In this Review..
The American Express Black Card is an exclusive, invitation-only card designed for high spenders. To receive an invite, you typically need to spend between $250,000 and $500,000 annually on your card. This card is aimed at high-net-worth individuals who earn over $1,000,000 a year and have significant spending power. In return, cardholders enjoy a range of premium benefits and exclusive perks.
If you carry the Centurion® Card from American Express, you're eligible to earn 1.5X Membership Rewards points per dollar on purchases over $5,000 (Up to 1 million additional points per calendar year) plus 1X Membership Rewards points on all eligible purchases.
Many of the benefits offered by the American Express Black Card are unique to cardholders, with few, if any, other cards offering similar perks. The value of these benefits can be substantial, often totaling thousands of dollars. However, it’s important to note that the card comes with a steep $10,000 initiation fee and a $5,000 annual fee, as outlined in the cardmember agreement (see rates and fees for full details).
Editorial Note: Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollments may be required for select benefits. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more
Rewards Plan
Welcome Bonus
0% Intro
PROS
- Delta SkyMiles Platinum Medallion
- Elite Hotel Status, Concierge and Shopping Services
CONS
- $5,000 Annual fee
- High Requirements
APR
N/A
Annual Fee
$5,000
Balance Transfer Fee
N/A
Credit Requirements
Excellent Credit
Benefits
- Membership Points
American Express Black Card holders earn 1.5X Membership Rewards points per dollar on purchases over $5,000 (Up to 1 million additional points per calendar year) plus 1X Membership Rewards points on all eligible purchases.
Many of the benefits are not earning points or rewards, but the many perks listed below.
- Holiday Gifts
American Express Black Card holders get a surprise gift every year.
This gift is usually around a $250 value and can vary from high-end items, to exclusive dining experiences, to gift cards.
- Restaurant Reservations
American Express Black Card holders can have access to over 1,000 of the world’s top restaurants that may be hard to get otherwise.
American Express pre-reserves tables in advance and card holders can call the Amex concierge service to get a reservation through them.
- Elevated Centurion Lounge Experience
American Express Black Card members get exclusive access to American Express Centurion Lounges at airports.
Many Amex Lounges can be crowded and American Express Black Card holders get reserved seating at these lounges.
- Delta SkyMiles Platinum Medallion
This may be the most valuable benefit of the American Express Black Card. The Platinum Medallion allows cardholders unlimited first-class upgrades on Delta.
You can also get upgrades without paying the additional fees. Members also get priority check-in and boarding. This is about a $4,000 value.
- Wine Buying Benefits
American Express Black Card holders are offered private wine tasting tours and exclusive wine buying offers.
The American Express Black Card also offers an annual complimentary appraisal of up to 100 wines.
More Benefits
Dedicated Concierge Service
American Express Black Card members have a dedicated concierge service that will go to great lengths to meet customers’ need.
Elite Hotel Status or Centurion Hotel Program
The American Express Black Card grants special hotel services for card holders at some of the top hotel chains in the world.
Card holders enjoy perks such as late check-out, upgraded rooms, and credit at the hotel to spend on amenities such spa services.
American Express Black Card holders are automatically signed up for the Hilton Honors Diamond status. This a $1,915 value which offers many Hilton perks.
Rental Car
American Express Black Card holders can get upgraded memberships to several of the leading rental car companies.
This includes Hertz Platinum which guarantees vehicle upgrad
TSA Precheck or Global Entry Reimbursement
American Express Black Card will reimburse your application fee for TSA Precheck or Global Entry once every four years.
This cost is usually around $80 to $100.
50% Airline Bonus
You receive 50% of membership points back when you redeem points and book travel through American Express Travel or Centurion Travel Services.
And Many More Benefits
Cardholders get up to a $200 annual credit for fees such as checking baggage and in-flight purchases, $3,000 in Baggage Coverage, VIP Events, purchase protection, extended warranties, and travel protections.
Drawbacks
Let’s take a look at the drawbacks of the American Express Centurion card and see if it’s the right one for your wallet or not.
- High Initial Fee
American Express Black Card has an initiation fee of $10,000 just to get the card.
- Authorized User Fee
To add an authorized user, American Express Black Card charges an additional annual fee of $2,500.
- High Annual Fee
American Express Black Card has an annual fee of $5,000, the highest in the market
- High Requirements/Spending
American Express Black Card members must spend about $250,000 or more annually on a current American Express Card.
The only way to apply for American Express Black Card is by invitation. Card holders must make over $1 million a year and have a high net worth.
The card is not for available for the general public.
Is the AMEX Centurion Black Card Right for You?
American Express Black Card is one of the most exclusive cards in the market and is out of reach of the average consumer. The Black Card is for high net worth individuals who are big spenders.
The American Express Black Card offers many travel benefits and uses; in fact, you will find that the travel perks are the most extensive in the market. This card is best for high net worth individuals who spend a lot of time traveling. Terms Apply.
The initial and annual fees are steep, and the average card holder can get similar benefits from other cards in the market. American Express Black Card holders should take advantage of all the perks in order for the card to be worth it.
Many may find the status symbol a sufficient benefit but the card offers hundreds of perks, exclusive offers, and benefits that card holders should explore fully.
* All information about American Express Centurion® Card has been collected independently by The Smart Investor. American Express Centurion® Card is no longer available through The Smart Investor.
