Visa Black Card: Prestigious Disappointment

Visa recently unveiled, "Black Card," a new elite, members-only way to dig yourself into a bottomless financial pit.

And the benefits aren't even that good.

The card is clearly designed to compete with, or at the very least ride the coattails of, the famous black AMEX

However, there are few important differences to point out.

The Visa Black Card can be applied for, while the black AMEX is by invitation only. The Visa only costs $495 a year (compared to $2500 for the AMEX) but comes with, you guessed it, about 1/5 of the benefits. The card allegedly includes a membership to the Priority Pass airport lounge network, but it's not a full membership (it's more like two guest passes).

The card does look cool, is made out of carbon, and comes with trip interruption insurance which can be a really handy benefit in the event of travel complications. Overall, however, frequent travelers would be much better suited shelling out for the Platinum AMEX (only $400 a year with slightly better benefits).

H/T: Upgrade: Travel Better