Retire in Paradise

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed, or use one of the many feed readers available from the 'subscribe' button. Thanks for visiting!

If you have never heard of the American Express Black Card or the Centurion card as it is often called maybe it is because this card is exclusively for those who meet the strictest of standards set by American Express. This is an exclusive credit card for those who have an income and credit rating unlike most of the country.

When certain criteria are met an invitation from American Express will be sent along for the Centurion credit card. The requirements are quite different from the other credit cards you may have had in the past. This credit card charges $2500 for their annual fee and there is another fee that must be paid which is an initiation fee of $5000 for the first year.

There was an urban legend about the black credit card that circulated and spread as rumors in the business industries in the year 1980s. The rumor said that high ranking individuals like celebrities and notable persons who are cardholders of American Express cards were given a black card that give them the opportunity to transact in any high class establishments even after business hours. The truth is the card only contains the information and numbers for assistance and services.

The rumor about the black credit card was about the widest range of benefits and privileges it extends to the cardholder. It emphasizes the freedom to buy anything as much as the cardholder wants it. Although the rumor was widespread in the industry, no one really ever had it or get to use it.

American Express used the rumors that had circulated about the black card that was so special to start the Centurion card in the fall of 1999. This card was only available to those who had the Platinum card and instead of being made of plastic; this card was made of metal.

The Centurion card is an invitation only card in many countries where the exclusive credit card was the Platinum card. If the Centurion card is not available in one of these countries, the Platinum card is still the card that is considered the exclusive “by invitation only” card.

American Express black Centurion card started in 1999 with an introduction of $1000 as an annual fee and a one-time initiation fee of $5000. Now the annual fee was raised to $2500, the highest annual fee for credit cards as of today. Among the first persons who availed it was the comedian and American Express spokesperson, Jerry Seinfeld.

The rumors about the Centurion Card continue to spread; one of these is about some exclusive stores that opt to close just for the sole shopping of one wealthy cardholder. There have been different rumors regarding the Centurion Card and its benefits; more rumors would still be possible to spread. And as rumors keep circulating the industry, the Centurion Card will continue to get more attracted applicants.

Tags: Travel & Leisure