What is the AMEX Black Card?
The American Express Black Card is a charge card or “cash card” made of anodised titanium (a hard, silver-gray metal that is strong, light, and used in corrosion-resistant alloys). The card offers exclusive privileges including a 24/7 concierge service, has no set spending limit, and is available by invitation only. It is not a credit card at all, but is rather a charge card or cash card, meaning cardholders have to pay off their balance in full every month.
The AMEX Centurion Card, known informally as the AMEX Black Card, is one of the most prestigious cash cards in the world – and most people would be lucky to even catch a glimpse of it. Customers can only qualify for this card after they have met certain criteria.
For years, the American Express Black card was an overblown rumour … until 1999, when AMEX confirmed that the illusive card was indeed real. However, just because it exists doesn’t mean it’s within arm’s reach (or indeed several thousand arms’ reach) of the average consumer.
“There had been rumours going around that we had this ultra-exclusive black card for elite customers. It wasn’t true, but we decided to capitalise on the idea anyway.”
– Doug Smith, Director, American Express Europe (in an interview to Snopes.com)
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How to get the AMEX Black Card – become a black card member
You cannot apply for the AMEX Centurion Card online and is not listed among their other charge cards on their website. However, the Terms & Conditions of the Cardmember Agreement for AMEX black card can be found online here (current as of 31 March 2016). While the exact eligibility requirements for the Centurion Card have never been explicitly stated by American Express, the word on the street is that prospective candidates must:
- Be an active American Express cardholder for at least 1 year
- Hold an American Express Platinum credit card
- Pay an initiation fee of $5,000 in Australia or $7,500 in the USA initiation fee, as well as the annual fee of $5,000 in Australia or $2,500/year in the USA (additional annual fees apply for supplementary cardholders: $2,500/year for a supplementary Centurion Card, plus additional annual fee of $175/year for supplementary Platinum Cards or $45/year for Gold Cards)
- Spend at least $250,000 per year on cards
- Be able to pay off the card in full each month (because it is a charge card, not a credit card)
- Be especially wealthy, with a substantial net worth
- Have a spotlessly clean credit rating
What does AMEX define as “substantial net worth” or being wealthy enough to afford the Centurion Card? Well, a report in 2011 revealed that the average household income for Centurion Card members was $1.3 million and the average cardholder held assets of $16.3 million. Along with these conditions, it still comes down to AMEX personally choosing each new member individually.
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What benefits does the AMEX Black Card offer?
AMEX Centurion Card members supposedly have access to some significant perks including:
- Free companion tickets for international flights (upon purchase of a full-fare ticket)
- Hotel and flight upgrades to premium tier status
- Complimentary comprehensive for travel insurance (Australian cardholders enjoy this privilege no matter how they pay for the travel; in other countries, coverage varies)
- Concierge service available worldwide 24/7
- Instant access to key seating for events and concerts
- Rental car hire upgrades to premium status with luxury vehicles
- Standing reservations at select restaurants
- No preset spending limit (“credit limit”)
- Access to Centurion airport lounges
- … and more.
But as many commentators have pointed out, many of these benefits – even having no spending limit – are available from the American Express Platinum Card for a fraction of the cost ($1,200/year annual fee).
Of course, the Black Card carries the added perk of being known as a huge status symbol among the elite.
And the lack of a preset spending limit or “credit limit” on this charge card means the cardholder’s imagination is the limit. The largest Centurion Card purchase recorded as of 2016 was USD $170 million paid for the famous painting “Nu couché” by Modigliani, purchased by Liu Yiqian using the card to circumvent Chinese money transfer laws. Other extravagant recorded purchases include a cardholder who charged $52 million on the card to purchase their own private jet.
So if you see the elusive black card anywhere, take a photo – because chances are good that you will never see another one again.
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