There’s now a Centurion® Card instead of the American Express “black card,” and it’s one of the most exclusive cards on the market right now. With this high-ranking card, there are many things to enjoy, not least of which is being able to carry it in your wallet. What do you need to do to get the elusive Centurion® Card? And how might you benefit from having one? Let’s find out!
How Do You Qualify for a Black Card?
You can only get a black credit card if you get an invitation from American Express. Other credit cards don’t have this rule. In spite of the fact that Amex doesn’t say how much you need to earn in order to get a black card, it usually sends invitations to high earners who have spent and paid off between $350,000 and $500,000.
People who say yes to that invitation will have to pay $7,500 upfront and $2,500 a year for each of their credit cards (cardholders can have two cards per account). So when you look at the black card, qualifying is only one thing to think about.
What Credit Score Is Needed for a Black Card?
People who make a lot of money and spend a lot of money also need high credit scores in order to get a black card. A credit score between 800 and 850 is thought to be very good. Because of your wealth and card spending, you might still get a black card even if your score is in the 700s or the high 600s.
What Are the Benefits of Having a Black Card?
As a Centurion® Card holder, you get a lot of perks, such as:
Hotel elite status: If you have a black credit card, you get to be a member of four major hotel loyalty programs. These are from Starwood, Hilton, Intercontinental Hotels Group, and Relais & Chateau. Elite status at a hotel can get you things like lower prices, free WiFi, room upgrades, late checkouts, complimentary breakfast, resort and spa credits, and free stays, food, and drinks. You can also get free stays, food, and drinks.
Car rental elite status: With your black credit card, you can get special treatment from car rental companies like Avis and Hertz. You can skip the line and go right to your car, earn points that can be used to rent or upgrade your car, and get special email deals every month. In addition, there is free roadside assistance and primary rental insurance that can be added on.
Access to airport lounges: You can use more than 900 airport lounges around the world with a black card. At no extra charge, you and your whole group can enjoy them while you’re on the road.
24/7 concierge service: If you have a black card from Centurion, the concierge service can help you make travel plans, buy gifts and tickets to almost any event, get reservations at exclusive restaurants, and more. You can also use the service to help you manage your account.
Shopping perks: There are some stores that have black cards that give you access to personal shoppers, invitations to special events, and even after-hours access at some of them.
International arrival service: Black cards can be very useful if you often travel outside of your country. In business or first class, when you fly with American Express Travel, you’ll get a guide who will help you get through immigration and customs faster when you land at one of 32 international airports.
No spending limit: People who have a Centurion® Card can use it to buy big-ticket items that other credit cards might not let them buy. It is a charge card, not a credit card, so all charges must be paid in full each month.
American Express Black Card Alternatives
Consider these credit card options if you do not get an invitation to the American Express Centurion® Card or if you decide it is not suited for you.
Luxury Card TM Mastercard® Black Card: The Luxury Card TM Mastercard® Black CardTM provides airline credit, complimentary airport lounge access, and a variety of additional travel benefits. Unlike the American Express black card, the Luxury Card TM Mastercard® Black CardTM does not need an invitation.
While the black card has many benefits, it is not for everyone. If you get an invitation, do your homework and examine alternatives to ensure you’re making the best decision for your lifestyle demands and preferences.
