UK Centurion Update
This post is for all the UK readers. If you are a current Centurion UK member, you have likely heard about an update to the program or a benefits refresh. I heard from a reader that Amex told him the update was coming this September. That probably translates to sometime in Q4, since this stuff almost always comes out delayed. Some things you can likely expect are:
- Increased benefits
- Raised annual fee
- Tougher joining requirements
- Titanium cards
This refresh is long over due according to the UK members I have talked to. One thing to think about as well, is this could be American Express’ first step to a worldwide standard for Centurion members, as right now there are large discrepancies. Any thoughts from the UK readers?
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Comments
Well said, REAL Money. It’s similar here in the U.S. as well. Some folks are getting this card from spending a lot of money that the majority of isn’t there’s to begin with. It kind of makes sense however, because AMEX is known these days for upgrading their clients based on what they spend on an existing AMEX card, not necessarily what their net worth is. *Not saying this always the case but it is an important factor people might not realize.*
Eddie
REAL Money - that’s the IEC product you have. The UK card is £650 currenty. Your’s is serviced out of the UK, but has already had its benefit line-up refreshed, hence the jump from a €1000 annual fee, to the new €2800 fee.
Not really sure I see you logic on eligibility though - what do AmEx really care if someone is prepared to pay the annual fee and is spending large amounts each month (regardless if it’s their money or company expenses) - AmEx is still getting its cut of merchant fees, and potentially the more lucrative travel commission.
UK Refresh - I’ll believe it when I see, it has been ‘due’ for at least 2.5 years now. One thing is for sure, I can see the annual fee significantly increasing as it is out of line compared to Centurion in other markets.
And as a separate note to anyone thinking of Centurion for status and recognition - forget it. In 9 years (and 10k+ transactions with me present), I can count the number of instances of people actually knowing what the card is in the single digit range, and the majority of those are in the US. The UK benefits have dwindled, and service has been on a downward spiral for years. The MO benefits and insurance coverage have been its saving grace.
Does anyone know if American Express in the UK will start to issue Centurion again to existing UK card holders? I’m led to believe that they are not issuing any new Centurion cards within the UK?
I have had a CEnturion card for some years and have just been told that the fee for the new Titanium card is £1800. I would not normally mind but the service has been shjort of what is promised. Hertz refused to honour my gold club status at the last check in and asked me to join the main line and Starwood have never upgraded me in the last 25 days stays. Nothing in particular encourages me to stay loyal to the brand, as all the benefits I can get by buying the services independently and using a separate concierge company for the concierge services. Notably, the “enhancements” they talk about seem to amount to very little, certainly not anything I find of value. WHen the concierge service works, it works very well, but it can be hit or miss.
I have until december to decide if I wish to pay the tripled fee increase for the so called “enriched benefits” of my centurion card. At this moment in time I will not be renewing. The service they provide since I got the titanium card has been pretty bad, not to mention the fault with the titanium card which frequently doesnt work infront of clients and in shops/restaurants, proving to be highly embarassing.
The benefits are no more in my view anything more than what they already was providing, just AMEX’s attempt to window dress them and demand more money. For example, the personal concierge service they speak of, I thought this is what we had already? As KAND said, the concierge is hit and miss.
I was wondering if AMEX will let me stay on the £625 tier with the plastic card if anyone knows? Also what other centurions opinions are, and if they are having problems coming to terms with the remodelling of the card.
I have a UK based Titanium card (no chip on the face.. but there’s a funny chip-like bulge that reveals itself on an angle, just beneath the magnetic stripe at right) .. It’s a new card (just arived in June). My fee was 2800 euro this year. No mention of benefits changes yet, but I will avoid using points for the moment, pending the update. If they’re sincere about it, I think it’s probably best that they’re toughening the joining requirements. Too many people who can’t actually afford this card milk the benefits such as companion tix and spoil it for everyone else. Here’s to hoping Amex follows through on that or invents yet another card for those who spend like they truly deserve it.