Since its launch in 1999, the American Express Centurion card has garnered a cult following and cemented itself as being the ultimate status symbol in the credit card world. card carried a $1,000 annual fee and was invite only. Three years later that fee was increased to $2,500. wasn’t enough, in 2007 AmEx decided to tack on a $5,000 initiation fee for new memberships from that point forward. that’s $7,500 in fees for your first year! So the fees have skyrocketed over the years, but what about theIronically, I have heard from some people who argue that the Centurion card offered better benefits back when its annual fee was “only” $1,000. Take this post from FlyerTalk as an example: I have a personal Centurion card and it seems like every time I turn around some benefit to having the card is beingIt doesn't seem like AMEX even really cares who holds centurion status, in my opinion it looks like in the past few years since the centurion card has gotten so much more
publicity with celebrities, athletes etc. that AMEX is cutting corners and milking the card for what its worth. now the only reason to have the card is for ego, it doesn't really offer me anymore benefits that my platinum card did. Well there’s no denying the publicity has bolstered the card’sIn fact, the black credit card is so in demand now, others with the same color like the Visa Black Card and Merrill Lynch Accolades have since come onto theBut is it true that the Centurion’s benefits are noWell there are many which are identical or Airport Lounge Access: Both provide access to American Airlines Admirals Club, Continental Airlines Presidents Club, Delta Sky Club, and US Airways Club. If you need to use Priority Pass, both provide membership albeit at different“Select” for Platinum and reportedly the “Prestige” for Concierge Service: Both cards offer complimentary phone concierge service, at your beck and call to
fulfill just about any request that can be done over the phone. With the Centurion though, you are given the option of dealing with the same person each time you call. Airline Fee Credits: Both provide up to $200 annually in credits to cover incidental fees (i.e. checked bag fees, in-flight food purchases) on one airline of your choice. Companion Airfare: With either card you can get a companion ticket on qualifying purchases of international business or first-class airfare booked through American ExpressThere are over 20 airlines worldwide which participate in this, but the catch is that this benefit applies to full-fare tickets which typically cost more than other options, especially if you are booking far in advance. Emirates, Swiss Int’l Airlines, and Etihad Airways, Centurion Cardmembers may opt for a first-class upgrade, when available, instead of a companion ticket). Foreign Transaction Fees: Waived for both
Centurion and Platinum Cards. Roadside Assistance: Included on both. Rewards Program: Both cards participate in the American Express Membership Rewards First (the Green and Gold Cards use regular Membership Rewards). The biggest advantage of M.R. points is the ability to convert them to miles on various frequent flyer programs, usually with a full 1 point for 1 mile Coverage For Purchases: Both Centurion and Platinum offer the same level of coverage for the Purchase Protection and Return Protection benefits. however, reportedly does offer longer maximum coverage forIf you aren’t familiar with these benefits I talk about them in my American Express Platinum Card review. disclosure, please note that CreditCardForum advertises that Those are just a few of the many benefits the two cards have inBy now you’ve probably drawn the conclusion there’s no point to getting a black AmEx… but that’s not always the case.
Whether or not the Centurion makes sense, in my opinion, comes down to the extra travel benefits it offers and whether or not you will use them: Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR): This program offers various perks at over 600 high-end hotels around theBoth Platinum and Centurion cardmembers have access to this program and enjoy free benefits – when available – like 4 p.m. late checkout, room upgrades, meal credits, discounts, free night with minimum stay, etc. at participating hotels. you’re Centurion, it’s like getting the FHR on steroids – depending on the hotel, you may get better room upgrades and more hotel freebies. Avis Presidents Club: This is a Centurion-only benefit and I constantly hear rave reviews for this perk. a two car-class upgrade (when available) on every intermediate orThere’s guaranteed rental availability, even if you don’t have a reservation (keep in mind though the guarantee is for a vehicle, not necessarily your choice of vehicle).
is also a Presidents Club reservation line. Airline Elite Status: In my opinion this is the biggest advantage to having the coveted black AmEx. automatically enrolled in the Gold frequent flyer level on Continental, Delta, and Virgin. You get the Platinum level onHaving elite status on these airlines might score you seat upgrades when available, dedicated check-in, priority boarding, and mileage accrual at an In addition to these advantages, there are others, namely higher limits on the insurance benefits. For example the Platinum Card provides up to $500,000 in travel accident coverage (for death or dismemberment) on eligible Common Carrier travel, but CenturionSome (but not all) Centurion members have also reported getting occasional free gifts, like a $500 gift card to Dolce & Gabbana, tickets to an Elton John concert, I think the reason so many criticize the Centurion is because they aren’t utilizing the full range of benefits offered.
If you live the jet-set life, the card can definitely pay for itself many times over! With that said and speaking of the word “jet” I know a man with a Gulfstream 450 (his very own made-to-order jet with full-time private pilots, not thatI actually traveled with his family once to Hawaii on it and when we all checked into the hotel, I noticed he used a Platinum Card. I asked what happened to his Centurion (which he had for years). because he didn’t stay at enough hotels to make it worthwhile anymore, and obviously, the airline/airport perks were totally useless for him now that he had his own jet. That goes to show you just because you’re rich, it doesn’t automatically mean the Centurion is the best choice. way, just because you’re borderline-rich and barely qualify, it doesn’t necessarily mean the Centurion is a waste of money. know a person with “only” a mid six-figure income who gets tremendous value out of his Centurion, because he travels so much