How Heavy is a Black Card? An In-Depth Look at Metal Credit Cards

Credit cards have come a long way since the first Diners Club card was introduced in 1950 Today, many premium credit cards are made out of metal instead of plastic These heavy metal cards, sometimes referred to as “black cards”, convey luxury and exclusivity. But exactly how heavy is a black card compared to a regular plastic credit card? Let’s take an in-depth look.

What is a Black Card?

In the credit card world, the term “black card” is synonymous with an exclusive luxury credit card. They are called black cards because many of the most exclusive cards are actually black metal cards instead of regular green, gold or platinum plastic cards.

Some examples of black cards include:

• American Express Centurion Card – Requires an invite and $10000+ in annual spending. Made from titanium.

• JP Morgan Reserve Card – Requires $10 million in assets with JP Morgan. Made from palladium and gold.

• Luxury Card Mastercard Gold Card – Requires $200,000+ in annual spending. Made from 18kt gold.

• Citi Prestige Card – Requires $75,000+ in annual spending. Made from stainless steel.

How Much Does a Metal Credit Card Weigh?

Most standard plastic credit cards weigh around 5 grams. However, metal credit cards are much heavier due to their material. Here are the weights of some popular metal credit cards:

• JP Morgan Reserve Card – 27 grams
• Luxury Card Gold Mastercard – 22 grams
• American Express Centurion Card – 17 grams
• Citi Prestige Card – 18 grams

As you can see, metal credit cards can weigh over 5 times as much as a typical plastic card! The heavy weight helps convey luxury and exclusivity.

The heaviest metal card is the JP Morgan Reserve Card, made from palladium and gold and weighing a hefty 27 grams. That’s over 5 times heavier than a common plastic card.

On the lighter end, the American Express Platinum Card weighs 17 grams. Still over 3 times heavier than plastic.

Why Are Metal Credit Cards So Heavy?

Metal credit cards use materials like stainless steel, titanium, palladium, and even gold in their construction. These metals have a much higher density than the PVC plastic used in typical credit cards, which results in the increased weight.

Here are some of the metals used in black cards and their densities:

• Stainless Steel – 8 g/cm3
• Titanium – 4.5 g/cm3
• Palladium – 12 g/cm3
• Gold – 19.3 g/cm3

Compare that to PVC plastic which has a density of only 1.16–1.45 g/cm3. You can see why metal cards feel significantly heavier in the hand.

Metal is also simply more durable than plastic, so metal cards can provide added strength and protection from damage. The materials are chosen not just for luxury, but also for practicality.

Are Heavier Cards More Luxurious?

Weight is often associated with quality and luxury when it comes to metal credit cards. A heavier black card just feels more substantial and exclusive.

However, weight is not the only factor that makes a luxurious card. The JP Morgan Reserve Card is the heaviest at 27 grams, but the American Express Centurion Card is renowned as the most exclusive black card, despite weighing in at only 17 grams.

Other aspects like materials, branding, perks, customer service, and investment requirements contribute to the luxurious feel of a black card alongside weight. But there is no denying that a heavier metal card feels more high-end in the hand.

The Heavy Weight Conveys Status

For better or worse, the heavy weight of metal cards has become intertwined with status. Pulling out a fancy black card that is plainly heavier than a typical plastic card has an effect.

The weighty feel in the hand transfers to the weighty feel of owning an exclusive credit card with luxury perks and benefits. While not everyone puts much stock in this, there is a certain undeniable wow factor that the heft of a metal card provides.

So while metal cards weigh more due to their durable materials, the heavy weight has taken on a meaning of its own in credit card culture. For black card issuers and owners, this added weight conveys luxury, status, and exclusivity.

In Summary

Premium metal credit cards weigh much more than typical plastic cards, ranging from 17 grams to 27 grams versus just 5 grams. This increased density comes from the metals like stainless steel, titanium, and palladium used in their construction. While not the only mark of luxury, the heavy weight contributes to the elite feeling of black cards. For issuers and owners, the heaviness conveys status and importance. Hopefully this breakdown gives you a better understanding of why metal credit cards carry so much more heft!

The JP Morgan Reserve card, an invite-only card for clients with over $10 million in investable assets, is the heaviest metal credit card, weighing 27 grams.