Centurion Card
| Company type | Charge card |
|---|---|
| Industry | Financial services |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Products | Charge card |
| Owner | American Express |
The American Express Centurion Card, commonly referred to as the Black Card, is a highly exclusive charge card distributed solely by American Express to its most affluent clients who satisfy stringent net worth, credit, and spending prerequisites linked to the Platinum Card. The precise criteria for qualification remain undisclosed by the issuer. Crafted from anodized titanium, the card features laser engraving and stainless steel accents. It reports activity to credit bureaus and operates without a predetermined credit limit. Although widely recognized as a prestigious status symbol among wealthy individuals, its rewards program is considered less advantageous compared to other elite credit cards.
History
Back in 1988, The Wall Street Journal revealed that an exclusive black American Express card had been discontinued in 1987 after a limited trial involving fewer than 1,000 distinguished customers worldwide. This initial card offered luxury services such as limousine and helicopter dispatch but was eventually replaced by the Platinum Card, which incorporated most of its perks. The Centurion Card was introduced by American Express in 1999, aimed at their highest-net-worth clients. Comedian Jerry Seinfeld has claimed to be the first recipient after inquiring with the company president about the rumored black card.
Doug Smith, who served as American Express's European director, confirmed awareness of rumors about an ultra-exclusive black card but admitted that the company leveraged the mystique despite those tales being initially untrue. Notable anecdotes from cardholders include purchases like a Bentley automobile and private jet charters. Numerous unconfirmed reports circulate regarding extravagant concierge requests. In 2009, Luxury Card secured a U.S. trademark for "Black Card"; however, American Express filed a lawsuit citing confusion with the Centurion Card’s nickname. The U.S. District Court invalidated Luxury Card's trademark due to descriptiveness, and as of 2019, Luxury Card continues using the term under license.
From its inception, the Centurion Card has been available strictly by invitation. Media sources speculate that eligibility requires annual spending on the Platinum Card ranging between $500,000 and $1 million. The card predominantly consists of anodized titanium with laser-etched detailing; in some regions, EMV chip versions made of plastic with contactless payment capabilities are issued. Both personal and business editions are offered, along with a Prada-branded wearable accessory.
The highest known transaction made with a Centurion Card was businessman Liu Yiqian’s purchase of Amedeo Modigliani’s Nu couché painting for $170.4 million at Christie's New York auction in 2015.
Advantages
Designed for both individual and corporate use, the card provides a range of exclusive services such as access to a dedicated concierge and professional travel agent. Cardholders can enjoy complimentary companion airline tickets on select international routes when purchasing a full-fare ticket. Additionally, it grants entry to personal shopping experiences at luxury retailers like Gucci, Escada, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Other benefits include access to airport lounges, opportunities for first-class flight upgrades, membership in Sony's Cierge personal shopping program, and participation in various prestigious clubs. Hotel privileges feature an annual complimentary night at most Mandarin Oriental properties globally (excluding New York City), along with special benefits at hotel groups such as Ritz-Carlton, Leading Hotels of the World, and Amanresorts. The card also offers free enrollment in Easirent Car Hire Platinum Service and membership in the Avis Rent a Car President's Club.
Centurion members enjoy free admission to American Express Centurion Lounges across numerous US airports, unlimited entry to Priority Pass lounges worldwide, and additional lounge benefits based on their country of issuance. For example, Canadian cardholders receive full access to Air Canada's Maple Leaf Lounges. During busy periods, members have exclusive lounge sections featuring premium beverages like Veuve Clicquot Champagne and Balvenie single malt scotch. In the United States, cardholders earn 1 reward point per dollar spent on qualifying purchases, with an increased rate of 1.5 points per dollar for amounts exceeding US$5,000, up to an additional 1 million points annually.
Publications
From its launch, members have been provided with a copy of Departures, which is also distributed to all Platinum Card users. Beginning in 2004, US Centurion cardholders started receiving an exclusive magazine initially unnamed but officially titled Black Ink from Spring 2007 onward. This publication is reserved for individual Centurion users and excludes business card editions. In Europe, Asia, and Australia, Centurion members receive the quarterly Centurion magazine, produced by Journal International GmbH based in Munich. The Centurion magazine website was introduced in June 2011 to offer daily content updates to subscribers. The typical reader of Centurion in Europe and the Middle East is approximately 49 years old. Since 2001, distribution numbers have reached 44,100 copies in Europe and the Middle East, 13,900 in Asia, and 6,000 in Australia.
In popular culture
The Centurion card is widely recognized as a status symbol frequently associated with celebrities and wealthy individuals. Although American Express keeps cardholder information confidential, several notable personalities are publicly known to have possessed the card, including:
- Beyoncé
- Jeremy Clarkson (former holder)
- Mark Cuban
- Noel Gallagher
- John Mayer
- Oprah
- Jerry Seinfeld
Film and TV
The Centurion card has been featured as a prop on screen. In Quantum of Solace, the character James Bond attempts to pay for a private jet ride using a Centurion card; however, the transaction is declined after MI6 cancels his credit cards. A replica of this card was exhibited at the London Film Museum.
In HBO's Succession, characters Kendall and Siobhan Roy are shown using their Centurion cards in several scenes, underscoring its connection to affluence and prestige.