(Spoiler: you’re not.)
All information about the American Express Centurion Card has been collected independently by Yahoo Finance. The details on this page have not been reviewed by the card issuer.
The American Express Centurion, also known as the Black Card, is the most exclusive credit card on the market. To apply, you need to receive an invitation from the card issuer, and to say the requirements are steep is an understatement — unless you’re independently wealthy, you’re likely ineligible.
American Express keeps a tight lid on the card’s details and declined to comment on this story. But based on anecdotes from cardholders and online reports, here’s what we know about this card.
How to get approved for the Amex Centurion Card
American Express offers some of the most premium credit cards on the market, but the Black Card takes the cake. You can only apply for the card if you receive an invitation from the card issuer. Prospective cardholders were previously able to request consideration on the Centurion site, though that option has since been removed.
The card issuer doesn’t disclose the criteria it considers to extend an invitation, but online reports suggest you need to spend anywhere between $200,000 and $1 million a year on American Express credit cards.
You also typically need to have excellent credit, with some reporting a minimum score of 800.
Amex Centurion Card features and fees
The Amex Centurion Card offers a lot of value, but its eye-watering fees make it clear that its biggest benefit is prestige.
If you’re invited to apply and you accept, the card issuer charges a $10,000 initiation fee to become a Centurion member. On top of that, the card charges a $5,000 annual fee.
There’s no preset spending limit and you generally need to pay your balance in full each month. However, you can pay off certain purchases over time with a variable APR of the prime rate plus 12.74%.
For such an expensive card, you’d expect best-in-class perks — and that’s exactly what you’ll get. However, it’s important to note that many of the Black Card’s benefits are also available on the Platinum Card® from American Express, which charges a $695 annual fee and doesn’t require an invitation to apply.
With that said, here’s what we’ve been able to glean from online reports about the card’s features.
Rewards
This card isn’t about rewards, so it comes as no surprise that it doesn’t offer a welcome bonus. What’s more, your everyday purchases will net you just 1 point per dollar.
Elite status
As a cardholder, you’ll become an automatic elite member with several top travel loyalty programs. That includes:
- Delta SkyMiles Platinum Medallion
- Hilton Honors Diamond
- IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite
- Marriott Gold Elite
- Hertz Platinum
- Avis President’s Club
Airport lounge access
You’ll get access to the Amex Global Lounge Collection, which includes several airport lounge networks:
- The Centurion Lounge
- The International American Express Lounges
- Priority Pass
- Delta Sky Club
- Lufthansa Lounges
- Escape Lounges
- Plaza Premium Lounges
Other airport benefits
At select airports, you can benefit from VIP arrival and departure services, including a personal guide if you’re flying business or first class. The card issuer can also arrange ground transportation for you.
Other airport-related perks include an application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, as well as a statement credit toward one or more CLEAR Plus memberships.
Concierge services
With the Amex Black Card, you essentially get 24/7 access to a personal assistant to help you with a variety of needs, such as planning travel, scoring impossible-to-get reservations and event tickets, and finding unique gifts for your loved ones.
Other luxury perks
The card comes with a host of other premium perks that can improve your travel experiences and overall lifestyle:
- Centurion Dining: Tables are held for cardholders at roughly 1,000 of the world’s top restaurants.
- Wine benefits: You’ll reportedly get access to private tastings and tours in Napa Valley, along with special wine purchase offers through the Centurion website.
- Cruise discounts: You can enjoy credits ranging from $100 to $500 per stateroom, along with additional amenities.
- Equinox credits: You’ll receive up to $3,600 in credits each year toward a membership with the luxury gym — though this may only be beneficial if you live near a location.
- Saks credits: You’ll get up to $250 in statement credits per quarter toward purchases with Saks Fifth Avenue, up to $1,000 in total each year.
This article was originally published by Yahoo Finance on 28th August 2024. View original.
Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to Yahoo Finance and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information. This site doesn’t include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
