Barclay's of Delaware had a brilliant marketing strategy a few years ago. They released a credit card that was advertized as ultra-exclusive, intended for only the top 1% of earners. Although Visa is a gigantic player in the credit card industry, the small Delaware bank that released the Visa Black Card was relatively unknown to the rest of the world prior to Black's release.

The Black Card was Barclay's answer to the AMEX Centurion, and for big spenders, the added perks and stricter criteria of access proved to be music to their ears.

Only a select few people around the world-to scale-have access to a Visa Black Card. Not only does your credit history have to be absolutely immaculate, but you also have to earn enough money to be able to match Black's spending power.

The program has these restrictions in place for two main reasons. One: Barclay's wants to keep the cardholders list to a minimum, thus keeping the “exclusive” label. Two: By employing such restrictions and having a wealthy base, the bank is sure to always receive payment.

The card itself goes above and beyond the basic plastic credit cards issued to most people. Black is a heavy duty card made of carbon graphite. It resists warping and it much harder to damage than plastic. The material also holds its design longer. One big complaint with basic credit cards is the numbers and bar code fading.

Visa Black is probably the most popular credit card in the United States - which is extremely ironic considering most average citizens will never even see one, much less own one. Black offers a unique cash-back rewards program, allowing cardholders to earn 1% back on purchases. The introductory balance transfer offer is 0% APR for the first 6 months. The limit varies depending on ownership, but Black usually has a credit limit in the millions.

There's no doubt the Visa Black Card is unlike any other credit card in circulation. But just how different is it? The rewards program for this card is a one-of-a-kind feature that enables all cardholders to be treated like royalty. For starters, cardholders receive access to a 24-hour concierge service just for being a member of the Visa Black family.

There's also a priority pass feature with Black. The priority pass is a bonus that allows cardholders to access VIP lounges in select airports. So far, there are more than 500 airports in nearly 100 countries accepting Black Card members.

The Visa Black Card isn't set up primarily to be a tool of celebrity excess. In uncertain economic times, a card like Barclay's is simply a sound investment for the bank. The clientele list is the lowest-risk demographic, pure and simple.

Even if Black Card accepted average people on average incomes, it wouldn't be a good idea to apply and receive the card. The perks may seem worth it, but unless you're wealthy, simply owning the card and using it sporadically can be an expensive venture. The card costs nearly $500 a year just to own - not to mention adjustable interest rates and other pricy stipulations.