Credit Cards Online Information

It was 35 years ago yesterday that Barclaycard introduced the first credit card in the UK. Now there are 55 million cards in issue and we have a choice of over 1,500 from more than 60 providers. The newest, NatWest Black, follows in the footsteps of American Express's Centurion, an elite credit card for high earners.

Gold cards started as credit cards for the well-off, but as more and more providers offered them, the entry criteria came down and they lost their cachet. So the platinum card was introduced and the same thing happened. Now most people eligible for credit can get a gold or platinum card. Will history repeat itself with the new generation of black cards?

There is no doubt that they add an edge of exclusivity. Centurion customers must be existing Amex members, be invited to have a Centurion card and pay pounds 650 a year for the privilege. Also, while there is no minimum salary specified, most users are thought to earn at least pounds 150,000 a year. NatWest has lower entry requirements: a minimum income of pounds 70,000 and an annual fee of pounds 250.

The providers claim the service and benefits make the fees worthwhile. A spokeswoman for NatWest says its research showed that customers would be attracted to a premier card with travel-related benefits. This has been reflected in the design of the card.

# posted by Medical Information : 2:45 AM