Sunday, January 4, 2009

American Express Black Card - The Legend

By Gray Rollins

If you have never heard of the American Express Black Card or the Centurion card as it is often called maybe it is because this card is exclusively for those who meet the strictest of standards set by American Express. This is an exclusive credit card for those who have an income and credit rating unlike most of the country.

The Centurion Card is offered through an invitation sent from the American Express to cardholders who met certain criteria according to the strictest standards. The introductory credit card charge before was $1000, now the cardholders are required to pay $2500 annual charges and $5000 initial fee. This card is really meant for individuals who are financially capable of paying the charges and fees.

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.

It was also rumored that the black credit card enables the cardholder to buy anything in any establishments or avail of any luxurious services. Since it was just a mystery, the card never really existed and nobody ever really had 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.

American Express issued Centurion Card as "invitation only" card to the Platinum cardholders in different countries. Since Centurion Card is not available in other countries, the Platinum card serves as the exclusive card that can be used for almost all of services available anywhere. Even the services and purchases for VIPs can be availed through this Platinum card. It gives benefits to the cardholders even when they are in other places and countries because of its worldwide acceptance and online account access.

Because of its expensive charges, from its introductory annual charge of $1000, it has now been raised to $2500, only those who are rich and financially powerful individuals and celebrities are qualified to avail it. Among the first recipients of the Centurion Card was Jerry Seinfeld, a comedian and a former spokesperson of the American Express.

As long as there are urban legends circulating, the ones about the Centurion black credit card will probably persist. The tales of exclusive stores being closed for the whim of one person who wanted them all to himself to shop are only part of the rumors that have been told. Until a new rumor comes along to take the place of the old ones or people tire of the stories surrounding the black credit card, the tales will get more elaborate. Who knows what will be next? - 16928

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