Highlights

• You get 1 Membership Rewards point per dollar on all eligible purchases
• Automatic, complimentary elite status with some of the world’s leading hotel brands, including IHG Platinum Elite, Hilton Honors Diamond and Marriott Bonvoy Gold
• Automatic access to elite status with Delta Air Lines. The card gives the holder complimentary Delta SkyMiles Platinum Medallion status, which includes priority check-in and boarding, upgrades, priority waitlisting and enhanced mileage earnings
• You also get access to the Global Lounge Collection. That’s access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, including flagship locations through The Centurion® Network, which includes Centurion Lounges and Escape Lounges – The Centurion® Studio Partner (other lounges include the International American Express Lounges and the Delta Sky Club lounges)
• Invitation to exclusive Hertz Platinum status and Avis President’s Club, which are highest elite status levels for both car rental companies
• VIP airport arrival services: at 32 major airports, save time by letting Amex handle your arrival details
• A free Equinox gym membership, valued at about a $250 to $300 initiation fee, plus $175 per month for classes
• 24/7 concierge service

Introduction

You might be familiar with the American Express Black card, but you likely haven’t come across its official name, which is the Centurion Card® from American Express. This card is the most luxurious among Amex cards, offering numerous benefits such as unrestricted spending, complimentary companion tickets for specific airlines’ full business or first class international fares, and access to airport lounges.

This card is also a charge card, intended for individuals who can afford to pay off their purchases in full each billing cycle; it does not allow for carrying a balance. Cardholders have used it to purchase art and luxury cars, and there are rumors that someone even bought a plane with it. It eliminates the need to carry large sums of money in a suitcase or to contact a personal banker to transfer funds.

Obtaining one of these cards requires meeting very demanding criteria, including a high credit score, substantial earnings, and significant spending—well above average. Reports suggest that the minimum annual spending ranges from $250,000 to $500,000 USD. Additionally, applicants are expected to have spent between $100,000 and $450,000 USD annually on another American Express card before being eligible for this particular card. However, these figures are based on online data as American Express has not disclosed official requirements.

Next, we have the charges, and they are quite high. The typical credit card does not come with an initiation fee, but this one, similar to numerous high-level credit cards, does, and it can vary from $7,000 to $10,000. Additionally, there is the yearly membership fee of $2,500 (all fees in USD).

The American Express card is a prestigious and luxurious item that comes with exclusive perks and benefits. However, the earn rate on Membership Rewards is not very impressive, so it may not be worth it for everyone. This card is targeted towards those who can afford to carry it and enjoy the status and advantages that come with it. Despite the relatively low earn rate, this card remains a popular choice for many high net worth individuals due to its reputation and unique offerings.

Quick Facts

• Crafted from titanium
• No spending limits
• Tons of travel perks
• High fees
• Invite-only

Amex Black Card Rewards

If you have gone through the trouble of obtaining a particular card, it would be wise to use it as your primary card. However, it is also advisable to have a Visa or Mastercard for cases where American Express cards are not accepted. It is important to note that while American Express is widely accepted in many countries, there may still be instances where other payment options are preferred. Therefore, having multiple card options can ensure that you can make purchases without any hassle.

However, the rate at which rewards are earned on purchases is not impressive. There are no bonus categories for purchases that allow you to earn more points. Membership Rewards are not the primary advantage of having this card, and it is not worth paying the high annual fee if you are a points collector.

The card in question is highly sought after due to the additional advantages and privileges it provides its owner. Many individuals aspire to attain this status, which comes with a range of perks that are often unavailable to the general public. It is important to note, however, that the criteria for obtaining this card may vary depending on the issuing authority and eligibility requirements.

Earning Rewards

Although this credit card offers one point for every dollar spent, it is not the only card with this earning ratio. The reward earnings are not a standout feature of this card and should not be the primary reason to obtain it. However, this card might still be worth considering if it has other benefits such as low interest rates, no annual fees, or exclusive perks like airport lounge access or travel insurance. Ultimately, when choosing a credit card, it is important to evaluate all the features and benefits to ensure that it aligns with your financial goals and lifestyle needs.

While American Express cards are widely accepted in many places, it’s important to keep in mind that they may not be accepted everywhere. Smaller businesses and merchants may not accept American Express due to the higher fees associated with processing the transactions. It’s always a good idea to have a backup payment method when traveling or making purchases to avoid any inconvenience if your card is not accepted.

Redeeming Rewards

American Express points offer great flexibility, as they can be utilized for booking travel directly on the American Express Travel site, or transferred to Amex travel partners such as Delta Air Lines, Marriott Bonvoy, and other leading international airlines and hotel chains.

In addition to its other benefits, American Express (Amex) cardholders can also take advantage of transfer bonuses periodically offered by the company. These bonuses allow you to get more value for your points, meaning that you can redeem them for a higher amount than usual. By keeping an eye out for these promotions and strategically timing your point transfers, you can maximize the value of your rewards and make the most out of your Amex membership.

The Centurion Card® from American Express provides a 50% refund on airfares bought with its Membership Rewards points, resulting in a 2 cents per dollar return rate, which is superior to other Amex cards. For the business version of the card, points earned on transactions over $5,000 are valued at an effective 3% back when redeemed with the rebate, a feature not available with the personal card.

Redeem points for travel, retail, and restaurant gift cards, as well as for shopping on Amazon. The rates and values depend on the retailer, typically ranging from 0.5 to one cent per Membership Reward point. Based on the points value, it is recommended to use points for travel.

Rewards Potential

The card being referred to has no spending limit, and for every dollar spent, the user earns one point. This means that if a user spends $500,000 on the card, they will earn 500,000 points. With this many points, it is possible to fly several times roundtrip from North America to either Europe or Asia in first or business class. The rewards offered by such cards can be incredibly valuable and make them an attractive option for frequent travelers looking to save money on flights and other expenses.

Amex Black Card Benefits

• Automatic, complimentary access to elite level status with some of the world’s leading hotel brands, including IHG Platinum Elite, Hilton Honors Diamond and Marriott Bonvoy Gold.
• Automatic access to elite status with Delta Air Lines. The card gives the holder complimentary Delta SkyMiles Platinum Medallion status, which includes priority check-in and boarding, upgrades, priority waitlisting and enhanced mileage earnings.
• Access to the Global Lounge Collection. That’s access to more than 1,400+ airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, including flagship locations through The Centurion® Network which includes Centurion Lounges and Escape Lounges- The Centurion® Studio Partner (and yes, that is their full name) and other lounges including the International American Express Lounges and the Delta Sky Club lounges.
• Invitation to the exclusive Hertz Platinum status and Avis President’s Club, which entitle you to your choice of rental car, complimentary rentals and more top of the line service from both companies.

Fine Print

Interest Rates

• Regular APR: See terms
• Cash Advance APR: N/A
• Balance Transfer APR: Unknown

Fees

• Cash Advance Fee: N/A
• Balance Transfer Fee: See terms
• Foreign Transaction Fee: None
• Annual Fee: $5,000
• Any Other Fees: $2,500 to add two additional users

How the Amex Black Card Stacks Up

While it may be challenging to compare cards meant for a small, exclusive group of individuals, there are some cards that share similarities with the one in question. The HSBC Metal World Elite Mastercard is a high-end card that offers perks such as travel insurance, airport lounge access, and concierge services. The J.P. Morgan Reserve Card provides exclusive benefits like personal shopping experiences, private jet travel, and 24/7 dedicated service. Similarly, the Coutts Silk Card offers personalized travel services and unique experiences while also supporting charitable causes. Lastly, the Mastercard Black Card provides access to luxury hotels and resorts worldwide, as well as 24/7 concierge service. While all these cards offer premium perks and services, the best choice depends on individual needs and preferences.

The credit cards mentioned earlier have several benefits, including lower annual fees, fewer spending requirements, and better rewards. However, the Centurion® Card from American Express offers more than just these perks. It provides an ecosystem of travel services, concierge service, and exclusive events that can be very appealing to cardholders. This card is perfect for those who want to enjoy luxurious experiences and personalized services that go beyond traditional credit card offerings. For elite travellers who value exclusivity and exceptional customer service, the Centurion® Card is definitely worth considering.

Centurion® Card from American Express* vs. HSBC Metal World Elite Mastercard

While the HSBC World Elite Mastercard provides several travel benefits, it does not offer as many perks as the Centurion. Although both cards do not offer a welcome bonus, the HSBC Metal World Elite Mastercard offers more rewards than 1 point per dollar spent across all categories compared to Centurion. This means that consumers can earn more rewards for their spending with the HSBC card. However, it is important to consider other factors such as annual fees and eligibility criteria before deciding which card is best suited for your needs.

The card offers 6 points for every dollar spent on eligible travel purchases, 4 points for every dollar spent on eligible drugstore, gas, and grocery purchases, and 2 points for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases. These points can be used for the following rewards.

• Travel
• Gift cards and valuable merchandise
• Financial rewards
• Rewards for miles

The annual fee is $499, but HSBC Private Clients receive a full rebate, saving money compared to the Centurion Card. Additionally, you receive a $200 travel credit annually and extensive travel and medical insurance coverage, which is not confirmed with the Centurion Card.

In general, it is a decent travel card for frequent travelers and is considerably less expensive than the Centurion Card. Nevertheless, it does not offer the same extensive range of benefits and privileges that come with the Centurion Card, provided you receive an invitation.

Centurion® Card from American Express* vs. The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card offers similar benefits to the Centurion Black Card, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to work their way up to the top tier. With The Platinum Card, you can enjoy perks such as airport lounge access, travel credits, and concierge services. It also provides exclusive discounts and upgrades at luxury hotels worldwide. Moreover, it comes with a suite of travel insurance coverages that can give you peace of mind when you’re on the go. If you’re looking to take your credit card game to the next level, The Platinum Card is a great place to start.

The annual fee for the personal version of The Platinum Card is notably reduced to $799 CAD. Similar to The Centurion Black Card, it does not have a pre-set spending limit. Additionally, the annual fee for each extra Platinum Card is just $250, while the first two additional Gold Cards have no annual fee, and any additional Gold Cards incur a $50 annual fee. These fees are evidently much lower than those of the Centurion Black Card.

The Platinum Card from American Express is a popular credit card that offers lucrative rewards for its users. Cardholders can earn 2 points for every dollar spent on dining, food delivery, and travel-related expenses. Additionally, they can earn 1 point for every dollar spent on other categories. This generous rewards program makes it an excellent choice for individuals who frequently dine out or travel. Furthermore, the card provides numerous other benefits such as airport lounge access, concierge service, and travel insurance that add value to the overall package.

Centurion® Card from American Express* vs. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

The business version of the card offers a generous welcome bonus of 80,000 Membership Rewards® points when you charge $15,000 in net purchases within the first three months of opening your account. Additionally, you can earn another 40,000 points by making a purchase between 14 to 17 months after you’ve opened your account. The card also offers a reward system in which you can earn 1.25 points for every dollar spent on any purchase. These benefits make this card a great option for businesses looking to maximize their rewards while making everyday purchases.

The American Express Global Lounge Collection provides access to over 1,300 airport lounges in more than 140 countries. Although this is 100 fewer lounges compared to the Centurion card, it still offers an extensive network of lounges for travelers to enjoy. Access to these lounges is a valuable perk for American Express cardholders and can make traveling more comfortable and enjoyable. The Global Lounge Collection includes a variety of lounge types, from basic facilities to luxurious spaces with amenities such as showers, spa treatments, and gourmet food options.

The Business Platinum Card from American Express is a superior choice for entrepreneurs, as it offers comparable travel benefits to the Centurion Black but at a more affordable annual fee of $799. This credit card provides access to exclusive perks such as airport lounge access, airline fee credits, and elite status with various hotel chains. By using this card for business expenses, you can earn reward points that can be redeemed for travel-related purchases or transferred to various airline and hotel loyalty programs. Overall, The Business Platinum Card from American Express is an excellent option for business owners who frequently travel and want to enjoy premium travel perks without breaking the bank.

13 Best Airline Credit Cards

Best Travel Credit Cards