AmEx is the abbreviation of American Express, a financial institution that offers its users the opportunity to obtain credit cards. They have many credit cards, among which is the Black AmEx card.
Not all AmEx cards are obtained in the same way. Some have a more rigorous process in which certain requirements must be met to obtain it. One of the most difficult to obtain is the Black card.
I want an American Express black card; how can I get one?
The American Express black card or centurion card is not easy to get. There are two types of cards: the personal black card and the commercial version. Turns out it is easier to meet the requirements for a commercial card.
Not many people have it because it is only offered to people considered High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI) who travel frequently.
If you meet this requirement, you will be sent an invitation to obtain your black card. This tells us that it is not obtained through an application but by invitation only.
In addition to the fact that the person must be an HNWI and a Platinum cardholder, there are no further details on the requirements to qualify for an invitation.
However, newer reports speculate that in order to be invited, you must have spent hundreds of thousands to $1 million dollars per year on your card. The minimum annual income also varies.
The cardholder must have sufficient income to pay the high fees that come with the card. The Black Card initiation fee is estimated to be $10,000 and the annual fee is $5,000, an amount that every authorized user must pay.
What benefits will I get if I have a Black AmEx card?
The benefits offered by the Black AmEx card are many. They range from rewards for purchases over a certain amount to discounts on airline tickets and hotels.
Earn rewards
The Black AmEx Card offers points for purchases made. If the purchase exceeds $5,000, you will earn 1.5 points per dollar spent, and for all other purchases, 1 point per dollar. A maximum of 1 million bonus points can only be earned per year.
Redeeming rewards
The most popular benefit for its users is the 50% discount on airline tickets purchased with Membership Rewards points. This reward gives you an effective cash-back rate of 2 cents on the dollar.
These points can be transferred to any of the 17 airlines and three hotels with which they are associated. The airline partners most used by people are British Airways and Iberia Avios (Oneworld), and Air Canada Aeroplan (Star Alliance).
However, don’t worry if you are not the kind who likes to travel. You can also redeem points on gift cards at stores, restaurants, and even Amazon purchases.
For stores and restaurants, you can get 0.5 to 1 cent per point, and on Amazon, 0.8 cents per point.
Rewards potential
However, these cards are not recommended solely for the points they award but also for the additional benefits they offer. Among them is an Equinox All Access Gym membership, Clear Membership for the cardholder and family, and Saks Fifth Avenue credit.
Among the other benefits of the card is its elegant and exclusive design. It provides VIP service upon arrival at 32 major airports and access to the airport lounge.
Delta Platinum Medallion Status includes upgrades up to 5 days before departure, enhanced mileage earnings, and fee waivers. Hertz Platinum Status includes access to VIP pick-up and delivery service.
Hilton Diamond Status includes suite upgrades, breakfast, and enhanced earnings on paid stays. In the case of Marriott and IHG, it offers mid-level status.
References
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Adams, Dia. “American Express Centurion Black Card 2022 Review – Forbes Advisor.” Forbes Advisor, https://www.forbes.com/advisor/credit-cards/reviews/centurion-from-american-express/.