Frequently Asked Questions
Table of contents
Getting Started
Q: How do I start using City?
A: Just text "Hi" or ask any question about Charlotte dining, events, or activities. No special commands needed - talk to City like you'd text a knowledgeable friend.
Q: What can I do with City?
A: Think of City as your personal local expert. Ask things like:
"Good date spots with live music?"
"Kid-friendly brunch this weekend?"
"Wine bar open late tonight?"
"Plan a birthday dinner for 8 people"
"What's happening downtown this week?"
The more you use it, the better it gets at understanding your preferences.
Q: Is City just another AI chatbot like ChatGPT?
A: City uses similar AI for recommendations, but we can actually take action for you - like making reservations, booking tickets, or calling an Uber. Plus, we have deep Charlotte knowledge that generic AI lacks. We know which places are actually good, not just well-reviewed. Think of City as your personal assistant who can handle things, not just give advice.
Technical Support
Q: I didn't get a response, what do I do?
A: First, wait 2-3 minutes and send a new message (like "Hi" or "Help") to check if the system is responding. If that works, try your original question again. If you're still having issues, email us at support@cityblackcard.com with a screenshot and we'll help within 24 hours.
Q: What devices and messaging apps work with City?
A: City works through standard SMS/text messaging on any phone - iPhone (iMessage), Android, or basic phones. No app download needed. Standard messaging and data rates from your carrier apply. We recommend having a stable cellular or WiFi connection for the best experience.
Q: Is there an app for this?
A: No web browser or app download is required. Just text!
Q: Can I call for support?
A: City is text-only by design to let you communicate naturally at your own pace. For support, email support@cityblackcard.com and a real person will help you within 24 hours.
Preview Program Expectations
Q: What should I expect as part of the preview program?
A: You're among the first to experience City! This means:
Some features may break occasionally as we test and improve
The system might go down for updates (we'll do our best to notify you)
New capabilities will be added regularly based on your feedback
Responses will get smarter and more personalized over time
Think of it like being part of a startup's journey from day one - exciting but occasionally bumpy!
Q: Will City always work perfectly?
A: Not yet! This is the very beginning of something special. You might experience:
Occasional delays or errors
Features that work one day but not the next
Recommendations that miss the mark sometimes
We're building this with you, and every interaction helps us improve. Your patience and feedback during these early days are what will make City amazing.
Q: How will I know about updates or outages?
A: We'll email you about planned maintenance and do our best to notify you of any extended outages. For real-time updates, you can always email support@cityblackcard.com.
Privacy & Data
Q: What information does City store about me?
A: We store your phone number and learn your preferences through our conversations - like favorite cuisines, dietary needs, and places you love. This helps us give you personalized recommendations instead of generic lists.
We thoughtfully share relevant preferences with participating merchants to help them serve you better. For example, if you've told us you love Pinot Noir, a wine bar might have your favorite ready. We use our judgment to share what enhances your experience.
View our full privacy policy at https://www.cityblackcard.com/privacy for complete details.
Q: Is my data secure?
A: Yes. All conversations are encrypted and stored securely on US-based servers. We follow industry-standard security practices to protect your information.
We share your preferences with merchants only to enhance your experience - never for spam or unwanted marketing. Think of it like having a trusted concierge who knows what details to share to get you the best service. We never sell your data to third parties.
Q: How does City share my information with businesses?
A: City thoughtfully shares relevant preferences to help businesses serve you better. For example:
A restaurant knows you prefer outdoor seating
A wine bar sees you enjoy Spanish wines
A coffee shop knows you like oat milk
We use discretion about what to share based on what will improve your experience. This creates more "Welcome back!" moments and personalized service across the city.
Q: What's in it for me when City shares my preferences?
A: Imagine walking into any City merchant and being treated like a regular - they know your favorites, remember your restrictions, and might even surprise you with something special. As you use City more, you'll unlock perks like priority seating, personalized offers, and exclusive experiences. It's like having a network of places that really know you.
Program Details
Q: Do I have to pay for City?
A: City is completely free during this preview period - you're helping us build something amazing for Charlotte. In the future, we may offer premium features, but core City access will always have a free tier.
Q: How long do I have access to City?
A: You're part of our exclusive preview community helping shape City's future. Access continues as long as you're actively using the service and providing valuable feedback. You can stop anytime by texting STOP. We may occasionally need to pause access for technical updates, but we'll always notify you first.
Q: When will I be approved for the preview program?
A: We review applications weekly and approve new members in small batches to ensure quality. You'll receive a text within 7-10 days about your status. Being selective helps us provide the best experience for our preview community.
Q: Is there a limit to how much I can use City?
A: No limits! In fact, the more you use City, the better it learns your preferences. Feel free to ask questions throughout the day - that's how we improve the experience for everyone.
Features & Future
Q: Can City make reservations for me?
A: During the preview, City provides recommendations and merchant contact info. Full booking capabilities are coming soon as we partner with more local businesses.
Q: Does City work for things besides restaurants?
A: Yes! Ask about events, activities, bars, coffee shops, shopping, and things to do. We're constantly expanding what City knows about Charlotte.
Q: Is City available outside Charlotte?
A: Currently, City is exclusive to Charlotte as we perfect the experience in our home market. We're building something special here first before expanding to other cities.
Community & Feedback
Q: How can I help make City better?
A: Just use it naturally! Every question helps us understand what Charlotte really needs. You can also email feedback to support@cityblackcard.com anytime.
Q: Will my feedback actually make a difference?
A: Absolutely. Preview members directly shape City's development. We read every piece of feedback and implement the best ideas. You'll even see your suggestions come to life in future updates.