ZBlackCard Review – 7 Facts About Troy Mason’s Metal Debit Card
You’re here because someone probably introduced you to ZBlackCard and told you all kinds of amazing things about it, and now, you want to make sure that it isn’t a scam.
ZBlackCard is advertised as an “ultra-elite rewards card” for the masses specifically designed to help you save money, make money, and multiply money.
But does ZBlackCard live to its promises, and can you really make money with it?
In this ZBlackCard review, we’ll discuss 7 facts about ZBlackCard that might surprise you.
I know how how valuable your time is so let’s get started right away…
Review Summary
Founder: Troy Mason
Price to Join Opportunity: $99.95 – $249.95 + $20 – $70 monthly fees + various upsells
Recommended? No because its hard to get repeat orders from the product and your income mostly rely on recruitment and monthly fees. You may want to check this out instead.
Overall Business Opportunity Rating:
Quick Summary: The ZBlackCard supposedy gives you access to various discounts and it acts as an all-in-one debit, credit, prepaid and rewards card. It is made with gold-plated metal distinct from every other debit cards out there and it is said to work on all ATM machines.
But as amazing as that sounds, I’m guessing you’re here because you wanted to know if ZBlackCard can indeed help you earn and multiply your money.
The truth is, while its possible to make money by selling the card to other people, making a decent income with ZBlackCard is very hard. And if you’re not careful with how you do the business, you could easily fall into the pyramid scheme territory.
I’ll discuss why below.
1. What is ZBlackCard?
ZBlackCard is a product of a Multi-level Marketing (MLM) company called Ztegrity.
It is advertised as an all-in-one “ultra-elite rewards card” that any average person can get without the ridiculous fees, hassle requirements, and credit checks.
It is made of gold plated stainless steel, comes with a routing and account number with a savings account, and can act as a debit, prepaid, credit, and discount card.
Your ZBlackCard savings account is also insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) up to $250,000.
Ztegrity’s ZBlackCard is powered by Visa and MasterCard, and according to the company, it can be used to withdraw money on any ATMs and can be used to pay anywhere a debit card is accepted.
Interestingly, I found out that there are alternate websites where you can get the ZBlackCard.
I’m not sure if they’re all affiliated with Ztegrity, but one is BrandUCards where I tried to order one…
Until I found out some inconsistencies and suspicious claims about the ZBlackCard, which I will discuss in a moment.
But first, let’s talk about Troy Mason, the founder of Ztegrity, and the mind behind the ZBlackCard.
2. ZBlackCard is created by a Successful Entrepreneur, however…
The favorite image used by affiliates and the company when they present Troy Mason is the one where is he is featured in the MBQ magazine.
There’s nothing wrong about it, but MBQ Magazine isn’t really a popular business magazine like Forbes or Fortune.
In fact, it’s’ Twitter page only has a little over 500 followers.
Nevertheless, I am not saying that Troy is not a trustworthy person nor a successful businessman.
He has created a lot of businesses in the past, most of which involve an MLM business model. These are:
- Dream Starters USA – Gives school kids access to attires of the profession they want to become when they grow up and provide them with a guide on how to reach their professional goals.
- Wisdom in Action – Features real-life stories of an educator’s life and discusses the effort and dedication they put into their work.
- Paperless Files Inc – Provides a paperless file management system and services for schools.
- ZLicense – Sells a clear plastic sleeve that you can put over your license or any ID. The plastic sleeve contains a 10 digit alphanumeric code that can be used to access the person’s medical information through the ZLicense website.
So when it comes to the experience and knowledge about business management and network marketing, it’s safe to say that Troy is someone that could lead you to success.
However, it doesn’t automatically mean that you can make a lot of money with his newest venture, the ZBlackCard, nor all of his businesses are successful.
Though Dream Starters USA and Paperless Inc are still active during the time of this ZBlackCard review, the domain for Wisdom in Action is already for sale, and the services are no longer provided.
This is despite what Troy claims in his company bio that says all the companies he owns are “still in business.”
Meanwhile, ZLicense is now part of Ztegrity Inc, which, as you already know, the company Troy uses to promote the ZBlackCard.
Other products promoted on Ztegrity are ZPetTags, ZMe1Day (offers services similar to Dream Starters USA), ZScholars, and WiFi Cinema.
Furthermore, Troy was also said to be the CEO and founder of a shady MLM company in 2013 called Gas Club of America that combined penny auctions with gift and gas cards.
Multiple sources claim that the Gas Club of America only lasted for a few months before it went under.
3. “Good Reasons” to get a ZBlackCard
The company has a long list of “good reasons” why you should get the ZBlackCard. But upon closer examination, I narrowed them down to 6 things.
3.1 Savings and Discounts
The ZBlackCard is supposed to give you access to discounts in hotels, movies, car rentals, restaurants, and travels. It could also give you an airline Buddy Pass in which you can book a last-minute air travel ticket at a discounted price.
While this looks like a good reason to own a ZBlackCard, the company and Troy Mason didn’t give any explanation about why they can offer such discounts.
There is also no information regarding their partner companies and service providers that will give you such discounts, so it isn’t clear how much you can save and what quality of services you’ll get.
Now, I don’t know about you, but I’d rather pay in full rather than getting a discount for crappy service.
3.2 Improve your Credit Score
Owning a ZBlackCard is supposed to help boost your credit scores because it acts as a credit card that you can use to pay bills.
But what Troy might have “forgotten” to mention in his sales videos is that to access this feature, you’ll have to pay a one-time $200 fee for the Tradeline Reporting Upgrade, and you must subscribe to any of the monthly programs of ZBlackCard.
Unfortunately, there have been ZBlackCard users who complained that they didn’t get the service they were promised, especially about enhancing their credit scores.
To be fair, I tried looking for ZBlackCard reviews from other users hoping they’ve had a good thing to say about this issue but to no avail.
3.3 Withdraw money in any ATM
One thing I like about the ZBlackCard is you can supposedly use it to withdraw money from any ATMs nearest or most convenient to you, free from fees!
Although, I’ve seen some people claim that they are charged $1 on their transactions. Whilst some say they were able to withdraw without any fees.
There must be some reason for this discrepancy, and this should be one of the things you should clarify from the person who introduced you to ZBlackCard.
3.4 Make money on Forex
While it’s true that you can possibly make money from Forex, what I find weird about ZBlackCard is how it can guarantee that it can pay back your original investment amount plus profits in just 10-15 weeks after the time of your investment.
Not only that, but the company even claims that you will continue to receive profits for an entire year even after you’ve already gotten your original investment back!
First of all, there is no guaranteed way to profit in Forex.
Second, the company didn’t mention that they have a professional team of Forex traders, and third, I didn’t find any proof that Troy is an expert Forex trader or that he has any past involvement in the industry.
So how come they can offer this service?
3.5 “Boss Toss” it everywhere
Of all the reasons to get the ZBlackCard, this one is my least favorite, but it’s what Troy and the company are emphasizing.
I mean, I understand why someone would want a presentable and unique debit card, but to own one so that you can impress other people is kind of shallow and boastful.
Also, what good is a “gorgeous and sexy” metal debit card when it has zero balance in it?
I’d rather own a raggedy and dull debit card as long as it has six figures on it. But of course, this is my opinion and to each his own.
3.6 Participate in ZBlackCard Compensation Plan
Perhaps the biggest reason why many people had been convinced to own a ZBlackCard is because of the business opportunity that comes with it.
When you own one of Troy’s metal debit cards and pay the required monthly fee, you can participate in the Ztegrity’s ZBlackCard compensation plan from which you can earn a passive residual income.
However, I found out that paying premium just to own a “clanky” debit card and shelling out additional monthly fee just to become commission qualified in ZBlackCard business opportunity might not be worth it.
But first, let’s take a look at the recent changes on ZBlackCard’s monthly fees…
4. Updated ZBlackCard Costs
Contrary to its name, ZBlackCard doesn’t always come in black. It comes in different colors, designs, and of course, prices.
There have been many versions of ZblackCard prices you can find on the Internet, but currently, ZBlackCard costs anywhere from 99.95 to 249.95 plus a $9.99 shipping fee.
ZBlackCard Monthly Fees and Upsells
ZBlackCard used to have 3 different monthly subscription fees – VIP ($20), Auto ($50), and Combo ($70).
However, during this ZBlackCard review, the company now only offers 2 monthly membership options, the Silver Membership for $20/month and the Platinum Membership for $70/month.
The differences between the two are the amount of money you can invest in Forex, your ability to participate in the entire compensation plan, and access to certain perks like the hotel and flight travel discounts.
Needless to say, ZBlackCard is using a Pay to Play system wherein your potential income will depend on the amount you pay to join the program.
In ZBlackCard, Platinum members have more income potentials and better commissions than Silver members.
Also, I wasn’t able to find the reason why the $50 monthly fee is removed.
But at the moment, you’ll be forced to upgrade your membership depending on your current income in the program, or else you’ll risk losing some of your commissions.
Anyone earning less than $1,000/month can remain as an active Silver Member, while anyone earning more than $1,000/month should upgrade their monthly subscription to Platinum.
Now, I don’t want to be cynical but doesn’t it feel like a company is too greedy when it pressures its members to pay more monthly fees because they are earning more money? Food for thought.
Meanwhile, you can also choose to add a diamond to your ZBlackCard for an additional $200.
But the specifics of the diamond, e.g., carat value, clarity, origin, and size wasn’t mentioned by the company.
So I’m afraid you’ll have to ask the person who introduced you to ZBlackCard about this matter.
5. Ztegrity’s ZBlackCard Business Opportunity – Is it worth it?
While Troy Mason gives the impression that there are plenty of ways to make money with ZBlackCard, it all boils down to selling the metal card and recruiting other people to join your team.
And don’t forget the questionable Forex trading that I discussed earlier.
Now, ZBlackCard’s compensation plan is a complicated one, and due to the recent changes of monthly membership fees, there have been many inconsistencies about the commissions, but I’ll do my best to give it to you straight.
Fast Start Bonus
You can qualify to earn this bonus if you join as a Platinum ($70/month) member the Leadership Program right after you purchased your first ZBlackCard.
However, neither Troy nor the other sales video of ZBlackCard discussed what this “Leadership Program” is, and how much will it cost you.
I’m guessing this isn’t free since you’re supposed to get a Leadership ring and attend a Leadership Conference when you join, so I’m assuming it isn’t cheap either.
Nevertheless, if you meet the requirements above, you will earn $1,000 if you can recruit 4 people to buy a ZBlackCard, became a Platinum member, and join the Leadership program within your first 14 days.
You’ll earn $10,000 by recruiting 20 people within the same time frame. From thereon, you’ll get paid $400 for every new person you recruit and $100 on every people recruited by your recruits.
Basically, the Fast Start Bonus is a recruitment-based commission.
Retails Commissions
Depending on the ZBlackCard that you sell, you’ll earn $1 for every $99.95 card and 1% on custom cards.
You’ll also earn a one-time 25% (Silver member) and 50% (Platinum member) commissions from the upgrades and upsells purchased by your recruits.
However, one concern I have about retail commissions with ZBlackCard is that it isn’t a consumable product.
You cannot expect a repeat order from any of your older recruits unless they buy another ZBlackCard. Hence, your income will rely on the monthly fees of your team.
This makes ZBlackCard dangerously look like a product-based pyramid scheme from which your income solely relies on your recruit’s monthly fees without any retail activities.
3×10 Forced Matrix Commissions
You’ll get paid $1 per month for every active (pays a monthly fee) ZBlackCard owner under your team.
In a 3×10 Forced Matrix, you will be put in the top of the rank with 3 positions directly under you as your Level 1. Each position in Level 1 will split into 3 for a total of 9 positions in Level 2.
The 9 positions on Level 2 will then split into 27 new positions for Level 3 and so on.
In ZBlackCard, you’ll get paid down to the 10th level.
You can also upgrade as a Super Elite Member by paying $300/year. This is on top of your monthly fee, and it enables you to earn $1 from all active ZBlackCard owners of your team from all levels.
Like I mentioned earlier, ZBlackCard uses a Pay to Play system.
5×4 Forced Matrix Commissions
If you’re a Platinum Member, you can earn between $1 to $6 from all the active Platinum members in your team.
In a 5×4 matrix, you will be placed at the top with 5 positions directly under you as your Level 1.
Each of the 5 positions on your level 1 will split into 5 new positions for a total of 25 positions on your Level 2.
Your Level 2 will split into 125 positions in your Level 3 and so on until 4 levels.
Your potential income will be:
- $1 per active user – Level 1
- $4 per active user – Level 2
- $5 per active user – Level 3
- $6 per active user – Level 4
This is on top of your commissions in the 3×10 matrix.
100% Matching Bonus
If you’re a Platinum member who also upgraded to Super Elite ($300/year) status, you will earn a 100% matching bonus from all the commissions earned by all your direct recruits who are also Platinum members.
Say you recruited 10 people who upgraded to Platinum and each of them earned $2,000 in a month, you’ll receive a matching bonus of $20,000.
As a Super Elite member, you will also earn Matching Bonus commissions from inactive team members and even get the commissions that they failed to receive.
To be honest, I love the idea of giving away the unearned commissions to qualified affiliates.
However, the downside of this is that sponsors will less likely take care of the people in their team since regardless if those people remain active or not, they will still earn full commissions as long as they are a Super Elite member.
When you join ZBlackCard, there is a good chance that your sponsor won’t support you when you hit a roadblock or when have trouble doing the business.
Why? Since he/she will earn more money if you don’t qualify to receive your commissions.
Of course, I’m not saying all sponsor are like that but it’s something you need to be wary of.
6. Is Ztegrity/ZBlackCard a Pyramid Scheme?
While I have some issues about the overall ZBlackCard business operation, I wouldn’t call it an outright scam or a pyramid scheme.
The company is selling a product that provides real value to users. Also, anyone can purchase the ZBlackCard without becoming an affiliate of the company.
Moreover, it is also possible to earn money by selling ZBlackCard to other people.
However, better income with this business program relies on you recruiting as many people as you can and convincing them to do the same.
It’s because the company ‘s compensation plan gives better rewards to individuals who can recruit more people into the company rather than those who can sell more ZBlackCards.
And while there’s no doubt that the ZBlackCard’s compensation plan is lucrative, it’s only for people who can throw in more money for monthly fees and upsells when they join.
7. Should You become a ZBlackCard Independent Business Owner?
Troy Mason explicitly said that he came up with the idea of ZBlackCard because he wants to free people who are working all their lives for someone else.
Ironically, despite being referred to as an IBO or Independent Business Owner, you are not really a business owner by any means when you join the company.
For starters, you have no freedom to sell the product that you want, only the ZblackCard.
You also have no control over the pricing of the products you are promoting, and most especially, you have no control over how much you earn and when you will get paid.
No matter how they sugarcoat it, you will be working for Ztegrity when you join as an IBO, period.
It’s not like there’s wrong with that. Except that if you can’t convince many people to join your team…
There’s a good chance that you’ll end up losing money on the monthly ZBlackCard fees, and the only one making money is Troy and his cohorts
My Two Cents
If you want a metallic debit card that you can “boss toss” on tables as you pay for lunch, then sure, go ahead and spend $99+ to get one.
Each of us is entitled to our own preference for the things we want in life.
However, when it comes to the business side of things, I cannot recommend becoming an affiliate or an IBO for ZBlackCard.
It operates dangerously like a pyramid scheme, and without convincing a lot of people to become part of your team and stay active by paying the monthly fees, you cannot earn a decent income with Ztegrity’s ZBlackCard.
Nevertheless, the final decision is in your hands, but I believe that you’re smart enough to do what’s best for you.
But if you feel that the ZBlackCard business opportunity isn’t what you are looking for in a business opportunity, and you are still interested to look for others…
Then would you like to turn any of your passion or interested into an online business that could possibly generate a full-time passive income?
If yes, then I highly recommend that you check out this program.
It is the program that has taught thousands of individuals with no prior knowledge or experience to turn their passion into a successful online business. Here’s my success story with the program.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this ZBlackCard review. I hope that this has helped you decide on whether or not it is worth joining this business.
If this review helped, please share it with others so they too can benefit from this information.
And, if you’d like to share your opinion on the opportunity that ZBlackCard offers, feel free to leave a comment below.
Until here and whichever path you choose towards your financial goals, I wish you nothing but success in your future endeavors.
Your friend,
Jack
