A rating of 5 is the best a card can receive. Why it's one of the hardest credit cards to get: The hardest credit card to get is the American Express Centurion Card. Known simply as the ?Black Card,? you need an invitation to get Amex Centurion.

The Centurion® Card from American Express, popularly known as the "Black Card," remains the most exclusive and difficult credit card to obtain in 2026. Unlike standard cards, you cannot simply apply for the Centurion; it is an invite-only program reserved for Amex’s highest-spending and most loyal clients. While the exact criteria are a closely guarded secret, industry consensus suggests that a cardmember must spend at least $250,000 to $500,000 annually on their existing Platinum or Gold cards to even be considered for an invitation. The card comes with a staggering $10,000 initiation fee and a $5,000 annual fee, offering unparalleled perks such as 24/7 personal concierge service, automatic elite status at multiple hotel chains and car rental agencies, and access to the world's most exclusive airport lounges. Beyond the financial requirements, the card serves as a global status symbol, signaling a level of wealth and spending power that only a fraction of one percent of the population will ever reach.