American Express Centurion Black Card Reviews & Info (2024)

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

82 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

$5000

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 Review

Fact checked

American Express Centurion Black Card Reviews & Info (1)

John Kiernan, Managing Editor

April 3rd, 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 $21.58.

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

American Express Centurion Black Card Reviews & Info (2)Centurion® Card from American ExpressAmerican Express Centurion Black Card Reviews & Info (3)First Tech Choice Rewards World Mastercard®American Express Centurion Black Card Reviews & Info (4)Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

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

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 Gas 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

3.6

Market Comparison

4.1

fees: 5.0

rewards: 3.9

cost: 4.2

Other Features: 0.0

(82)
(172)
(38)

annual fee$5000

annual fee$0

annual fee$0

rewards rate 1 point / $1

rewards rate 1 - 2 points / $1

rewards rate 1 - 3 points / $1

bonus offerNone

bonus offer 20,000 points

bonus offer 20,000 points

Purchase Intro APRNot Offered

Purchase Intro APRNot Offered

Purchase Intro APR0%for12 months from account opening

transfer intro aprNot Offered

transfer intro aprNot Offered

transfer intro aprNot Offered

Regular APR21.24% (V)

Regular APR13.5% - 18% (V)

Regular APR20.24% - 29.99% Variable

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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 card. In addition, WalletHub independently collected information for some of the cards on this page.

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 $5000 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 $5000 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...

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8

Upvotes

How do I apply for the American Express Centurion card?

Reply

8

3

WalletHub

@WalletHub

You'll have to be invited by American Express to get an Amex Black Card application. And to get an invitation, you have to spend (and pay off) a lot of money in a year on American Express credit cards.

It's hard to say who gets one and who doesn't, but the application process is different than nearly every other consumer credit card. Unfortunately, we can't give many specifics, as the Amex Black Card is...

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7

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 $5000 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 $5000, and there's a one-time $10,000 initiation fee. Because of the strict requirements and high costs,...

show more

7

Upvotes

What does it mean when you have a black card?

Reply

7

2

WalletHub

@WalletHub

The "Black Card" has become a pop-culture status symbol, signifying wealth and exclusivity. But the real one doesn't actually have „Black” in its name. The American Express Centurion Card is the Black Card everyone talks about, and its coloring is responsible for the nickname. That's important to realize because there is a copycat Black Card, the MasterCard Black Card, which is just an overpriced imitation. Having that Black Card in your wallet will just leave...

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7

2

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2024 WalletHub Awards

Centurion® Card from American Express is an Editor's Pick for:

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Centurion® Card from American Express Reviews

Share your insights and review for the Centurion® Card from American Express

5

43%

4

41%

3

11%

2

5%

1

0%

4.2

82 reviews

82 reviews

What's Your Rating?

Christie

@christie_lubnewski

5 Star Rating

Verified Customer

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

+ 79 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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Important Disclosures

* WalletHub is committed to transparency and editorial independence. The information about the following cards has been independently collected by WalletHub: Centurion® Card from American Express, RBC Bank Visa Signature Black Credit Card, Mastercard® Black Card, and HSBC Elite Credit Card

WalletHub is an independent comparison service.

We work hard to show you up-to-date product terms, however, this information does not originate from us and thus, we do not guarantee its accuracy. When you click "Apply Now" you will be directed to the offering institution's website. In addition, keep in mind that actual rates and other information may vary for a number of reasons including the applicant's' creditworthiness and differences between an individual's situation and the criteria/assumptions used to generate the information displayed. Before submitting an application, always verify all terms and conditions with the offering institution. Please let us know if you notice any differences.

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Irrespective of whether an offering institution is a paid advertiser, the presence of offer information on WalletHub does not constitute a referral or endorsem*nt of the institution by us or vice versa. Furthermore, offers have not been reviewed or approved by the offering institution. Information is displayed first and foremost to help consumers make better decisions.

Editorial Disclaimer: Editorial and user-generated content on this page is not provided, commissioned, reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the issuer. In addition, it is not the issuer’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

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2024 WalletHub Awards

Centurion® Card from American Express is an Editor's Pick for:

Hardest Credit Card To Get

American Express Credit Cards

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Centurion® Card from American Express is related to the following categories:

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Offer last updated: Apr 3rd, 2024 at 10:43 ET

American Express Centurion Black Card Reviews & Info (2024)

FAQs

How much income do you need for Amex Centurion black card? ›

What Does It Take to Get an Invite for the Amex Black Card?
  • You need an invite from American Express to open the American Express Centurion Card.
  • There are no hard-and-fast rules on who gets invited, but it reportedly takes at least $500,000 to $1 million in annual spending.
Feb 21, 2024

What is the credit limit on a Centurion black card? ›

There's no credit limit

The American Express Black Card doesn't have a pre-set spending limit, so cardholders can spend as much as they want every month. But that's only the case if they can afford it. The Centurion® Card from American Express is a charge card, so cardholders can't carry a balance.

Who qualifies for a Black American Express? ›

Amex Black Card Requirements

Have a history of at least one year with American Express. Spend $500,000 or more per year on your Amex credit cards (though some reports say you need to spend upwards of a million dollars every year) Have an exceptional credit score of 800 or higher.

Why is the Amex black card so special? ›

The Amex black card gets you free access to more than 1,400 airport lounges around the world, including Amex Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs when you're flying Delta, and Priority Pass airport lounges**. You can sit back and relax on the comfortable chairs while indulging in some good food and drinks.

Can a normal person get a Centurion Card? ›

Out of reach even for most high earners: Because the card is open only to current Amex Platinum cardholders who have received a personal invitation to apply, and is likely limited to those who are already spending exorbitant amounts on their Platinum card, the Centurion card is accessible only to a select few.

How many Centurion Card holders are there? ›

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.

What is the most prestigious credit card? ›

What is the most prestigious credit card? One of the world's most prestigious credit cards is the Centurion® Card from American Express*. Though there may be other cards with more elaborate benefits, those cards are kept well under wraps.

Is the black AmEx worth it? ›

The Centurion® Card from American Express -- also known as the Black Card -- is an extremely expensive card to own, with a $5,000 annual fee and a hefty initiation fee. It comes with some excellent benefits, especially for travel, but it can be hard to justify the cost of the card.

What is the most expensive AmEx card? ›

The American Express Centurion Card, colloquially known as the Black Card, is a charge card issued by American Express. It is reserved for the company's wealthiest clients who meet certain net worth, credit quality, and spending requirements on its gateway card, the Platinum Card.

What card do billionaires use? ›

What Credit Card Do the Super Rich Use? The super rich use a variety of different credit cards, many of which have strict requirements to obtain, such as invitation only or a high minimum net worth. Such cards include the American Express Centurion (Black Card) and the JP Morgan Chase Reserve.

Which celebrity has a American Express Black Card? ›

Both Kim Kardashian and Oprah Winfrey reportedly have one, and Jerry Seinfeld broke his out in a recent episode of the Netflix show, “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.” In fact, were it not for Seinfeld, the card might not exist. “Do you know why there is a Black Card?” he asks fellow comedian John Mulaney. “Me.”

Can you pay a mortgage with a credit card? ›

Generally, you can pay your mortgage loan with a credit card, but it's not as simple as paying your mortgage lender directly through your credit card company. Most mortgage lenders won't accept mortgage payments from a credit card because they would be required to pay transaction fees.

How rich do you have to be to have an AmEx Black Card? ›

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.

What is the biggest purchase of the American Express Black Card? ›

The largest purchase ever made on a American Express Business Centurion Card was reportedly a $170 million painting, bought by Chinese billionaire Liu Yiqian Liu.

How many people have a Black Card? ›

But we have it on good authority that celebrities including Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey, and Jerry Seinfeld, who reportedly received the first-ever Black Card, all carry it. Collectively there are thought to be fewer than 20,000 AmEx Centurion cardholders around the world.

What is the minimum income for a black card? ›

At a glance
$295Annual card fee
19.99% p.a.Variable purchase rate
21.49% p.a.Variable cash advance rate
$15,000Minimum credit limit
$75,000 p.a.Minimum income required
4 more rows

What is the minimum net worth for Amex black card? ›

You need to be a big spender to get a Centurion Black Card

Reports on the internet range from requiring $250,000 to over a million dollars of annual spending. AmEx has not confirmed any specific spending requirements, and there's no known threshold at which Platinum cardmembers receive an invitation.

What is the average income of a centurion card holder? ›

Amex Centurion cardmember stats

The Centurion Card is often referred to as “the Black Card,” and it's invitation-only. According to this, the average Centurion reader (and therefore average Amex Centurion cardmember): Has a net worth of $11.4 million. Has a household income of $1.8 million.

Is there an income requirement for Amex Platinum? ›

There isn't a published income requirement for the Amex Platinum Card®.

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