The Centurion Card is invitation-only and costs $10,000 per year
The American Express Centurion Card, often called the Black Card, is not something you can walk into a bank and request. American Express invites cardholders to explore based on their spending history and account relationship with the company. There is no public process process.
The annual fee is $10,000, paid upfront each year. This is the highest fee of any credit card widely known to exist. Beyond the annual fee, American Express charges an additional $5,000 per year for an authorized user card if you add one to your account.
Because of the cost and the invitation-only structure, this card is designed for people who spend very large amounts annually and want premium travel and concierge services. Most cardholders use it alongside other cards rather than as their only card.
Key Takeaways
- You cannot explore for the Centurion Card directly — American Express sends invitations to existing cardholders who meet their internal spending and account criteria.
- The $10,000 annual fee is non-refundable, and you pay it whether you use the card or not.
- The card offers a concierge service available 24/7, travel credits, and other perks designed for high-spending travelers and business owners.
- Centurion cardholders typically hold other American Express cards and use this one for specific high-value purchases or travel.
- Your credit score alone does not determine whether you receive an invitation — spending history and account tenure matter more.
How American Express decides who gets invited
American Express does not publish the exact criteria for Centurion invitations. Based on cardholder reports and industry observation, the company looks at total annual spending across your American Express accounts, how long you have held an American Express card, and whether you carry a balance or pay in full each month.
Most Centurion cardholders report spending between $250,000 and $500,000 per year across all their American Express cards before receiving an invitation. Some report invitations after lower spending if they have held an American Express card for many years. Others report higher spending without ever receiving one.
The company also considers whether you are a business owner, a professional in a high-income field, or someone with a long history of premium American Express products. Holding a Platinum Card or Gold Card for several years before receiving a Centurion invitation is common.
What the card actually costs over time
The $10,000 annual fee is the largest cost, but it is not the only one. American Express charges the standard interest rate on any balance you carry — currently ranging from around 18% to 24% depending on your creditworthiness, though most Centurion cardholders pay in full each month.
The card offers $200 in annual airline fee credits and $100 in annual dining credits. If you use both, you reduce the net annual cost to $9,700. However, these credits only cover specific merchants and airlines, so not every cardholder uses them fully.
There are no foreign transaction fees, which matters if you travel internationally. There is no cap on rewards — you earn points on every purchase, typically at a rate of 1 point per dollar spent, with higher rates on certain categories like flights and hotels booked through American Express.
The concierge service and travel benefits
The Centurion Card includes a dedicated concierge service available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This service can book restaurants, arrange travel, help with event tickets, and handle other requests. The concierge does not charge additional fees for these services beyond your annual card fee.
The card includes travel protections such as trip cancellation insurance, baggage delay reimbursement, and emergency medical and dental coverage while traveling outside the United States. These protections are standard on premium American Express cards but are included here as well.
Centurion cardholders also receive priority access to certain American Express events and experiences, though these vary by year and region. The card does not may provide hotel upgrades or airline seat upgrades, though some cardholders report that airlines and hotels recognize the card and offer upgrades at their discretion.
How the rewards and points work
The Centurion Card earns American Express Membership Rewards points. You earn 1 point per dollar on most purchases. Certain categories earn more: flights and hotels booked through American Express earn 5 points per dollar, and some dining and entertainment purchases earn bonus points depending on the merchant.
Points can be redeemed for travel through the American Express travel portal, transferred to airline and hotel loyalty programs, or used for cash back. The value of a point varies depending on how you redeem it — travel redemptions typically offer better value than cash back.
There is no annual cap on points earned, and points do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. If you close the account, you have a limited time to use or transfer your remaining points before they are forfeited.
Who should consider this card if invited
This card makes financial sense only if you spend enough to recoup the $10,000 annual fee through rewards and credits. If you spend $250,000 per year and earn 1 point per dollar, you earn 250,000 points. At typical travel redemption rates, this could be worth $2,500 to $3,500 in value — still far below the annual fee.
The card is most valuable for people who value the concierge service, who travel frequently and use the travel credits, and who want the status and experience of holding a premium card. For some business owners, the card serves as a status symbol with clients and partners.
If you receive an invitation and are unsure whether the card makes sense for you financially, you can decline it. American Express may send another invitation later. There is no penalty for declining an invitation.
What happens if you stop using the card
If you receive an invitation and open the Centurion Card, you are not required to keep it open forever. You can close the account at any time. When you close the account, your remaining points can be transferred to an airline or hotel partner, redeemed for cash back, or used for travel purchases within a set timeframe — typically 30 to 60 days, though American Express may extend this.
If you close the account and later want to reopen it, you would need another invitation from American Express. The company does not may provide that you would receive one.
Some cardholders keep the Centurion Card open but inactive, paying the annual fee to maintain the account and the points balance. Others close it after a year or two if they determine the benefits do not justify the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the Centurion Card if I have never had an American Express card before?
Extremely unlikely. American Express invites existing cardholders based on their account history and spending. If you are interested in eventually receiving an invitation, opening an American Express card and using it regularly for several years is the typical path.
What is the difference between the Centurion Card and the Platinum Card?
The Platinum Card has an annual fee of around $695 and is available to anyone who meets American Express's credit requirements. The Centurion Card costs $10,000 per year and is invitation-only. The Centurion Card includes a personal concierge, higher credit limits, and additional perks, but both cards offer travel protections and premium benefits.
Do I have to accept an invitation if American Express sends one?
No. You can decline an invitation without penalty. Declining does not affect your other American Express accounts or your credit score. American Express may send another invitation in the future if your spending and account activity meet their criteria again.
Will the Centurion Card improve my credit score?
Opening any new credit account can temporarily lower your score due to a hard inquiry and a new account on your report. Over time, if you use the card and pay on time, it may help your score by adding to your payment history and available credit. However, the card's primary benefit is not credit building — it is the rewards, perks, and services included with the card.
What happens to my points if I close the card?
Your points remain in your American Express account for a limited time after you close the card. You can transfer them to airline or hotel partners or redeem them for travel or cash back within that window. If you do not use them before the important date, they are forfeited. The exact timeframe varies, so check with American Express before closing your account.