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LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.
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American Express Disclosure
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

American Express Disclosure

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Centurion® Card from American Express Review

Updated on:
Content was accurate at the time of publication.
LendingTree's Review

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Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.
4.3
Centurion® Card from American Express
Rewards Rate
1 point per $1 spent on eligible purchases including dining, theater tickets, flights and hotels
Travel Benefits
Access to more than 1,400 VIP lounges in 140 countries through the Global Lounge Collection
Hotel Benefits
Exclusive benefits at more than 1,200 Fine Hotels and Resorts. Additional upgrades and hotel credits at eight iconic brands
Editorial Note: shortenedCCEditorialNote

The information related to the Centurion® Card from American Express has been independently collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication.

Our take: The exclusive, invite-only Centurion® Card from American Express is a top-tier card that offers luxury perks at a premium price.

What is the Centurion® Card from American Express?

Known as one of the most difficult American Express cards to get, the Centurion® Card from American Express is a high-end card that’s shrouded in secrecy, comes with luxury travel perks and gives you status that only a card of this caliber can. With both a hefty initiation fee plus an annual fee, this card isn’t in many wallets. Exact requirements to be invited to apply for the Centurion® Card from American Express are unknown, but it’s believed that you must be spending (and paying off) upwards of $350,000 a year on a current American Express card.

Also referred to as a “Black Card”, this is one of the hardest cards to get. Not only do you need an income that can support the fees and spending requirements, but also a desire or need to spend that much. Through its many travel benefits including lounge access at airports, elevated status with certain airlines and hotel perks, travel aficionados will definitely get more out of this card than those who seldom travel.

Quick facts

    • Complimentary Starwood Preferred Guest Gold & Hilton Honors Diamond Status
    • IHG Priority Club Rewards Platinum Elite
    • Centurion Hotel Program which includes various benefits at Aman, Belmond, Mandarin Oriental, Peninsula and St. Regis Hotels
    • Delta SkyMiles Platinum Medallion
    • Centurion International Arrival Services
    • Gogo In-Flight Wi-Fi
    • Boingo Wi-Fi
    • 30% Membership Rewards Bonus when you use points for airline statement credit
    • Centurion Airport Lounge Access
    • Priority Pass Select
    • Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
    • $200 Airline Fee Credit
    • $10,000 initiation fee
  • Recommended Credit
    Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • 24/7 personal Concierge service
  • Mobile app to manage your account
  • Luxury travel perks including elevated hotel status, shopping credits and airfare discounts
  • Travel and purchase insurance

Intro Purchase APR

N/A

Regular Purchase APR

prime rate + 12.74% for the Pay Over Time feature

Intro BT APR

N/A

Regular BT APR

N/A

Annual Fee

$5,000

Cash Advance Fee

either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater

Foreign Transaction Fee

0%

Balance Transfer Fee

0%

How do you get the Centurion® Card from American Express?

Getting the Centurion® Card from American Express isn’t as easy as just applying — you have to be invited to apply. Those who are current American Express customers with a high level of spending might have a chance of receiving an invitation for this elite card.

However, you don’t have to sit around and wait for an invitation to arrive. If this is a card that you would like in your wallet, you’re a high spender and you’re already a loyal American Express member, you can request an invite. Note that there’s no guarantee that you’ll receive an invite, and you’ll likely only know when that envelope shows up in your mailbox.

How to request an invitation for the Centurion® Card from American Express

  1. Open up the Centurion® website.
  2. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on “Interested in Centurion® Membership? Click Here.”
  3. Fill out the form with your first and last names, plus your card number for your current American Express credit card as well as the 4-digit security code.
  4. Click the “Submit” button.
  5. Wait patiently for an account manager at American Express to reach out to you if you meet the qualifications.

Pros and cons

  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Luxury perks at hotels
  • Access to The Global Lounge Collection
  • 24/7 Concierge
  • Invitation required to apply
  • High annual fee
  • Poor rewards program
  • Must pay balance in full each month

Centurion® Card from American Express benefits

This card offers plenty of benefits, albeit geared more heavily to people who travel extensively. Infrequent travelers may have a more difficult time getting their money’s worth out of this card. Note that many of these benefits are also available on other cards from American Express,  which are open for anyone to apply.

  • Everyday benefits

    These time-saving benefits are also included with The Platinum Card® from American Express and can be used on a daily basis.

    American Express® App: Manage your account from anywhere, at any time. Check on your account, discover new offers, redeem your Amex Membership Rewards® Points, and even freeze your card from anywhere.

    24/7 Dedicated concierge service: Whether you need a last-minute flight booked while you pack your bags or flowers sent to a friend, a team of dedicated concierge professionals is standing by 24/7 to assist you. Unlike with The Platinum Card® from American Express, you will have access to the same concierge rather than a different one each time you call with a request.

  • Earning membership rewards

    You can use your card at home and abroad to earn rewards on every purchase — however, compared to other American Express cards, like The Platinum Card® from American Express, you’ll earn rewards at a meager pace: only 1 point per $1 spent on eligible purchases including dining, theater tickets, flights and hotels.

    You can redeem these points for gift cards, eligible charges to your Centurion® Card from American Express, travel bookings and more.

  • Dining and entertainment

    Crafted Journeys: Make your trip extra special with a tour or experience that’s just for you. You work with a local expert to make initial plans and then they manage the rest of the details.

    Global Dining Collection: Take the guesswork out of deciding where to eat with a list of recommended restaurants. Additionally you’ll have access to special reserved tables at these restaurants.

  • Travel benefits

    You’ll have access to some of the best travel benefits in the business, including lounge access through The Global Lounge Collection. Note that several other Amex cards can get you these same benefits, including The Platinum Card® from American Express.

    The Global Lounge Collection
    Enjoy access to more than 1,400 VIP lounges in 140 countries thanks to networks and partners that include:

    • The Centurion® Lounge
    • The International American Express Lounges
    • Priority Pass™ (must enroll in the program)
    • Delta Sky Club® on Delta flights
    • Airspace Lounge
    • Escape Lounges
    • Plaza Premium Lounges

    No foreign transaction fee
    Keep more of your money when shopping abroad since there are no foreign transaction fees with the Centurion® Card from American Express.

  • Hotel benefits

    The Centurion® Card from American Express has the edge over cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express on luxury hotel benefits. The Centurion® Card from American Express offers perks like room upgrades and early check-in (when available) plus late checkout and a hotel credit with every stay at a participating hotel, whereas The Platinum Card® from American Express just offers one annual hotel credit.

    Exclusive benefits at more than 1,200 Fine Hotels and Resorts

    When you book your stay with your Centurion® Card from American Express you have access to the following benefits:

    • Check-in at noon, when available
    • Room upgrade upon arrival, if available
    • Daily breakfast for two
    • Guaranteed late checkout at 4 p.m.
    • $100 hotel credit

    Additional upgrades and hotel credits at 8 iconic brands
    Centurion members receive room upgrades at the time of booking plus a hotel credit of up to $200 when you stay at one of these eight properties:

    • Aman
    • Belmond
    • Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
    • The Oetker Collection
    • The Peninsula Hotels
    • Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
    • St. Regis Hotels & Resorts
    • Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts

    The Hotel Collection
    When you stay at any of the more than 600 properties that are part of The Hotel Collection, enjoy complimentary room upgrades and $100 hotel credit.

What to watch out for with the Centurion® Card from American Express

  • Initial fee $10,000

    The Centurion® Card from American Express is unique in that it has a one-time initiation fee of $10,000. This is in addition to the annual fee. In order to get the card, you’ll need to pay both fees.

  • Annual membership fee of $5,000

    Steep annual fees are common among luxury credit cards, but the $5,000 annual fee for the Centurion® Card from American Express ranks among the highest.

  • Additional cardholder fee of $5,000

    You may choose to get additional cards for your spouse or partner for a $5,000 fee. There is a limit of two cards per account holder. There is no annual fee for the first additional card, but subsequent cards have an annual fee of $1,500.

  • Must pay card off each month

    The Centurion® Card from American Express is a charge card, meaning you need to pay off your balance in full every month. Should you want to not pay off the full amount of a specific purchase, you can opt in to Pay Over Time and spread out your payments over several months with interest.

Alternative luxury card to the Centurion® Card from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express

| Disclosures
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express
apply-now-icon Apply Now
on American Express's secure site
Rates & Fees
| Terms Apply
N/A
See Pay Over Time APR
$695
5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with
  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
  • $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
  • The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
  • $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
  • $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
  • Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
  • $695 annual fee.¤
  • Terms Apply.
660 720 850
Good / Excellent

How Does LendingTree Get Paid?

LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appears on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.

If you want a luxury card that offers many of the same perks, a generous welcome offer, rewards earning opportunity and is more accessible, consider the The Platinum Card® from American Express. The annual fee of $695 seems like a bargain compared to the Centurion® Card from American Express, plus it includes more than $1,000 in credits that can cover that cost easily.

Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Terms apply. Enjoy access to the Global Lounge Collection, The Hotel Collection, and elite status with several hotels and car rental agencies.

Having this, or another card from American Express, is a good way to become a customer of the company. Over time, and with an excellent payment history, you may work your way up to getting an invite to apply for the Centurion® Card from American Express.

Since the credits, rewards program and benefits highly revolve around travel, this card is best for someone who travels frequently. Those who aren’t on the road much will get more value from a cash back rewards credit card.

*To see rates & fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.

Is the Centurion® Card from American Express Card for Business right for you?

Are you among the relatively small number of people who might qualify for this card and it applies to you? If so, or if you believe your spending level is continually increasing, continuing to use your current American Express credit card is probably a solid plan for you.

Not a current American Express customer but want this card? Start with a lower-tier card from American Express to build up your purchase history with the company.

And if you’re not spending multiple six-figures annually, then another premium card is probably a better choice. Try a cash back credit card or a rewards credit card to earn rewards on your daily purchases without the hard-to-reach requirements of the Centurion® Card from American Express.

*To see rates & fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.

To see rates & fees for American Express cards mentioned on this page, visit the links provided below:

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by third parties such as Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as certain terms, conditions, and exclusions apply.

The information related to the Centurion® Card from American Express has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.