The Black Card | Centurion Card | Visa Black Card | Luxury Credit Cards

American Express Black Card / Centurion Card Requirements

AS OF OCTOBER 2009 AMERICAN EXPRESS HAS MADE THE CENTURION CARD INVITATION ONLY, THIS INFORMATION IS NOW INVALID.

Many rumors and poor facts exist on Centurion Card Requirements, but it is really this:

• Have a good credit score and history (necessary for Platinum Card Also)
• Have been an existing American Express Platinum cardholder for a minimum of 1 year
• Spend $250,000 USD on American Express Personal Cards within a rolling 12-month period

Note:

• The Centurion Card as well as the Platinum Card are no longer “invitation only“

The Centurion Card has a credit limit based on personal finance profile (assets, spending habits, etc)

1. Takes personal service to new heights, strives to provide you with access like you’ve never experienced before and unparalleled privileges in abundance.
2. As a Centurion member, you’ll find that just one phone calll will summon the connections and expertise of service professionals, Seek, and Centurion Service will do their utmost to find.
3. Centurion Concierge can help source and secure whatever it is you seek.
4. As a Centurion member you have access to professional assistance every minute of the day, every day of the year. Our team of consultants are available to assist you with any request.
5. Centurion travel from Amex Canada Inc.
6. Centurion website: Visit the exclusive Centurion Website to stay up to date. It gives you access to the very latest Centurion privileges, service and unique offers, whenever you need them.
7. Centurion Travel can exert its influence on your behalf – securing your arrangements whenever possible even when a property is otherwise fully booked.
8 Complimentary access to airport lounges around the world, including complimentary Air Canada Maple Leaf Club Worldwide, which opens the doors to more than 235 lounges around the world including all Star Alliance member airline business lounges. Centurion membership also entitles you to access American Airlines Admirals Clubs, Continental Airlines Presidents Club, Delta Crown Room Club, Northwest Airlines, Servisair Executive, Plaza Premium, and also give you complimentary access to Priority Pass Lounges opening doors to over 450 airport lounges worldwide.
9. Hotel Privileges, complimentary room upgrade at check-in, complimentary continental breakfast and additioanl special amenities at over 600 of the worlds most glorious properties in exquisite locations. Including Raffles Hotels and Resorts, Ritz-Carlton Hotels, Mandarin Oriental to name just a few. Also gives room upgrade at reservation to more than 440 boutique hotels around the world.
Centurion members receive complimentary Elite Statu memberships such as Fairmont Presidents Club Platinum , Starwood Preferred Gold, Hilton HHonours, Relais and Chateaux and Club 5C, and InterContintal Hotels Group.
10. As a centurion member you can take advantage of the International Airline Program, that offers you complimentary companion tickets, complimentary upgrades, special class fares, or discounted fares on some of the worlds finest airlines to destinations around the world. Airlines include Air Canada, Air France, and Continental to name a few. Private Jet Services can be arranged.
11. Cruise Privileges, Access premium benefits such as onboard privileges and shipboard credits on some of the worlds best cruise liners such as Silversea Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and more.
12. Complimentary Avis President Club and Hertz #1 Club Gold Membership, and Elite Rent a Car benfefits.
13. Centurion Concierge can help secure tickets to shows you want, the Centurion network has been known to help create once in a lifetime opportunities for some of the worlds biggest fans to actually meet some of the worlds biggest bands.
13. Centurion Dining, There tables reserved every day for Cardmembers for many of the finest restaurants across the country.
14. Shop VIP, your enjoy special shopping privileges at some of the finest retails spots around the world and right here in Canada. These benefits may include personal shopping services, extended shopping hours, complimentary alterations, gift wrapping, and much more, partners include Harry Rosen, Saks Fifth Avenue and many more.
15. As a Centurion member you’ll be invited to our most exclusive events, from evenings with celebrated figures, luxury retails, or sporting events.
16. A special rewards offering, for redeeming your points from the most lavish to the most everyday rewards. Redeem your points for an exceptional selection of travel and lifestyle rewards.
17. You earn 1.25 membership points for every dollar you charge to your Card. Your automatically enrolled in this top Tier of the membership rewards program, gives you access to our entire catalogue of rewards including an array of prmium brands and experiences.
18. Travel Insurance Benefits.
19. Retail Protection, that extended warranties, and coverage for damaged and stolen purchases.
20. Emergency Assistance, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

A recent Travelodge report from 2008 have suggested that UK Hotel Guests has been leaving behind some, strange but luxurious items: A horse, a Diamond Rolex watch, a set of World War II medals, a Wedding Dress, and an AMEX Black Card.

Topping the UK wide Travelodge list was a Centurion Card, also known as the American Express Black Card, which is the most exclusive credit card in the world with an annual fee of £1,800. The rich owner of the card stayed in the Heathrow Central Travelodge and jetted off without it.

And it wasn’t the only symbol of wealth that was misplaced in the budget chain, the well off also left behind keys to a Porche 911, a set of Maruman golf clubs and a diamond Rolex watch.

Full article here

Umm, Oooops!

Originally rumor and urban myth, the American Express CENTURION CARD came to be in 1999 (see the original AMEX press release). “There had been rumors going around that we had this ultra-exclusive black card for elite customers,” says Doug Smith, director of American Express Europe. “It wasn’t true, but we decided to capitalize on the idea anyway. So far we’ve had a customer buy a Bentley and another charter a jet.”

So, although the urban myth and legend referred to the card as the “Black Card” American Express decided to call it the “Centurion Card” named after their private bank, and trademark that instead; The challenge for AMEX is now, however, that they left themselves open by not also trademarking the term “Black Card“, despite the fact that the American Express Centurion Card is ubiquitously known in popular culture as the “Black Card” or Black AMEX, and less so the “Centurion Card”.

Visa readily tells those applying for the card that the “Black Card is not for everyone”, apparently, they mean American Express as well. You can check out patents filed for “Black Card”  and “Centurion Card” on the United States Patent Office Site.

It doesn’t matter legally, that the cards don’t really compare in terms of exclusivity or benefits because Black Card, LLC, Barclays and Visa currently do own the trademark “Black Card”. Maybe we will see a new Black Card for Dummies Guide targeted at the Visa’s Black Card instead?

http://www.americanexpress.com/centurion

American Express Company (AXP) – Funny bloopers are a click away

American Express Centurion Card Frequently Asked Questions

What is the black card?

The black card is a high end credit card available from American Express similar to the Platinum card, however, it has extended special benefits (see the benefits guide).

Did the card start out as a rumor?

Yes, the card began as an urban myth. “It wasn’t true, but we decided to capitalize on the idea anyway,” according to AmEx Europe director Doug Smith, see how-to-guide history section.

Is it true that the card is made out of titanium?

Yes, Initially the card was made out of plastic, in limited areas in Europe in 2004, and wider adoption in 2006 American Express replaced cardholders cards in the US with a titanium version.

Does the titanium version go off in metal detectors at airports?

No, the card does not typically set off airport metal detectors.

Is it true that there is no limit?

No, there is a limit set based on cardholder account history, credit history, and cardholder assets.

When are payments due?

Payments are due at the end of every month like a normal American Express Green, Gold, or Platinum card. It is not a “normal charge card” that allows payment over time.

How do I get one?

In short, if you are not a famous or some sort of icon, you need to have an American Express Platinum Card for 1 year, and spend 250,000 in a rolling 12 month period. See our how to guide for more detail.*****As of October 2009 the Centurion Card is Invitation Only.

What are the fees?

In the US, $5,000 initiation fee, $2,500 annual membership fee, $1,500 per additional card member fee. That means that $7,500 is due in the first billing cycle after first receiving the card.

Can I keep my American Express platinum card for free?

Not in the US currently, if you want to keep your platinum card you will need to pay that membership fee as well, this is waived in certain parts of Europe.

Can I upgrade my platinum card account to centurion card from a Credit Report perspective?

No, you will receive a new card number and entry on your credit report, even though your Platinum card can be upgraded.

Can I keep my credit card number when upgrading from Green to Gold to Platinum?

Yes, you can maintain the same American Express card number when upgrading from Green -> Gold, Gold -> Platinum, or Green -> Platinum.

Can I keep my credit card number when upgrading to Centurion?

No, you will be assigned a new credit card number (notice the typical 37xx sequence).

Is it true the Centurion card can be declined?

Yes. Popular culture has you believe sky is the limit with this card, but just like any other credit card, it can be declined for a number of reasons, including security, non-payment, overages over normal spending habits.

Will I be upgraded when I check into a hotel and just show my card?

Typically not, despite what some may allege. There may be exceptions to the rule, but although the card carries significant status, the benefits come from the programs provided in the membership, see the benefits guide.

What about getting into Clubs, VIP Access and Bottle Service?

The card carries heavy status in the US, usually more so on the west coast in places like LA and Las Vegas, but less so on the east coast in places like NY (see NY Centurion Card Member favorites); This being said, the Centurion Concierge may be able to help you get into places otherwise off-limits, however, don’t expect this experience to be free. Also don’t expect that you will be able to flash you card and get in, you should simply expect that you will get what you pay for, and the card tells Club and Bar owners that you are willing to pay for a lot.

Many have said that American Express is working to generally improve the benefits of being a Centurion Card Member as many of it’s younger clients are seeking this sort of card amenity

What about Restaurants?

Similar to getting into Clubs, VIP Access, you should not expect special attention beyond what the Centurion Concierge can provide. The Centurion Concierge may be able to help you secure a reservation at an exclusive restaurant, have the general manager greet you and your party, but there is nothing particularily extraordinary here.

What are the travel benefits like?

Often claim the best benefit of being a Centurion Card member are it’s travel benefits, most notably the airline and hotel elite status. This is due to the fact that Centurion Card Members receive complimentary and automatic elite membership/status in multiple airline and hotel programs, see the benefits guide for specific detail.

Will I be upgraded to first class?

It is likely that if you travel enough, you will be bumped as a result of having elite status on the airlines (Continental, US Air, Delta, and Virgin). You will also accumulate miles faster as following the typical rules for elite status on airlines.

Can I charter a private jet on my card?

Yes, but be ready to pay that balance in 30 days.

What celebrities have this card?

You can be assured that most celebrities with an American Express would have access to this card if need be, however, you may check our known cardholder page for more info.

Is there a card above the American Express Centurion card?

American Express Centurion card is currently the highest card available from American Express. There are cards issued by other banks under Visa and Mastercard (see alternate cards) that in certain cases require substantially more in assets (Sotheby’s world Mastercard requires 2 Million in assets), however, do not carry the same universal recognition. In second place for recognition and status is likely the “White Visa” or Stratus Rewards Visa.

Where’s the card reference in popular culture?

Check out our “In Culture” section, which aggregates sources on references to the Centurion Card in Media and Entertainment.

Anything questions we are missing or you’d like answered? Please feel free to comment/ask our team.

Introduced circa 2006, via American Express and DBS Bank in Hong Kong, this card seeks to capitalize on “black card branding”.The card itself requries a minimum annual income of S$48,000. Benefits most notably, include lifetime 2x point accrual rate and 4x accrual rate for “luxury spending” , American Express Travel Offices, American Express Selects (travel, leisure, dining, and shopping discounts).

The switch to titanium was first made when the Centurion card was introduced in France, Italy, Spain, The Netherlands, Sweden in 2004. Later the Centurion card was introduced in the US

Original Centurion Card (Black AMEX)

Titanium Version

Original Centurion Card vs. Centurion

AMERICAN EXPRESS INTRODUCES THE CENTURION CARD

Black Card Sets New Standard For Premium Service With Free Upgrades on British Airways Concorde^? and Enrollment in Elite Airline Frequent-Flier Programs

---

NEW YORK, October 14, 1999 — American Express today announced the introduction of the Centurion^TM Card. The Centurion Card will be offered by invitation only to selected Platinum Card^? members.

The black-colored Centurion Card offers customized personal service to help ease the busy and demanding lifestyles of cardmembers. It has been designed for individuals who travel frequently, entertain often and value single points of contact for service.

“We created the Centurion Card in response to customer research that identified a small but affluent group of cardmembers for whom individual attention and access to previously unavailable elite travel benefits was of great interest,” said James Bush, senior vice president of Consumer Marketing at American Express. “Many of our prospective cardmembers are already frequent travelers receiving elite benefits on one airline. The Centurion Card is the only product on the market that can grant them elite status on four airlines, and much more.”

The introduction of the Centurion Card is part of a broader American Express strategy to introduce a wider array of card products to specific market segments.

“Our company’s innovation includes the creation of the world’s first Travelers Cheque more than 100 years ago, and has continued with unique services for the Personal Card and the invention of the first Gold and Platinum Cards,” added Bush. “With the Centurion Card, we’ve again set the standard — raising the bar in the premium card category.”

Centurion Card Benefits

The card provides customers with all the benefits and rewards they received with their Platinum Card, plus numerous additional travel, lifestyle and financial services benefits, including:

Elite Travel Benefits

Centurion members are eligible for upgrades and enrollment in the elite tiers of several airline frequent flier, hotel guest and car rental programs, without the rigorous mileage requirements usually needed to join. Examples include:

• Upgrades to the Concorde at no additional cost with the purchase of a full-fare, first-class transatlantic ticket to or from London and any British Airways gateway in the United States.

• Complimentary upgrades, dedicated check-in, priority boarding and mileage earning at an accelerated rate via complimentary enrollment in the Continental Airlines^? OnePass^? Gold Elite Program, Delta Air Lines Gold Medallion? program, TWA Aviators Elite 1 program and US Airways Dividend Miles^? Preferred Plus^SM.

• Complimentary access to the airport clubs of Continental, Northwest and TWA airlines when flying those airlines.

• Room upgrades, late checkout, complimentary use of fitness centers and other benefits through enrollment in Starwood Gold Preferred Guest program, Gold VIP membership in the Hilton HHonors? program, Diamond membership in the Hyatt Gold Passport program and membership in the Inter-Continetal Six Continents Club.

• Confirmed room upgrades when available, at Ritz-Carlton and select Four Seasons properties around the world and more than 330 other fine hotels, resorts and spas.

• Complimentary international cellular phones, which will be delivered directly to Centurion Cardmembers, who pay only the cost of the calls.

Personal Assistance

• Each cardmember will be assigned a personal travel counselor to handle all travel needs, and their own concierge to help with anything from special occasion planning and selecting ideal gifts, to locating unusual items.

Retail Privileges

• Special privileges will be extended to Centurion members at Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, including personal shopper services, invitations to exclusive events, free consultation for restyling of precious jewelry (Neiman Marcus) and private shopping hours (Saks.)

Rewards

• Fee-free enrollment in Membership Rewards Plus^SM, the premium level of the Membership Rewards^? program. This includes redemption of points for travel on any airline anywhere in the world, and for purchases charged on the American Express Card.

• Fifty-percent Membership Rewards point bonus on all charges made with a Centurion Card at our Centurion partners. These partners include Delta Air Lines, Continental Airlines, TWA, British Airways, Hilton Hotels, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and others.

Financial

• Complimentary two-hour consultation with Provident Financial Management, a subsidiary of American Express Tax and Business Services, which specializes in planning for high-net-worth individuals, including industry leaders and celebrities.

• A 25 percent reduction in the management fee for investments and a reduced minimum investment requirement at Portfolio Management Group, a division of American Express Asset Management Group at American Express Financial Advisors.

American Express is a diversified worldwide travel, financial and network services company founded in 1850. It is a world leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, financial planning, investment products, insurance and international banking.