I feel funny admitting this, but I really thought that $1000/yr sounded too low for the Black. 700 more than Plat for all that prestige and those benefits? You know the old adage "if you have to ask you can't afford it" By the time they invite me, it will probably be 10K/yr sigh . . .
According to Visa/MC - the credit line has to be $5,000 for them to cover the benefits (travel insurance, car rental insurance, etc.) If the limit is below $5,000 (Such as $500) then the company itself has to cover the benefits, else lower the card to a standard account.
Lizard- It's not arrogant at all. I travel 100k miles a year - and 2 airline club memberships cost me $600/year. To have gold elite status on an airline requires 50k miles of _actually flying_. Hilton, Starwood, and 6 continents require something like 20 stays each for elite status. $2500 isn't all that much for the elite benefits- if you travel all the time - because the extra points you earn as an elite coupled with the other perks (1st in line, free upgrades, etc.) it pays for itself. -mj
Let me just say to any CN'r who wants a black card...I am willing to help out and offer my services as an AU on your plat.