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The shadowy American Express Centurion (also known as the "AmEx black card") has long been considered a symbol of high status.
Reserved for the ultra-wealthy, the AmEx black card has many benefits beyond those offered by other major credit cards, which further enhances the cardholder experience.
American Express charge cards (including AmEx's Centurion) have no pre-set spending limit, enabling cardholders to buy vehicles, private jets, and even mansions with a swipe.
A common misconception holds that the American Express black card has "no spending limit."
While the claim isn't accurate, AmEx Centurion's lack of pre-set spending limit allows cardholders to use their accounts for large purchases.
One of the many questions surrounding the American Express black card involves its personal and business versions, and how they differ from one another.
Some of the most popular benefits for both versions include perks like travel benefits and around-the-clock concierge services, and unboxing videos for AmEx's Centurion are often virally popular:
With an array of benefits and exclusive features, it’s no wonder the AmEx black card is associated with celebrities and individuals with a high net worth.
Let's take a look at the coveted AmEx black card – including who has it, how to get one, how it came to be, and the extensive benefits that come with its hefty fees and spending requirements.
History Of The AmEx Black Card
In the late 1980s, American Express initiated a "trial run" for the AmEx Centurion. It spanned four years, and involved an extremely limited group of American Express cardholders (less than a thousand worldwide).
In 1987, American Express' black card was set aside by American Express in favor of its then-new Platinum card, which offered a similar slate of benefits to cardholders.
The modern day American Express Centurion was introduced in 1999, specifically targeted to AmEx's wealthiest customers.
According to CNBC, the American Express black card's instant popularity led other banking institutions to develop their own competing credit card products to appeal to high rollers:
The credit card most associated with the phrase “black card” is the Centurion® Card from American Express, or the “Amex Black Card.” It was released in 1999 and created such a buzz that other card issuers wanted to create their own deluxe credit cards to reward their highest-spending customers.
Who Can Get The Black Card?
American Express has been notoriously tight-lipped with respect to obtaining an AmEx Centurion (or black card), but tidbits of information have emerged since the mysterious card began appearing in 1999.
Finance-focused outlet Forbes published an updated review of AmEx's black card in October 2023.
Forbes' review included a succinct summary of the American Express Centurion, with the initial caveat that anyone reading the review was unlikely to meet the card's requirements:
If you are reading a review of the Centurion® Card from American Express, it’s probably not for you.
First of all, you can’t apply for the card: you need to secure an invitation. The unique characteristics of the Centurion Card, both in costs and rewards, do not invite comparison.
However, if you’re in the select group that can get this card, the cost/benefit analysis might just work in your favor.
How To Get An AmEx Black Card
Forbes repeated a common claim, that American Express cardholders "can't apply for the card" and "need to secure an invitation" to obtain the AmEx black card.
In May 2020, credit card news site The Points Guy reported that AmEx started accepting applications for the American Express black card, and advised interested readers to visit Centurion.com to apply.
In that article, reputed AmEx black card requirements appeared in the first paragraph.
As The Points Guy indicated, those benchmarks were based on anecdotes and guesses; AmEx retains an air of mystery around its black card, and doesn't confirm requirements openly:
The American Express Centurion card (available in both personal and business versions) is one of the [most] exclusive credit cards on the market, available by invitation-only to Amex's biggest spenders.
There are no clear guidelines on what it takes to earn an invitation, though multiple reports suggest that you need to spend at least $250,000 a year across all of your Amex cards in order to be considered .
Information gleaned from AmEx black cardholders suggested invitations were extended when their annual spending on all other American Express accounts exceeded a quarter of a million dollars in a calendar year.
It was even less clear which criteria American Express evaluated for those applying through Centurion.com versus those invited to accept a black card.
A CNBC article updated in May 2023 examined AmEx black card requirements.
An unnamed representative for American Express disputed the "invitation only" rumor, asserting that American Express members "have always been able to request consideration" for a black card:
The Centurion Card, or the “Amex Black Card,” is still invite-only, but in late 2021, the Amex Centurion website began allowing existing Amex cardholders who are interested in Centurion membership to request consideration by filling out a short online form.
An Amex spokesperson told CNBC Select that prospective Centurion members have always been able to request consideration for a membership to Centurion, but it typically has been handled over the phone and more recently, a digital feature has been added.
However, The Points Guy noted applicants wouldn't receive an "instant decision" (as was the case with most American Express products, including the AmEx Platinum, which carries a $695 annual fee as of 2023):
Submitting the form won't get you an instant decision, but rather if you're eligible, Amex will reach out to begin the application and initiation process.
Credit card vlogger Ask Sebby covered Centurion requirements in a video:
AmEx Black Card Fees: Initiation Fee, And The AmEx Centurion Annual Fee
Discussions about the American Express black card often focused on how the intriguing charge card can be obtained, and how AmEx elected to invite or accept new cardholders.
One aspect of the AmEx Centurion often overlooked pertained to the exorbitant annual fees associated with the black card. Users allegedly received major perks, but they came at a cost.
CNBC's profile said that as of 2023, AmEx's black card would set first year members back $15,000 in total (or four percent of the annual spending threshold required to qualify for the Centurion):
The cardmember agreement does state a hefty $10,000 initiation fee when you open the card and a $5,000 annual fee ... That’s at least $15,000 in fees the first year, without considering adding authorized users, which cost an additional $2,500 per year for additional Centurion cards (up to two).
As such, a new user with two authorized users could expect to pay $20,000 in fees in their first year, just to hold a black AmEx. The same user would spend $7,500 each year to keep their American Express Centurion.
Who Has An AmEx Black Card?
The AmEx black card is widely associated with celebrities and other high-net-worth individuals who meet its rigid criteria.
CNBC reported that despite being an American Express product, experts estimate that 80 percent of AmEx black cards are issued to users outside the United States:
Experts estimate that there are around 100,000 Amex Centurion cardholders in the world, with only about 20,000 of those being in the United States.
Credit card ranking site WalletHub suggests a plethora of celebs and influential figures such as Beyoncé, Oprah, and Kanye West all hold a black AmEx. Notable purported cardholders include:
Beyoncé
Beyoncé is widely known for her gripping vocals and broad range of talents as an entertainer.
She first entered the public arena as the lead singer of the group Destiny’s Child, and eventually moved on to a solo career.
With the most Grammy Awards earned as a female artist, Beyoncé has a net worth of $500 million.
Oprah
Oprah is known for her popular talk show, which ran for 25 years. She eventually launched her cable channel, OWN, and participated in other profitable business ventures.
With a net worth of $2.8 billion, Oprah has a healthy real estate portfolio which includes properties in Hawaii, Nashville, and California.
Kanye West
Musician and entrepreneur Kanye West is one of the best-selling artists around the globe, and has sold more than 160 million records.
The Grammy Award winner's wealth includes real estate, the value of his music catalog, and a five percent stake in Kim Kardashian’s brand Skims.
Previously a billionaire, Kanye West's net worth was more recently estimated at around $400 million.
Kim Kardashian
Entrepreneur and reality TV star Kim Kardashian is well-known for her hit reality show Keeping Up With The Kardashians, as well as her beauty, fragrance, and shapewear lines.
RelatedKim Kardashian's SKIMS, NBA Announce Massive Multi-Year Partnership
Kardashian's SKIMS will be the official underwear partner of the NBA, WNBA, and USA Basketball.A large amount of her wealth comes from her shapewear business, SKIMS, which has boosted her net worth to around $1.7 billion.
Denzel Washington
Actor, director, and producer Denzel Washington is best known for his outstanding performances in Training Day, Fences, and Flight, among many others.
With a career spanning four decades, this AmEx black cardholder has earned a Tony Award and two Oscars.
Most of his wealth comes from popular films that paid him $12 million each. Denzel has a net worth of $280 million.
Mark Cuban
Dallas Mavericks team owner, business mogul, and celebrity investor Mark Cuban is best known for being one of the “sharks” on the hit show Shark Tank.
The billionaire is the founder of several businesses, including Broadcast.com (which was sold to Yahoo) and Cost Plus Drugs.
Back in 2011, Mark Cuban’s black card was declined after he tried to purchase a pricey bottle of champagne to celebrate a recent team win.
Luckily, Cuban experienced a quick resolution – it was a small glitch, which occurred because his new card needed to be "registered and authorized."
In any event, Cuban likely doesn't worry about the security of his AmEx black card.
Britney Spears
With well-known songs like "Oops, I Did It Again" and "Toxic," Britney Spears is considered "one of the most successful solo acts in pop music."
She’s no stranger to hard work, as she has been in the entertainment industry since she was a child. Spears made her initial debut at the tender age of ten, on Star Search.
When Britney released her first album Baby One More Time in 1999, she skyrocketed into one of the biggest stars in the world. She has a net worth estimated around $60 million.
AmEx Black Card Benefits
You've read up on the American Express black card's celebrity clientele and its sky-high fees ... so, what do AmEx Centurion members get in exchange for the $10,000 initiation fee and its $5,000 annual fee?
The AmEx black card offers myriad, unsurpassed benefits which cater specifically to the lifestyles of the wealthy and its jet-setting coterie. From custom-tailored concierge services and extreme travel perks to exclusive access to experiences around the world, the black card exceeds expectations of just providing credit.
American Express' much vaunted concierge services for cardmembers is one of the most expansive benefits, handling requests from cardholders for a variety of needs:
But the AmEx black card universe contains additional benefits, ones which make it one of the most highly sought-after cards in the world.
Access To Airport Lounges
AmEx black cardholders have travel perks that the average flyer can only dream about.
The American Express black card provides free access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, catering to travelers visiting every corner of the globe.
With this benefit, black cardholders get VIP treatment, which includes delicious, complimentary, and high-end food and drinks as they wait on their flights in luxe and cushy lounges (away from noisy terminals).
Saks Fifth Avenue Credits
Cardholders are eligible to receive up to $1,000 per year in credits for spending at the high-end department store Saks Fifth Avenue.
AmEx divided this amount into four credits, totaling $250 per quarter. In addition to statement credits, black card members also have access to Saks outside of normal business hours.
Around-The-Clock Concierge Services
With the AmEx black card, customers have access to their very own concierge service at any time, as mentioned above.
This comprehensive concierge service operates like a personal assistant, and services include (but are not limited to):
- Making reservations at high-end restaurants,
- Assisting with creating travel itineraries,
- Locating tickets to sold out concerts and events, and,
- Sending flowers
The AmEx black card (or American Express Centurion) is much more than a credit card, it's a symbol of financial status and success. This exclusive card is held by a handful of celebrities and influential figures, drawn by the product's exclusive (and costly) benefits.
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