American Express Black Centurion Card - Value or Ultimate Status Symbol
by Mr Credit CardAbout while ago, John Chow posted an article The Ultimate Bling Bling - Black Centurion Card on his Make Money Online Blogwhere he posted a photo of his friends American Express Centurion Card. I got in touch with John Chow and he was kind enough to introduce me to his friend Tyler Dikman, the holder of the American Express Black Card and who currently is with Cooltronics. I got on the phone with Tyler and spent one and a half hours with him. He gave me all the details of the Centurion Card. I normally “review credit cards” in a certain format. However, I do not think that I can really call this a review because firstly, the details of this card is only available for those who have the card (with a special password to access American Express website). Secondly, given that I do not have the card, it is really hard to put a value judgement, especially when the annual fee is $2,500. But without wasting any more time (or space), let’s get down to the details of this card.
Firstly, we have to point out that like the American Express Green, Gold and Platinum Card, the Centurion’s Card reward program is based on the membership rewards program. But this card obviously comes with tons of extra perks. So here is the long list :
Travel Perks
Gold Status for Delta, Continental and US Airways
Centurion cardholders qualify for Gold status for Delta Skymiles, Continental Onepass and US Airways Dividend Miles program automatically without having to fly the required miles or number of flights. Gold status brings its perks like check in at First Class counters, double miles when you fly, free upgrades.
New : Gold Elite Status with Virgin Atlantic Airways
Centurion has just announced that cardholders will now automatically qualify for Gold Status in the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club program. Being a Gold member allows you to earn 50% extra Virgin miles and other extra perks. Secondary cardholders also get this benefit.
Centurion Airport Lounge
Cardholders can also access Continental’s Presidents Lounge, Delta Crown Room Club and NorthWest Airlines World Club when you are flying on their airlines. You also get access to Priority Pass Lounges regardless of which airlines you fly. Priority Pass has over 450 airport lounges worldwide.
Elite Car Rental Program
Complimentary memberships are available to centurion holders for both Avis and Hertz.
Elite Hotel Status
The elite status available to centurion members has been the latest controvesy among cardholders. When the centurion card was first marketed, cardholders automatically qualified as Diamond (Elite) status for Hyatt, Gold Status (mid-tier) for Hilton HHonors program, Platinum status for Starwood Preferred Guest Program, and also elite status for Intercontinental Hotels and Resorts.
The perk that was coveted by centurion members was the Platinum Status of the Starwood Preferred Guest program. That was because Starwood has probably the best hotel frequent guest program with no blackout dates and suite upgrades for platinum members. Centurion cardholders often sited the room upgrades from Starwood Hotels essentially cover the cost of the card. Starwood also allows members to transfer points into airmiles at very favorable terms.
However, there has been some changes (or rather reduction) to the elite status perks that cardholders now get that has infuriated many centurion members. Firstly, Hyatt is no longer a partner with the centurion program. Hence, cardholders no longer get Gold status membership with Hyatt. But the most important changes are that from February 2007, centurion cardholders will no longer be automatically qualified for platinum status for the Starwood Preferred Gues Program. Instead, they now only qualify for gold status. Gold status can be easily gotten just by having a Starwood Preferred Guest credit card and just charging it in one calendar year. It is harder to get room upgrades and many centurion members are upset about this.
Fine Resorts and Hotel Program
Centurion has over 550 hotel partners around the world. When you make a reservations through centurion travel service, you will receive room upgrades at check-in when available, continental breakast for two, guaranteed 4pm late checkout and complimentary amenities depending on the hotel property.
But the most important perks under this program comes from the Mandarin Oriental and Ritz Carlton. When you book a room at the Ritz Carlton, you will get a room upgrade at the time of your reservations and you will also get a $50 spending credit. For any reservations at the Mandarin Oriental, you will get a room upgrade upon reservation and also another room upgrade at check-in (ie 2 upgrades). You will also receive from centurion a “Buy One Get One Free Night” coupon for each and every Mandarin Oriental Properties (except Mandarin NY). So, if you travel a lot and stay at the Mandarin Oriental, you will get a fantastic deal for each Mandarin Hotel that you stay in.
New : Relais & Chateaux Club 5C
Centurion has also just announced that cardholders can enroll in the Relais & Chateaux Club 5C program without fulfilling the standard spend and stay requirements. But firstly, what is Relais & Chateaux? It is an association of 460 independent luxury hotels and restaurants with an average capacity of 30 rooms in 51 countries in 5 continents. Their properties are known for their charm, exclusivity and great culnery experience. Relais Gourmands, which is a group within the association, consists of the world’s finest dining establishments.
The Club 5C is Relais & Chateaux royalty program. Its main benefits are the VIP Welcome and Discovery Privilege. The VIP Welcome is a special welcome from the staff of the property. The Discovery Privilege is a customize experience prepared for members during their stay. It includes thngs like a perfume customized specially for you, behind-the-scenes tour of the kitchen, fine wine tasting, and sybaritic spa treatment.
Annual Travel Benefit
Centurion cardholders will get a $100 statement credit when they book a qualifying vacation package with Centurion Travel service. This benefit can also be combined with other centurion travel benefits like the Cruise Privileges Amenities and Centurion Destination Vacations. This benefit is also available to Platinum Cardholders.
Centurion Cruise Privileges and Centurion Destination Vacations
Cruise privileges simply mean you will get a $500 shipboard credit when you book a cruise through Centurion Travel service. You can also earn up to 50,000 membership reward points when you book a one-of-a-kind taylored vacation through centurion travel to one of their exclusive resorts.
Baggage Insurance
If you book your travel tickets using your centurion card, you have up to $1,250 in baggage insurance for your carry-on luggage and $500 in checked-in luggage in addition to the insurance provided by the carrier. Tyler found this feature very helpful as he has had a few experience where he had a couple of damaged items on board a plane with his carry-on bags. American Express promptly reimbursed him the amount to replace his damaged items.
New : Domestic Companion Airfare Program
Both the Platinum and Centurion Card have just announced a new domestic companion airfare program. Under this program, you can get a free companion airfare when you use your centurion card to buy a ticket (which cost at least $299) on any of the big six carriers. You can request up to four complimentary tickets a year. You have to book through Airlines Promotion South Inc (API) and you have to meet a few restrictions. These include :
1. Ticket having to be roundtrips (multi-city, one-way and open jaw does not count)
2. 7 days advance booking
3. Saturday night or 2-night midweek stay.
4. A few fare restrictions and blackout dates
International Airline Program
This feature is actually also available to Platinum cardholders. This is how it works. For every full fare business or first class ticket that you purchase using the centurion card (using centurion travel service), you will get a free companion ticket. Tyler has not used this feature so far. On surface, it looks like a great benefit, but there are many occasions where 2 discounted business class tickets will cost cheaper than one full fare business class tickets. If you always book your tickets last minute and travel business class, you may find this a useful feature.
Centurion Villas
Centurion has partnered with a few very exclusive partners which enables cardholders to stay at the following exclusive places. They include the Four Seasons Residence Club, LaCURE, The Mansion at MGM Grand in Vegas (you cannot book at stay there even if you wanted to) and other Villas of distinction throughout the world.
Exclusive Resorts
Centurion has also partnered with many exlusive resorts in over 25 worldwide destinations. These can be booked through centurion travel service.
The Limousine Program
Booking a limousine through centurion travel service allows you to earn 3 membership reward points for every dollar that you spend on the service. The Limousine can be booked at 1-800-AXP-LIMO or through the centurion travel service.
International Communications Solutions
This program allows you to receive special pricing when you buy a GSM cellphone (GSM works in more international countries) and use phone plan from Vodafone (at reduced rates). You also get to rent a GSM phone for free is you use the centurion card for 60 days when you are going overseas. I don’t think this is a feature that will be used too often by cardholders though.
Private Jet Service
The Centurion program has partnered with six leading private jet companies. If you decide to enroll in any of them either through charter, membership or fractional use, you will get extra benefits when you enroll with the centurion card.
Space Adventure Spaceflight Club
Centurion members receive a complimentary membership with Space Adventures, the world’s premier space tourism company (according to Amex - and probably the only one!). This club is obviously for space enthusiasts, where you get private tours of launch facilities and other perks. Plus you get annual credits that you can use to pay for a suborbital flight!.
New : Tour GCX Membership
Tour GCX is a membership that provides individual and corporate members with unique access to private golf clubs and other golf experiences. They are able to provide this service because of marketing and business relationships with various prestigious private golf clubs.
Centurion cardholders who purchase the membership is allowed to reserve up to 5 tee times (foursomes) at select private golf clubs. The membership cost $3,125. Members also have special access to unique golf experiences like tournaments, pro-ams, clinics, outings and travel packages. Most of the courses are located at the New York Metropolitan areas like Long Island, New Jersey, Weschester County. Courses are also available at Florida, Las Vegas and D.C.
Lifestyle Perks
Centurion and Departure Magazines
Centurion members will get two magazines. The first is the Centurion magazine which is published four times a year. This is kinda like a Robb’s Report on the world of travel, food, wine, fashion and culture. You also get the Departure magazine, which is published seven times a year. Platinum Card members also get the Departure magazine, which is a magazine on luxury lifestyle.
Equinox Fitness Club
Centurion members who purchase a membership at the Equinox Fitness Club get a centurion preferred rate and receive a package of additional benefits like complimentary personal training sessions, spa treatments, guest passes, Kids’ Club certificates. Platinum members also get this benefit.
By Invitation Only, Destination Shopping, Premium Seats and Luxury Seats, Gold Card Events
As a centurion card member, you will be getting lots of mails and invitations to exclusive events. Firstly, there is an By Invitation Only which apparantly has access to exclusive once-in-a-lifetime events. In their brochure, amex mentions events like sports, performing arts, epicurean delights, business symposium with distinguish speakers, private vineyard tours during harvesting season! According to Tyler, an example would be a semi-private meal with chef Thomas Keller at Per Se in NYC (I believe it was $1300 per person), or VIP tickets to Sting and backstage passes to meet him (Tyler can’t remember the pricing).
Members will also get access to premium seats and luxury suites for sports, entertainment and live events at venues in Los Angeles and New York. You can also have access to the Platinum Lounge from Amex at the STAPLES Center in LA.
Centurion has also partnered with many high end retailers where you will receive unique in-store amenities and perks like personal shoppers, VIP rooms, exclusive in-store events, private viewings of collections, trunk shows and private sales. Partners include Bergdorf Goodman, Bulgari, Ermenegildo Zegna, Gucci, Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.
You will also get access to Gold Card Events where you will be given a chance to buy tickets to sports and entertainment events before tickets go on sale to the public. Amex Gold Card members already have this privilege and perk.
Personal Concierge Service, Dining Reservations, Centurion Travel Service
While the Platinum Card and other credit cards offer concierge service, the Centurion goes one step further by assigning you your own personal concierge. Tyler told me that all you have to do is to tell them what time are you most likely to call and Centurion will arrange for a concierge personel who works in the same time zone shift to be your personal concierge. That way, you will most likely to be speaking to the same person who will get to be familiar with your special requests, needs and querks! This is part of the package that Tyler likes the most because he says they are really good. For example, he mentions that on numerous occasions, he was able to get seats in very hard to get restaurants. They may not be the best seats, but at least, he got a table when normally there was no way that was going to happen. He also mentions another occasion where he had a show ticket in Vegas cancelled for no good reason, and conturion concierge managed to get him center seats on the eighth row!. On occasions where his personal concierge was not available, he did experience a couple of incidents where he felt the concierge personel could have done better, but these occasions (according to him) were rare.
Other Improved Features from Gold Card
The Centurion card also has features that are found in the regular gold card and even the Platinum Card. However, you get slightly better perks with the Centurion Card. For example, on the Buyers Assurance Plan, centurion cardholders get double the manufacturers warranty for up to five years. For the Gold and Platinum Card, the extention for warranty is only for one year.
On their purchase protection plan, centurion members are covered for any product that they purchase on their card for up to 90 days if they are lost, stolen or even damaged by accident or vandalism. You are covered up to $10,000 per occurance and up to $50,000 per year per cardholder account.
Their return policy is similar to the Platinum and Gold Card in that you can return an item you bought and if they retailer or manufacturer refuses to accept it, Amex will refund you for up to $300 per item. You have to return within 90 days. You are allowed to claim up to $1000 a year.
Is this worth $2,500?
Well, is this card worth the $2,500 annual fee. At first glance, I would say that if you made use of the business class companion ticket (if the price makes sense), if you stay regularly at either the Ritz Carlton or the Oriental Mandarin, I would say that airline flight and hotel room stay upgrades can easily cover the cost of the annual fee.
Tyler got this card when it was first launched the he has been grandfathered at the original annual fee of $1,000. He likes the card, the very good customer and concierge service that he gets. He thinks that Amex probably has the best customer service for any big company (you might get better service from your own personal concierge for example, but no big company comes close to beating American Express, in his opinion). Previously, when centurion cardholders were automatically platinum (or gold) members of the Starwood Preferred Guest program, Tyler said that room upgrades alone on that program more that paid for the annual fee.
How to Get the American Express Centurion Black Card?
So how do you get the American Express Centurion Black Card? Well, you can’t apply for one. It is by invitation only. You need to get the American Express® Preferred Rewards Gold Card first (you get 10,000 bonus points). If your credit is not exactly stellar, try the American Express® Preferred Rewards Green Card. Or you could jump right into the American Express Platinum Credit Card.
Word has it that if you spend $250,000 a year on the card, a centurion card in a fancy box will be sent to you. If you really want to get your hands on this card and are a business owner, perhaps getting the The Gold Card from OPENSM from American Express and charging all your business expense on it (and paying your bills in full off course) will get you this card sooner than you think. Furthermore, you get 25,000 bonus points, which is enough for a free airline ticket. (Note : you do not need to have a business to apply for this card. Use your name as the business name and your social security as the tax id and you will be treated as a sole proprietor)
Latest Update
Tyler just received a letter the other day that stated beginning in May of 2007, all charter members (including him) will receive a fee increase from $1000 primary/$500 secondary to $2500 primary/$1500 secondary per year. Any new members into the program will pay the $2500/$1500 rate + a $5000 initiation fee. Tyler hasn’t made up his mind yet, but he is leaning towards dropping the Centurion Card and moving back to the Platinum Credit Card.
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April 9th, 2007 at 7:42 am
[...] American Express Black Centurion Card - Value or Ultimate Status Symbol [...]
April 15th, 2007 at 3:47 pm
Is there a blog for Centurion Card holders? Boy.. would I love to express my opinion of its value, or lack thereof
April 15th, 2007 at 4:12 pm
You can express your opinion here or in our forum
April 26th, 2007 at 8:07 pm
The Centurion card offers first class service which is difficult to match. The only one that comes close in terms of Concierge service and exclusivity is the Quintessentially credit card.
April 27th, 2007 at 6:57 am
i have just been offered one in singapore…. SGD$5k pa and trying to find out the perks… if its all what its hyped up to be….?
April 27th, 2007 at 9:18 am
I have a Centurion Titanium card and I have found their travel service to be very poor both in follow up and understanding of the request.
I’ve been a centurion member for 4 years and will not be renewing the membership the hype does not deliver on the “status”
May 4th, 2007 at 9:50 am
i’ve just been offered one as well. what about the private club memberships/access? has anyone tried these yet, in places like KL, London, NYC etc?
May 7th, 2007 at 8:33 pm
Having had an interest in Titanium for many years, I find your post an interesting read, Whilst I am not totally in agreement with some of your points, I must say it is well written.
Just Titanium
May 8th, 2007 at 2:24 pm
As a charter holder of the Centurion card I have mixed feelings about the price increase. In the beginning, the card was well worth the $1000 fee; indeed I calculated that I received considerably more than that in returns of various kinds each year. The travel service was then excellent, and my wife and I tool many trips they arranged very well indeed. Unfortunately this has diminished considerably. Most recently, when discussing a relatively inexpensive trip to Greece, I was told that they would only work through their partner holtels, cruise lines, etc. Moreover, a recent Carribbean cruise was quoted by them at substantially more than was available online for a lesser stateroom. Their response was I received the “Cruise Pirveleges,” which amounted to a cheap bottle of wine and a drink at the Captain’s cocktail party. this was clearly not worth the $500 cost difference.
Will I renew at the $2500 price? I doubt it. Not with the kind of service I have been getting.
May 17th, 2007 at 2:36 am
I have had both and the Platinum provides nearly the same benefits, but for a fraction of the cost. Additionally, you get access to clubs and diners just by showing it in cities like NY and LA. There are less than 1000 Centurion cards out there so when “flashed” it gets noticed and you get access. But the 2500 hit isn’t worth it, but i wear the heck out the Platinum card for charging my business and personal expenses. I would however agree that the service is hands-down the best in the card business. I have several “platinum” cards that state they can get you in a hotel, rest, etc when no one else can - Amex can when others like Visa can’t. I have experienced this many times when trying to get away to a hot destination over sometimes popular weekends. I might pay 50 bucks more per night, but they get me into what I want. Example, 3 weeks after my son was born we took a very last minute trip to Memphis - from a previous travel change due to my son being born; they new I had a newborn. They found a great room and the best hotel and about 40 mins after we checked in the mgr came up to personally take us out to dinner and make sure we had everything. I am no one special, just a business owner- but they treat you like a king when you need it most.
June 9th, 2007 at 2:28 am
Its funy, I know alot of people who had the Centurion card and went back to Platinum, now they are crying cause they want the Cent card back and now have to pay the initiation fee, so think twice before you cancel. I one the other hand kept mine and still love it.
June 10th, 2007 at 6:28 am
I have had a ton of business expenses over the last twelve months and was offered the card. However, I do not anticipate as many expenses now that I have the card. Is there a chance that they may not renew if this should be the case? Also, does anyone know an exact figure as to how many Centurion cardholders are out there? Above I read 1,000 other places 500 - 10,000, AMEX says 1% of their cardholders.
June 14th, 2007 at 1:06 am
I have had a Centurion card since inception. My spouse has one too. The service has deteriorated immensely in the last year or so. The travel agent takes days to return my call. By then, I have booked my travel on line or through a corporate travel agent. The idea behind the card when I signed up was that it was for people who travel a lot and have a lot of money. But now it just seems like a status symbol. I was supposed to be able to talk to the same travel agent each time I called or the same one for each trip. So if my personal agent wasn’t available, and I made plans with a different one, I could call that same agent back on that trip and wouldn’t have to go through the long explanations again. I can’t do that anymore. Meanwhile, the added bonuses of gold status, etc, doesn’t affect customers who buy first class tickets at full price anyway, because they can and they are convenient. A Platinum card and a first class ticket gets you into a club. And you can buy your way into clubs as you go now too. Cash is king and only people with lots of cash qualify for this card. I called the CEO of Amex and complained and explained. The real niche of this card was a dedicated travel agent. Without that, it’s just a status symbol. No letter, nothing back. I’ll return to Platinum. Now that travel on the internet has grown up, that’s all I’ll need for just $750/year/two. With the $3250 savings I can buy a first class ticket on line.
June 14th, 2007 at 2:41 am
I have been a Centurion member in Australia since its release.And its $2800 AUD fee per annum has now just been increased as advised today to $4300 AUD
There are some great benefits attached to the card such as travel insurance etc but there are some grey areas with Amex and its travel deals and a few other details about the card benefits.
For example they do offer this 2 for 1 business/first class deal which in many cases is dearer then buying from any other agent as two discounted tickets.
I am surprised Amex through the Centurion Card simply do not have the lowest business/first class airfare with any airline.
Its a very classy piece of Amex marketing which quite often falls short of its objective however i will retain my membership in the hope Amex are fine tuning the card and its benefits to more closely suit what people actually want from it.
June 16th, 2007 at 4:31 am
[...] When it comes to exclusivity in the credit card world, the American Express Centurion card has traditionally been the first card to come to mind. Reports have indicated that those holding this card must charge at least $250,000 per year and only those that receive a personal invitation to the card are able to even apply. Since the card has such an exclusive membership, it is actually quite difficult to get much information about the card. What is known is that the card is intended for those that travel often and shop at elite stores. Basically, it is meant for those that are used to receiving special treatment [...]
June 18th, 2007 at 2:40 am
I sent about $400,00 a year on my platinum card but still have not been offered a black card. Does anyone know that sparks them to extend the invitation?
June 20th, 2007 at 10:51 pm
The quality of service is terrible and gets worse with every passing month. I missed the cancellation date this year, but will almost certainly cancel next year and I am not going to renew for my wife and kids.
A call to the concierge service required me to spell Hermes while seeking a gift for a friend. The travel agent had only a shaky grasp on the location of Laos and no clue on the distance of hotels from places I needed to be. If you are in a major urban center, hire one of the new travel agents who work for a retainer, sign up for Medjet and use VISA.
The cost is not really relevant if the services were what they had been, but now it feels like a gift to American Express and reward for hideous customer service.
June 21st, 2007 at 12:22 pm
Nothing comes close to Centurion. Who cares of the fee at $2500 when you can become a King at that price. People watch you and talk about you when seen with this card. Service is excellent. I have heard that when Tsunami hit Thailand on Boxing day, thousand of people and tourists wanted to flee the area, there was no way to get out as all flights were booked. Had AMEX travel desk not helped that Centurion (or was it just Platinum) Card Member with the last minute impossible booking, he would have ended up in the killer waves. There are tons of regular benefits and excellent service apart from this one-off life saving services.
I hail this Card.
June 24th, 2007 at 7:21 am
One more additional perk (or update), you now get Platinum status with US Airways. I don’t fly them, and there is another level at US Airways these days (Chairman), so I’m not sure it’s that much more of a perk, but I guess for some it’s nice. Personally I’d like to see a deal with Marriott and a better deal with Hertz on status. “#1 Club Gold”? Big stinking deal. I’m at President’s Circle level, but won’t be able to maintain that indefinately with Hertz. Amex needs to work on these perks a little more. Oh, you didn’t get into details on Avis. The Avis perk is President’s Club, which if I rented with Avis, would be a plus. I’ll have to try renting with them again and report back the results. In the hotel department, you no longer get SPG Platinum, it’s SPG Gold. You do however get Platinum with Intercontinental Hotels (Holiday Inn, etc) Priority Club program. I think the various insurance you receive is well worth it, and with the various upgrades available to you, if you travel often (and especially outside the United States), features like free priority pass membership (a few hundred dollar value alone) make it well worth the $2500 annual fee.
June 27th, 2007 at 8:12 pm
I do not even believe I am here writing this. First of all there less then 10K of these cards issued. Along with the perks of the card come a $2500 monthy charge as well as a $250,000 base spending limit. If you do not charge 250K or more in a twelve (12) month period your card can be charged to meet the requirements or it can be canceled.
I turned down the invitation for the card (although the packet they send is VERY appealing) and the interest rate is not bad. If you do not spend upwards of 2 million a year on flights, hotels, cars, toys, or 10K a night hookers (
July 3rd, 2007 at 7:45 am
There is so much misinformation on this site. First off, AM Ex cannot charge you the difference if you do not charge 250k. And once you get it, I have not heard of someone getting it taken away. That is not only ludicrous but against the law to charge the difference. Secondly, for those of you in the know, there is NO interest rate with AM Ex because you pay it off every month. it is possible to defer charges but even Centurion’s rate is quite high as it is a charge card, not a credit card. There is a yearly fee, not a monthly $2500 fee as the last poster mentioned. A few upgrades to first class on airlines and elite hotel upgrades make the card worth it if you travel a lot. The concierge does a pretty good job getting you into places (Vegas clubs etc.) that may be difficult to get into but not always. Many of the same other benefits also come with the Platinum card.
Bottom line…if you travel a lot and take advantage of the benefits it is worth it. If not, it is an expensive status symbol. I have had mine for under a year and it is worth it to me. Customer service is not as great as you might expect though. I am interested in finding out abot the new US partner flies free benefit. If used, that should save anothe $1000. People don’t gawk at the card..most don’t know what it is but they ALL say…”Wow..that is a heavy card.”
July 4th, 2007 at 4:58 pm
I agree with Rob L. My grandparents have this card and its just nice to have. You can tell most people are lying about even having this card just by the amount of money they say they spend or currently spend with having the card. Honestly, this is just another luxury of being a wealthy person. Who cares how much the card cost through fee’s. The most important factor most of the time is living up to higher standards or along with you income. Its just a general statement. If you get a invitation for this card you should feel honored.
July 4th, 2007 at 9:59 pm
I was one of the first to have this card, and American Express has gone away from all the offers at the beginning. What do I need to pay such exorbitant fee, when Platinum offers the same services. When you call American Express to talk about this they do not even care. We will see within a short time the end of Centurion, i am sure.
July 14th, 2007 at 11:24 am
I have had my Centurion card for several years. The people who tell me it’s a waste of money at $2500/yr are typically a) people who don’t have the annual spend to qualify or b) people who don’t really understand all of the features and benefits the card offers.
To give you an idea of some of the things I’ve used it for that have paid for itself:
Mandarin Oriental Free Night: $500 (that’s only using one of the 19 buy one/get one free offers)
US Air Platinium: I fly at least every other week. It’s a short hop but it is really nice to not have to wait in the security line, get free club access, and get upgraded nearly every flight. I would easily value this at $2500 alone ($50 each way for the upgrades, plus the club membership). Because my flights are short I wouldn’t qualify for Platinum status based on miles or segments. If you fly this often on short trips and value the upgrades it’s a no-brainer decision to pay the $2500 for the card.
Restaurants: I have found that as long as you tell the concierge to ask for the restaurant manager when booking you can generally get even last minute reservations at prime times when the restaurant is otherwise fully booked.
Note- this is likely to work better for restaurants that have been open a bit longer and aren’t the absolute hottest place in town- but are still giving guests the 6pm or 9pm routine.
Shopping: If you shop a lot at places like Neiman Marcus the double points (In Circle and Membership Miles) can add up quickly. Even spending just $10,000 a year at Neimans this benefit is worth at least $100.
Domestic air companion fare: This is a new benefit and it’s value probably depends on whether you are willing to fly coach and chance getting upgraded. If you are, it can easily be worth over $1000/yr.
I’m just scratching the surface here…I’ve used the retail benefits to get a free repair on an expensive coat from Ferragamo at no cost, used Centurion travel to book my reward travel on a very complex trip at no cost (a feature many people don’t know about)- I’m pretty savvy and they saved me 100,000 miles by creating a slightly differnt iternerary that I would never have figured out on my own, etc…
The bottom line is that if you travel, shop or dine a lot the card can have some very tangible benefits that the Platinum card simply can’t match.
If Platinium works better for you that’s great, but I’ve found that many people who are giving up their Centurion cards don’t really even know everything the card can do for them.
I do, however, agree about service being mediocre for certain things. Concierge is generally hit and miss- One time they found a gift I’d been searching for in 24 hours when I’d been searching for a month. Other times they’ve told me they couldn’t get restaurant reservations only to tell me they didn’t talk with the manager when attempting the reservation (and then sheepishly calling me back with a reservation when I told them how to do their job)
Overall, I still feel the card is well worth it for me- though it is an individual decision for the card member based on their spend and usage.
July 16th, 2007 at 7:18 pm
Amex is a scam. They constantly monitor your credit and if one error on credit happens, (example it was a misplaced 70.00 charge for me) they terminated my plat card. Actually they left it active, just wouldn’t allow any more charger. Then when I had the error cleand of my file they still would not reinstate.
These guys run your credit monthly and keep more tabs on you than the IRS.
July 17th, 2007 at 11:15 am
I turned my back on the Centurion 8 mths ago when Starwood Platinum was dropped. For me it was the last straw for a card no one accepts with little benefit. I went back to Amex Plat and Corporate cards. They demanded financials, which I never had to do in the past, I provided them once, but did not expect to provide them yearly. I dont like to do it, I resent it. I refused, pointing to a 9 year history with high spending (betwen $500k - $1m / year) with top 1% of credit rating as I feel that this is a better indication of my credit and business worth. They didnt care, shoved me on a limit that was unworkable. Got treated like I was a new customer with no credit history, almost like a leper. I woke this morning angry at Amex as usual lately, and felt like I had to “pay” for service. Has it got to this? 2 benefits I got from Centurion, 1 is paying one card only and it taking care of all linked card payments (admin) and no one bothering me about my spend (in fact a thank you wouldnt go astray). I have had more drama with Amex since I went back to Platinum that made it a bad decision. I rang Amex Centurion spoke to a senior rep and he was surprised that I didnt speak to him before, didnt discuss cancelling etc. I was offered it back, not at $2500, but at $4300. So, is that an increase in AUS for all customers, across the board, or is it a you left us, so we are now charging you more for a jonny come lately fee. Should I be even further insulted and annoyed with Amex than I already am? And why? I dont know! I pay on time, I spend well and I ask for respect and privacy. Not good enough. I have really really mixed feelings about this and need to hear from current users.
July 20th, 2007 at 6:43 pm
Total sham…I “upgraded” from the platinum and have had nothing but problems with Centurion. Botched travel and restaurant reservations, card freezes,very poor customer service, constant requests for 2 years of bank statements (which I have submitted and shows plenty of “stability”) and it goes on and on.
I read all these folks saying “if you travel a lot”, travel a lot on the sub par airlines that is, US Air, Delta etc
If you love the card it’s because you love the “status” you think it brings… get a good personal assistant instead.
I’m going to cancel it and go back to Platinum and get the same lousy service but for $350 a year.
July 25th, 2007 at 5:34 am
Unfortunately I must also reiterate what the others say. The travel service offered doesn’t deliver and rarely calls back when you are in a hurry.
Sorry AMEX but too much buck for not enough bang
August 15th, 2007 at 4:48 pm
After many years of being an Amex card holder, I became a Platinum card holder as the result of their not-stop marketing campaign.
I’m here to tell you, that unless you travel ALOT or for business, the annual fee just isn’t worth it; now at $450/year. So is a Centurion card worth the $2500 annual fee? Let’s examine how Amex makes its money.
Annual fees are just gravy to the credit card companies. They make most of their money off the “discount rate” they charge merchants for accepting the card. Amex has the highest discount rate of any credit card; approxmiately 2.6% of the purchase amount. So if you spend $250k / year on the card, they are making $6500 / year off of you. Add that to the $2500 annual fee, and they are raking in $9000/ year off every centurion cardmember.
With a little planning, perhaps having a secretary or personal assistant - or even doing it yourself (god forbid), you could invest this $9500 / year into a worth cause, such as setting up a self-perpetuating endowment at a college. Think of the ways you could help others with this money?
Just my two cents.
Jonerot
August 17th, 2007 at 6:59 pm
true information about the centurion
hi this message is for all those people criticising the card
reminder centurion is for only the best and rich do not try to discourage the status of the card if you dont have it you should be angry for not making enough money ,,,,you are miserable people
August 23rd, 2007 at 7:04 am
Out of everyone above or before me commenting on this article I have to say that “Rob L” is the most correct.
I am a current owner of this card. I have the Titanium version.
So far of owning this card it has been worth it to me.
I travel alot. Mostly overseas. The benefits for me while travelling while using this card is very good.
One added benefit that is really great while travelling is that you can go to an American Express office and write out a personal check for up to $10,000 while the other cards do not offer this much of an amount. There are also fees charged for a certain amount that you want that goes over that limit with the other cards in doing this certain service.
I was in a nice restaurant in Hong Kong one time with my fiance when it came time to pay for the bill the manger came over to our table to inform us that because I was a Black card holder there would be a 50% discount. Only because of this card. I didn’t even know about this connection with this certain restaurant. It surprised us.
Yes, I agree that if you travel alot then this is a more beneficial card to you.
It is true that every time I use it though I get people asking me what is it? That they had never seen the card before.
To each his/her own. For opinions.
August 24th, 2007 at 6:19 pm
Well indeed good sirs, I have 6 centurion cards and find them to be quite exemplary. Whilst organising many parties in my castle located in the French Riviera, I’ve encountered many scintillating rewards and perks upon utilising my card to its fullest degree. Hmm. Quite interesting indeed. Bloody brilliant if I daresay so myself.
I bet NONE of you actually have this card. If you do, why would you be posting on this website? Are you kidding me? Stop pretending like you know what you’re talking about, and get over yourselves.
August 25th, 2007 at 8:59 pm
The Titanium Card, replacement for the Black is currently on trial in the UK. A work colleague said that he went to the launch. Having read a number of comments I am wondering ‘when’ Amex will be infoming it’s Black Centurion Card holders of a substantial increase to the annual fee. I feel this will not be welcomed!
August 28th, 2007 at 12:42 pm
I have had a “black card” since it was first introduced. I pay $1000 per year. Is it worth it? I am sorry to say I will be canceling this card shortly. While their customer service is above par, their competence is way below par, especially with their travel service.
Amex has made costly mistakes with every single travel booking they have ever made for me,including one incident that cost me over $10,000.
I certainly would not pay $2500 annually or a $5000 initiation fee. Even $1000 is a lot for a silly card that is nothing more than a status symbol. I can well afford it, but this is a complete waste of money. Visa signature costs nothing and offers 90% of the benefits that 90% of people use. Visa’s customer service is not as helpful or coordinated as American Express, but but it’s free, it’s easier and less painful to book trips through Expedia or Hotwire than than American Express.
American Express has clearly gone downhill. I used to be a huge fan of the company, but they have definitely lost me, and at least 3 other black card holders I know.
September 3rd, 2007 at 5:30 am
If you are asking on how and when you are going to recieve this card, chances are your not going to get it, if you are not spending more then 2 million on the card each year with a good track record, think again. I have a friend that works for AMEX and she mentioned even people wit this spending limit still do not get an invite, It also depends on your spending, private jets & the best hotels etc etc.
September 4th, 2007 at 1:23 am
I received my Centurion card about 6 months ago; The $5000 initiation fee in May is what prompted me to go ahead and get it before then.
The black card IS NOT by invitation only. I spent over $600k (business) on my amex platinum last year and several years prior and never got invited. I asked platinum cust. service and was told it was no longer invitation only; they gave me a # to call to apply for Centurion. Was told by Centurion cust. service that once you have a centurion card, there are no annual spending requirements. I have been disappointed by the travel services, but impressed with concierge service..I called about getting reservations at Per Se in NYC a few months ago and they asked What nite? What time? How many? and got all 3 for me! very impressive…the concierge shopping service is worth the annual fee for me….they build profiles on all the people/clients you give gifts to and work with whatever budget you give them; tasteful gifts beautifully wrapped and shipped; only pay for gift and shipping; shopping service is free. I stayed at a Ritz Carlton one nite last week for total bill (incl. all taxes) of $161 I got an executive suite, $60 breakfast for 2, $85 lunch, 4pm checkout, free wireless internet…$50 hotel credit (brought bill down to $161..they’re not supposed to apply the $50 credit to the room but they did)
The card is not for everyone; I prob. wouldn’t get it now w/ $5k initiation fee….if you are on the fence..try it for a year then decide if you want to renew
September 5th, 2007 at 1:43 am
I have a proposition for any Black Centurian Card owner who reads this since these a-holes refuse to give me one after 20 yrs with Amex and 12 yrs with a Platinum Business Card and Optima Card. I am willing to make it worth something to someone who can help me get a Black card ASAP ($!)…simple idea, nothing complicated at all, especially for those of you who are not happy with it or the service.
If interested e-mail Bill at Goldfish6363@hotmail.com ASAP!
September 5th, 2007 at 9:52 pm
anyone have the centurian customer service number ??
September 15th, 2007 at 3:50 am
Anyone want to make some money by gettin me a Amex Centurion Card and then you can cancel it the moment I get the physical card. Sounds crazy but I was told some info by the guys at Amex that I can then get rid of my Platinum card and upgrade when showing I had the damn Black card in some capacity….you can make several thousand $’s with NO risk whatsoever…email me at goldfish6363@hotmail.com to discuss
No scam, I’m a lawyer and I’ll tell you what the A-holes said to me
October 10th, 2007 at 12:38 am
if you simply spend 250K in a year you can get the card. Start charging everything to Amex. Renovate that will run up your account… But as a lawyer you are crazy to be asking people to add you to their account. This sounds like FRAUD.
October 19th, 2007 at 2:27 pm
Billy, we decided not to give you a Centurion card. Suck it up.
October 30th, 2007 at 11:18 am
Have been a member since inception and am about to drop it. A real gimmick. The travel service is bordering on inept. It is run through the same call centers that handle Platinum. Companion fares are bordering on a fraud, generally the same or better can be had purchasing two discounted business class or first class fares. And the companion fares are not always available. The fine hotels program is fairly meaningless other than the Mandarin Oriental offer. Starwood has been downgraded from platinum status. My PA does a better job than their concierge service and she is sitting right outside my office when I need her. On top of this they bumped up the annual fee without any consultation or warning and for what in return?
November 9th, 2007 at 12:52 am
So for those that have the AMEX Centurion Card and have had the AMEX Platinum Card, what’s the difference? Many of the benefits associated with the Centurion Card can be had with the Platinum Card (i.e. 24 hour Concierge; Starwood Gold status; access to Airport Lounges; discounts at hotels; reservations at popular restaurants, etc.). Neither card has a pre-set spending limit; or annual spending requirements. Both cards offer free companion air travel tickets each year.
It seems the AMEX Platinum is just about as good on the perks as the Centurion card. What are the perks of the Centurion card that are NOT available with the AMEX Platinum?
November 25th, 2007 at 8:49 pm
I have had the Black Centurion Card (titanium) for a year now. It is no panacea… it is expensive at $2,500 per year. Is it worth it? Yes and no. The Plat status in US Air has been great… I have been upgraded ten times or so. I have gotten difficult to get dinner reservations. I have used their program at Ritz. Was upgraded to a monster suite at the InterContinental in NYC. I use the airline clubs all the the time. So, bottom line… it probably has paid for itself in benefits. Do I need these upgrades/services - NO! Plus the Plat card is giving a lot more these days, too.
BOTTOM LINE - It is a luxury item.
I will be keeping it another year… so there you have it.
December 28th, 2007 at 3:05 pm
The platinum usair is worth it. My daughter and I get upgraded to first 80% of the time 4 days before the flight. Get into club. I have dropped other perks such as airline clubs which has helped make up the diff.
The travel service is plus/minus. But, I got upset about a ski trip booked and they gave me 100k reward points. Always get upgrades at hotels.
my teen daughter loves the “oh, I wish i had one” when we shop.
expensive,
worth it
January 1st, 2008 at 3:57 am
I heartily concur with your closing comment by “Tyler”. My recent Centurion invitation was offered at $A4,300. As a Platinum holder ($A900 pa) the benefits are not too dissimilar evidently.
I had a recent disappointing (Platinum) experience (as a 7 year holder of the card) to be denied my free ‘companion’ fare to Europe on Emirates. Additionally AMEX’s quoted pricing was considerably more expensive by some $A2-3000. I threw all my toys completely out of my pram requesting a prompt reversion to my earlier well worn green biz card (handily accepted by the Aust Tax Office for record purposes - a significant convenience).
However AMEX pointed out - on my request for cancellation - that the Platinum card delivers an extra half point over the green card and coupled with superior insurance (if that’s important) well justifies the cash premium of Platinum over the green card - on the points alone that is, should you prefer to convert points to cash credited back to your card.
I sense there may be some validity in retaining the Platinum over the green and most decidedly over the Centurion card which is cleverly engineered in my view to exploit poor souls with a wanting self image. The benefits for AMEX shareholders including the erstwhile Mr. Buffett, appear to far exceed the benefits to AMEX customers on the information available to me.
As travelers we all need a charge card; AMEX I think is tops on balance. Just don’t expect the same synergy between their concierge and travel people to be up to the task of emulating a dedicated travel consultant under AMEX’s current set up. At $A4,300 pa for the Centurion for e.g..-. I confident you’ll figure it out.
Regards
Bill Forbes - Melbourne Australia
http://www.wellness-solutions.com.au
January 17th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Ok… I have been reading through all your comments, and I was just approved for the black card yesterday…Let me summarize my experience: the card is not invitational only, you can call Centurion at 1-800-956-9293,I have been a plat cardholder for about 4 years (they require card membership for a minimum of 2 years), you absolutely need to spend $250K in a 12 month period of time to be considered, credit scores do not have to be 700+, they just do not want to see any late payments or tax liens, or such on your Experian file, the annual fee is $2500, and the initiation fee is $5000…..
January 22nd, 2008 at 7:00 am
To jhall,
where are you getting your information on the credit requirements
for the Centurion card? Just curious!!!
February 5th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
you are correct that the card is no longer invitaiton only
this was changed around October 2007
Anyone w/ a platinum who meets the requirements (minimum time + 250k yr) can ask for and be sent an application.
if a person is high profile, they often waive some of the requirements
from what i have read, the general consensus is that the service went downhill much after the last year or two, but it is still the best service available, taking into account the other excellent benefits.
the fee is a little high and i think it depends on the person to determine if it is worth it to them. (i.e. if they travel enough or use other benefits)
March 6th, 2008 at 4:12 am
jhall has it exactly right. Spend the $250K, pay the $2500/year ($1500 for an additional card). No financials required, no constant credit checks. Once you get the card its yours. Whether you use it or not you are a card holder. You can ask your Platinum customer service agent for information on applying for the card. They will take your info and may speak to your business banker if applying for a Business Centurion.
Anybody who actually spends enough money to qualify for the card really doesn’t care about the $2500 fee. Honestly, it is only 1% of your annual spending. If the fee is a reason for concern then don’t get one.
You can get a $5000 round trip business class flight to Dubai for 140,000 points. Or you can get a free companion ticket that is worth more than the annual fee. With membership rewards you can cash in 1,000,000 points for a $6000 check. See the value? 1,000,000 miles can get you almost $35,000 worth of air travel.
The invitation only scenario was not in place in 2002. At that time I asked about the card and was forwarded on to Centurion customer service to apply.
If you do ANY international travel it is worth every penny, and the look on the waitresses face when you drop it on the table is priceless. Admit it, everyone likes the reaction it gets.
March 15th, 2008 at 12:01 am
I just cancelled my Black Card. : - ( I was grandfathered in at the reduced rate but longer. Now the high fees just don’t make it worth it.
For me the only really useful aspect of the card was the elite status on the airlines and the hotels.
The airline elite status was useful because I no longer had to worry about which airline I flew. I just picked the best schedule/price for me and as long as it was one of the 4 I was good to go. (Platinum on US Air is about like Gold on Delta.)
The hotel upgrades were nice… when you got upgraded. It isn’t always a sure thing.
For the money, I have decided I can just fly one airline from now on and use the excess cash from not paying the fee to get the hotel room I want.
March 20th, 2008 at 12:36 am
Is the card worth it??? Well the upgrades on airline tickets and hotel rooms are great. But for me, it’s a lot about the respect. When you pull out your card you go from normal guy to someone people…………………., at least envy. You will make more of an impression then if you used any other card. I’m 31 years old and just because the card makes me feel a little more superior then most people when I’m using it that makes the cost of the card very worth it. Yes I know, I’m shallow and everyone reading this doesn’t think money represents some kind of respect. You all know it’s a fun game to play. It’s an easy way to show people that you’re elite and they definitely respond. I don’t go over board and rub it in peoples faces but when I do pull it out the room responds and it feels good.
Also, the look and feel of the titanium card is really cool!
March 25th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
I found this site, amex-black.com
Seems to have some good info on the card
March 29th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
I would like to receive an invitation for a black centurion card. How do I go about getting this invitation? I have been a platinum card holder for many years, and would like to upgrade to the black card. Please let me know how to go about this. Thank you, M. Dolin
April 1st, 2008 at 8:41 pm
I am fortunate enough to be an additional cardholder on my bosses account. I have only had it a week but I can tell you that Madison is dead on with her comments. I have used it several times for coffee at the local sbux. Most recently, the girl behind the counter says: oh, “these are weird, Ive seen one of these before - titianium right?” I say: Weird, I know, but they work. its titanium”. No big deal other than the 2 suits standing behind me stopped their talking and sidled up to me to catch a glimpse. Needless to say, I am keeping my job. The card weighs 15gms exactly - by the way…
April 2nd, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Update: Centurion screwed up my airfare to Australia in November thru January. I ended up using my crew’s travel agent to get better fare. Centurion’s screw up cost me over $10,000 or the convenience of round trip airfare on the dates I wanted. However, I got upgrades in the Orient Express Hotel that were worth it, as well as spa treatments, etc. So the card cost my $10K but the rewards gave back about $2K With the internet, and considering the length of time I stayed in the hotel, I think I could have negotiated the deal with the hotels myself (and maybe got better terms). I dropped my centurion (titanium) to a platinum, but my husband kept his so that we can see if there’s a diff. Meanwhile, I started using my Smith Barney Mastercard (debit) more because I think their rewards program is easier to use. I can go through my broker if there’s a problem and it gets fixed immediately. And the rewards people understand how it works better at Mastercard. Finally, I don’t have to worry about missing a payment when I’m traveling. I travel a LOT, sometimes with a container full of stuff and 18 crew for my racing yacht. This card does not meet our needs. And I think it went down hill after the invitation only requirement was dropped.
BTW, they cannot organize a party at my castle. I need my posse for that.
April 28th, 2008 at 5:44 am
I have been a Amex Platinum cardholder for 4-5 years, and have yet to receive the nod for Centurion yet. However, I am hoping for it to come one day soon, hitting $250k/year isnt that easy, at least it isnt for me… I normally put around $75,000 across my plat amex a year, however I got a new job and I am using it in lieu of a corporate card, so hopefully that will put me there.
The service I have received as a platinum member is AMAZING, especially when you stack it up to other CC’s. I frequently use the Platinum Concierge for getting me reservations for dinner, and they have never let me down. They even got me a same-day 2 hr after call reservation at Peter Lugers in NYC when it was booked solid, and they don’t even accept credit cards. My service with the Platinum card has left me drooling for the Centurion even though the majority of perks are the same.
As for Starwood Platinum, I was a platinum member for 5 years just based on travel, and personally I think their program is crap. Very infrequently did I get a significant upgrade, the Platinum amenity was nice (500 points), but the sheer amount of points required to stay in a Category 5 hotel is astronomical, after this last year where I got bumped down to Gold, I am going to transition to Hilton, as all of my friends and co-workers are Hilton status members and love it.
I will say this, the Delta Gold status is a perk as well, I am currently Delta Platinum and was previously Delta Gold, and the upgrades you get on those programs is WELL worth the additional cost especially if you travel for work, and hopefully one day I wont travel so much for work and I will be able to hold Delta Gold status/ when combined with the CROWN ROOM = first class every flight.
I just wish every retailer took AMEX so I could dump my Citi Mastercard (Citi’s service is terrible BTW)
May 24th, 2008 at 3:45 am
I’ve had my Centurion card for 2 years, in Australia. While I was happy with the Platinum, the Centurion’s benefits are truly superior, especially if you travel a lot for work/leisure. You can almost guarantee a table at any exclusive restaurant, any night of the week, you have access to Qantas Club lounges across the world, and the travel services are very convenient.
The Centurion costs 4300AUD/annum, 4 times the platinum card. Sure, its expensive, but having used both, I can safely say the Centurion card is good value.
The only downside is that companion fares are only available if the cardmember is traveling; My two sons travel frequently during university breaks, and I can’t obtain the companion discounts for their tickets. That’s one area Amex should address.
June 24th, 2008 at 9:28 am
I am downgrading from my centurion back to the Platinum the service in the UK is terrible and there is no real perks compared to the plat card. I also have the coutts purple card the service here is much better.
July 10th, 2008 at 8:52 am
I have used the Centurion card for a few years. There are some perks- such as access to the China Club (this is in Hong Kong), however, I have given up on their concierge service. They have created more headaches and although they try very hard to compensate their mistakes, I have had enough. For a true concierge service, join Quintessentially. Kudos to Q.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
I don’t understand how you say that there are so few cards out there. I know that both my boss and his girlfriend have them. Plus, I’m sure that some of my boss’s friends have them, at least 5 or 6.
August 20th, 2008 at 11:05 am
Hey, is that “lawyer guy” and “Am-Ex” reply, a joke?
September 4th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Ditch this card. If you want superb service, use a private bank (JP Morgan, Coutts etc, USB). You get exceptionally high credit limits, seamless service, and dedicated personal bankers. I bank with Coutts in the UK. I get absolutely the same service as the AmEx Black card but at ZERO fee so long as I keep £250,000 in an investment account. And every time I call the personal banker knows me by name.
If you live in the UK, an AmEx card will impress no one. A Coutts card shows you have exceptional personal wealth.
September 4th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Sorry, but those of you living in the US and Australia are being ripped off. The Centurion card in the UK costs £600 and there is no initiation fee. You do not need to spend £250K either, just run a consistently high balance. One bad thing for status-conscious cardholders: American Express discontinued issuing the Centurion Card in the UK in 2007. They could not compete with the private banks. In Britain, it takes a lot more than a credit card to get status especially when you have the House of Lords etc…
September 16th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
I called Amex to ‘inquire’ about the card about 3 years ago and they told me that I had to spend $250K per year & that it costs $2500 per year. I politely declined and they sent me the card anyway. Once I opened the box, I really couldn’t send it back. After 3 years & $7500 later, I really don’t know why I have it…I don’t travel very often & really don’t take advantage of the ‘perks’. It is a status symbol (especially in NYC which is where I live) but it’s one that I don’t even think I like…I actually try to hide the card so people don’t get the ‘wrong’ impression and think I’m made of money which I’m not, especially on dates. The times that I have traveled and used the benefits, it has been worth it. Bottom line for me is I’m going to start using every perk I can and ask for everything I can to try & justify the cost.
September 25th, 2008 at 2:52 am
[...] American Express Black Centurion Card - Value or Ultimate Status Symbol at Ask Mr Credit Card. [...]
October 7th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
My own experience is that no one recognise this card.. or will treat this card like any other American Express.
Probably hi-end establishment might recognise it……
but if you are already shopping in hi-end establishment.. your cash smells good to them no matter what card you use.
I think it’s really shallow that a card can show any status..
October 9th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
[...] American Express Black Centurion Card - Value or Ultimate Status Symbol at Ask Mr Credit Card. [...]
October 13th, 2008 at 2:17 am
I have had this card for 5 1/2 years and am going back to Platinum. The perks have been diminishing year by year, and once I moved to Dallas (where American Airlines, the largest airline in the world, and Southwest Airlines are king), I no longer fly any of the airlines associated with AMEX. I also mostly stay in Marriotts (the largest hotel chain in the world) which also is not affiliated with AMEX. The personal concierge, which I use maybe 10 times a year, is certainly not worth the additional $2,050 I pay over the Platinum Card.
As I think over the six years of $2,050 I’ve paid for the Centurion Card ($12,300) instead of the Platinum, I’m thinking what a poor choice I made - the card is simply not worth the additional money when the Platinum Card offers every service I currently utilize.
November 19th, 2008 at 1:54 am
I agree with David Sept 4th and Mark Sept 16th, as an Australian card holder maybe Amex will get real and realise there are better premium offers out there.
With a global recession potentially pending - the consumer is king, let your fingers do the walking/talking