Centurion Card Annual Fee and Membership Benefits Explained

The Centurion Card annual fee is a significant investment, but it offers a wide range of benefits that can make it worthwhile for some people.

The annual fee for the Centurion Card is $5,000, which is a steep price to pay, but it's worth considering for those who value exclusive perks and rewards.

One of the main benefits of the Centurion Card is its high level of acceptance, with over 1 million merchants worldwide accepting the card.

The American Express Centurion Card, also known as The Black Card, is a premium card that comes with a hefty price tag. The annual fee is not explicitly mentioned in the provided article section, but we do know that the Platinum Card, a similar card from American Express, has an annual fee of $695.

Cardmembers of The Black Card get access to the Centurion Lounge, which requires a same-day boarding pass with a confirmed seat or zone assignment and government-issued identification to enter. Guests are allowed, but they incur a $50 fee, or $30 for children ages 2 to 17.

If you're flying through an airport with a Centurion Lounge, you can bring two guests into these lounges for no cost, a perk also available to Platinum Cardholders. The Platinum Card also offers access to over 1,400 airport lounges through AmEx's Global Lounge Collection.

The Platinum Card's benefits extend far beyond airport lounge access, including over $1,500 in potential statement credits. This includes up to a $200 hotel credit, up to $200 in Uber Cash, and up to $200 toward airline incidental fees.

For another approach, see: Amex Platinum Card Annual Fee Increases

The Centurion card offers a range of benefits and perks that make it a valuable addition to any traveler's wallet. One of the standout features is the Saks Fifth Avenue credit, which provides up to $1,000 in credits per year.

To break it down, cardholders can receive four credits of up to $250 per quarter, making it a great perk for those who love to shop at Saks. To get the credit, you simply need to make an eligible purchase with your Centurion card and the credit will be applied as a statement credit.

The Saks Fifth Avenue credit is a significant improvement over the consumer version of the Amex Platinum Card, which only offers up to $100 in credits per year.

One of the standout benefits of the Centurion card is the up to $1,000 in Saks Fifth Avenue credits it offers.

To get this credit, cardholders just have to make an eligible Saks purchase with their Centurion card, and they'll be reimbursed up to the quarterly and annual limit in the form of a statement credit.

Cardholders can divide this credit into four credits of up to $250 per quarter of the year.

The Saks Fifth Avenue benefit is only available on the consumer version of the Amex Platinum Card, which offers a much lower annual credit of $100.

In comparison, the Centurion card's Saks credit is 10 times higher than the Amex Platinum Card's credit.

This benefit is a great perk for those who frequent Saks Fifth Avenue, as it can add up to significant savings over the course of the year.

Worth a look: Delta Platinum Card Annual Fee

The American Express Centurion Card is a symbol of status and affluence, solidified by its reputation over the years.

Membership to the Centurion Card is by invitation only, making it highly exclusive.

The card was first introduced in 1999, inspired by urban legends of an ultra-exclusive credit card for the wealthy elite.

The Centurion Card has a unique membership structure. The initiation fee can range from $7,500 to $10,000.

To become a member, you'll need to pay this fee upfront. The annual fee is approximately $5,000, which is a significant expense.

These fees are a reflection of the exclusive nature of the card and the extensive benefits it provides.

The Equinox membership is a fantastic perk for Centurion cardholders, offering access to most of the 100-plus Equinox gym locations in the U.S., UK, and Canada.

This membership tier costs $345 a month after a $500 initiation fee, which is a significant expense, but a valuable one if you're a fan of the high-end fitness club chain.

The complimentary Equinox Destination Access Membership is a great benefit, allowing you to use the gyms as often as you like without incurring additional costs.

Check this out: Centurion Lounge Access without Card

The American Express Platinum Card is a premium travel card that offers a wide range of benefits. It's AmEx's most popular card for travelers.

For a hefty $695 annual fee, cardmembers get access to the Centurion Lounge any time they fly. To enter, show your card, a same-day boarding pass with a confirmed seat or zone assignment and your government-issued identification.

Cardmembers have to pay a $50 guest fee, except for those who have spent $75,000 on their card in the prior calendar year. These members will maintain complimentary guest access.

Cardholders of The Platinum Card from American Express get access to over 1,400 other airport lounges through AmEx's Global Lounge Collection. You'll also be able to bring two guests into these lounges for no cost.

The premium travel card offers over $1,500 in potential statement credits, including up to a $200 hotel credit and up to $200 in Uber Cash.

The initiation fee for the Centurion Card can range from $7,500 to $10,000.

This fee is a one-time payment, not an annual fee, but it's still a significant upfront cost.

You'll also need to factor in the annual fee, which is approximately $5,000.

This fee reflects the exclusive nature of the card and the extensive benefits it provides, including the complimentary Equinox Destination Access Membership.

The Equinox membership alone has a monthly cost of $345 after a $500 initiation fee, so the Centurion Card's annual fee is a good value if you plan to use the gym frequently.

As a Centurion Cardholder, you'll also get a statement credit for the full cost of CLEAR Plus membership, which is $199 annually.

This credit can be used to cover CLEAR Plus for you and up to three family members.