What are the benefits of an American Express (AMEX) black card?

07 Mar 2023

The Amex Centurion card is more than just a status symbol; it also has great perks, such as complimentary Delta elite status, which you won't find on other cards.

The American Express Centurion Card, also known as the "Black Card," is an invitation-only charge card that is designed for high-net-worth individuals. The benefits of the American Express Black Card include:

Hotel elite status

You can secure hotel elite status with a black card at four major hotel chains: Marriott, Hilton, Intercontinental Hotels Group, and Relais & Châteaux. Hotel elite status entitles you to perks such as room upgrades, late checkouts, resort and spa credits, and complimentary breakfast.

24/7 concierge service

The Amex Black Card provides personal concierge services whenever you want. The 24-hour concierge service allows you to make travel plans or book luxury restaurants. The service can also offer tickets for almost any event or purchase gifts on your behalf.

Once again, Platinum cards and Amex Business Platinum cards also provide concierge services. However, Centurion card members are certainly the top priority of the Amex concierge and have the best access to restaurant reservations and more.

Delta elite status

According to The Points Guy, the Black Card offers cardholders the Delta Platinum Medallion elite status. This benefit includes a host of perks, such as complimentary upgrades and bonus miles, and is not available with any other credit card.

Airport lounge access

Nothing beats the access to a relaxing airport lounge while traveling, especially if you have a long layover. The American Express black card grants you free access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, including Amex Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta, and Priority Pass airport lounges. You can sit back and relax while enjoying tasty food and beverages. The airport lounge access provided by the Centurion card is virtually identical to that of the Platinum Card and Amex Business Platinum Card.

Equinox membership

In late 2019, the Centurion card received several new benefits, as well as the announcement that Amex would raise the annual fee. Equinox Destination Access Membership, which allows Centurion cardholders to use any of the 100-plus Equinox gym locations in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, is among the most valuable new benefits. If you like the high-end fitness club chain, the value of this membership is $300 per month plus a $500 initiation fee.

Surprisingly, neither the Platinum Card nor the Amex Business Platinum Card offers a comparable benefit.

Other lifestyle perks

Aside from offering elite status with more travel partners, international arrival service, and the top tier of Amex concierge service, the Amex black card distinguishes itself from the Amex Platinum and Business Platinum by offering wine-related benefits such as consultations with a wine specialist and wine-buying offers.

International arrival service

The Black Card's international arrival service is advantageous for travelers. When you fly business or first class with American Express Travel, you will be accompanied by a personal guide who will assist you with immigration and customs. It is not available with any other American Express card.

Centurion cardholders also receive complimentary membership to The Private Suite at LAX, a private VIP terminal. However, there is a significant catch: You must pay each time you use it, which can cost up to $3,000.

CLEAR® membership

CLEAR® is a rapid security member (alternative to TSA PreCheck) and is available at more than 30 airports and 20 sports and concert halls in the United States.

The newly redesigned American Express® Black Card provides a statement credit of up to $189 toward CLEAR® membership, which is $189. The Amex Centurion card also allows you to receive a statement credit for your entire membership fee when you purchase a card using your card. You can also receive a statement credit to add up to three family members.

It's important to note that the American Express Black Card is an invitation-only card, and the requirements for eligibility are not publicly disclosed. It's also worth mentioning that the annual fee for the Black Card is rumored to be around $10,000.

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