Originally Posted by
JumboD
On paper, the benefits and costs seem comparable to the Platinum card. I think the idea was for those who could only get an Amex Plat to be able to say they have a "black card" of sorts.
I have an Amex Plat 85% for the Admirals Club access when flying AA, 15% for the concierge benefits. However, if I flew anything but AA, I'd have the Visa Black because of its Priority Pass membership. While it has no access to AA lounges, its restrictions are far less than the Amex lounge access. Assuming the Black Card comes with the full PP membership, it's only $100 less than the Black Card membership. It would be worth considering.
It comes with a basic level membership (which is free with many credit cards, and $79 if you want to buy it retail). For each visit to a lounge, you are charged $27 per person.
A world elite mastercard is better (and free) and also has Priority Pass.
If you were willing to pay $500 for the card, why not pay $50 less and keep the Amex Plat, which has much better lounge access (free guests too), insurance, better concierge, better MR rewards, better partners, free SPG Gold, etc etc etc.
Or pay nothing and get Merrill+, which has status match with AA, 24hr concierge, hotel partners, discounted airline tix, etc. Spend $20k annually and get even more benefits. Spend $50k and get your own private concierge (like Amex Cent) and free membership to AA clubs, DL clubs, BOGO airfare, etc.