When it comes to exclusive credit cards, one name that frequently comes to mind is the American Express Centurion Card, also known as the “Black Card”. This prestigious card is often shrouded in mystery and intrigue, with many people curious about its benefits and requirements. In this article, we will delve into the details of the American Express Centurion Card, uncovering the secrets behind its allure and uncovering what makes it so sought-after by high-net-worth individuals.
History of the American Express Centurion Card
The American Express Centurion Card, better known as the AMEX Black Card, is wrapped in mystery—much like the secretive criteria needed to obtain one. But if you ask Jerry Seinfeld, he’ll give you a surprisingly straightforward (and humorous) account of how this legendary card came to be.
The Seinfeld Legend
Seinfeld, the billionaire comedian, humorously takes credit for turning the no-limit, invite-only, anodized titanium card from urban legend into reality. During an episode of his Netflix series “Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee,” featuring fellow comic John Mulaney, Seinfeld shared his tale.
How Jerry “Created” the Black Card
In the late ’90s, when Seinfeld was an American Express spokesperson, he was on set filming an ad for the brand. As he waited for the crew to adjust the cameras, a crew member approached him with an intriguing question.
“I was waiting for them to move some cameras, and the crew guy comes up, he says, ‘You got the AMEX Black Card?’ And I go, ‘No, what’s the AMEX Black Card?’” Seinfeld recalled to Mulaney.
The crew member elaborated, claiming only three Black Cards existed worldwide—one held by the Sultan of Brunei, one by the president of American Express, and the third supposedly by Seinfeld himself.
Sparking an Idea
Curiosity piqued, Seinfeld called the president of American Express the next morning.
“I go, ‘Is there a Black Card?’ He says, ‘It’s just a rumor. It doesn’t exist.’ He said, ‘But you know what? It’s not a bad idea.’ And so they developed it, and they gave me the first one.”
Mulaney, intrigued, asked, “So what about the Sultan of Brunei?”
With his signature shrug, Seinfeld replied, “That was just made up.”
The Birth of a Legend
Though the AMEX Black Card officially launched in 1999, aligning with Seinfeld’s story, American Express has neither confirmed nor denied his account over the years. When questioned by The Points Guy, a modern authority on credit cards, a company representative stated:
“We cannot attribute the existence of the American Express Centurion Card to just one Card Member, as we take a great deal of customer insights and feedback into account when we develop our Card products, benefits, and services.”
The Fun Story We Want to Believe
Even without official confirmation, Seinfeld’s version of events makes for a delightful story. While American Express maintains its enigmatic stance, Seinfeld’s tale adds an entertaining twist to the Black Card’s prestigious aura. And let’s be honest—there’s no definitive “no” from AMEX, so why not enjoy the legend?
How to Get One
Want to get your hands on the American Express Centurion Card? Good luck! AMEX keeps the requirements under tight wraps.
Here’s what we do know. The card has a $10,000 initiation fee and a $5,000 annual fee, it’s not just any credit card—it’s an exclusive club. As we’ve already stated, this card’s allure isn’t just about its hefty price tag; it’s about the mystery and prestige that come with it. Think of it as the Elon Musk of credit cards—utterly unique and elite.
In keeping with the mystery surrounding it, the AMEX Black Card isn’t something you can simply apply for. Unlike the Platinum Card from American Express or other premium cards, the Centurion is shrouded in secrecy. You need to be an existing Platinum cardholder and spend around $200,000 annually to even be considered for an invitation. In addition, some of the rumored criteria includes the need for an 800 Credit Score, annual AMEX spending of $500K or more and a minimum annual income of $1 Million! This exclusivity adds to its appeal, making it a status symbol for the ultra-wealthy.
Who Should Get the AMEX Centurion Card?
The card has no preset credit limit allowing for high-ticket purchases without issues. Cardholders are expected to pay their balance in full each month. This card is perfect for the high-spending jet-setter who craves VIP treatment and is willing to pay for it. The Centurion Card offers elite status at various hotels, priority access to Centurion Lounges at airports, and discounts on private airport services in Los Angeles and Atlanta. But beyond the perks, the real value lies in the bragging rights that come with carrying such an exclusive card.
Who Shouldn’t Get the AMEX Centurion?
If you have a modest budget or rarely travel, this card isn’t for you. Most of its benefits are travel-related, and the high fees won’t be justified if you don’t use them.
Earning Rewards with the AMEX Centurion
Surprisingly, the Centurion Card has a modest rewards rate: just 1 Membership Rewards point per dollar spent. There’s no welcome bonus either. But the card’s real value lies in the perks and the prestige of being invited to apply.
Redeeming AMEX Centurion Rewards
Membership Rewards points are versatile. Here are some ways you can use them:
- Pay with Points at Checkout – You can use points like cash at Amazon, Best Buy, and PayPal. Points are typically worth 0.7 cents each this way.
- Redeem for Travel – Book travel through AmexTravel using Pay with Points, where points are worth 1 cent each for flights and Fine Hotels & Resorts bookings, and 0.7 cents each for other travel expenses.
- Transfer to Airline and Hotel Partners – One of the best ways to use your points is by transferring them to AMEX’s 18 airline and three hotel partners. This can often provide better value than booking directly through AMEX Travel.
- Gift Cards – You can buy gift cards with your points, with values ranging from 0.5 to 1 cent per point.
- Statement Credits – Redeeming points for statement credits offers the least value at 0.6 cents per point.
Additional Benefits
This card is all about luxury perks:
- Elite Hotel Status: Top-tier status with Hilton, IHG, and Marriott Bonvoy Gold.
- Delta Air Lines Platinum Medallion Status: Includes complimentary upgrades, waived fees, and priority services.
- 50% Points Rebate on Airfare (Business Centurion Only): Business cardholders get 50% of their points back on reward flights.
- Centurion Lounge Access: Skip the line and bring two guests for free at Centurion lounges.
- Hertz President’s Circle Status: Free upgrades, additional driver, and skip-the-counter access.
- Equinox All-Access Membership: Annual credits towards membership, which normally costs $405 a month.
- PS Airport Service: Two complimentary visits for private, line-free TSA screening at Los Angeles and Atlanta airports.
- Centurion Fine Hotels & Resorts: Enhanced benefits like confirmed upgrades at booking.
- Trusted Traveler Application Fee Credits: Up to $100 for Global Entry or $85 for TSA PreCheck every four years.
- CLEAR Plus Credit: Up to $369 annually for a CLEAR Plus membership.
- Saks Fifth Avenue Credits: $250 quarterly credit for shopping at Saks.
- International Arrival Services: Expedited customs and immigration services when flying internationally.
- Exclusive Offers and Events: Invitations to special dining, sporting, and entertainment events.
Comparable Credit Cards
Though the Centurion Card stands alone, here are two other high-status cards to consider:
For the Baller – J.P. Morgan Reserve Card
This card requires you to have $10 million in assets with J.P. Morgan’s private bank. It offers benefits similar to the Chase Sapphire Reserve but includes United Club membership.
For the Baller on a Budget – The Platinum Card® from American Express
The original status symbol card with a $695 annual fee. It offers 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels and access to extensive airport lounges. Perks include various travel credits, elite hotel status, and concierge services.
Is the AMEX Centurion Right for You?
The Centurion Card is for those who already spend heavily on their AMEX Platinum and want the ultimate status symbol. It’s not about getting value for the fees but about the prestige, the elite benefits, and having nearly unlimited spending power in the palm of your hand.
Needless to say, if you receive an invitation, you’ll join an exclusive club!
As we stated, you have to start with the Amex Platinum Card.
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