Advantages of Amex Black Card: A World of Privileges and Perks

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The American Express Centurion Card, also known as the Amex Black Card, is an exclusive credit card that offers a world of privileges and perks.

You'll be able to enjoy personalized service, including a dedicated concierge team and a 24/7 customer support hotline.

With a $5,000 initiation fee and a $2,500 annual fee, it's clear that this card is not for the faint of heart.

The card's benefits are tailored to high-net-worth individuals, offering a range of rewards and experiences that are truly unique.

How to Get Amex

Getting the Amex Centurion card requires some serious spending power. There are two versions of the card, a business and a personal one, and it's potentially easier to get the business version.

To qualify for the business card, you'll need to have spent and paid off at least $450,000 across all your Amex accounts in a calendar year. The personal card has a rumored requirement of around $350,000 in spending.

Additional reading: Business Amex Black Card

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The exact requirements to qualify for the Centurion Card are a closely guarded secret, but rumor has it cardholders need to spend several hundred thousand dollars annually on another American Express credit card and earn an income of at least $1 million each year.

American Express doesn't publicize its requirements or standards for extending invitations to members, so it's hard to say exactly what it takes to get invited. But if you're a serious spender, you might be able to get the card by requesting consideration through your current cardholder account.

If you're interested in getting the Amex Centurion card, you can start by checking your current cardholder account to see if you're eligible to request consideration.

A different take: What Is Amex Centurion

Fees and Membership

The Centurion Card comes with a hefty price tag. The initiation fee can range from $7,500 to $10,000, and the annual fee is approximately $5,000.

To put that into perspective, the initiation and first-year annual fees alone add up to $15,000. This is significantly higher than the Amex Platinum's $695 annual fee.

One of the perks of the Centurion Card is the complimentary Equinox Destination Access Membership, which normally costs $345 a month after a $500 initiation fee. This membership gives you access to most Equinox gym locations in the US, UK, and Canada.

See what others are reading: How to Get a Centurion Card

Eligibility Criteria

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To be eligible for the American Express Centurion Card, you'll need to meet certain conditions. The card is offered by invitation only, and American Express doesn't disclose the exact criteria.

High spending is a key factor, with prospective members typically needing to charge between $250,000 to $450,000 per year on an existing American Express card. This suggests that the card is geared towards individuals with a high level of financial activity.

You'll also need to have an excellent credit score to be considered. This is a given, but it's worth noting that the card targets individuals with exceptional credit.

Significant net worth is another requirement, with the card targeting high-net-worth individuals who have substantial liquid assets and income. This means that the card is likely to be out of reach for most people.

Here's an interesting read: Is American Express for Rich People

Membership Fees

The Centurion Card has a steep initiation fee, ranging from $7,500 to $10,000. This is a significant upfront cost, but it's worth considering the exclusive benefits that come with the card.

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The annual fee for the Centurion Card is approximately $5,000. This is a substantial ongoing expense, but cardholders may find the benefits justify the cost.

Equinox membership is a valuable perk for Centurion cardholders, with a monthly cost of $345 and a $500 initiation fee. This membership tier grants access to over 100 Equinox gym locations in the US, UK, and Canada.

You can expect to pay $199 annually for CLEAR Plus membership, which is covered by a statement credit on the Centurion Card. This membership offers expedited security at over 30 airports and 20 sports and concert venues in the US.

A fresh viewpoint: Centurion Logo Amex

No Spending Limit

The American Express Black Card has no credit limit, so you can spend as much as you want every month, but only if you can afford it.

You'll need to pay off your balances in full every month, as the Centurion Card from American Express is a charge card.

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There are no preset spending limits with the Amex Black Card, which makes it easy to buy big-ticket items that you may not necessarily be able to pay for with other credit cards.

Several other Amex cards are charge cards, which also don't come with preset limits, so you can enjoy the same flexibility.

Keep in mind that the Saks Fifth Avenue benefit on the Centurion Card is a pretty extravagant perk, offering up to $1,000 in credits for Saks purchases divided into four credits of up to $250 per quarter of the year.

Benefits and Perks

The Amex Black Card is renowned for its impressive array of benefits and perks. With a no pre-set spending limit, cardholders can enjoy unparalleled purchasing power.

Cardmembers also receive comprehensive insurance coverage, including travel accident insurance, purchase protection, return protection, and extended warranties on eligible purchases. This is particularly useful for high-net-worth individuals who require flexibility in their spending.

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Here are some of the standout perks of the Amex Black Card:

  • No Pre-set Spending Limit: The Centurion Card does not have a pre-set spending limit, offering unparalleled purchasing power.
  • Comprehensive Insurance Coverage: Cardholders are provided with extensive insurance coverage, including travel accident insurance, purchase protection, return protection, and extended warranties on eligible purchases.
  • Clear Plus membership: Cardmembers receive an annual statement credit for up to $369 to cover a Clear Plus membership for them and up to three family members.
  • Equinox All-Access membership: Cardmembers receive up to $3,600 in credits annually for an Equinox All-Access membership.
  • Up to $1,000 a year in Saks Fifth Avenue credits: Cardholders get up to $1,000 in credits for Saks purchases, divided into four credits of up to $250 per quarter of the year.

Clear Plus Membership

You can get a Clear Plus membership with your credit card. Clear Plus uses biometric authentication to speed you through security and deposit you right at the front of the line, and it's available at more than 65 airports, stadiums, and other venues.

The Amex Platinum and American Express Green Card both come with statement credits of up to $199 for Clear Plus memberships, which is subject to auto-renewal. This credit can be a great perk if you frequently travel or attend events.

The Centurion Card offers an additional benefit, providing a statement credit for up to $369 to cover a Clear Plus membership for you and up to three family members. This unique benefit is only available on the Centurion Card.

You can use Clear Plus at more than 30 airports and over 20 sports and concert venues in the US. It's an alternative to TSA PreCheck and can save you a lot of time during security checks.

Equinox All-Access Membership

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The Equinox All-Access membership is a fantastic perk of the Amex Centurion card, offering up to $3,600 in credits annually.

This credit can be used towards an Equinox All-Access membership, which grants you access to exclusive Equinox gyms and studios.

If you're already an Amex Platinum cardmember, you can still get Equinox credits, but they're limited to up to $300 annually.

You can use the credit for eligible membership purchases, and your membership will auto-renew each year, so be sure to keep an eye on your account to avoid any unexpected charges.

Perks

The perks of the Amex Centurion Card are truly impressive. You'll get up to $1,000 in credits for Saks Fifth Avenue purchases, divided into four credits of up to $250 per quarter of the year.

Cardholders also enjoy the highest level of travel and shopping protections American Express has to offer, including protection against trip delay and cancellation, baggage delays, extended warranty, and purchase protection.

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The Centurion Card offers a statement credit for the full cost of CLEAR Plus membership, which normally costs $199 annually. You'll also get statement credits to cover CLEAR for up to three family members.

Here are some of the exclusive benefits you can expect:

  • No Pre-set Spending Limit
  • Comprehensive Insurance Coverage
  • CLEAR Plus membership
  • Up to $1,000 a year in Saks Fifth Avenue credits
  • Equinox All-Access membership with up to $3,600 in credits annually
  • Complimentary Equinox Destination Access Membership

These perks are truly fit for a king (or queen), and it's no wonder the Centurion Card is considered one of the most exclusive credit cards around.

Travel and Hotel Privileges

With the Amex Black Card, you'll have access to a world of luxury travel and hotel privileges. You'll receive automatic elite status with several programs, including Marriott, Hilton, Intercontinental Hotels Group, and Relais & Châteaux, which offers exclusive benefits such as room upgrades, late checkouts, and free breakfast.

You'll also enjoy hotel elite status with Delta, which comes with perks like complimentary upgrades and bonus miles. Other benefits include free checked bags, complimentary upgrades beginning five days before departure, and discounts on expedited security screenings.

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You'll have access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide through the Priority Pass program, including the luxurious Centurion Lounges. This is a game-changer for long layovers or travel delays.

Here are some of the hotel and airline programs you'll have access to with the Amex Black Card:

Travel Privileges

As a cardholder, you'll enjoy access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide through the Priority Pass program, including the luxurious Centurion Lounges.

You can also take advantage of personalized travel services, where a dedicated team of travel consultants will arrange everything from flights and hotel bookings to unique travel experiences, ensuring your travel plans are seamless and tailored to your preferences.

Cardholders receive significant discounts on first and business class tickets with participating airlines, making international travel more affordable and comfortable.

Here are some of the benefits you can expect:

These travel privileges are exclusive to Centurion Cardholders, offering a level of luxury and convenience that's hard to match.

Travel and Shopping Protections

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The Centurion Card offers some amazing travel and shopping protections that can give you peace of mind when making purchases or traveling.

You'll enjoy the highest level of travel and shopping protections American Express has to offer, including protection against trip delay and cancellation, as well as baggage delays. This means you'll be covered in case of unexpected travel disruptions.

Eligibility and benefit level for these protections vary by card, so be sure to check the details. You can find more information on the American Express website.

Cardmembers can also take advantage of extended warranty and purchase protection, which can provide additional security for your purchases.

The Centurion Card also offers a No Pre-set Spending Limit, giving you unparalleled purchasing power. This feature is particularly useful for high-net-worth individuals who require flexibility in their spending.

Here are some of the key benefits you can expect:

  1. Travel accident insurance
  2. Purchase protection
  3. Return protection
  4. Extended warranties on eligible purchases

Additionally, Centurion cardholders can enjoy statement credits at Saks Fifth Avenue, up to $1,000 each year (up to $250 per quarter), making it a great perk for shopping enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What salary do you need for a black Amex?

To be eligible for the American Express Black Card, you typically need to have a minimum annual income of $1 million and spend at least $350,000 on American Express cards annually. Meeting these requirements may also earn you an invitation to apply for the exclusive card.

How many Amex Black Card holders are there?

There are approximately 100,000 Amex Centurion cardholders worldwide, with around 20,000 in the US. The exact number of Amex Black Card holders is not publicly disclosed, but it is likely a smaller, exclusive group.

Ann Lueilwitz

Senior Assigning Editor

Ann Lueilwitz is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a proven track record of delivering high-quality content to various publications. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Ann has honed her skills in assigning and editing articles that captivate and inform readers. Ann's expertise spans a range of categories, including Financial Market Analysis, where she has developed a deep understanding of global economic trends and their impact on markets.

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