Centurion Card News: Is the Amex Black Card Worth the Hype?

The Amex Black Card is often considered the ultimate status symbol for credit card enthusiasts. It's invitation-only and comes with a hefty price tag of $5,000.

You'll need to have an existing American Express Platinum card for at least a year before you're even considered for an invitation.

The Centurion Card is a charge card issued by American Express, designed for high-net-worth individuals.

The card has a minimum income requirement of $200,000 per year for individuals and $300,000 per year for households.

You must be invited to apply for the Centurion Card, as it's not available for general public application.

The card comes with a $5,000 initiation fee, which is non-refundable.

The Centurion Card comes with a hefty price tag. It costs a total of $15,000 to get started, which includes the initiation fee and annual fee.

This fee is a one-time payment of $10,000, which is a significant amount. However, it's worth noting that cardholders pay only the annual fee after the first year.

The annual fee is $5,000, which is a substantial amount compared to other credit cards. For example, the Platinum Card from American Express charges a $695 annual fee, which is significantly lower.

Here's a breakdown of the costs in different countries:

It's worth noting that some countries have different fees and requirements, so it's essential to check the specific fees for your country before applying.

For another approach, see: American Express Credit Card Fees

The Centurion Card from American Express comes with a hefty price tag, but it's essential to understand the fees involved. The initiation fee is a one-time payment of $10,000, which is a significant amount.

The annual membership fee is $5,000, and it's worth noting that this fee is waived for the first year. However, if you decide to close your account within 30 days of the closing date of the billing statement in which the fee was charged, you might be eligible for a refund.

The total cost to get started with the Centurion Card is $15,000, which includes the initiation fee and annual fee. This cost is spread out over two payments, making it more manageable.

Here's a breakdown of the fees for the Centurion Card in different countries:

Note that the fees for the Centurion Card vary significantly depending on the country or region you're in.

Foreign Transaction Fees are typically charged by banks and credit card companies when you use your card abroad. These fees can range from 1-3% of the transaction amount, with some cards charging a flat fee of $5-10 per transaction.

Some credit cards, like the example of the "No Foreign Transaction Fee" credit card, explicitly state that they don't charge these fees, making them a great option for international travelers.

The "Average Foreign Transaction Fee" can be as high as $7 per transaction, which might not seem like a lot, but can add up quickly, especially for frequent travelers.

The "Best Credit Cards for International Travel" often include cards that offer 0% foreign transaction fees, making them a smart choice for anyone who regularly travels abroad.

Discover more: Discover Credit Card for International Students

The Centurion Card from American Express features a world-class concierge service.

Cardholders can receive assistance with travel and dinner reservations, as well as help getting out of jams when something goes wrong on a trip, like a natural disaster.

The personal concierge can be a lifesaver, especially for those who travel frequently or value their time.

One of the many perks of the Centurion Card is the exclusive access to airport clubs, including the American Express Centurion Lounges at several US airports.

Cardholders also receive no pre-set credit limit, access to Priority Pass lounges around the world, and additional lounge privileges based on the country their card is registered in.

For example, Centurion cardholders in Canada receive full access to Maple Leaf Lounges, a lounge network provided by Air Canada.

Here are some of the benefits of the Centurion Card's concierge service:

The Centurion Card offers some amazing features that can provide peace of mind when making purchases.

The card comes with purchase protection, which covers damaged, stolen, or lost purchases in the U.S. for up to 90 days after purchase. This means you can be reimbursed for the full amount charged to your account, with no limit mentioned.

You can also return eligible purchases to American Express if the seller won't take them back, up to 90 days from the date of purchase. American Express may refund the full purchase price, excluding shipping and handling, up to $300 per item, up to a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year per Card account.

Here are the details of the Return Protection and Extended Warranty benefits:

The Centurion Card from American Express offers some amazing VIP access benefits that set it apart from other credit cards. Exclusive access to certain events is one of them, giving cardholders access to popular events like sports games, concerts, theater shows, and other VIP events.

Intriguing read: Centurion Lounge Access without Card

Cardholders can enjoy exclusive access to popular events, but the specifics are a bit of a mystery as American Express doesn't publicize a list of benefits.

One of the perks of the Centurion Card is airport lounge access, which is a game-changer for frequent travelers. The American Express Global Lounge Collection includes over 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries.

You can access these lounges with your valid Centurion Card and a photo ID, but be aware that some lounges may have additional entry requirements. For example, Priority Pass Lounges require separate enrollment in that program and a dedicated Priority Pass card for entry.

Check this out: American Express Travel Airport Lounges

The Centurion Card comes with some amazing purchase protection features that can give you peace of mind when making purchases.

Purchase protection covers damaged, stolen, or lost purchases in the U.S. for up to 90 days after purchase, with terms applying.

You can be reimbursed for the amount charged to your account, with no limit mentioned in the marketing material for the Card.

Worth a look: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Credit Cards

Return Protection allows you to return eligible purchases to American Express if the seller won't take them back, up to 90 days from the date of purchase.

This feature may refund the full purchase price excluding shipping and handling, up to $300 per item, up to a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year per Card account.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card, with terms, conditions, and limitations applying.

To learn more about the details of these benefits, please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide.

Here are some key details about the purchase protection features of the Centurion Card:

The Centurion Card's purchase protection features are designed to provide you with added security and flexibility when making purchases.

The American Express Black Card is a unique card that offers a no credit limit policy, allowing cardholders to spend as much as they want every month. This means they can make purchases without worrying about reaching a spending limit.

However, it's essential to note that the Centurion Card from American Express is a charge card, which means cardholders can't carry a balance. They must pay back the entire amount they spend each month.

The Centurion Card from American Express is a premium card that stands out in several ways. It's a metal card, constructed from titanium, which gives it a unique touch.

This card is made to last, with a sturdy and durable material that can withstand regular use.

The Centurion Card offers some amazing perks for shopping enthusiasts. You can earn up to $1,000 in statement credits each year at Saks Fifth Avenue, broken down into up to $250 per quarter.

The card's shopping benefits are certainly enticing, but it's worth noting that the membership itself is estimated to cost more than $4,000 in the first year.

American Express is making some changes to its Centurion Lounges to combat overcrowding.

The issuer is shuttering the spas across its lounge network, a move that will undoubtedly impact the luxury experience of cardmembers.

The spas, operated in partnership with Exhale, were available at three Centurion Lounge locations: Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Miami International Airport (MIA), and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

The space occupied by the spas will now be used for additional seating, which may help alleviate overcrowding, but it's unlikely to make a significant difference.

Every little bit of seating counts, and hopefully, Amex will use the funds recovered from the spa closures to improve the food-and-beverage service across its network.

The closure of the spas might not be the biggest blow to Amex's lounge network, but it will undoubtedly take a hit in terms of prestige and luxury offerings compared to its competitors.

If you're looking to splurge on some luxury shopping, the Centurion Card from American Express is worth considering. It offers up to $1,000 in statement credits each year at Saks Fifth Avenue, broken down into $250 per quarter. This can be a game-changer for those who love to shop at high-end retailers. You can earn these credits at Saks Fifth Avenue, but be aware that the membership itself is estimated to cost more than $4,000 in the first year.