The Centurion Card, popularly known as the Black Card, is American Express' most exclusive charge card. Rumors of a special, black-colored card circulated in the 1980s, one that would allow dignitaries and celebrities unlimited spending power and after-hours access to stores. While the rumors were false, American Express decided to perpetuate them by launching the Centurion Card in October 1999 to selected holders of Platinum Cards, with an annual fee of $1000.

The card is only available by invitation from the company, which usually requires spending $150,000 annually on another American Express card. As of 2004 its annual fee was $2,500. The card offers several exclusive privileges, such as complimentary companion airline tickets on trans-Atlantic flights, personal shoppers at retailers such as Escada and Saks Fifth Avenue, access to airport clubs, membership in Sony's Cierge personal shopping program, and dozens of other elite clubs memberships. The card comes with a personal concierge and travel agent. Cardholders have claimed to use the card for things that most would find difficult to believe.

The Centurion card may have been the first "Black Card" inspired by legend, but is no longer unique. NatWest bank also launch an equally elite "Black Card" in 2002. Mastercard's Signia which is issued in the UK only by Coutts & Co bank provides equal and possibly greater benefits to its wealthy clientele.

External links

• Centurion Card press release (http://home3.americanexpress.com/corp/latestnews/centurion_launch.asp)
• Black American Express Card: The urban legend is true (http://www.snopes.com/business/bank/blackcard.asp)
• BBC article on "Black cards" (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/2069758.stm)
• FlyerTalk AMEX forum. Has some informative discussion on the Centurion Card (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=410)