Behind the Most Prestigous Credit Card: American Express Black
For many years, people whispered about an American Express Black Card that was offered to the most affluent and powerful people throughout the world. Some say that the urban legend inspired American Express to create the Black Card in 1999. Others insist that it already secretly existed and that the company merely publicized its reality.
In August 2006, it was difficult to avoid hearing about Britney Spears giving her American Express Black Card to husband Kevin Federline. On an episode of the television show ‘ ‘Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip’ ‘ the chairman of the fictional NBS waved one while bragging that he could use it to post a $1 million bail.
Actually American Express doesn’t call it the Black Card. It is named after the company’s logo the Centurion®.
Usually credit card companies bombard potential customers with opportunities to apply for one of their cards. The American Express Centurion® Card is different. Part of the exclusive cachet of owning a Centurion® is that these cardholders must wait for an invitation.
Invitees must have an American Express Platinum Card for at least one year. They are required spend a minimum of $250,000 during that year and pay their monthly balance in a timely manner. Monthly charges should include frequent high-end travel, a fondness for luxurious entertainment, purchases at the finest shops and an affinity for attending notable leisure activities. Additionally, their personal finances must be impeccable and their assets sufficient to repay vast amounts of money.
As an added bonus for the $2,500 annual fee, the newest American Express Black Cards are made of titanium.
The Black Card is reserved for the wealthiest and most privileged. Members of this mysterious group pursue unique access to extraordinary experiences.
They travel often and stay at luxurious resorts. They are offered tickets to sold-out shows, games, and concerts. Arriving at events in chauffeured limousines, they receive advance seating in the finest sections. Owners of an American Express Black Card can obtain nearly anything that they desire by calling their personally assigned concierge.
Is The Centurion® Worth The Price? Those privileged to receive an invitation must decide if the $2,500. annual fee is worth the prestige of carrying an American Express Black Card.
Some of the advantages of this fashionable status symbol include:
Chartered jets available
Direct line to a private concierge
Complimentary international traveler cell phones for which they are only charged the cost of calls.
Invitations to participate in celebrity cruises.
Free upgrades at many of the world’s finest accommodations.
Free one-night stays at select Mandarin Oriental Hotels.
Membership Rewards:
Points are offered for particular purchases and redeemable for amazing awards.
Personal shoppers
Invitations to exclusive events
After hour’s access to select stores.
The program has other high-end items, such as a Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder 12-month lease (just over 10 million points) and a Chopard 18K white gold and diamond watch for 93 million points.
Must Be Nice!