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Many people mistakenly believe that American Express is exclusively for people who enjoy luxury and travel owing to its reputation for offering premium card products and perks. However, you might be surprised to learn that Amex offers a variety of basic card options, such as cash-back cards with no annual fee, in addition to cards that are packed with high-end benefits.
And whatâs more surprising is that more premium isnât always better when it comes to Amex cards. Some find that selecting the card with the highest reward points makes more sense than selecting the one with the best travel benefits.
We’ll walk you through every step of Amex cards in this guide, from the most well-liked travel rewards cards to co-branded options for hotels and airlines.
The Centurion® Card from American Express, also known as the Amex Black Card, is the highest level American Express card. This exclusive card is shrouded in mystery, with many rumors and legends surrounding its acquisition and benefits.
How to Get the Amex Black Card
The Amex Black Card is invitation-only, meaning you cannot simply apply for it. There is no official application process, and the exact criteria for receiving an invitation are unknown. However, it is widely believed that you need to meet the following requirements:
- High income: Some sources claim you need to earn at least $1 million per year, while others say it’s closer to $250,000.
- Significant spending: You need to spend a substantial amount of money on your Amex cards each year. Some reports suggest a minimum of $350,000 annually.
- Excellent credit: You must have an impeccable credit history with a high credit score.
Even if you meet these requirements, there’s no guarantee you’ll receive an invitation. Only a very small number of people are selected annually for the highly sought-after Amex Black Card.
Benefits of the Amex Black Card
The Amex Black Card offers a wide range of exclusive benefits, including:
- 24/7 concierge service: A dedicated concierge team is available around the clock to assist with travel arrangements, event tickets, restaurant reservations, and more.
- Airport lounge access: You have access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, including Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, and Priority Pass lounges.
- Travel insurance: The card provides comprehensive travel insurance, including trip cancellation, medical coverage, and baggage protection.
- Elite status with travel partners: You receive elite status with various travel partners, such as Hilton Honors Diamond, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite, and Hertz President’s Circle.
- High spending limits: The Amex Black Card has some of the highest spending limits of any credit card, allowing you to make large purchases without exceeding your limit.
- Personalized service: You receive personalized service from Amex, including a dedicated account manager and access to exclusive events and experiences.
Annual Fee and Other Considerations
The annual fee for the Amex Black Card is reportedly quite high, estimated to be $5,000. There is also a $10,000 initiation fee for those who are approved.
It’s important to note that the Amex Black Card is not for everyone. If you don’t spend a significant amount of money or travel frequently, the annual fee and other costs may not be worth it. However for those who can afford it and value the exclusive benefits, the Amex Black Card is the ultimate status symbol.
Other High-Level Amex Cards
While the Amex Black Card is the highest level Amex card, there are other prestigious cards that offer similar benefits and perks These include:
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: This card offers airport lounge access, travel insurance, elite status with travel partners, and a $200 annual airline fee credit. Annual fee: $695.
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: This card is designed for business travelers and offers similar benefits to the Platinum Card, along with additional perks such as a $200 annual Uber credit and a $300 Equinox credit. Annual fee: $695.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: This card offers travel rewards, airport lounge access, and a $300 annual travel credit. Annual fee: $550.
The most coveted and exclusive credit card that American Express offers is the Amex Black Card. It is invitation-only and requires a high income, significant spending, and excellent credit. Numerous advantages are available with this card, such as high spending limits, elite status with travel partners, travel insurance, 24/7 concierge service, and access to airport lounges. However, it comes with a hefty annual fee and is not for everyone. For those seeking a high-end credit card with unique advantages, the American Express Black Card is the best option.
Amex Card Levels for Hilton Honors
The levels of Hilton Honors credit cards are below, with the most premium at the top:
The Hilton Surpass card, which grants free Hilton Honors Gold status and a Free Night Award after you spend $15,000 in a calendar year, is the next step down. This card comes with a $150 annual fee (rates & fees).
The Hilton Honors card is the last entry-level choice; it offers free Hilton Honors Silver status with a $0 annual fee (rates apply).
Each family of Amex cards has its own set of levels. And the Centurion card, American Express Platinum card, American Express Gold card, and American Express Green card are in the order of importance when it comes to travel rewards cards that earn Membership Rewards points.
In contrast to the Amex Blue Cash Everyday and Amex Cash Magnet cards, the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card offers a higher level of cash-back.
The Delta Reserve card is anticipated to be the company’s best offering, followed by the Delta Platinum, Delta Gold, and Delta Blue cards.
There are three options available for Marriott Bonvoy: the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card, and the Marriott Bonvoy card (which is no longer accepting new applications).
Finally, there are three co-branded card tiers offered by Hilton Honors: the Hilton Aspire, Hilton Surpass, and Hilton Honors cards.
All in all, each of these cards could potentially offer tons of value to the right cardholder.
Upgraded Points independently gathered the data about the American Express Centurion® Card; the issuer neither supplied nor examined the data.  Upgraded Points independently gathered the data about the American Express® Green Card; the issuer did not supply or review it. Upgraded Points independently gathered the data about the American Express Cash Magnet® Card; the issuer did not supply or review it. Upgraded Points independently gathered the data about the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card; the issuer did not supply or review it.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here. For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here. For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, click here. For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® from American Express, click here. For rates and fees of Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, click here. For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® card, click here. For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy⢠American Express® Card, click here. For rates and fees for The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, click here. For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Card, click here.
Amex Card Levels for Travel Rewards
Currently, there are 4 Amex card levels in the travel rewards category. These cards are ordered from the most premium level at the top to less premium towards the bottom:
The Centurion card, informally known as the âAmex Black card,â happens to be Amexâs most premium card. To even be considered for this invite-only product, cardholders must have a significant annual spending volume and a long history with American Express.
The next level down is the Amex Gold card. For $250 a year (rates apply), S. It also earns 4x points at U. S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year) plus 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines and with AmexTravel. com. The card also offers monthly dining credits (enrollment required) and Uber Cash credits for U. S. Basic travel insurance, as well as Uber Eats orders or rides when you link your Amex Gold card to the app
Lastly, thereâs the Amex Green card, which is the entry-level Amex card in this family. For a significantly reduced $150 yearly charge (rates S. ) and 3x points on transit and travel. Cardholders also get statement credits with LoungeBuddy and CLEAR Plus.
BEST American Express Credit Cards 2024 – Reviews & Rankings Amex Gold + Platinum + Blue Cash +…
Is Amex a good credit card?
The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card. These cards are OK. They compete with other no-fee cards on rewards, but lose ground on perks, merchant acceptance, and required credit. Amex’s no-fee cards, then, are like a salad in a steakhouse; they’re perfectly fine, but they’re not why we’re here. Instead, we’re here for the prime chops.
Which Amex card is best?
American Express cards are geared to all budgets and goals — but the Amex Platinum is the best with its luxury benefits, credits, and valuable points. Menu icon A vertical stack of three evenly
Is visa or American Express the better card?
Which is better American Express or Visa credit card? If you get a card that’s issued by American Express, you can expect high-quality service. With Visa cards, you won’t interact with Visa for customer service issues. You’d contact the credit card company that issued the card.