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The American Express Business Gold Card, also known as the Black Amex Business, is a premium credit card designed for business owners who want to earn rewards and enjoy exclusive benefits.
The card offers 4x points on up to $150,000 in combined purchases in the 2 categories where your business spends the most each year, and 1x points on other purchases.
The annual fee for the card is $295, but it's a small price to pay for the rewards and benefits you'll receive.
With the Black Amex Business, you'll get access to exclusive events, travel perks, and personalized service, making it a valuable tool for any business owner.
Benefits
The American Express Centurion Card is a game-changer for businesses, offering exceptional rewards and benefits that can make a significant impact on your company's purchases.
You can earn 1 rewards point per dollar on all eligible purchases and 1.5 rewards points per dollar on purchases over $5,000, with a cap of 1 million additional points per calendar year.
With the Centurion Card, you'll get access to a dedicated concierge and travel agent, making it easy to plan and book business trips.
Complimentary companion airline tickets on international flights on selected airlines with the purchase of a full-fare ticket are also included.
You'll also get personal shoppers at retailers like Gucci, Escada, and Saks Fifth Avenue, making it easy to take care of your business's shopping needs.
Access to airport clubs, first-class flight upgrades, and membership in Sony's Cierge personal shopping program are just a few more benefits of the Centurion Card.
As a Centurion Card member, you'll also get no pre-set credit limit, access to Priority Pass lounges around the world, and additional lounge privileges based on the country your card is registered in.
You'll get complimentary enrollment in Easirent Car Hire Platinum Service and the Avis Rent a Car President's Club, making it easy to take care of your business's transportation needs.
The Centurion Card also offers a range of hotel benefits, including one free night, when at least one paid night is booked during the same stay, in every Mandarin Oriental hotel worldwide once a year (except for the New York City property).
You'll get privileges at hotel chains like Ritz-Carlton, Leading Hotels of the World, and Amanresorts, making it easy to take care of your business's travel needs.
As a Centurion Card member, you'll also get access to the American Express Centurion Lounges at several US airports, making it easy to take care of your business's travel needs.
You'll get full access to Maple Leaf Lounges, a lounge network provided by Air Canada, if your card is registered in Canada.
At busy times, Centurion members have access to areas reserved for them, making it easy to take care of your business's travel needs.
You'll also get exclusive drink options at the bar, including Veuve Clicquot and a single malt scotch by Balvenie.
Features
The Amex Black Card offers exceptional rewards and benefits, making it a top choice for business owners. You'll enjoy making the most out of your company's purchases.
You'll receive Platinum Medallion elite status with Delta, giving you perks like complimentary upgrades and bonus miles. This status is the airline's second-highest tier and can't be achieved with any other credit card.
With the Amex Black Card, you'll also receive complimentary hotel and airline status upgrades, including elite status at four major hotel chains: Marriott, Hilton, Intercontinental Hotels Group, and Relais & Châteaux.
Hotel and Airline Status Upgrades
As a Centurion cardholder, you'll enjoy the highest level of travel and shopping protections American Express has to offer. This includes protection against trip delay and cancellation, baggage delays, extended warranty, and purchase protection.
Cardholders receive Platinum Medallion elite status with Delta, which is the airline's second-highest status tier. This offers perks like complimentary upgrades and bonus miles. You can't get this benefit with any other credit card.
Holding a Black Card will also grant you elite status at four major hotel chains: Marriott, Hilton, Intercontinental Hotels Group, and Relais & Châteaux. Elite status with these chains offers exclusive benefits such as room upgrades, late checkouts, resort and spa credits, and free breakfast.
Early Pay Discount
You can get a 1.5% discount on the portion of your eligible charges balance that you pay within 10 days of your statement closing date.
To qualify, you must pay at least your Minimum Payment Due by your Payment Due Date. The discount will appear as a credit on the following billing statement.
Eligible charges are purchases for goods and services minus returns and other credits. This means that if you buy something and then return it, that amount won't be included in the discount calculation.
Eligible charges do not include previously deferred amounts, past due amounts, cash advances, purchases of traveler's checks, purchases or reloading of prepaid cards, or purchases of other cash equivalents.
Concierge
The concierge service is a game-changer for cardholders with the Amex Centurion, Amex Platinum, and Amex Black Card. They can access a personal concierge 24/7 for help with travel plans, reservations, and event tickets.
Brian Kelly's experience with his Centurion concierge, Ray, is impressive. Ray has saved Kelly over $20,000 a year by arranging tours, booking tickets, and even locating lost items.
The Centurion concierge offers more extensive services than the concierge available on other premium Amex cards. For instance, Ray has arranged a tour in Beijing for Kelly and his parents, and even helped him leave Bali during a volcanic eruption.
Premium Amex cardholders can access an American Express Concierge for assistance with event tickets, reservations, and travel bookings. This perk is available on the Amex Platinum, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card, and the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card.
The Amex Black Card offers a personal concierge service that's available 24/7. Cardholders can count on the concierge to help with travel plans, reservations, and entertainment tickets.
Cardholders with the Centurion card get top priority from Amex concierges and the best access to restaurant reservations and other exclusive experiences.
Fees and Payments
The fees associated with the Centurion Card are substantial. The initiation fee is a whopping $10,000, and the annual fee is $5,000.
To put it into perspective, this means you'll need to pay $15,000 upfront before you can even start using your card. The annual fees vary by country, with the United States charging $5,000, the UK charging £3,400, and Canada charging CA$5,000.
Here's a breakdown of the annual fees for the Centurion Card in various countries:
It's worth noting that these fees are in addition to the one-time joining fee, which also varies by country.
Pay Over Time
You may be given the option to enroll in a Pay Over Time feature that allows you to pay certain purchases over time. This feature is only available to eligible cardholders.
If you choose to enroll in this feature, you will accrue interest on eligible purchases when you choose to carry a balance.
Fees and Payments
The fees associated with the Centurion Card are steep. There's an initiation fee of $10,000, making it a significant upfront cost.
The annual fee is $5,000, which is a substantial ongoing expense. This means you'll be paying a total of $15,000 in the first year alone.
The fees for the Centurion Card are significantly higher than those of other American Express cards. For example, the annual fee for the Platinum Card is $695.
Here's a breakdown of the fees for different American Express cards:
It's essential to consider these fees carefully before applying for a high-end credit card like the Centurion Card.
American Express Eligibility
The American Express Black Card is notoriously exclusive, and eligibility is largely determined by American Express itself.
You can't just apply for the Black Card and expect approval, as it's invitation-only.
The requirements for getting an invite are rumored to be spending and paying off between $350,000 and $500,000 across all of your American Express accounts in a calendar year.
This threshold is reportedly in the low- to mid-six figures for several years, ideally on luxury goods, travel, and other lifestyle expenses.
To be considered for the Black Card, you'll need to have a significant history with American Express, with a minimum of several years of high-end spending.
The initiation fee is a whopping $10,000, and the annual fee is $5,000, making it one of the most expensive premium cards on the market.
Despite the hefty fees, Black Cardholders receive top-tier benefits, including complimentary elite status with four major hotel chains and Delta Platinum Medallion elite status.
Alternatives and Comparison
If you're looking for alternatives to the Amex Black Card, you have options. The review mentioned that it's not affiliated with any issuer, so you can trust the opinions and ratings.
The Amex Centurion Card is a popular alternative, but it's not exactly the same as the Black Card. The Centurion Card has a $5,000 initiation fee, which is significantly lower than the Black Card's rumored $50,000 fee.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, you might consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card, which has a $450 annual fee and offers travel rewards.
Equinox Membership
The Equinox membership perk is a game-changer for Centurion cardholders. They get access to most of the 100-plus Equinox gym locations in the U.S., UK, and Canada.
This membership tier normally costs $345 a month after a $500 initiation fee, making it a valuable benefit for those who frequent high-end fitness clubs.
Haus
The Centurion Haus lounge is a members-only venue that's hidden behind a hat shop in the Raffles Singapore arcade.
To gain access, you need to have a Centurion card and know the lounge's location. The hat shop wall then opens to reveal the entrance to the lounge.
The Centurion Haus lounge offers elegant seating options for its members.
Amex Alternatives
If you're looking for alternatives to the Amex Black Card, you have several options to consider. The issuer of the Amex Black Card is American Express.
Citi Prestige is one such alternative that offers a similar high-end experience. This card comes with a $495 annual fee and 5x points on travel.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is another option that provides premium benefits and rewards. It has a $550 annual fee and 3x points on travel and dining.
Note: This review is not provided, commissioned or endorsed by any issuer. Opinions and ratings are our own.
Amex Offers Similar Perks
If you're not lucky enough to get an invitation for the American Express Black Card, don't worry! The Amex Platinum Card offers many of the same travel-specific benefits.
The Amex Platinum Card has no preset spending limits, so your spending limit is flexible and depends on factors like your purchase, payment, and credit history. You'll also get hotel elite status, complimentary access to airport lounges, and concierge services.
If you're a business user, the Amex Business Platinum Card is worth considering. It offers most of the same benefits as the personal card and has a $695 annual fee.
Here are some key benefits you can expect from the Amex Platinum and Business Platinum Cards:
- Hotel elite status
- Complimentary access to airport lounges
- Concierge services
- No preset spending limits
These cards also give you access to exclusive offers and events, including preferred reservations at top restaurants and private wine tours.
American Express Benefits FAQs
The American Express Black Card is available by invitation only, with a reported minimum annual spend requirement of low- to mid-six figures for several years.
To get invited, you'll need to demonstrate consistent high-end spending on luxury goods, travel, and lifestyle expenses.
The Black Card reportedly costs $5,000 a year, with a $10,000 initiation fee.
As a Centurion Card member, you'll have access to airport clubs, first-class flight upgrades, and a dedicated concierge.
You'll also receive complimentary enrollment in Easirent Car Hire Platinum Service and the Avis Rent a Car President's Club.
The Centurion Card offers no pre-set credit limit, access to Priority Pass lounges around the world, and additional lounge privileges based on the country your card is registered in.
In Canada, for example, Centurion cardholders receive full access to Maple Leaf Lounges, a lounge network provided by Air Canada.
US cardholders earn 1 rewards point per dollar on all eligible purchases and 1.5 rewards points per dollar on purchases over $5,000.
As a Centurion Card member, you'll also get complimentary access to the American Express Centurion Lounges at several US airports.
You'll enjoy exclusive drink options at the bar, including a Champagne option of Veuve Clicquot and a single malt scotch by Balvenie.
The Centurion Card also offers hotel benefits, including one free night in every Mandarin Oriental hotel worldwide once a year.
You'll receive privileges at hotel chains like Ritz-Carlton, Leading Hotels of the World, and Amanresorts.
As a Centurion Card member, you'll have access to private events and experiences, ranging from high-profile sporting events and fashion shows to exclusive culinary events with renowned chefs.
You'll also receive automatic room upgrades, early check-in/late check-out, and other privileges with top-tier complimentary elite status at four major hotel chains: Marriott, Hilton, IHG, and Relais & Châteaux.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Amex have a business black card?
Yes, American Express offers a business version of the Black Card, with benefits and services tailored for business owners. It earns one Membership Rewards point per dollar spent on all purchases.
How many Amex black card holders are there?
There are approximately 100,000 Amex Centurion cardholders worldwide, with about 20,000 residing in the United States. This exclusive group holds one of the most coveted credit cards globally.
How do I get invited to a black Amex card?
To get invited to the Black Amex card, you need to be an existing American Express cardmember and maintain a high level of spending and payment activity on your account. Requesting an invitation is the next step, but it's not a guarantee of approval.
Does Amex business Platinum get you into Centurion Lounge?
Yes, American Express Business Platinum Card Members have unlimited access to The Centurion Lounges. They can also bring children 17 and under, plus up to two guests.
How do you qualify for a Centurion Card?
To qualify for a Centurion Card, you typically need to have a high annual spending threshold (around $250,000 or more) and an excellent credit score. If you meet these requirements, you may receive an invitation to apply for this exclusive card.
Sources
- https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/business/business-credit-cards/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centurion_Card
- https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/amex-centurion-black-card/
- https://wallethub.com/d/american-express-centurion-card-999c
- https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/credit-cards/benefits-of-the-amex-centurion-black-card
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