9.21.2009

Seeking people with more money than brains: Barclays Visa Black Card

I received this in the mail today.



Trying to capitalize on the legend of the American Express Black Card, Barclays registered www.blackcard.com and think they have a gold mine. Now Barclays is an English bank, so maybe they think the whole snob appeal thing is universal. They promise you that if you fork over $495 per year, you'll get a card that "is limited to only 1% of U.S. residents to ensure the highest caliber of personal service is provided to every Cardmember." So if 3 million suckers go to the web site and pay $495 before you do, you're pretty much screwed and branded a loser for life.

I have a Schwab card that gives me excellent service and 2% cash back for $0 per year. Why would I pay $495 for 1% cash back? Oh yeah, the airport lounge membership that allows you to go into an airport lounge for just $27 per visit. Or the mystery "luxury gifts" they promise to send. Or the "concierge service" -- kind of like being able to look up a travel agent in the phone book! Did I mention that the card is made out of carbon? That's the same thing diamonds are made of!

Anybody that comes into my restaurant with one of these is going to get a Coogee Bay Gelato on the house.

If you want to call those limeys and tell them what you think of their wanna-be snob card, their toll-free number is (866) 314-6045.

1 comment:

mike said...

But what about the travel benefits? The Visa Black might very well be worth it to those kinds of people that fly alot and make $15000 per month, don't ya think

Happy Super Tuesday!