All information about the Centurion® Card from American Express** has been collected independently by CardCritics™
Centurion® Card from American Express** Review
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Written by
Andrew Lisa
The Centurion® Card from American Express** is the wallet companion of choice for the millionaire class. Known informally as the “Black Card,” Centurion is the ultimate status symbol of the American aristocracy — but it’s out of reach for most of the masses.
Purchase and Balance Transfer APR
See Terms
Welcome Offer
N/A
Rewards
1 point per dollar on all eligible purchases
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Annual Fee
$5,000
CardCritics™ Opinion
Applications for the Centurion Card are invitation-only and the upfront initiation fee alone will set you back five figures. However, those with the means and the clout to receive an invitation will earn the industry’s richest benefits and — more importantly — the standing that comes with America’s most prestigious credit card.
Our Critical Analysis:
Centurion® Card from American Express**
- Rich rewards like premier airline, rental car and hotel memberships
- VIP access to the world’s finest airport lounges
- Exclusive access to the most coveted dining and entertainment events
- Centurion Concierge service, which can arrange anything from backstage passes to private jets
- If you have an American Centurion card in your wallet, you’ve made it
PROS
- $10,000 one-time initiation fee
- $5,000 annual fee
- Applications are by invitation only
CONS
Rewards
The Centurion Card is known for the access and exclusivity it provides, not its points program. Its members earn just one Membership Point per dollar spent.
If you’re in it for points, you can do better for much less with lower-level cards like American Express Gold or Platinum and even garden variety cards from Chase or Capital One.
Third-Party Membership Benefits
The Centurion Card from American Express provides value not in the points it pays, but in the first-class benefits it provides. Those privileged enough to apply will earn automatic elite status in several travel membership programs upon approval, including:
- Hilton Honors Diamond
- Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite
- Hertz Platinum
- IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite
- Delta SkyMiles Platinum Medallion
- Avis President’s Club
Statement Credits
The Centurion Card gives statement credits that add up quickly. Cardholders get $369 for Clear Plus membership, a biometric authentication system that lets members breeze through security at airports, stadiums and other venues.
The card also gives $1,000 in credits for Saks Fifth Avenue purchases per year, paid as $250 quarterly credits, and $3,600 per year toward Equinox All-Access membership.
High-End Perks
Cardholders — and up to two guests — enjoy complimentary access to the Amex Global Lounge Collection, which includes access to:
- Centurion Lounges
- Lufthansa lounges
- Priority Pass Select lounges
- Escape Lounges
- Plaza Premium lounges
Those who fly internationally on business or first-class flights get complimentary arrival services, and the card provides access not only to the Centurion Hotel Program, but also to Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts, which comes with benefits like room upgrades and added amenities.
What Makes the Card Stand Out?
America’s most prestigious card comes with truly world-class benefits that put the V in VIP. Centurion cardholders are paired with personal concierges who can:
- Arrange and coordinate nearly every aspect of their travels
- Save them money
- Provide local knowledge
- Assist them on-site
- Make reservations
- Ensure their safety
- Run errands
- Shop for clothing or merchandise
- Provide communication
Many cards offer concierge services, but Centurion cardholders receive the same kind of elite service that the 1% have come to expect.
Is It the Right Card For You?
The Centurion Card may be the right fit for you if any of the following apply:
- You make enough income and spend enough money to earn an invitation to apply, but keep in mind that American Express doesn’t reveal its Centurion approval standards to the public.
- You can afford to pay $15,000 the first year and $5,000 in subsequent years.
- You want truly top-tier travel and lifestyle perks.
- You’re willing to pay a high price for the world’s most prestigious credit card.
Card Details From
- Complimentary elevation to elite status levels at several of the world’s largest travel brands, including IHG Platinum Elite, Hilton Honors Diamond, Melia Rewards Gold and Marriott Bonvoy Gold.
- Earn 1 Membership Rewards point on all eligible purchases
- Exclusive retail benefits, including up to $250 per quarter in Saks Fifth Avenue credits.
- Complimentary Delta SkyMiles Platinum Medallion status, which includes priority waitlisting, enhanced mileage earnings, priority check-in and boarding, courtesy upgrades and more
- Enjoy access to the Global Lounge Collection, the only credit card airport lounge access program that includes proprietary lounge locations around the world, including guest access at Centurion Lounges
- Invitation to the Hertz Platinum status and Avis President’s Club
Frequently Asked Questions
The Centurion Card is exclusive but expensive. The answers to these frequently asked questions can help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
How can I get an Centurion Card?
First, go to the Centurion website. Second, click “Interested in Centurion Membership?” at the bottom of the page. Third, enter your personal information and the card number and the security code for your current American Express card. Finally, submit your request for an invitation.
How do I qualify for a Centurion Card?
The Centurion Card is highly selective. Amex does not publicize its specific requirements, but the consensus is that you must spend at least $250,000 to $500,000 annually on a current American Express card.
What is the Black Card Credit limit?
The Centurion Card does not have a set credit limit.
Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
*CardCritics™ references a FICO® 8 score, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when evaluating your application.
