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How much is an Amex black card?

Prospective cardholders may apply online and must meet minimum eligibility requirements. The Black Card has a hefty $10,000 initiation fee, a $5,000 annual fee, and offers many travel perks. The Platinum Card has a $695 annual fee with many travel-related perks, and cardholders can earn points for every dollar spent.



The American Express Centurion Card, widely known as the "Black Card," is one of the world's most exclusive financial status symbols. In 2026, it remains an invite-only product with no public application. To even be considered, you typically need to spend and pay off at least $250,000 to $500,000 annually on an existing Amex Platinum or Gold card. Once invited, the costs are staggering: there is a one-time initiation fee of $10,000 and an annual fee of $5,000. For that price, cardholders receive unparalleled perks, including a dedicated 24/7 personal concierge who can handle everything from booking sold-out concerts to arranging private tours of the Louvre. Benefits also include top-tier elite status with Delta Air Lines, Hilton, and Marriott, plus access to the Centurion Lounge network and "Centurion Arrival" services at major airports, where a personal greeter assists you through customs and immigration. The card itself is made of heavy, anodized titanium, designed to make a literal "thud" when dropped on a table.

People Also Ask

What is the spending limit on the American Express Black Card? There is no spending limit with the Amex Black Card. However, balances must be paid off in full every month.

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While AmEx services over 100 million cardholders, there are estimates that AmEx only has 100,000 Centurion cardholders worldwide.

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If your goal is to get or maintain a good credit score, two to three credit card accounts, in addition to other types of credit, are generally recommended. This combination may help you improve your credit mix. Lenders and creditors like to see a wide variety of credit types on your credit report.

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And, like most credit cards, anyone can apply for the Mastercard® Black Card™* without waiting for an invitation, which gives this card far less prestige than the Centurion® Card from American Express*.

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Numerous celebs use this American Express card, but Jerry Seinfeld deserves a special mention here. The comedian appeared in American Express commercials in the '90s, and he claims to have been given the first Amex Black Card.

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While 200K Amex points will typically only give you about $2,000 in value when you shop for flights in the Amex travel portal, you can sometimes find Business or First Class flights — that can normally cost over $10,000 — for only 200K points, when transferred to a frequent flyer program.

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