American Express Black Card Also Called The Centurion Card
Jan 1, 2009 Credit Card Dept
Credit cards have been one of the conveniences of banking nowadays in the growing institution of commerce. American Express, under their strictest standards, invites private individuals and businessmen whose income and credit ratings are higher than most of the ordinary cardholders, to avail the exclusive American Express black card which is most famous as the Centurion card. This card is the most prestigous credit card in the banking industry.
Centurion card offers direct access to a wide range of exclusive perks, but in order to avail it, a certain criteria should be met. Aside from the necessary requirements, an applicant should pay an initial fee of $5000 plus the annual fee of $2500 for a total of $7500.
The black credit card started from a legend which states that American Express issued the black credit card to its cardholders; most of them are celebrities and well-off personalities, allowing them to avail high class products and services from high class establishments. The fact behind this rumor was the information card issued by the American Express to cardholders containing important American Express Travel numbers and hotel assistant services numbers.
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.
AMEX 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 titanium.
American Express sends invitations to qualified cardholders. Once the cardholder is qualified to have met the criteria, he will then be invited to avail the Centurion card. For cardholders located in different countries, they can also be qualified as applicants by the American Express through sending the invitation. The Platinum card will serve as the exclusive “invitation only” Centurion Card that is electronically linked to the American Express.
When the Centurion card was first issued it had an annual fee of $1000 but it was soon raised to the fee charged now of $2500. The first person deemed worthy of having one of these credit cards was comedian, Jerry Seinfeld. Part of the reason for this may have been because he was a spokesperson for American Express.
Centurion Card became famous around the business industry because of the urban legends in circulation. The rumors about the black credit card continue to circulate to all people concerned. Although the rumor was not true, new rumors and tales would still come up. This will make the Centurion Card more controversial and the promotion would generate more applicants as well.
Tags: american express black card, amex, centurion, credit card
