Does The American Express Black Card Really Exist?

A rumor that just won’t quit, people have long wondered if the American Express Black Card really exists, and if it does. What are its requirements like, I wonder? What people don’t know is that yes, the American Express Black Card exists, but its emergence was brought on by the very rumor. This card is offered to people who not only make a lot of money each year and have an excellent credit history, but it’s also offered to United States citizens who commit to an annual fee, one-time initiation fee, and promise to spend a certain amount per year using the card.

Long ago, the urban legend was circulating that there was a black colored card that was given to people of a high stature: politicians, celebrities, socialites, royalty, etc. This card was thought to offer cardholders an unlimited spending power and the ability to shop after-hours in high-end stores. The rumor was begun in the 1980s and was said to have begun because high-spenders were given a black information card. Though this card was not a credit card, it did contain lists of important telephone numbers for the company that regular cardholders did not always have access to.

However, in the late 90s, American Express decided to use this rumor to their advantage. In 1999, the company formally announced that they were launching a Centurion Card, commonly known as the American Express Black Card, to select holders of the Platinum Card. Instead of being made of plastic, this Centurion or Black Card is made out of metal.

This Centurion Card is not only offered to select clients, but it also has a range of privileges that are limited only to its cardholders. A steep annual fee is a major piece of owning the American Express Black Card: as of 2007, the fee to United States citizens was $2,500 with a one-time only initiation fee of $5,000. The card, in most countries, is available by invitation only.

When the card was finally announced, the very first recipient of it was the company’s then celebrity spokesman: comedian and television star, Jerry Seinfeld, who was then appearing in American Express advertisements. Nowadays, many powerful celebrities, politicians, and businessmen hold the card.

The card is available for both personal and for business use. Some of the major perks the card includes are complimentary airline tickets on international flights with a full fare purchases, personal shoppers at high-end stores, first class upgrades, membership in personal shopping programs and elite clubs, hotel deals, and other perks.

In 2006, a new version of the Centurion card was unveiled and was crafted from anodized titanium. It is slightly thicker than all other credit cards, and thus it is sometimes difficult to use in more modern insert and remove terminals or card readers (i.e. the ones in gas station pumps, etc.).

To own this card, a person must have a minimum spending amount of $250,000 per 12 month period and have an amazing or exceptional credit history. Though these are the requirements in the United States, the requirements may be a bit different in each country the card is offered. Thus, those outside of the United States should read up on the specific requirements.

Thus, the American Express Black Card, or Centurion Card, not only exists, but it is now being advertised as the most exclusive card the company owns. This card is meant for people who are expected to make many big purchases throughout the year and is not necessarily meant for the common day person. Indeed, to meet the requirements for the card, a person must be making an exceptional amount of money per year.