Got Centurion?
How To Get The American Express Black Card
American Express Black Card Requirements
The American Express Black Card, officially called the Centurion Card is one of the most difficult to obtain credit cards (technically, a charge card), and also one of the most expensive credit cards. While most credit cards come with no annual fee, the Centurion Card has a $2,500 annual fee and a one time $5,000 initiation fee for the first year. And if you ever hold one, you’ll know immediately since the card is made of titanium, not plastic.
So what’s so great about being an American Express Black Card holder? 1) The perks and 2) the prestige (it’s a bit of a status symbol). Anyway, let’s talk about the perks you get by being a card holder.
This card is great for people who travel. First of all you get a dedicated concierge and travel agent with the card. You also get complimentary companion airline tickets on international flights with certain airlines. There’s also access to airport clubs and first class flight upgrades. There are also several high end retailers where the card will get you a personal shopper, and many upscale hotels will give you a free night at their hotel each year.
How to qualify
The American Express Black Card is available by invitation only. You can’t just hop online and find a Centurion Card application. If you’d like to get the invitation for the black card, then you need to spend $250,000 over a 12 month period. Also, you need to have excellent credit history. If you meet those requirements (it will take at least a year), then all you need to do is wait for the invitation to arrive in the mail though some have said you can make it happen sooner by giving AMEX a call and asking them to check your account to see if you qualify for the Centurion Card (remember to call it by it’s right name when you call).
How to get one
In order to get that elusive invitation for the Centurion Card, you need to be a card holder of the American Express Platinum Card. The Platinum card is your stepping stone to the black card. Once you’ve got the card it’s time to start spending. If you are a business owner, you can start running your advertising expenses through the card. For many businesses, that alone will run up the required $250,000/yr tab.
Please note that the Platinum card does come with an annual fee of it’s own – $450/yr. However, if you truly want a Centurion Card, the annual fee of the Platinum card shouldn’t bother you as it’s far lower than the Centurion’s annual fee that you’ll ultimately end up paying.
Click Here For The Application For The Amercian Express Platinum Card
Not quite ready for the American Express Platinum Card? Click here to check out some of my favorite other travel rewards cards including the Escape by Discover Card.
If you still aspire to the card some day but don’t want to pay an annual fee right now or don’t currently qualify for the AMEX Platinum Card, here are four American Express cards that don’t have an annual fee (it’ll help make the process of getting the Black Card easier when you’re ready than not having any American Express cards):
