8 Cool Facts About the Exclusive Amex Centurion Card

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The Centurion® Card from American Express, also known as the Amex Black Card, is one of the most exclusive credit cards in the world. The reason for its exclusivity is the fact that this card is available by invitation only, and the requirements surrounding that are also mysterious. You can't apply for the Centurion card. And chances are, if you have to ask how to get one, you likely do not qualify. 

While rewards credit cards are a great way to gain access to exclusive benefits that can include travel perks and increased rewards earnings, luxury cards like the Centurion Card offer an even higher tier of personalized benefits that few people get to experience. 

Keep reading to learn more about the Centurion Card and the speculated benefits that come with card membership. 

What is the Amex Centurion Card?

The Centurion Card is a rewards credit card available by invitation only through American Express. It is considered to be the card issuer's top-tier credit card. The credit card comes with several luxury travel and other benefits that are unique to cardholders. 

American Express holds this particular card close to the vest, though, so there's not a lot of information floating around that documents the ins and outs of the card's more exclusive benefits. We've unearthed some of the card's interesting facts through information provided by Centurion cardmembers and online research. 

Interesting Facts About the Amex Centurion Card

Here are some fun, interesting facts about the Centurion Card that you may not know about. 

The Card Is Made of Carbon Fiber

The previous version of the Centurion Card was made from Anodized Titanium. More recently, the card was switched to a carbon fiber design. It's not as heavy or thick as the previous iteration but is still a heavier card than most credit cards.

There Are Different Exclusive Versions of the Card

American Express has changed the design for the Centurion Card, offering two additional versions for cardmembers to choose from. Both versions were designed by renowned artists. The floral designed card was designed by Kehinde Wiley, best known for his presidential portrait of Barack Obama. The other card artistic card design comes from the world-renowned architect Rem Koolhaas. 

The Card Comes with Wearable Technology 

When cardmembers now open the box containing their Centurion Card, they have been known to receive a luxurious wearable bracelet designed by Prada. The bracelet alone is a work of art, but it also features a hidden secret — it's enabled with "Tap To Pay" technology. Cardmembers can use the bracelet to make purchases instead of pulling out their card. You can even take your bracelet to Prada stores in Beverly Hills and New York to get them engraved. 

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Members Get 24/7 Personal Concierge Service

One of the reasons people are intrigued by the Centurion Card is legends about personalized concierge services available to cardmembers. While it's difficult to confirm reports or dive deep into the level of service and attention, let's just say that it's likely above anything you've ever seen from a credit card issuer. 

Cardmembers receive access to a personal concierge 24/7. You receive your personal assistant's email address and can message them any time you need something.

What kinds of requests does an Amex Centurion personal assistant handle? According to the American Express Centurion brochure, the concierge can make travel and dining reservations, score tickets and access to exclusive events, and help you when travel plans change or if you run into emergencies. 

Beyond that, though, the sky seems to be the limit in terms of requests you can make. If you can think it, your Amex Centurion concierge can probably make it happen.

There Are Travel Perks

Just for being a member, cardholders can stay at the most luxurious hotels and resorts across the globe and enjoy a variety of perks, which have been reported to include complimentary upgrades and hotel credits to spend on a variety of hotel amenities. 

Cardholders also have access to an added level of travel protection and security, which makes sense for such a luxury card.

There Is a Loyalty & Rewards Program

Everyone loves rewards, even the wealthiest among us. The Centurion Card is part of the Amex Membership Rewards program that includes certain hotel and airline partners. Cardholders can earn Membership Rewards on their purchases, which can then be redeemed for a variety of benefits towards travel, statement credits and more.

Card Eligibility Remains Mysterious

There are no published requirements to receive an invitation for the Centurion Card. It's been reported that the minimum spending requirements is well into the six-figure range. There's also a business version of the card, which may carry different spending requirements. Regardless, you'll need to spend considerable amounts of money each year on your Amex cards if you want to receive an invite. 

As of 2021, it's been reported that existing Amex cardholders can request consideration for the Centurion Card. This does not guarantee an invite though, as it is just a request to even be considered for an invite.

There Is an Upfront Fee

The Centurion Card features two fees. First, there is a $10,000 initiation fee to become a Centurion member. Then, you will also pay an annual fee of $5,000. An initial $15,000 hit before you even use the card is a lot to pay, but there is no other card like the Amex Centurion Card. 

While the Centurion Card is out of reach for a majority of consumers, there are many other credit cards with bonus offers that can provide great rewards and perks.