Fine Hotels & Resorts Program and The Hotel Collection. I am a lighting wholesaler, so I basically float money for a GC for a certain amount of time (think a Ponzi Scheme but nothing illegal). These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed. See rates and fees.) We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. Both the Centurion and personal Platinum Amex cards offer a Saks Fifth Avenue credit (with enrollment), but the amount varies significantly. This is a credit card issued by American Express National Bank. 1 star equals Poor. By Andrew Kunesh, CNN Underscored. The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. Circle with letter I in it. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. Earn 1.5X points on eligible purchases at US construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year. For example, if you like Kelly use the concierge services to save upwards of $20,000 a year, then a $5,000 price tag is worth it. Coverage limit of up to $10,000 per occurrence and up to $50,000 per card member per calendar year. This means that you're looking at a tab of $15,000 between the initiation fee and the first-year annual fee before you can even start using your card. Other ways to get it: With the American Express Platinum and Business Platinum, you'll receive complimentary access, though you'll still need to pay a $27 fee for guests beyond the first two. Cardholders get a complimentary Equinox Destination Access Membership. It's potentially much easier to get the card as a business owner, but either way, it requires racking up significant charges. InCircle Receive InCircle rewards in addition to Membership Rewards points when you register your Centurion card and make eligible purchases at Bergdorf Goodman, Cusp, Horchow, Last Call and Neiman Marcus. (Events require reservation and payment.). Receive a credit for Global Entry ($100) or TSA PreCheck priority screening ($85) every four years. All those benefits aren't easy to get, however. Its not feasible to do an apples-to-apples comparison of the Centurion Card to other cards, as it caters to such a small segment of the market and offers unique benefits. I just joined AMEX for my business in mid March, so about 3 months ago. See more: Best Cash Back Business Credit Cards, The Business Platinum Card from American Express. . Please try again later. In addition, Centurion cardmembers get access to Saks stores outside of normal business hours, in case you need an early morning makeover before a big meeting or some late night shopping. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases. Finally, the Citi Prestige card offers holders free Priority Pass access for themselves and their immediate family, up to two guests. refreshing its American Express Centurion card, environmentally conscious about their card materials, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, The Platinum Card from American Express (contactless version), U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card. See rates and fees), which seems like a bargain only when compared to the Centurions $5,000. However, card issuers including Amex have also been making efforts to be more environmentally conscious about their card materials. Other ways to get it: Again, cardmembers who have either the Amex Platinum or the Business Platinum have access to this program as well, but those cardmembers have to pay a $39 booking fee each time they use it. Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Welcome Offer: Platinum Card and U.S. Business Platinum Card Members will be charged a $50 USD fee for each guest (or $30 USD for children aged 2 through 17) or rate comparable in the currency of the country where the lounge is located (not to exceed $50 USD). Additionally, the ability to . The upsides, which include bend-over-backwards customer service, elite travel statuses, memberships and credits to luxury outlets and lucrative points redemption options, can easily offset the costs. To view rates and fees for The Platinum Card from American Express please visit this page. The Global Lounge Collection includes: The only other way to get access to the full Global Lounge Collection is with The Platinum Card from American Express or its business counterpart. Regardless, the new Centurion card has more perks, a sleeker look and less clank what do you think of the new combination? Get 5X Membership Rewards points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases. has been a frequent flier for as long as he can remember. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. If you think the $695 annual fee for the Business Platinum card is excessive, you'll find the fees for the American Express Business Centurion Card downright obscene. In fact, Amex was the first to introduce metal cards with the Centurion card. Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. That said, you can request consideration online if you want to give it a shot. First of all, Amex sent Brian his new card in a chic black Tom Ford T Line card holder, which retails at $340. It also comes with a 25% points bonus. You can request consideration online for the American Express Black Card. This is better than the 35% rebate you get with the Business Platinum Card (up to 1 million points per calendar year). These services are available for you and up to eight travel companions on eligible flights and at 32 international airports. Rumors of minimum amounts range from $250,000 a year up to $500,000 a year in annual card spending. Centurion cardholders get more benefits than you could shake a platinum-plated stick at, including many not offered by any other credit cards. How Much Does Home Ownership Really Cost? For one, it comes with a bonus of 80,000 points, and includes many of the same travel perks as the Centurion for an annual fee of $695 (see rates and fees) versus $5,000. Also referred to as the Centurion Card, it's easy to recognize thanks to its distinctive black color and American Express Centurion. It's also invite-only; you. Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Excellent (740-850). Wine Buying Monthly wine-buying offers on Centurion.com; dedicated wine-buying specialist; complimentary annual tasting experience at Crush Wine & Spirits for two people; complimentary shipping upgrades; complimentary storage for up to one year for all wine purchased through Crush Wine & Spirits; quarterly Centurion Crush Journal featuring wine-buying news and opportunities. See the How we calculate interest section in Part 2. It is invitation-only, and only available to American Express Corporate Platinum Card holders who spend at least $500,000 per year on their card. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. (See rates and fees.) Other ways to get it: The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve offer primary car insurance, as do the Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card, the United Explorer Card and the United Club Infinite Card. Other options for spending: Frequent travelers looking to be rewarded for their airline and other transportation spending should check out cards such as the Amex Platinum, which offers 5x points on airfare purchased directly with the airline and airfare and hotels booked via American Express Travel. Points earned on transactions over $5,000 are worth an effective 3% back when redeemed in this manner. Many of the perks fall under the lifestyle and luxury-experience categories, although there's also a selection of travel-related benefits, from hotel status to airport lounge access and baggage insurance. Problem is that the US uses chip and signature cards. Best Mortgage Lenders for First-Time Homebuyers. Access Bank has launched two new consumer credit cards: the Access Bank American Express Gold Card and the metal Platinum Card. This bonus does not exist on the personal version of the card. $10,000 initiation fee; $5,000 annually after that. First Time User? Receive 50% of your Membership Rewards back as a statement credit when you redeem points for all or a portion of any flight. Want more from TPG? Instead, you need an invitation from Amex. Because the American Express Centurion Cards profile is not geared toward point earning and because spending varies so widely, it makes more sense to discuss the value of the additional benefits. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. Hopefully, all of the above has given you a taste of the good life while showing you that it's available via other more attainable cards as well! Not even the Centurion cards are without shortcomings. TPG values Marriott Gold status at $845 per year. At the same time, when you're spending this much money, you might not be concerned with recouping every single dollar in the form of waived airline change fees, but rather all the "soft" perks of the Centurion card that make your life easier. She is the author of Amazon Bestselling Disney World Hacks and has been featured on national television, radio, print, and online media as a credit cards, miles and points, Disney and family travel expert. They said. Thanks, however, to some kind TPG sources who are lucky enough to be part of the Centurion "club" (including the original Points Guy himself, Brian Kelly, who carries the business version), we can share a comprehensive rundown of the benefits. Take a look at our other credit card reviews to see more options that might work for you. Unlock over $1,000 in value per year for statement credits on select purchases with your Card, including up to $400 with Dell Technologies, up to $360 with Indeed, up to $150 with Adobe and up to $120 on wireless telephone purchases. Centurion Card from American Express Issuer: American Express National Bank Rates and Fees Table As of: 05/01/2020 How we calculate interest: We use the Average Daily Balance method (including new transactions). Rewards Program: Check here before booking an award fare. A number of other credit cards also offer this perk for a list of the top options, check out our story on The Top 7 Cards for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck. Like the Business Platinum, the personal card earns 5 Membership Rewards Points per dollar for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year, 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel and 1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases. Other ways to get it: Cardholders of the Amex Platinum and Amex Business Platinum also receive complimentary Centurion Lounge access. For more information, see TPG's post on attending the US Open via the By Invitation Only program. Receive priority check-in, complimentary room upgrades, late checkout, guaranteed room availability, complimentary weekday newspaper and a 50% bonus on base points earned during your stay. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. If you're not doing Centurion-level spending, this is a great option for a business rewards card. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, IHG Rewards Premier Business Credit Card, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card, Copyright, Trademark and Patent Information, 50% points rebate when redeemed through Amex Travel, Delta SkyMiles Platinum Medallion elite status, Hertz Platinum and Avis President's Club elite status. When possible, Centurion can coordinate ground transportation as well, and baggage porters are available for a fee. The combines unique features, valuable travel benefits and respectable rewards. According to rumor, acceptance is mostly dependent on your annual revenue, and how much you spend on your existing American Express credit cards. For example, the Business Platinum card includes exclusive airport lounge access and a pay-with-points rebate on airfares though this is limited to 35%, compared to 50% on the Centurion Black card . We would like to show you a description here but the site won't allow us. The American Express Centurion Card (often referred to simply as the "Black Card") is probably the most famous credit card in the world. You also get a free checked bag on flights with Delta or select partners, as well as priority check-in and boarding. Platinum Medallion status comes with a whole host of perks, not the least of which is unlimited complimentary upgrades -- including first class on all flights, and even Delta One on domestic tickets. Most travel fares purchased on an eligible card entitle you to up to $2,000 in coverage for checked baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage. Exclusivity is the main draw of the Centurion Card, and its expressed in many ways. This is an expensive, hard-to-get card with subpar purchase rewards. Get space-available room upgrades, 48-hour room guarantees, free premium internet (on reservations booked directly with Hilton), a 100% bonus on all Hilton Honors base points you earn and the fifth reward-night free. Saks Fifth Avenue Credits While the annual Saks credits have been part of the Platinum card's benefit rotation for a while now, Centurion members get treated to a next-level shopping spree with up to $250 in statement credits each quarter (or $1,000 on the year). The List is the Centurion card's exclusively curated list of where to visit and what to do in some of the world's top cities. Here's what Brian Kelly has to say about Ray, his personal Centurion concierge: "I'd guess that Ray saves me more than $20,000 a year. Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. The Platinum card offers up to $100 annually to Saks Fifth Avenuevs. It offers a surprisingly strong earn rate that ca Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases. Credit Score ranges are based on FICO credit scoring. It's also supposed to be delivered in a very fancy package and nestled in a pricey leather wallet. With most premium credit cards, it's easy to justify paying a hefty annual fee, if only to earn a generous welcome bonus during your first year with the card. If everything looks correct and you wish to proceed, confirm your request by clicking "Link . Compare this rate with basically any other Amex card, and the Centurion card comes up short. Centurion Dining Program A table is held for Centurion members every day at 1,000 of the world's top restaurants. American Express Centurion Black Card Review. The obvious choice here would be Global Entry, since the program comes with PreCheck access. The largest known purchase made with the Centurion card is the Nu couch painting by Amedeo Modigliani, which businessman Liu Yiqian bought for US$170,405,000 at a Christie's auction in New York in 2015. Access to the Centurion Lounges, with locations at Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Las Vegas (LAS), Miami (MIA), New York-LaGuardia (LGA), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA), Houston (IAH), Philadelphia (PHL), Los Angeles (LAX), Charlotte (CLT), Phoenix (PHX) and Hong Kong (HKG). If your Card is not listed on this page, please call the number on the back of your Card to verify your benefits. The matte black card fits nice and snug (but not too snug) inside the sturdy wallet, which is key to keeping the card looking pristine. Brittney started her writing career in the world of science, putting her physics degree to good use. Normally worth $3,600 a year, this perk includes access to all of Equinox's 105 fitness clubs around the U.S., Canada and the UK, with locations in most major cities and multiple clubs in popular spots like New York and southern California. The criteria used to determine if youre worthy to even apply are nebulous, but its safe to say if youre not on a first name basis with your American Express rep, the Centurion Card is probably not in your wheelhouse. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. Unless you're invited to apply and accepted (more on how that happens later), Amex keeps a tight lid on the numerous benefits and exclusive perks available to cardholders. This compensation comes from two main sources. This gives an effective return rate of 2 cents per dollar, which is more than any other American Express card offers on unlimited spending in every category. First of all, you cant apply for the card: you need to secure an invitation. Amex has recently sweetened the deal in other ways, You can now request an invite to the Amex Centurion card. American Express recently announced that it was refreshing its American Express Centurion card colloquially known as the Amex Black Card. Rewards Program: Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. With more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more lounge location options than any other credit card on the market as of 9/2021. I read up on the rules last night (after some people reported being refused), and apparently you have to be either a German citizen, or resident in Germany, to get a EU Digital Certificate based on a non-EU vaccination. June 9, 2023. Cardholders now receive an annual statement credit for a CLEAR membership for them and up to three family members. This credit card is a good fit for: High-spending business owners who travel extensively and can maximize all of the card's perks. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team. Terms apply; enrollment required. Some benefits, such as airport lounge access (albeit without a dedicated section in the Centurion Clubs) and hotel and car rental statuses, are the same with both cards. You can also redeem your points for a wide variety of gift cards in travel, retail and restaurant categories. Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Platinum Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Annual Fee If you value elite airline and hotel status, a dedicated concierge agent, and other luxury cardholder benefits, it may be well worth the high cost of ownership. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. For rates and fees of the Marriott Brilliant Amex, please click here. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team. Please visit this site in one of these supported browsers: Download Chrome. Along with the changes comes a new look, and since TPG himself, Brian Kelly, is a Business Centurion cardmember, we were able to get a peek at it. The most interesting perk of the business version of the Centurion Card is a generous 50% rebate on airfares purchased with Membership Rewards points. You'll pay $5,000 for an additional cardholder, and you're only allowed to add two. Answer 1 of 19: I have heard that most of Europe uses chip and pin cards. 5. While the might seem like a good way to finance emergency car repairs and save on tire changes, it falls short when it comes to rewards and accessibil U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect World Elite Mastercard Review 2023. If I'm on Disability, Can I Still Get a Loan? That said, the Centurion will likely allow for much larger monthly spending than the Platinum will. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions. Before that frantic rush off the island, though, Ray was able to arrange a pick-up for me at Denpasar airport (DPS) through the Centurion International Arrival Services perk that comes with the card. N/A, According to cardholders, the American Express Business Centurion Card's value comes from its copious perks and benefits. The Centurion Card from American Express is perhaps the most desirable piece of plastic anodized titanium out there, in no small part because of the shroud of secrecy and exclusivity that surrounds it. Travel insurance and purchase protection benefits. None of the credit cards we've reviewed can compete with the benefits offered by the American Express Business Centurion Card (aka, the Black Card). Fifty-three floors down from Centurion New York is Le Pavillon, a same-but-different Bouluderie that offers a $135 three-course . Whether you include the prestige of Centurion card membership in that evaluation is up to you. Paying for your Global Entry or PreCheck application with the Platinum Card or The Business Platinum Card will get you a statement credit wiping out the charge. You pay five-figure fees, and you need an invitation just to apply. 33 62 62 comments murf633 Centurion 1 yr. ago I have a personal Centurion card but I got it because of the business expenses I regularly used it for. Our advice? For elite card holders, the clank of the card is almost part of the fun. Get 5X Membership Rewards points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases. 3 stars equals Good. Terms apply. Complimentary access for you and guests to hundreds of airport lounges worldwide, regardless of which airline or class you're flying. American Express Membership Rewards points are valuable because they are flexible. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card also comes with automatic Gold status, as well as an annual free night worth up to 85,000 points at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program (certain hotels have resort fees) to justify its $650 annual fee (see rates and fees). Centurion Auto Program Access to premium car purchasing, luxury rentals and a variety of "driving experiences" (such as on-track and off-road, with preferred pricing and/or exclusive perks). However, as of earlier this year, you can now get 30 elite-night credits by holding both a personal and business version which is enough for gold status and just 20 nights away from Platinum status. Does it have an introductory APR offer? Business centurion request. Other ways to get it: The fastest way to get Hilton Diamond status is to open the Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express ($450 annual fee; see rates and fees), which happens to be one of the most compelling premium credit cards on the market. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. For rates and fees for the American Express Gold Card, click here, For rates and fees for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, click here, For rates and fees for the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, click here, For rates and fees for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card, click here, For rates and fees for the The Business Platinum Card from American Express, click here, For rates and fees for the The Platinum Card from American Express, click here. To view rates and fees for The Business Platinum Card from American Express please visit this page. Is Jerry Seinfeld the reason that the Amex black card exists? This may cramp your schedule and flexibility. (Though you can request they consider you through the Centurion.com website.). There's little information on what kind of credit score you need for the American Express Business Centurion Card, but it's probably safe to assume you need at least good credit. The American Express Global Lounge Collection can provide an escape at the airport. Use your other Amex cards to accrue points, then the Centurion card -- with its 50% travel redemption bonus -- to redeem them. For rates and fees of the Delta Reserve, please click here. Circle with letter I in it. In late 2019, Amex announced a number of new benefits to go along with the steeply increased annual fee. Oh, and there's no welcome offer. Alternatively, you can earn this status after staying 40 nights or earning 40,000 qualifying points in a calendar year. Features Fees This is the highest Hilton elite status. In each of the cities, you'll find a list of the top restaurants, hotels, cultural destinations, shopping and more. He arranged a tour in Beijing for my parents and me to visit the Forbidden Palace, Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall. It's updated regularly, and members can access The List and search by destination city. If you want similar perks without an invite: The Business Platinum Card from American Express has a number of the same cardholder perks, including elite hotel status. Though keep in mind that shoppers with a Bergdorf Goodman or Neiman Marcus credit card earn two InCircle points per dollar. While we can certainly wax poetic about the benefits of the American Express Business Centurion Card, we've glazed over one important thing: the purchase rewards. Cell Phone Protection Learn more about the benefits Card Membership can provide. Earn 1.5X points on eligible purchases at US construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year. The Points Guy The Amex Centurion "black" has an initiation fee of $10,000 and an annual fee of $5,000. Note that these amounts aren't officially confirmed, and just because you spend enough and have good standing across accounts doesn't mean you'll automatically be invited to apply. And you pay a $5,000 fee every year you keep your card. Save when you purchase a qualifying business- or first-class (or premium economy) ticket for international travel, or enjoy an upgrade from business class to first class. Cardholders get complimentary elite status with two of the largest rental car chains: This is the top-tier Hertz elite status, and comes with a ton of perks, including: This is Avis' second-highest elite tier, and it comes with perks such as: Although you can get a credit card concierge with any number of cards, few services can compete with that offered by the Centurion cards. With the Amex Centurion Card, you'll be spending $15,000 just for the privilege of opening your account, so you need to make sure this card is right for you. The Ascent is a Motley Fool service that rates and reviews essential products for your everyday money matters. If you miss it, the ticket is useless. Something to keep in mind: The Centurion comes in both personal card and business card versions. Shanghai, China, March 28, 2022 - American Express (NYSE: AXP) announced today that its joint venture in China - Express (Hangzhou) Technology Service Co., Ltd . In fact, for frequent travelers, The Platinum Card from American Express is a much more practical choice. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card earns 2 miles per dollar on all eligible purchases, 5 miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel and 10 miles per dollar on hotels . Getty Images. When it comes time to redeem, the transfer partners for the two cards are identical. What are the relevant APRs? Start a chat conversation after logging into your Amex online account to request a downgrade of your Amex Platinum card. on. And it's a tier higher than what's offered with the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card and the Business Platinum cards. AmEx lounge access may include Sky Clubs when flying Delta. We'd love to hear from you, please enter your comments. 3. Get complimentary upgrades, priority waitlisting, a bonus of 4 miles per dollar spent, waived award reissue fees, priority check-in and boarding, your pick of Choice Benefits and more. Circle with letter I in it. I love the minimalistic look as it adds to the exclusiveness of the card. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year toward baggage fees and more at one qualifying airline. We want your money to work harder for you. The Centurion Lounge . During the pandemic, Centurion cardholders (including Brian Kelly) have been able to utilize the concierge to help with complicated cancelations, trip rebookings and getting refunds while airlines were slammed with other requests.