American Express Black Card: The Centurion Card
The official name for the American Express Black card is the Centurion Card. This rare, and seldom seen card is considered by the wealthy, and non-wealthy alike, as the ultimate status symbol. With stratospheric credit limits, and a reputation that carries so much weight that it can literally get cardholders into the most elite of establishments, if you’re able to acquire one it must certainly mean that you’ve “arrived.”
The American Express Black card is available by invitation only and as of 2009, has a hefty annual fee of $2,500 and a one-time initiation fee for the first year of $5,000.
What’s interesting is that the card really began in the 1980s as an urban legend which spread about a black credit card with a high spending limit. Even though these stories were false at the time, American Express capitalized on them by launching the Centurion card in 1999.
There is no application process for the American Express Black card. American Express does not disclose the eligibility requirements, however it has been reported that the U.S. requirements include a minimum annual card activity of $250,000, a very healthy net worth, and an exceptional credit history.
Some of the services and benefits that come along with the card include a dedicated concierge and travel agent, personal shoppers at high-end retailers, first class flight upgrades, and many other elite services. American Express continues to add additional benefits to the program.
The official American Express Black Card or Centurion card website is a password protected portal for members only, of course. If you have one, submit a comment below and tell us what it’s like to rock the Centurion card!
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I am an additional centurion cardmember, and an additional platinum card member… You can definitely tell the difference between the customer services of the Centurion and the Platinum…. So far, I love both cards equally… The only thing about the Centurion card is that since it is Titanium, it ruins card readers, and I shredded my plastic version because I feel that it is an imposter of the titanium Centurion… so for normal purchases at the pump, supermarket, and minor shopping I use the Platinum card, and for everything else (specifically higher end boutiques in which their card readers can handle the centurion card (the titanium one) , such as Neiman Marcus, Cartier, Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth, etc…). But If you do have a platinum card and put all of your expenses on it, then it is really easy to reach a spending balance of $250,000 on your american express. So basically, cover all of your costs with your Platinum Card (such as bills, (yes, you can pay bills with your card), gas, supermarket, and ALL shopping expenses. and be sure to transfer your balances from your other credit cards.), and you can have your very own Centurion Card in two years! You just contact American Express Platinum Customer Services, and ask them to be connected to the Centurion line.