credit card used by British royal family members. The UK-based private bank requires eligible applicants to deposit $1 million pounds when opening the account.
Sberbank Visa Infinite Gold Card - Made from real gold, diamonds and mother of pearl, this luxury credit card comes with a $100,000 spending limit minimum.

Compare black credit cards

ANZ Rewards Black

St.George Bank Amplify Signature (Amplify Qantas)

St.George Bank Amplify Signature (Amplify Rewards)

Virgin Money Virgin Australia Velocity High Flyer Card

Westpac Altitude Black (Altitude Qantas)

Westpac Altitude Black (Altitude Rewards)

Qantas Money Qantas Premier Titanium

Commonwealth Bank Ultimate Awards (CommBank Awards Points)

Westpac Altitude Black (Altitude Velocity)

Commonwealth Bank Ultimate Awards (Qantas Points)

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