Officially called American Express Centurion Black Card, Amex Black Card is one of the most exclusive charge cards ever. Why exclusive? Because you can’t apply for it. The only opportunity to have one is if you get invited and you accept the invitation.
Now you might ask, if the Black card is so prestigious, why would someone decline to have one? Well, if you don’t mind paying for the initiation fee of $7,500 and the annual fee of $2,500, sure go ahead, take it. And make sure to spend, rumor has it, around $350,000-$500,000 annually in a calendar year across all your Amex cards to get invited, and maintain enjoying this titanium card (yup! not a plastic one that you and I have).
Is it worth the annual fee?
With its $10,000 annual fee with no sign-up bonus, is it worth having one? The actual benefits of the Amex Black Card are shrouded with mystery which adds to the mystique of the card, but no fret, we made some digging and found some actual benefits of the card as reported by existing users.
If you’re a frequent traveler and want to be rewarded for your flights and other travel expenses, Amex Platinum seems to be a better choice giving 5x points on airfares purchased directly with the airline and prepaid hotel stay booked through American Express Travel. The Black card doesn’t offer this although you’ll earn 1x Membership Rewards point per dollar spent, which is equivalent to 2 cents more or less.
The Amex Black Card is enticing for users who’s after lifestyle and luxury-experience perks. A Black cardholder will automatically become a Marriott Bonvoy Gold status member, Hilton Honors Diamond member, IHG Platinum Elite status member, and enjoy many hotel programs that give complimentary room upgrades, late check-out, transfers, and other special amenities offered to the Platinum and Centurion cardholders. Users can also enjoy airport lounge access, complimentary flight upgrades, complimentary Priority Pass, and many other exclusives offer for dining, events, and shopping.
Most of all, based on the account of Amex Centurion Black Cardholders, the greatest perk is having a personal Centurion concierge who can do things for the cardholder (as long as it’s legal, of course). From buying flowers, to getting you a concert ticket, and to evacuating you from a country – it’s like having a super reliable personal assistant who, at the same time, can get you to these VIP, exclusive parties and events.
The Centurion card is one of the most coveted travel cards one can have and it offers more premium rewards than many other credit cards. Many of us will never get to decide if we want one or not which adds to the card’s elusive and mysterious appeal. If you get invited though, the Black card should be considered for bragging rights of being a member of the “Black card club”.
As an alternative, the Platinum Card from American Express is also a great choice that offers the same benefit as the Black card except for the Delta Platinum Medallion Status, plus the annual fee is just $550.