The original “black card”, the American Express (Amex) Centurion Black Card, the one with the Centurion logo on it, is a legendary credit card among upscale travelers.

Who Qualifies?

In order to pre-qualify for this invitation-only card, you have to have liquid assets of over $1,000,000 USD, and by liquid I mean 1 million in cash. Basically if you’re a millionaire you qualify. Your expenses charged on this card must also exceed $250,000 per year, although this can be “flexible”. The annual fee for the amex black card will set you back by a mere $2,500.

If you have an active and mobile lifestyle, and in need of a level of service that can be offered to only to selected individuals worldwide an American Express maybe for you.

What Are the Benefits?

The AMEX centurion black card, is not your average credit card.

• made from titanium
• dedicated Concierge and Travel Agent
• complimentary companion airline tickets on international flights
• personal shoppers & after-hours shopping at retailers such as Escada, Gucci, and Neiman Marcus
• saves you money with flight upgrades, hotel upgrades, suites upgrades
• free fancy meals (you only pay for the bottles of $800 wines)
• VIP tables at igh end-clubs + Personal Bodyguard
• exclusive magazine called “Black Ink”
• status & shock value, your subjects will simply be shocked

Where is it available?

• United States
• Canada
• Japan
• Australia
• Russia
• Europe, Middle East, and Asia

The annual fee in the United States is $2,500, with a one-time $5,000 initiation fee for the first year.

Limited Membership!

Given the requirements of eligibility for this credit card, it is needles to say the membership is limited. How many members are there in the black card club already?

In the United States alone there are over 1,093,481 members as of June 2008, according to departures magazine subscription magazine, to which every Centurion black card member is automatically subscribed.

Here are some demographics for other countries as well:

United Kingdom = 18,500
Germany = 10,500
France = 1,500
Italy, Sweden, Spain, The Netherlands = 4,500

Switzerland = 2,800
Israel = 800
Turkey, Russia,Monaco,Greece, Cyprus, Middle East = 5,200
Middle East = 500
Saudi Arabia = 1,000

Conclusion

If you don’t have to pay the fees of the centurion card because your business partner covers them, then it is well worth it and you can definitely maximize its use, especially if you travel frequently. The real question is, do you think the Centurion card is worth the $2,500 annual fee?