American Express Black Card

From LoveToKnow Creditcards

American Express has a variety of credit cards.

For many years, people whispered about an American Express Black Card that was offered to the most affluent and powerful people throughout the world. Some say that the urban legend inspired American Express to create the Black Card in 1999. Others insist that it already secretly existed and that the company merely publicized its reality.

American Express has a variety of credit cards.

In August 2006, it was difficult to avoid hearing about Britney Spears giving her American Express Black Card to husband Kevin Federline. On an episode of the television show Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip the chairman of the fictional NBS waved one while bragging that he could use it to post a $1 million bail.

Actually American Express doesn’t call it the Black Card. It is named after the company’s logo the Centurion®.

Obtaining the American Express Centurion® Card

Usually credit card companies bombard potential customers with opportunities to apply for one of their cards. The American Express Centurion® Card is different. Part of the exclusive cachet of owning a Centurion® is that these cardholders must wait for an invitation.

Invitees must have an American Express Platinum card for at least one year. They are required to spend a minimum of $250,000 during that year and pay their monthly balance in a timely manner. Monthly charges should include frequent high-end travel, a fondness for luxurious entertainment, purchases at the finest shops and an affinity for attending notable leisure activities. Additionally, their personal finances must be impeccable and their assets sufficient to repay vast amounts of money.

As an added bonus for the $2,500 annual fee, the newest American Express Black Cards are made of titanium.

What Kind of People Carry the Black Card?

The Black Card is reserved for the wealthiest and most privileged. Members of this mysterious group pursue unique access to extraordinary experiences.

They travel often and stay at luxurious resorts. They are offered tickets to sold-out shows, games, and concerts. Arriving at events in chauffeured limousines, they receive advance seating in the finest sections. Owners of an American Express Black Card can obtain nearly anything that they desire by calling their personally assigned concierge.

Benefits of the American Express Black Card (Centurion®)

As of this writing, some of the advantages of this fashionable status symbol include:

Airlines
- Chartered jets available
- Complimentary upgrades at Continental, Delta, and US Airways
- Dedicated check-in
- Extra mileage earnings
- Priority boarding

Communication
- Direct line to a private concierge
- Complimentary international traveler cell phones for which they are only charged the cost of calls

Cruises
- Invitations to participate in celebrity cruises
- Special deals on luxury cruises

Hotels
- Free upgrades at many of the world’s finest accommodations
- Free one-night stays at select Mandarin Oriental Hotels

Insurance
- Protection plan for canceled events or missed due to emergency
- Roadside assistance worldwide

Magazine
- Quarterly magazine created to reflect the interests of this small group

Membership Rewards:
- Points are offered for particular purchases and redeemable for amazing awards
- Cardholders benefit from shopping in stores such as
  - Bergdorf Goodman
  - Chopard
  - Davidoff
  - Gucci
  - Neiman Marcus
  - Piaget
  - Saks Fifth Avenue

Private Clubs
- Access to first class airline lounges

Shopping
- Personal shoppers
- Invitations to exclusive events
- After hour’s access to select stores

Warranties
- Extended warranty coverage on items purchased with the Centurion® card.

Is The Centurion® Card Worth The Price?

Holders of the American Express Platinum card pay a significantly lower annual fee; however, they have access to many of the same benefits.

Is it the best credit card? Those privileged to receive an invitation must decide if the $2,500 annual fee is worth the prestige of carrying an American Express Black Card.

Important Note

The information in this article refers to Centurion® (Black Cards) issued in the United States. Benefits and requirements may vary among cards issued in other countries.

American Express does not publish details about the number of Centurion® cardholders, or specifics about their selection process. Information here is gathered from press releases, interviews conducted elsewhere, and data provided by Centurion® cardholders.

Written by Pamela Lach

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