Requirements and Benefits of the AMEX Black Card
In the previous post we covered how the Black card came into existence. Now that the background is covered, here are some of the requirements to obtain a card and the benefits it offers.
Requirements:
1) Charge $250,000 or more a year to AMEX
2) Be invited by AMEX or ask to join
3) Pay the $5,000 initiation fee
4) Pay the $2,500 (US) annual Fee
Benefits:
1) Very high spending limit. Each card has a different limit and the limit is based on the income of the individual. The most expensive purchase known to date on a black card, is that of a $30M private jet.
2) 24hr personal concierge. They can make reservations, plan weddings, or score tickets.
3) Private shopping services at the finest retailers. It is known that Tiffany’s offers up private shopping for Black Card customers.
4) Invitations for special events, such as a round of golf with Tiger Woods.
5) Complimentary companion airline tickets on international flights.
6) Access to Airport Clubs.
7) Free hotel stays.
8 ) Subscription to Black Ink magazine.
9) International emergency health care .
These are the benefits received from being in the elite circle of about 17,000 people.
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Comments
I haven’t heard of that one persay, but there is an AMEX Red in the Uk which has cash back go to charity. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Express_Red
I am a centurion card holder. Today I called them and cancelled my card becuase to be frank, its the poorest customer service I have experienced.
Well over 75% of the time, customer service fail to return calls. In the past two weeks I called to RSVP to a centurion event (after hours) to be told that a day team member would call me the next day. No call back.
I called the travel insurance team, which was answered by a voice message service. It said to expect a call back within 48 hours. 1 week later no call.
I called to find the best possible suite in Uppsala, Sweden for my wedding. They say it will take two weeks to get back to me. One month later, heard nothing.
This is after months and months of continual terrible service. The executive customer service manager offered to reduce my annual fee by $1000 dollars (here in Australia its $4300 per year). I advised that my other consumer credit card had similar features, but far better service.
I am now in contact with Kenneth Chenault’s office. I refuse to pay $3300 for a chunk of titanium which is attached to horrendous service.
The only thing it has been good for is getting access to any nightclub VIP area. But even that has now started to decline. Many clubs will give you VIP list, but you must still pay to get in and doesnt give you Access All Areas.
The card is all about mystery, but more stories of reality will surface. You should not aspire to this card. You wont get the ego boost you think you will… most decent shops have seen the card before, the rest have no idea what it is and dont really care. It doesnt get you access to the good airline lounges either. Most people with this card will already have better lounge access.
The centurion events they organise are way overpriced and available through other consumer channels at cheaper prices.
The notion that they will make anything happen is complete rubbish. I asked them to coordinate travel for a group of friends to my wedding in Sweden (25 people). They said they could only help with the primary card holders travel.
The hype is unwarranted people.
Don’t forget the 1 year tenure requirement. You can spend 250k in your first month with Amex, but you won’t get the card.
Wow, I am really surprised to hear that. I would have to say the exact opposite.Amex has gone above and beyond what I would expect from any company and the centurion is better than any other card I have had. Maybe it just sucks in your country.
Amex is a finance company, nothing more.
The only things it has over the other banks is that it issues charge cards and controls all elements,from card issue and credit control to network access and processing whereas Mastercard and Visa just operate the network.
I’ve found that Amex has the same lousy service you mentioned. They pride themselves on all this service, but mostly they don’t get back to you w/in a reasonable timeframe.
What is the difference between a metal and plastic black card?
I’ve heard of a Ruby amex card that is higher then a black card is this true?