The American Express Centurion credit card – commonly known as the Amex Black Card – is an invitation-only, super-premium credit card for the elite of the elite.
Because the card is invitation-only, Amex doesn’t provide a lot of public information about rates and benefits. Getting one of those rare invites is the best way to learn everything there is to know about the card.
We’ll dive into what we do know, plus highlight some alternatives that you’re more likely to qualify for.
Key Takeaways
- The Amex Black Card is a highly exclusive credit card that is available by invitation only.
- In addition to a $10,000 initiation fee, there is reportedly a $5,000 annual fee.
- The extensive list of perks and benefits may help offset the annual fee, including no spending limits and super-premium airline and hotel perks.
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What is the Amex Black Card?
The Amex Black card is, without a doubt, the most prestigious American Express card – and it’s incredibly difficult to get. This card is for people who don’t care about interest rates, late fees, or billing cycles. It’s essentially a status symbol for Amex’s top-earning (and spending) customers.
This rewards credit card offers luxurious services and benefits, but the trade-off is an astronomical annual fee.
Amex Black Card eligibility requirements
The actual eligibility requirements for the Centurion card remain a mystery – but there is a specific profile that makes you more likely to receive an invitation:
- High income and net worth
- Spending of at least $500,000 per year on existing Platinum Card
- Impeccable credit score
There is reportedly a one-time sign-up fee of $10,000 and an annual fee of $5,000.
These rules are not listed anywhere, nor are they set in stone. Even if you meet the quantitative requirements, you may need to undergo an interview to see if you qualify.
Benefits of the Amex Black Card
The Amex Centurion Credit Card is a luxury card with similar perks and benefits to the publically available American Express Platinum Card. The overall value of the Black Card isn't necessarily leaps and bounds ahead of the Platinum Card – but it’s definitely more exclusive. If you have one of these anodized titanium cards, it's a signal to the world that you've got money and prestige.
The Amex Black card has no set spending limits – one of the most notable purchases made on an American Express Centurion Credit Card was a $170 million painting. Here’s what else sets the Black Card apart.
Airline rewards include:
- Free status upgrades on top airlines around the world
- Free seat selection, priority check-in, baggage delivery, and limo services
- Complimentary companion airline tickets and first-class flight upgrades with the International Air Program
- Access to the Global Lounge program
- $200 airline fee credit
- Centurion International Arrival Services
- $85 credit for Global or TSA PreCheck Application
- Free in-flight Wi-Fi
After touching down at your destination, you'll continue to live in the lap of luxury with Amex's best-in-class hotel benefits:
- Elite status at hotel groups, including IHG Platinum benefits and Marriott Bonvoy Gold
- Centurion Hotel Program
- Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts
And then there are the perks that help level up an already-5-star trip:
- 24/7 concierge service
- Premium benefits on luxury cruise lines and tours
- Avis President's Club, Hertz #1 Club, and Elite Rent-A-Car benefits
- Exclusive offers from luxury brands through the Centurion Shopping Program
- American Express Front of the Line
How do you get an Amex Black Card?
The only way to get the coveted Black Card is to be officially invited by Amex. There is no application fee and you can’t submit a request to be considered. If you’re eligible, Amex will get in touch.
Are Amex Centurion cards worth it?
Amex doesn’t advertise much about its elusive Black Card, but cardholders on the Flyer Talk forum spilled the beans about what you get with the card. In many cases, reviewers brought up all of the perks and benefits that are no longer offered. Spoiler: there are quite a few.
Many cardholders feel that the perks have been diluted over the last decade. Here are a few of the perks that have been lost:
or the Air Canada lounge pass. Here are just a few more ways the program has changed:
- No more complimentary CX Diamond Status for oneworld airlines
- No Shangri-La status at luxury hotels
- No Air Canada loungepass
- Changes and some discontinuation to limousine travel service
- Discontinuation of select tour and vacation benefits
- Discontinuation of the Cruise Privileges Program
Another sticking point is the perks that U.S. cardholders get that Canadians don’t. For instance, American cardholders get access to exclusive events and luxury hotel benefits.
These changes, coupled with the poor customer service that some cardholders experienced after hours, have us rethinking the value of the Black Card. As one cardholder put it, "Paying for Canadian Centurion is now really just an ego exercise."
Amex Black Card alternatives
Although these cards aren't quite as prestigious as the Centurion, they come with some of the best perks in Canada – and some of the highest fees.
| Black Card alternative | Annual fee and income requirement | Income requirement | Current offer and standout features |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Platinum Card | * $799 | * No income requirement | * Up to 100,000 bonus points (terms) * $200 annual travel credit * International Airline Program * Automatic hotel Elite status in multiple programs * Card crafted in metal |
| American Express Aeroplan Reserve | * $599 | * No income requirement | * Up to 85,000 bonus points (terms) * Free checked bags on Air Canada * Priority services with Air Canada * Unlimited access to Maple Leaf lounges when travelling with any Star Alliance carrier * Metal card |
| BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege | * $599 | * $150,000 personal or $200,000 household income | * Up to 120,000 bonus points (terms) * $200 annual lifestyle credit * 25% bonus points when an authorized user is added to the account * Visa Airport Companion membership and 6 free passes * Visa Infinite Privilege benefits at Vancouver, Ottawa, Toronto-Billy Bishop and Montreal-Trudeau International airports * Metal credit card |
| RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege | * $399 | * $200,000 personal or household income | * Up to 70,000 bonus points (terms) * Visa Airport Companion membership and 6 free passes * Visa Infinite Privilege benefits at Vancouver, Ottawa, Toronto-Billy Bishop and Montreal-Trudeau International airports |
| Scotiabank Platinum American Express | * $399 | * $12K personal income | *  $175 GeniusCash + Up to 60,000 80,000 bonus points (terms)* 10 lounge passes to Priority Pass and Plaza Premium lounges * Hertz #1 Club Gold membership |
| American Express Gold Rewards | * $250 | * No income requirement | * $125 GeniusCash + Up to 60,000 bonus points (terms) * $100 annual travel credit * 4 free passes annually to Plaza Premium lounges in Canada * Priority Pass membership (no free passes) * Metal card in your choice of colour |
American Express Platinum Card
×2 Award winner 
The American Express Platinum Card has to be the best attainable alternative for those who can't qualify for the Black Card – it has no income requirements and delivers an earn rate of up to 2 points for every $1 spent. You’ll also get free global lounge access, travel discounts, and elite travel/hotel status. It’s been our pick for the best credit card for perks for 2 years in a row.
Why we like it:
- Up to 100,000 welcome bonus points
- More perks than any other Canadian credit card
- $400 annual travel and dining credits
- Travel upgrades, valet and parking service discounts, and priority security screening
- 11 types of insurance included
Things to note:
- Lower acceptance as an American Express
- High annual fee of $799
American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
If you’re looking for a premium Amex card with lots of flight perks, the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card might be the right choice. You’ll enjoy a free checked bag, priority status when flying Air Canada, unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge access when flying with any Star Alliance member, and a worldwide companion voucher on Air Canada when you spend $25,000 annually.
Why we like it:
- Up to 85,000 welcome bonus points
- Up to 3 points per $1 on purchases and travel
- $200 annual travel and dining credits
- Travel upgrades and lounge access
- 11 types of travel insurance included
Things to note:
- High annual fee of $599
- Lower acceptance as an American Express
- Only high value redemptions are Air Canada flights
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card
The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card is one of our favorites for rewards – you’ll earn up to 5x BMO rewards points for every $1 spent along with a generous welcome bonus. This Visa continues to reward you with a $200 annual lifestyle credit, and you get perks like a Visa Airport Companion membership with 6 free passes.
Why we like it:
- Up to 120,000 welcome bonus points
- Visa Infinite Privilege benefits at Vancouver, Ottawa, Toronto-Billy Bishop, and Montreal-Trudeau International airports
- Access to the Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection
- Complimentary 24/7 Visa Infinite Privilege concierge
- 12 types of insurance included
- Save up to 7 cents per litre at Shell
Things to note:
- High income requirements of $150,000 personal or $200,000 household
- Low point value of 0.67 cents per point
- High annual fee of $599
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege
Another Visa Infinite Privilege card to take a look at is the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege. While it’s RBC’s premium card, it doesn’t have the luxurious perks that define the Black Card. That said, you’ll enjoy Visa rewards like access to travel and hotel upgrades. Plus, this card has one of the lowest annual fees on our list.
Why we like it:
- 3 cent per litre discount on fuel at Petro Canada
- 20% bonus Petro Points and RBC Rewards on Petro Canada purchases
- 50 Be Well points per $1 spent when shopping at Rexall
- Up to 70,000 welcome bonus points
- Includes 12 types of insurance
Things to note:
- Only earns 1 point per $1 spent on most purchases
- Poor rewards if not redeemed through the Air Travel Redemption Chart
- Income requirements of $60,000 personal or $100,000 household
Scotiabank American Express Platinum Card
GC: $175
Scotiabank also issues a premium Amex card called the Scotiabank American Express Platinum Card. It includes a generous welcome bonus and earn rate of up to 2 points for every $1 spent on purchases. This card is also ideal if you travel regularly as it has no foreign exchange fees.
Why we like it:
- Welcome bonus of up to 80,000 points
- 10 airport lounge passes to Priority Pass and Plaza Premium Lounges
- 12 types of insurance included
- Hertz #1 Club Gold membership
- 4 ways to redeem points for high value
Things to note:
- Annual fee of $399
- Lower acceptance as an American Express
American Express Gold Rewards Card
GC: $125
To round out our list, let’s add one more Amex card with great rewards: the American Express Gold Rewards Card. It has one of the lowest annual fees on our list but still includes an annual $100 travel credit and 4 free Plaza Premium Lounge passes in Canada. If you liked the Amex Black Card’s metal feature, you’ll also appreciate that this card is made of metal – and you get to choose the colour.
Why we like it:
- Up to 60,000 welcome bonus points
- Earn up to 2 points for every $1 spent on purchases
- 4 ways to redeem points for high value
- 11 types of insurance included
Things to note:
- Annual fee of $250
- Lower acceptance as an American Express
FAQ
How do you qualify for a black Amex card?
Amex is pretty secretive about the Amex Black Card's requirements but it's generally accepted that you'll need to show high levels of spending on an Amex Platinum card – we’re talking around $500,000 per year. Plus, you’ll need a high net worth and a pristine credit score to score an invite.
Why is the Amex Black Card so special?
Most of what makes this card so unique is the elite status it offers. Since you can’t just submit an application and get approval, you’ll only get it by exclusive invitation from American Express. It comes with perks that are similar to other premium credit cards, but this card looks different – it’s made of hefty anodized titanium instead of plastic.
Does the Amex Black Card have a limit?
There’s no pre-set limit on the Amex Black Card, but since it’s a charge card, you must pay the balance off each month.
How many people have the Amex Black Card?
Although no exact figures are available, it’s thought that there are about 100,000 Amex Black card holders globally. Of those, experts believe about 20,000 are in the United States.
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