...the new color in Mastercards...

[undeterred]

I got an email offering me a Mastercard. :hi:

http://www.mastercard.com/tt/personal/en/findacard/credit_cards/black/black_mc_personal_assistant.html

Offers MasterCard Black cardholders the convenience of a personal assistant, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Going beyond the service of a concierge, Personal Assistant is available to free up time for busy cardholders, with services such as:

Child care services (such as pick-up and drop-off at school)
Pet care
Personal shopper (domestic and international)
Location and purchase of rare gifts

The MasterCard Black Personal Assistant service will answer virtually any request that money and ethics can buy.

Hey, what's the rate? :shrug:

[mwooldri]

1. pfft... copycats...

I'll be impressed when you're offered the original Black Card. Besides, you can get that with Amex Platinum, don't need to be black to have MC Black benefits.

Mark.

[undeterred]

2. I never heard of "black" being associated with a credit card

offer, but maybe I haven't been paying attention. Its the last thing I need.

[mwooldri]

3. How "black" came about...

... Blame American Express for this. Their premium card was the Platinum Card but it was rumoured that some select people were being given a super-duper upgrade to the Platinum...., a secret "black card". The rumours persisted and American Express decided to capitalize on the rumour by making it a reality and introduced the Centurion card - it's black, made out of titanium, you have to pay $5,000 just to get it and a nice $2,500 annual membership fee. Here's an unofficial site about it: http://www.blackcardsource.com/