American Express Black – The Ultimate Credit Card
By Jeffrey Strain, February 15th, 2007 | 151 Comments »
Forget the standard green and blue. Silver, gold and platinum don’t even come close. If you want the ultimate credit card, you want titanium (literally) and the color you’re after is black!
Most credit cards would be fighting tooth and nail to get you to sign up with them if you have superior credit, but there is one credit card that operates a bit differently: The Centurion Black card from American Express (also commonly referred to as the “Black Card” – there is also a Centurion Platinum card which should not be confused) The Black Card is so exclusive that you aren’t even able to apply for it – the only way to get one is by receiving a special invitation from American Express. Currently there are estimated to be less than 10,000 Black Cards in existence worldwide.
The Black Card began as a rumor in the 1980s that certain celebrities and dignitaries were being given a credit card from American Express that could buy anything with no limits (which happened to be black). There is no solid proof that the Black Card existed during this time, although some continue to insist it did exist. Either way, as rumors mounted about this exclusive black card, American Express decided to capitalize on the free publicity and launched the Black Card in 1999. Those who were first invited were Centurion Platinum card members who were supposedly spending a minimum of $150,000 a year.
Information about how one qualifies for the Black Card today is somewhat of a mystery since, although there are references on the American Express website about the card, there is no formal page where you can see the requirements to get an invitation to carry one (there is a user ID and password protected page for those that do have the Black Card). When the invitations first arrived in 1999, the Black Card came with a $1000 a year fee. People that now have the card say that the yearly cost has risen to $2500 a year and a minimum of $250,000 a year needs to be charged to qualify.
As might be expected, the invitation to receive the Black Card doesn’t come in a standard envelope that you and I are used to seeing when offering to apply for a credit card:
And it also doesn’t come in a plain envelope when the card actually arrives:
As would be expected, the Black Card does provide a number of privileges for the $2500 a year fee including access to a large number of exclusive clubs. Most importantly, it provides you a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week personal Concierge. If you want tickets to a sold out event, there is no need to panic. A simple call will get you virtually anything you need. How good are these? You can go to http://www.creditcardsguidance.com/ and compare them with a series of privileged credit cards that can only be called “advanced” in shadow of this black devil.
Of course, now that the American Express Black card is known to exist, the rumors have started to circulate that there is now an ultra special card for the elite of the elite called the American Express Chrystal Card…
My friend has a Black Card. I had a nice story typed out about it, but since your spam filter doesn’t seem to work for me (I can add 6 and 7 thanks), I won’t re-type it.
Who cares, it’s just a freaking creadit card.
I know for sure that I would use cash even if I was really really rich.
Well, at least this card is really precious metal. I never understood why people want “golden” cards so much, when they really are of the same cheap plastic as every other card. If you like gold, buy real gold, like cold coins for christ sake!
Its not just a card, its a way of life, it is the freakin best card i have ever had. those of you who knock the card, cant afford it, but it is wonderful
For real, it isn’t as cool as you’d think. Most people have no clue what it is and usually say, “wow metal, these must be new, I’m gonna call amex and get one”. I usually just smile and say, “you should”. Compared to the Platinum card, the benefits mirror fairly close. However, one reason why I will continue my membership is Mid-elite status on all of Delta’s partners airlines. I don’t have to travel a minimum amount of miles to get Gold level (on Delta, but similar class on all others). This allows me to get upgraded on pretty much every flight. Other then that, I have rarely used the personal concierge (once to send flowers to my mom), and will never use it for private jet booking (another benefit of the Platinum as well). Again, the only reason this card is worth the large yearly fee….the airline status…and if you travel a ton like I do, it’s well worth it. Another thing, it has to be paid off in full every month, another way Amex makes sure those who hold it can afford it.
Good luck!
When I first saw this card, I had to stop and just look at it for a second. If money is power, then credit makes you untouchable. All you have is your word and this card says that your word is highly dependable amongst all. Just to be mentioned in the same breath with this card would be an honor. Until you can understand the magnitude of this piece of plastic, I suggest people refrain from writing comments.
The best credit card is one without a balance.
Bravo…
…i just heard about this card on a television program…it is so interesting…it makes me realize that human nature always strives to feel special and to belong somewhere…well…i am most impressed…good for you…i wish you all the best and most that life has to offer…
If you have nothing positive to say about the card, why are you so interested in reading about it????
Exclusive will always be the key…
they claim its 150k a year with platinum to qualify, my brother only got his after he spent 1.4 million in ’03. also when they offer you a corporate they offer a personal one as well. Although its cool to have one i don’t think my brother needs to spend the 2700 a year it actually costs, not 2500 like some claim. i found it interesting that there were still questions about the card because i simply asked my brother and he didn’t withhold any info. Also my brothers boss’ wife was so pissed that she didnt have one he called amex and they told him it wasnt possible, but when he threatened to pull all his corporate business they gave him two cards. so it can be requested…
oh yea, the limit is 6 million. so much for the no limit rumor. also my brother told me if u spend more than 100k in a day amex freezes the card until you confirm its you spending the money.
Would you want somebody to jack your card and spend 100k on an Aston Martin, verification is a good thing, unless you like filing humongous claims… By the way the card isn’t plastic, it’s made of titanium.
I know that American Express has to offer this card to the consumer. I just aquired your Gold American Express card. What I would like to know is, do you have to pay the balance in full monthly, or do you pay on this account monthly. I do understand that there is a 2500.00 yearly fee for this card. Please answer these questions for me. Finally, are there any other rewards associated with this card that are listed already?
how gives a rats ass
After working for AMEX, and working in the “Centruion” department, I find it interesting how people boast about how they have the card on here. The old saying applies, when you dont have it, you talk about it and act as though you do have it, and when you actally do have one, you really dont care as long as it does what it says it can. (And PS, fraud activity on the cards is highly monitored, and no you cant buy a vanquish or a plane using a black card)
Does anyone know how to advertise to these privilaged Black card holders?
BLACK CARD = EGO CARD. About comment 17 this isnt completely true. A good friend of mine used is “measley” platinum card to buy a Porsche. You’re right about just walking in and buying it, true you cant, but with a phone call in to Amex and telling them what he was going to do they cleared it. SO he purchased it.
The black care is total ego. I dont have one because i do pay more cash for items them credit cards but both my friends are very established and spend alot. He said he uses it like his other cards and the benefits are that much more astounding then a platinum card.
I have had the privalage to hold and swipe about 5 of thes black credit cards. I work at a lighting store in Baltimore Maryland called Jones Lighting. we deal
with the rich and famous and select lighting for there huge houses yes houses. two weeks ago i helped the guy from the show lost. LOCK. thanks
Tyler
My Dad has a black card because he owns a hotel and i can say that t is one of the best cards i have ever seen. it ISNT made of plastic as some of you people think. no it is made of TITANIUM. heavy for a credit card
how does one qualify? i am a platinum card member with outstanding membership since 1981.
please inform me. sandra
who ever says the card is ego is totally wrong its a card that gives you privelages and concierge service that are unlimited and the use of cash isnt the issue if you can purchase and pay off 250,000 a year. the card isn’t plastic its titanium and is very heavy
I don’t own one (yet) and its not m fous to hae one. Although it is my focus to have the option to own one. Regarding the previous writer who stated he would pay cash for his merchandise, he needs to realize that the elite use these cards not only for conience but also security. Its not the safest thing to carry several thousands of dollars to go shopping…..just my 2 cents
Just a little information about this card since none of you seem to know the exact details of it… The annual fee is $2500 and the initiation fee when you first receive the card is $5000; so it’s $7500 to obtain it. Minimum amount of $250,000 needs to be spent annually and yes there is a limit, but you can increase your credit limit just like any other credit card by demonstrating traits of a person with good credit. The most expensive item ever purchased on the card was a jet plane- the cost was approximately $30 million.
for all u guys that have no clue what the card is about and y it is different cause its a chip on the back for trackin device so if is get stolen it wont take mor then two min to know where it is is not only for the look but for security
To comment 22: You ca not apply for the card that the legend, however you can go to American Express website and into your account request information on The Centurion Black Card, I believe every year they have openings and they send request to whom is looking for one, however you mus know you are comfortability having to spend a minimum of 250.00 a year needs to be charged to qualify in the first place.
interesting reading….I think ill go put the lawn mower away and go to bed..I have to work in the morning
how long i have to wait for black.
i have worked hard to have assets 5m plus
Can you buy real estate
with a black card?
I work at a golf course the gentlemen that ownes a black card didn’t look like a very wealthy person he talked me down to a fair deal and as he went to pay the black card stood out he was a very nice guy and guys with that much money its nice to see they have a sense a humor and aren’t just jerks sometimes money makes mean people this guy was very nice and im glad i hooked him up if only i had that card it would be fun
About the history of the Black Card and the rumor of it starting in the 1908′s….I am a server at an exclusive resturant and my regular pays with his Black Card, but on the Card it reads ‘member since 78′. So he has had his official Black Card since 1978 before the rumor even surfaced….just putting it out there.
To comment number 32, just because it says you are a member since 78 doesn’t mean you have had a black card since 78, all american express cards say the year that you first became a member, regardless of the color or status card you received. So your guy at the restraunt may have had a green card in 78.
I am a strong advocate of the Black Card. Yesterday I walked into a Newport dealership and walked out with a brand new ’08 Lamborghini, no questions asked.
Sir,
I am intrested to apply for Black American Express card , I know it is with invitation only . If you would be kind enough to tell me what r the requirement’s to apply for one, I will really appreciate it.
Thanks in advance…
Kapil Rupani
The Black Card is a great thing; however, I’m trying to understand which one has the most perks between the Black Card and the Red Card…
comment to 36 The Red American Express is to fight aids in africa 1% of your spending goes to the global fund. Also concerning the Black American Express (centurian card)We have a family business and we all have one and we travel alot so we get amazing deals at The Ritz Carlton which is part of there fine resorts program. We usually end up getting abot 300.00 off our stay for each room. My daughter also wanted to go to the American girl cafe and they were sold out but centurian got us a reservation. The benefits go on and on amazing.
It’s amazing, those who pretend that they have the card in order to arouse wonder on this site.
As far as Amy is concerned, evidently her business was not linguistics. It’s comforting to know that those who pretend to own this futile piece of ego still remain ignorant in basic grammar. Amy, it would be “their” fine resorts, not “there.” Try to charge a middle school spelling course on your next excursion.
Some day !!!
Dude this card is awsome. i take it from my dad all the time. I can get anything i want and he doesnt care. For all of those people wh think it is gay. Ur idiots, just because ur to poor to have, dont make every one else feel bad. so yeaa, plus its mad of titanium which is fricken awsome
Comment to 35, u cant apply for it, you have to be inivuted to get it.
JUST A FUNNY NOTE…MY DAUGHTER WORKS AT LOCAL CHUCK E. CHEESE PIZZA PARLOR. THIS GUY HAS A PARTY FOR A GROUP OF KIDS TOTALLING $600 AND WHIPS HIS BLACK CARD OUT TO PAY…HOW IMPRESSIVE! BUT…HE DID NOT EVEN LEAVE THE YOUNG WAITRESS A TIP FOR DOING A GREAT JOB FOR HIS GROUP! WHAT A JOKE!!
can I buy a pony with a black card…oh please say I can buy a pony!
give me a break…the black card is about prestige,respect, and wealth if you have one congradulations. if you don’t well…until they offer you one I guess its like waiting to win the lottery. its only gonna happen to a select chosen few.
wow yea, lets pay 7500 dollars to get the card, and then 2500 dollars a year to keep it in our wallets…..but the METAL is so cool!
I could care less about credit cards, waste of money, all it is is fee’s interest payments and a bunch of bullshit, OOOO concierge, woop-dee-doo. If i need to get a car, ill just pay for it in cash…
Its a status symbol, nothing more, why don’t you just try using a debit card, oh wait, you can’t, you wan’t a metal one……
Its time to grow up people. Get over your materialistic BS and realize that when you die, nothing is coming with you, i don’t plan on living my life to have “objects”, you shouldn’t either.
you suck
you are entitled to your opinion, you may think i suck, but I personally think that credit cards are a complete waste of time, it costs you more money to have a credit card, then to just use debit.
Fu#@ the Black Card
Last night I came across a situation when the person said “Do you even know who I am,” the bubble over my head said “I know, you are a jerk, an aggressive know it all, a bully etc…
At this point he pulled out his “BLACK CARD,” so…he has money, this explained the cute girl friend on his arm. I among others was not impressed. I am sorry that someone felt it necessary to point out “the card.” Who really cares, the card doesn’t make the person. He was just a jerk, with or withour the card.
well i have an additional card and that came in a plain envelope hehe
Don’t be ignorant. You can’t apply for this card. There is no link to apply. Your link does not work to apply.
You always crave what you can’t have. It was more fun spending the 250k over the last 12 months to get the card then actually having it..
Although it is pretty cool – part ego, part wanting just an unfair advantage. Upgrades and personal concierge is nice for things you need getting you couldn’t get on your own…