American Express Black Card – The Legend
January 4, 2009 – 11:35 amby Gray Rollins
If you are using a credit card for your purchases, you are probably aware of its privileges. When it comes to privileges, American Express was rumored to have issued a Centurion Card or the black card that features extra ordinary exclusive benefits to high ranking and dignitary celebrities and private individuals. It has been rumored that the cardholder is entitled to many benefits and privileges.
Centurion card offers direct access to a wide range of exclusive privileges and benefits, but in order to avail it, a certain criteria should be met. Aside from the necessary requirements, an applicant should pay an initial fee of $5000 plus the annual fee of $2500 for a total of $7500.
The black credit card started from a legend which states that American Express issued the black credit card to its cardholders; most of them are celebrities and well-off personalities, allowing them to avail high class products and services from high class establishments. The fact behind this rumor was the information card issued by the American Express to cardholders containing important American Express Travel numbers and hotel assistant services numbers.
The rumor about the black credit card was about the widest range of benefits and privileges it extends to the cardholder. It emphasizes the freedom to buy anything as much as the cardholder wants it. Although the rumor was widespread in the industry, no one really ever had it or get to use it.
American Express used the rumors that had circulated about the black card that was so special to start the Centurion card in the fall of 1999. This card was only available to those who had the Platinum card and instead of being made of plastic; this card was made of metal.
The Centurion card is an invitation only card in many countries where the exclusive credit card was the Platinum card. If the Centurion card is not available in one of these countries, the Platinum card is still the card that is considered the exclusive “by invitation only” card.
When the Centurion card was first issued it had an annual fee of $1000 but it was soon raised to the fee charged now of $2500. The first person deemed worthy of having one of these credit cards was comedian, Jerry Seinfeld. Part of the reason for this may have been because he was a spokesperson for American Express.
Centurion Card became famous around the business industry because of the urban legends in circulation. The rumors about the black credit card continue to circulate to all people concerned. Although the rumor was not true, new rumors and tales would still come up. This will make the Centurion Card more controversial and the promotion would generate more applicants as well.
Tags: american express, centurion, credit, credit card, Finance, money, rewards card
