WalletHub Rating
1.2/5
The Centurion® Card from American Express, better known as the Amex Black Card, is the most prestigious and exclusive card around, and it’s reportedly a great asset for those fortunate enough to qualify for an invitation. Among the Black Card’s reported perks are a do-it-all concierge and airport lounge access. It’s a powerful status symbol, too, indicating the user is extremely well-off. Info about the Centurion® Card from American Express has been collected by WalletHub to help consumers better compare cards. The financial institution did not provide the details.
WalletHub Rating Breakdown
User Reviews
4.2/5
83 reviewsRead and write reviews
Editor’s Review
3.0/5
John Kiernan, Credit Card EditorRead full review
Market Comparison
Market Comparison
0.6
The Market Comparison is a key component of the WalletHub Rating, as it measures how appealing the terms of a card are compared to a pool of over 1,500 credit card offers monitored by WalletHub. To ensure cards are evaluated for their most relevant purpose, we score each card across various cardholder needs and select the rating for the need with the highest score, which is “Earn Rewards” for this card.
Fees
1.3
Rewards
0.8
Cost
0.0
Other Features
5.0
0.6/5
Compared against 1,500+ credit cards
KEY TERMS
Accepted Credit Scores
Accepted Credit Scores
Excellent Credit
Annual Fee
$5,000
APR on Purchases
21.24% (V)
Balance Transfer
Balance Transfers Not Allowed
Rewards
1X Membership Rewards point for every eligible dollar you spend.
Membership Rewards® points can be used towards travel, dining, shopping, and merchandise.
Points have no expiration date and there's no limit to the amount of points you can earn.
Centurion® Card from American Express' Additional Info
All information about the Centurion® Card from American Express has been collected independently by WalletHub.
This card requires a $10,000 initiation fee.
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Editor's ReviewFact checked
Fact checked
John Kiernan, Managing Editor
September 13th, 2024
Fact Checked by Alina Comoreanu
Senior Researcher
Centurion® Card from American Express Pros & Cons
Prestigious status symbol
24/7 concierge service
Airport lounge access
Elite status with airlines, hotels, and rental car companies
Retail credits
Requires an invitation
High initiation fee
High annual fee
Modest rewards
Centurion® Card from American Express Review
3.0 / 5
The Centurion® Card from American Express, better known as the Amex Black Card, is the most prestigious and exclusive card around, and it’s reportedly a great asset for those fortunate enough to qualify for an invitation. Among the Black Card’s reported perks are a do-it-all concierge and airport lounge access. It’s a powerful status symbol, too, indicating the user is extremely well-off.
This is not a card for the general public, however. Most people will not qualify for the Amex Black Card, and based on the perks we know about, most people will save more money with other cards. This card will not make you a celebrity or give you unlimited spending power.
Who Can Apply for the Amex Black Card?
To qualify for the Amex Black Card, you reportedly need to spend at least $350,000 per year on other American Express cards – and pay the monthly bills on time, of course. You also need an income of at least $1 million per year and an excellent credit score. If that sounds like it’s a bit out of your league, don’t worry; you’re in good company!
How Much Does the Amex Black Card Cost?
If you’re among the lucky few who earn an invitation and get approved for the Black Card, you will have to pay a $10,000 initiation fee and a $5,000 annual fee. For comparison, the average annual fee across more than 1,500 credit card offers is just $22.22.
What’s So Special About the Amex Black Card?
Unfortunately, more is known about the Centurion Card’s eligibility requirements than what it actually brings to the table. We dug up a few details, though. In addition to a 24/7 concierge that can do everything from booking restaurant reservations to planning a party or even a trip, cardholders enjoy a credit limit that varies over time, hotel and airline perks, and secondary benefits such as travel insurance and extended warranties.
Alternatives to the Amex Black Card
Two of the best alternatives to the Amex Black Card are The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. Both are highly rewarding, and they are prestigious but not overly exclusive. These cards require good or excellent credit for approval, along with enough income to afford the monthly bill payments.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for Travel Rewards
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for Airport Lounge Access
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Best for Bonus Cash Back Rewards
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for the Visa Infinite Concierge
- Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card: Best for No Annual Fee
For more options, check out the rest of WalletHub’s picks for the best rewards credit cards available to the general public. You can also check your latest credit score for free right here on WalletHub to determine what kind of card to target.
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Compare The Centurion® Card from American Express vs. Popular Alternatives
 Centurion® Card from American Express |  The Platinum Card® from American Express |  Chase Sapphire Reserve® |
|---|---|---|
1.2WalletHub Rating WalletHub Rating 1.2 This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated this card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need with the highest score, which is "Earn Rewards." A score of 5 is the best a card can receive, and the rating for the card may vary on different pages where it is compared to other cards for different needs. Editor’s Rating 3.0 User Reviews 4.2 Market Comparison 0.6 fees: 1.3 rewards: 0.8 cost: 0.0 Other Features: 5.0 | 3.0WalletHub Rating WalletHub Rating 3.0 This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated this card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need with the highest score, which is "Earn Rewards." A score of 5 is the best a card can receive, and the rating for the card may vary on different pages where it is compared to other cards for different needs. Editor’s Rating 3.0 User Reviews 3.8 Market Comparison 3.0 fees: 1.3 rewards: 4.6 cost: 2.3 Other Features: 5.0 | 4.1WalletHub Rating WalletHub Rating 4.1 This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated this card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need with the highest score, which is "Earn Rewards." A score of 5 is the best a card can receive, and the rating for the card may vary on different pages where it is compared to other cards for different needs. Editor’s Rating 4.4 User Reviews 3.3 Market Comparison 4.1 fees: 1.3 rewards: 4.8 cost: 4.8 Other Features: 0.0 |
annual fee$5,000 | annual fee$695 | annual fee$550 |
rewards rate | rewards rate | rewards rate |
bonus offer | bonus offer | bonus offer |
Purchase Intro APRNot Offered | Purchase Intro APRNot Offered | Purchase Intro APRNot Offered |
transfer intro aprNot Offered | transfer intro aprNot Offered | transfer intro aprNot Offered |
Regular APR21.24% (V) | Regular APRSee Pay Over Time APR | Regular APR22.49% - 29.49% (V) |
Sponsored Apply Now Terms Apply | Sponsored Apply Now |
Amex Black Card FAQ
Can't find what you are looking for? Submit your question about Centurion® Card from American Express to our community. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by the issuer of this offer. Please keep in mind that it is not a financial institution’s responsibility to ensure all posts and questions are answered. In addition, WalletHub independently collected information for some of the cards on this page.
Most Popular
26
Upvotes
Does Amex still have a black card?
Reply
26
John Miller, Credit Cards Moderator
@john_miller
Yes, Amex still has a black card, called the Centurion® Card from American Express. The card is reserved for Amex cardholders who spend a certain amount per year. There are quite a few benefits that the card has to offer, such as access to Centurion Lounges, hotel benefits, Delta Medallion status, and personal concierge. Plus, you can earn 1 point per $1 spent in Membership Rewards.
The Centurion® Card from American Express is an exclusive, invitation-only credit card. There is an initiation fee of $10,000 and you have to pay $5,000 every year just to keep the card open. You can also request an invitation for the card online, though there is no guarantee of actually receiving an invite.
1
Upvote
How do I get a Black Card?
Reply
1
Bianca Smith, WalletHub Credit Cards Analyst
@bianca_stoian
To get a Black Card from American Express, you must receive an invitation to apply, have Excellent credit, and pay the $10,000 initiation fee. Amex customers can request an invitation for the Black Card online, though there is no guarantee of actually receiving an invite. The Amex Black Card is officially called the Centurion® Card from American Express, and it is reportedly reserved for customers who charge hundreds of thousands of dollars per year to other Amex cards.
How...
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1
22
Upvotes
What's the most prestigious American Express card?
Reply
22
Sally Jones
@sally_deJones
The most prestigious American Express card is the Centurion® Card from American Express. You need an invitation to get it and an income of at least $250,000 a year to merit consideration, according to online reports. Note that Amex doesn't disclose the requirements for this card.
The Centurion® Card from American Express also has a $10,000 initiation fee and a $5,000 annual fee. Cardholders get access to Centurion Lounges, hotel benefits, apersonal concierge, and more. They also earn 1 point per $1 spent on all purchases.
Here's another...
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4
104
Upvotes
What is a black credit card?
Reply
104
10
Paddy Sullivan, WalletHub Credit Card Advisor
@PaddySully
A black credit card is an exclusive, invitation-only credit card issued by American Express. The so-called Amex black card is more formally known as the Centurion® Card from American Express, and it has become a status symbol in pop culture.
Centurion® Card from American Express Details
- Approval requirements: Amex does not disclose income requirements for the Centurion® Card from American Express, but online reports say you have to spend a certain amount per year on an Amex card to merit consideration for an invitation....
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19
View more answers
22
Upvotes
Who has a black card?
Reply
22
Adam McCann, Financial Writer
@adam_mcan
A few different credit card issuers have a "black card," including American Express, Barclays and RBC. The most famous black card is the Amex Black Card, officially called the Centurion® Card from American Express, which is an expensive, invitation-only card for people with extremely high incomes. Because of this card's fame, other issuers have introduced their own "black card" offers, though these cards are not as exclusive. Some credit card companies also offer expensive, black-colored credit cards without necessarily including...
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8
Upvotes
How do I apply for the American Express Centurion card?
Reply
8
3
WalletHub
@WalletHub
You cannot apply for the Centurion® Card from American Express as it is an invitation-only card. American Express sends invitations to select individuals who meet their strict criteria.
Requirements for a Potential Centurion® Card from American Express Invitation
- Current American Express Cardholder: You typically need to be a current American Express cardholder to be considered.
- High Spending: Demonstrate significant spending on your existing American Express card. Reports suggest spending requirements are upwards of $400,000 to $500,000 annually.
- Credit Score:...
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8
Upvotes
What are the black card income requirements?
Reply
8
2
Chip Lupo, Credit Card Writer
@CLoop
The American Express Black Card income requirement is reportedly at least $1 million per year. It's rumored that you must also spend and pay off at least $350,000 across your American Express credit cards annually just to get an invitation to apply. If you're invited to apply and you get approved for the Centurion® Card from American Express, you will have to pay a $10,000 initiation fee and a $5,000 annual fee.
It's important to note that while...
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15
Upvotes
Which credit card is best in the world?
Reply
15
Maria Adams, Credit Cards Moderator
@m_adams
The best credit card in the world is considered to be the Centurion® Card from American Express, which is famously known as the "black card." This card is seen as a status symbol for rich and influential people. Benefits include free access to airport lounges, elite status and other perks at various hotels, a personal concierge, lots of travel insurance and more.
There are several more cards that are listed among the best in the world, such as...
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10
11
Upvotes
What is the rarest credit card in the world?
Reply
11
Adam McCann, Financial Writer
@adam_mcan
The rarest credit card in the world is likely the Centurion® Card from American Express, also known as the “Black Card.” This card is available by invitation only, and you will reportedly need to spend at least $250,000 per year on other Amex credit cards and have an income of $1 million+ to get it.
The annual fee is also a staggering $5,000, and there's a one-time $10,000 initiation fee. Because of the strict requirements and high costs,...
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7
Upvotes
What does having a black card mean?
Reply
7
2
WalletHub
@WalletHub
Having a black card typically means that you own a high-end credit card with exclusive benefits and perks. Black cards are often associated with premium credit cards offered by various financial institutions. These cards are usually invitation-only and ae targeted toward high-income individuals or those with exceptional credit histories.
Black cards typically offer luxurious perks, like access to airport lounges, concierge services, elite travel rewards, high spending limits, and personalized customer service. They often come with hefty...
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7
2
2024 WalletHub Awards
Centurion® Card from American Express is an Editor's Pick for:
Hardest Credit Cards to Get
Most Exclusive Credit Cards
Best American Express Credit Cards
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Related Credit Card Categories
Centurion® Card from American Express is related to the following categories:
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Centurion® Card from American Express Reviews
Share your insights and review for the Centurion® Card from American Express
5
42%
4
42%
3
11%
2
5%
1
0%
4.2
83 reviews
83 reviews
What's Your Rating?
Christie
@christie_lubnewski
5 Star Rating
I enjoy it terribly I must admit! I never aspired to be invited for the card. But, once I received the invitation, I was curious. I love the access and the perks :)
Comment
Louis V
@Bitholov
4 Star Rating
This card has two variants: personal and business card (the best). Both offer 1.5X points / $1 on purchases over $5,000, but the business variant has better benefits...
Comment
1
Forrest Rosenberry
@W12121w
5 Star Rating
The travel services alone are worth the fee. My wife has an assigned agent who helps with everything involved in a trip, overseas and local. Greeters, luggage assistance, even the tiny details. I.e. flowers in the rooms. Someone is always available to help.
Comment
2
+ 80 WalletHub users submitted a rating without writing a full review
Review Centurion® Card from American Express
Centurion® Card from American Express
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* The information about the following cards has been independently collected by WalletHub: U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® Card, Mastercard® Gold Card, Centurion® Card from American Express, RBC Bank Visa Signature Black Credit Card, Mastercard® Black Card, and HSBC Elite Credit Card.
2024 WalletHub Awards
Centurion® Card from American Express is an Editor's Pick for:
Hardest Credit Cards to Get
Most Exclusive Credit Cards
Best American Express Credit Cards
People Also Apply For
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
American Express® Gold Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® Card
Mastercard® Gold Card
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
Related Credit Card Categories
Centurion® Card from American Express is related to the following categories:
Points Credit CardsChip and PIN Credit CardsAmerican Express Rewards Credit Cards
Offer last updated: Sep 13th, 2024 at 10:27 ET
