Black credit cards
Black credit cards are a premium tier of reward and frequent flyer credit cards. But there are fewer black cards around these days, as many card companies use other terms for their high-end cards.
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Key takeaways
- Black credit cards offer premium perks like lounge access and rewards, with annual fees ranging from $99 to over $1,200.
- ANZ, Westpac and Macquarie offer black tier credit cards. But these days a lot of similar cards have names like platinum, signature or prestige instead.
- These cards often require a higher minimum income for approval, so check the eligibility criteria before applying.
What is a black credit card?
A black credit card is a super-premium credit card that offers more status and benefits than standard, gold or platinum credit cards. The use of the term "black" for this type of credit card refers to the level of the account, similar to the way frequent flyer programs have different status levels.
But these days many platinum cards offer the same or similar level of rewards and benefits.
What banks offer black cards in Australia?
- ANZ offers ANZ Black Reward, Frequent Flyer and Business credit cards.
- Westpac has the Westpac Altitude Rewards Black and Westpac Altitude Velocity Black and Westpac Altitude Velocity Black cards.
- Macquarie Bank has a Macquarie Black credit card.
Cards that are similar to black credit cards
If you want to look for similarly premium reward and frequent flyer credit cards, look at cards with platinum, prestige or signature in the name.
Black credit card benefits
Every black card has its own mix of perks, but some of the most popular features include:
- High bonus points offers (100,000 points or more with some cards)
- High earn rates (1 point per dollar spent at least)
- Travel vouchers or free flights
- Comprehensive insurance cover
- Complimentary status upgrades for loyalty programs
- Free hotel stays
- Airport lounges passes or complimentary membership to a lounge program
- Dedicated travel booking services and/or exclusive flight offers
- A personal concierge service
- Invitations to exclusive events or promotions
How much does a black credit card cost?
The annual fee and interest rate for purchases are two of the key costs to look at when you're comparing credit cards. Here's what to expect with a black credit card:
Annual fees
Black cards often have a higher annual fee than other credit cards, typically around $300 to $750. But the American Express Centurion has an annual fee of $5,000 and is one of the most prestigious black cards in the world.
To put this in perspective, platinum card annual fees typically range from $59 to $450 (although they can be higher too).
Interest rates
Interest rates for black credit cards typically range from around 19% to 24% for purchases, which is at the high end of the scale for credit cards in Australia. And unlike platinum, gold or standard cards, there aren't any black-level low rate credit cards.
Black credit cards at the 2025 Finder Awards
While there aren't many black credit cards on the market, these cards scored highly at the 2025 Finder Credit Card Awards.
- Best Rewards Credit Card: ANZ Rewards Black Credit Card
- Best Velocity Frequent Flyer Credit Card: Westpac Altitude Velocity Black
- Highly commended cards: the ANZ Business Black, ANZ Frequent Flyer Black and Westpac Altitude Qantas Black all finished second or third in their categories.
Our expert says: Black, Platinum? Focus on the benefits
"The colour, tier or name of the card doesn't matter that much. Especially now that most card companies use different names for their top cards. Instead, focus on points, perks and features a card offers. Does the card offer benefits you'll actually use. Is the annual fee worth it? A premium card should pay for itself. "
Who qualifies for a black credit card?
Black credit cards are suited to people with high incomes who spend a lot on credit cards each month.
You also need to meet the eligibility requirements, which could include a minimum income of between $35,000 to $120,000 (or more) depending on the card. You will also need to have a good or excellent credit rating.
Questions to help decide if a black credit card is worth it
- Do you use credit a lot? If you regularly pay with plastic, the higher credit limit of a black credit card could help you avoid over-limit fees. It can also help you get the most out of rewards and other perks.
- Do you regularly pay off your credit card? The interest rates on black credit cards make them expensive if you carry a balance. But if you pay off the total amount listed on each statement, you'll usually get an interest-free period for purchases that allows you to get more value out of a black card.
- How many of the features will you use? Black credit cards are loaded with features and benefits but you'll only get value from them if you use them. So think about what features you want and how often you'll realistically use them to help decide if a black credit card is worth it for you.
- How many credit cards do you have? Most Australians have more than one credit card. With a black credit card, you’ll get more value the more you use it. So having multiple cards could make it more expensive and less valuable. It could also hurt your credit score.
Black credit card features: What to compare
Ideally a black credit card (or any card) should offer you value through a mix of features that can justify its costs. So here are some of the key features to look at (outside of fees and interest rates) when you're comparing cards.
Rewards programs
Some black credit cards have a bank rewards program, such as the ANZ Rewards Black. Others are linked to frequent flyer programs including Qantas and Velocity. A range of black credit cards also let you choose between earning rewards or frequent flyer points per $1 spent.
For example, the Westpac Altitude Black offers Westpac Altitude Points, Velocity Points or Qantas Points.
Complimentary extras
Compare complimentary extras based on what’s practical and valuable to you. For example, someone who often pays for entry to airport lounges might want a black card that has complimentary Priority Pass membership, while someone else might place a higher value on a card that offers a flight or travel credit.
Introductory offers
If you want to get a new black credit card, you could also enjoy bonus points, a 0% interest rate offer or a reduced or $0 annual fee for the first year. Some cards may offer a combination of introductory offers, which all have the potential to add value to the card you choose in the short term. Make sure you check the details of introductory offers and look at the ongoing or standard costs to determine the long-term value of each black card you compare.
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