Black cards are always considered as a status symbol that are generally invite-only and reserved for big spenders who can pay high initiation costs and annual costs estimated at thousands of dollars. However, the invitation-only requirement has changed a bit for the oldest ‘Amex Black Card’ – the Centurion card by American Express.
The Centurion card, or Amex Black Card, is still invite-only. The website started allowing existing Amex cardholders who are interested in a premium membership to request consideration by filling out a brief online application. It offers an elite status with multiple partners. However, is all that worth the money you pay as initiation and annual fees? Here are some remarkable and noteworthy facts or benefits about the Black Card that I found particularly interesting.
What is the Amex Black Card?
The Centurion card from American Express or the Amex Black Card offers premium services to a select or chosen set of the population. For this card, you will need a personal invitation from Amex to apply, and if approved, you will be required to pay a one-time $10,000 initiation charge beyond $5000 annual fee.
The card is designed for those who value services and benefits over rewards. The Amex Black Card holders earn one Membership Rewards point when they spend $1 on any purchase, with no bonus categories. There is also no bonus offer that I am aware of, and the card is available in both personal and professional options. Apart from the travel benefits, such as elite status, you will also receive status.
Five Amazing Facts that You Must Know
Complimentary Elite Status
American Express provides Centurion Card members top-tier status in many partner loyalty programs, including:
- Delta SkyMiles Platinum Medallion Status: The Amex Black Card holder has access to limitless complimentary upgrades, an annual choice Benefit selection, and other benefits
- Hilton Honors Diamond Status: The cardholders get upgraded rooms, executive lounge access, a regular food and beverage credit, and a 100% bonus on points earned for stays.
- Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status: The cardholders get upgraded rooms, free Wi-Fi, a 25% bonus on points earned for stays, and priority late checkout
- IHG Rewards Club Platinum Elite Status: You are exempted from blackout dates for rewards stays and a 60% bonus on points earned for stays
- Hertz Gold Plus Rewards President’s Circle: You get assured upgrades on all rentals.
These elite statuses are ideal for earning significant points and securing hotel rooms, rental cars, or airline seat upgrades. If you can use it ideally, the investment of thousands of dollars is worth the benefits it provides annually. We have already discussed the American Express Black Card benefits that you can explore.
Airport Lounge Access
The Amex Black Card offers access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection that includes over 1400 airport lounges across 140 locations, including:
- The American Express Centurion Lounge
- Priority Pass Lounges
- Delta Sky Club
- Escape Lounges
- Airspace Lounge
- Plaza Premium Lounges
You should submit your valid Centurion Card and a photo ID for entry. As a result, you will receive access to Priority Lounges when you enroll in the program separately.
Insufficient Rewards Earning Potential
Every transaction through the Black Card offers a Membership Rewards point for every dollar spent. However, this card does not offer any bonus options or a welcome bonus. This is more akin to an abysmally low income rate, considering the charges associated with the card. However, many cardholders will use the Amex Black Card for its ancillary benefits and social status.
Access to a Dedicated Concierge
Amex Black Card members get all the clock-round access to American Express Concierge, who can assist you in making last-minute reservations or tickets to a sold-out show. To access the concierge, please dial the number located on the back of your card. It is a free service, and any products they buy on your behalf will be charged to your card. Although other Amex cards, such as the Gold Charge Card, are also available, they offer nearly identical benefits.
Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty
Similar to other Amex cards, the Amex Black Card includes additional transaction protection that covers damaged, stolen, or lost assets in the US. The transaction protection coverage amounts and caps vary depending on the card. However, the marketing resources suggest you will get the amount charged to your account. If the transaction protection covers the assets up to the full purchase cost, that would make it the best Amex Black Card offering in terms of coverage.
If you are a beginner in the world of credit cards, you should learn about how you can get a Credit Card without an SSN or a credit score.
How to Get the Amex Black Card?
The Amex Black Card is not available to many people, but it cannot be obtained with a mere application. Instead, it is for handpicked people who are invited through a private invitation. Although the process for getting an invite for the Amex Black Card has not been officially published, leaked information suggests that you should earn between $350,000 and $500,000 annually to become eligible for this card.
After approval, a $10,000 initiation fee and a $50,000 annual fee are required. This makes the premium cards like the Amex Platinum Card and the Amex Business Platinum Card dull.
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