As of this writing, some of the advantages of this fashionable status symbol include:

• Airlines
  • Chartered jets available
  • Complimentary upgrades at Continental, Delta, and US Airways.
  • Dedicated check-in
  • Extra mileage earnings
  • Priority boarding

• Communication
  • Direct line to a private concierge
  • Complimentary international traveler cell phones for which they are only charged the cost of calls.

• Cruises
  • Invitations to participate in celebrity cruises.
  • Special deals on luxury cruises

• Hotels
  • Free upgrades at many of the world’s finest accommodations.
  • Free one-night stays at select Mandarin Oriental Hotels.

• Insurance
  • Protection plan for canceled events or missed due to emergency.
  • Roadside assistance worldwide
  

• Magazine
  • Quarterly magazine created to reflect the interests of this small group.

• Membership Rewards:
  • Points are offered for particular purchases and redeemable for amazing awards.
  • Cardholders benefit from shopping in stores such as
    • Bergdorf Goodman
    • Chopard
    • Davidoff
    • Gucci
    • Neiman Marcus
    • Piaget
    • Saks Fifth Avenue

• Private Clubs
  • Access to first class airline lounges.

• Shopping
  • Personal shoppers
  • Invitations to exclusive events
  • After hour’s access to select stores.

• Warranties
  • Extended warranty coverage on items purchased with the Centurion®.

What Kind of People Carry the Black Card?

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.

American Express Centurion Black Review

I’ve had an American Express Centurion Black Credit Card for about 6 months, and I have been thoroughly impressed on all levels. The customer service is spot on (although in fairness, Amex have always offered good service). I have certainly noticed more courtesy and personal care taken with calls I make to Centurion customer services. The staff there are excellent, and I am sure only the cream of Amex’s CSA's are allowed to answer Centurion calls.

Incidentally, when I gave up my platinum card, Amex refunded the whole yearly fee, even though I was 9 months into the year!

The prestige of the card only really became apparent to me when I recently visited New York. In America I received a comment at virtually every purchase I made. Although this could be distracting, I actually gained a lot of fun from the reaction. On one particular occasion I was stood casually at a pay register in my jeans and T shirt next to a very affluent looking American guy. He was proudly sporting his Platinum Amex, virtually waiving it for all to see. You should have seen his face when I pulled out my black card – yes I enjoyed that, and so did the two guys who were serving both of us (incidentally I didn’t waive it – the Black Amex just seems to get noticed).

In the UK the card is less recognised as a status symbol. This is fine with me, as I don’t want any recognition when I am buying petrol or groceries. The card does of course get noticed at restaurants and hotels.

In 6 months I have virtually saved the yearly fee on upgrades, travel insurance and benefits.

Highly recommended, well worth the annual fee and great fun!