An interesting offer arrived in the mail today. I was intrigued by the envelope, stunningly black with gold lettering that proclaimed, “INVITATION ENCLOSED.”
It was addressed to Dr. Bryan B. Blakeney which, first of all, is not his correct name (it’s C. Bryan Blakeney), and although, it was not my mail, I open all of his mail anyway…unless it’s a bill. So I pulled the “invitation” out and began to read:
Dear Dr. Blakeney,
It is my pleasure to invite you to apply for the exclusive Black Card. Limited to only 1% of U.S. residents, Black Card members are ensured the highest caliber of personal service. Cardmembers enjoy a 24-hour Concierge Assistant, Exclusive Rewards Program, and Luxury Gifts from some of the world’s top brands. Made with carbon, the Visa Black Card is guaranteed to get you noticed.
Well, I thought, that’s mighty nice of the folks at Visa. Then my eyes trailed down to the Annual Fee: $495! What?! Are you kidding?!
Out of curiousity, I got online to figure out what’s up with the Visa Black Card. Apparently, it’s not an original idea. American Express has the “Centurion” card, their attempt to appeal to status-conscious individuals who like to plop down the expensive cards to show the world they have arrived.
So Visa is getting in on the act now–providing a slick-looking card to those who “value status and ease over fees.” I suppose it has its advantages. For example, if we should decide we need 12 Arabian Horses for a daughter’s wedding one day, all we would have to do is call up the concierge and–bingo–he’d fly them in from Dubai in a snap! Wonder what kind of numbers would be popping up on that Visa bill!
Thanks, but no thanks, Visa. For $495, I think I’d rather buy my favorite sushi roll once a week for a year.
That’s just my 2¢.
Let me add something… I realize that sometimes we make purchases to make us feel better about ourselves. A new pair of shoes, a fancy tie, or an attractive outfit can boost our self-esteem. I understand. But $495 is a lot of money for a credit card. Owning that “carbon” Visa Black Card will not make you feel nearly as good about yourself as taking that same money and donating it to a worthy charitable organization. Here are a few ideas:
The Make A Wish Foundation grants wishes to children battling illnesses.
The Aubrey Rose Foundation helps families through grants and special events to cope with the emotional and financial stresses of taking care of a child with severe health problems.
Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep provides professional photography services to terminally ill children, allowing parents to have a beautiful remembrance of their cherished child.
Have a favorite charity not listed here? Add it under “comments.”
Tags: Visa Black Card
2 Comments on The Visa Black Card
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You seriously nailed that one. Status over fees. Unreal what people will pay to have a shiny, black piece of plastic.
I can think of 1001 things I’d rather do with $495.