American Express Membership Rewards - USA Centurion now "Invitation Only"

So after much contemplation on the Centurion card I was on the phone today taking care of a bill and just decided to get transfered and apply. Needless to say I was told requirements have changed 2 weeks ago and they no longer have a criteria its all invite only! Spoke to 2 different people and was told the same exact thing...

I am pissed so I went to cancel all my cards and of-course they hung up. I know they did it on purpose, I couldn't stay on the phone that long so I will be calling back after I get my credit card situation moved around.


I could care less about the card its the miss information and ........ I have gotten from them lately.

I have supported them in all my post in the past I am done, there goes another customer

MODERATOR SAYS:

I have given this thread a more descriptive title.

I wonder if this isn't their polite way of saying "NO" :confused:. I would think they would be happy to take $7500 off you ;)

They said it was something they decided to do 2 weeks ago, ........!
So I argued if I called 2 weeks ago I would be ok, and they said yep!

I wonder if this isn't their polite way of saying "NO" :confused:. I would think they would be happy to take $7500 off you ;)

I assumed the $5000 opening fee was to weed out all of those "Bob in Accounting who purchases all the company printers on his personal card" from qualifying.

I can't imagine that after the $5000 first-year charge that it would have left many people that just get it just the flash. I'm not sure what to think about it moving to an invite-only thing - if you aren't going to reward people that earn a ton of money for your brand and are willing enough to kick down $5k on top of that, who are you going to target?

Sweet Jebus I hope that it isn't going to be instead targeted to the Brittanys of the world, or all those godforsaken actors on The Hills.

Gimme my Cent account printed on a plain 'ol green card, I'd love that "stealth" option.

I assumed the $5000 opening fee was to weed out all of those "Bob in Accounting who purchases all the company printers on his personal card" from qualifying.

I can't imagine that after the $5000 first-year charge that it would have left many people that just get it just the flash. I'm not sure what to think about it moving to an invite-only thing - if you aren't going to reward people that earn a ton of money for your brand and are willing enough to kick down $5k on top of that, who are you going to target?

Sweet Jebus I hope that it isn't going to be instead targeted to the Brittanys of the world, or all those godforsaken actors on The Hills.

Gimme my Cent account printed on a plain 'ol green card, I'd love that "stealth" option.

I can assure you in this economy this will change.

Unless ofcourse they are going the Platinum route 10 years back and coming out with a new product??????

I can assure you in this economy this will change.

Unless ofcourse they are going the Platinum route 10 years back and coming out with a new product??????

Have you tried calling again to make sure the first agent was correct?

Have you tried calling again to make sure the first agent was correct?

I talked to a new account rep. got upset asked to get transfered to cancel she told me she would see what she could do instead just cold transfered me back to another rep that told me the same thing... but than again she said she was sitting right next to the guy I spoke with.

If this is not true someone will get fired!

I don't blame them. To keep it exclusive it really has to be invitation only. It's possible that Amex has been following flyertalk especially threads where advice is sought to maximise spending just to qualify.
Platinumpizza, when you eventually get invited then you'll be glad they changed the rules.
In Oz, it's by invitation only and when it arrives .........

I don't blame them. To keep it exclusive it really has to be invitation only. It's possible that Amex has been following flyertalk especially threads where advice is sought to maximise spending just to qualify.
Platinumpizza, when you eventually get invited then you'll be glad they changed the rules.
In Oz, it's by invitation only and when it arrives .........

I aggree its just how it all went down...

Its frustrating to say the least when you move your charges around and than get smacked in the face to say too bad? They said they may have one more rounds of invites by the end of the year, if I keep it we shall see.

duplicate post

In Oz, it's by invitation only and when it arrives .........

...... you get a crappy black cardboard box, a deep scratch on the rear of the card across the strip and a missing 120 booklet said to contain all the pertinent information about the card. And all this on top of the 20 day wait to receive the card, and 4 missed delivery dates.

So after much contemplation on the Centurion card I was on the phone today taking care of a bill and just decided to get transfered and apply. Needless to say I was told requirements have changed 2 weeks ago and they no longer have a criteria its all invite only! Spoke to 2 different people and was told the same exact thing...

I am pissed so I went to cancel all my cards and of-course they hung up. I know they did it on purpose, I couldn't stay on the phone that long so I will be calling back after I get my credit card situation moved around.


I could care less about the card its the miss information and ........ I have gotten from them lately.

I have supported them in all my post in the past I am done, there goes another customer

Count yourself lucky you didn't get one!
I've had the card for quite some time and my conclusion is that it's just wallet jewelery ... which I don't need.

I reckon PlatinumPizza is a catchy handle......if you got the Centurion Card, what would you change it to?

I reckon PlatinumPizza is a catchy handle......if you got the Centurion Card, what would you change it to?

blackpizza? burnedpizza? pizzatit?metalpizza? lol

I assumed the $5000 opening fee was to weed out all of those "Bob in Accounting who purchases all the company printers on his personal card" from qualifying.

I can't imagine that after the $5000 first-year charge that it would have left many people that just get it just the flash. I'm not sure what to think about it moving to an invite-only thing - if you aren't going to reward people that earn a ton of money for your brand and are willing enough to kick down $5k on top of that, who are you going to target?

Sweet Jebus I hope that it isn't going to be instead targeted to the Brittanys of the world, or all those godforsaken actors on The Hills.

Gimme my Cent account printed on a plain 'ol green card, I'd love that "stealth" option.

While I gather U.S. AMEX will not issue green cards on a Cent account, most (if not all) of the international AMEX offices will. For those who like the Cent hotel and airline travel and status benefits, it is nice having the option of using a standard green card that attracts no attention but which does accrue Cent MR bonuses. Of course no luck with lounge access on a last minute business trip with the green card in hand if the black is forgotten at home.

Can anyone confirm this?

Can anyone confirm this?

German Centurion customers can have 1 additional card for personal use plus one Centurion card for soemone else plus up to 5 other cards either in Platinum, Gold or Green.

My dad got the second Cent card on my account and the rest of the family all have Platinum cards. It's all part of the annual fee. I think this is the same accross Europe.

German Centurion customers can have 1 additional card for personal use plus one Centurion card for soemone else plus up to 5 other cards either in Platinum, Gold or Green.

My dad got the second Cent card on my account and the rest of the family all have Platinum cards. It's all part of the annual fee. I think this is the same accross Europe.

I meant confirm its "invite only" or did I get screwed by amex

blackpizza? burnedpizza? pizzatit?metalpizza? lol

pizzanoire

While I gather U.S. AMEX will not issue green cards on a Cent account, most (if not all) of the international AMEX offices will. For those who like the Cent hotel and airline travel and status benefits, it is nice having the option of using a standard green card that attracts no attention but which does accrue Cent MR bonuses. Of course no luck with lounge access on a last minute business trip with the green card in hand if the black is forgotten at home.

Really? I'd love this - can I stroll into a domestic amex office and request this or will they only do it internationally?

Thanks for the hot tip!

I find it odd that you would cancel all your accounts just because Amex changed their cent criteria.

Really? I'd love this - can I stroll into a domestic amex office and request this or will they only do it internationally?

Thanks for the hot tip!

Sorry for any confusion-- didn't mean that you should necessarily go ask an AMEX travel office to issue you an emergency green replacement card for a blk cent. Just to clarify, my understanding is that AMEX U.S. will not issue green cards attached to a Cent account but Amex Germany, Amex UK, Amex IDC and IEC will all issue green additional cards on a Cent account at the cardmember's request.

I can confirm this to be the case. I called a few weeks ago and was told the same thing. I even mentioned that I was a familiar with the previous policy. I sent out an e-mail to one of the Amex reps that now post here and this was their response.

"This is Rachel from Amex Customer Care. Unfortunately, the information given to you by the previous representative was correct. The Centurion Card is now by invitation only; once you are eligible for the card you will be notified directly.

If there are any other questions, do not hesitate to contact me directly.

Rachel
Amex Customer Care"

I just recently hit 250k spend for the 2009 year. Full Disclosure - Late 20's, High FICO's 70 percent spend on business gold 30 percent spend on personal platinum. Platinum Holder Since 2000.

I can confirm this to be the case. I called a few weeks ago and was told the same thing. I even mentioned that I was a familiar with the previous policy. I sent out an e-mail to one of the Amex reps that now post here and this was their response.

"This is Rachel from Amex Customer Care. Unfortunately, the information given to you by the previous representative was correct. The Centurion Card is now by invitation only; once you are eligible for the card you will be notified directly.

If there are any other questions, do not hesitate to contact me directly.

Rachel
Amex Customer Care"

I just recently hit 250k spend for the 2009 year. Full Disclosure - Late 20's, High FICO's 70 percent spend on business gold 30 percent spend on personal platinum. Platinum Holder Since 2000.

Welcome to FT.... sucks

EDIT: FT doesnt suck lol Amex policy change does

So after much contemplation on the Centurion card I was on the phone today taking care of a bill and just decided to get transfered and apply. Needless to say I was told requirements have changed 2 weeks ago and they no longer have a criteria its all invite only! Spoke to 2 different people and was told the same exact thing...

I am pissed so I went to cancel all my cards and of-course they hung up. I know they did it on purpose, I couldn't stay on the phone that long so I will be calling back after I get my credit card situation moved around.


I could care less about the card its the miss information and ........ I have gotten from them lately.

I have supported them in all my post in the past I am done, there goes another customer

My theory behind Amex's recent policy to make the Centurion Card by invitation only is that this would allow them to have more autonomy on who gets the card while maintaining exclusivity.

I think that PlatinumPizza should wait a bit before cancelling his cards.

It's part of the "show" to make people wait for the Centurion card.
If he meets the (unknown) criteria, he should be invited in a few weeks, IMHO.

I seem to recall when I got mine it was invitation only. Granted I asked to be invited but I did qualify. Qualification was absolute dollars spent plus mix of spending. $5000 of printers from Staples wouldn't count but $5000 at Tiffany would.

Maybe they have just gone back to this.

Quite honestly they need to increase the exclusivity to retain the benefits. Maybe this is a prelude to increased benefits.

Why would any airline or hotel want to extend high level benes to every Tom Dick and Harry. They'd much prefer a higher level of clientele.

I will also add my 10c worth on levels of benefits. When SPG went from Plat to Gold I shifted ALL my hotel spending to Hilton (I also have the surpass card that provides HH Diamond level)

If Centurion offered top level at any of the 3 biggies then I would switch as once. Same goes for airlines. I've shifted a lot of business to US Air and Delta. If Delta get devaluated then I'm likely to concentrate more on US.

I think that PlatinumPizza should wait a bit before cancelling his cards.

It's part of the "show" to make people wait for the Centurion card.
If he meets the (unknown) criteria, he should be invited in a few weeks, IMHO.

Maybe, maybe not. Amex is usually deciding about invitation in batches and this can take a while.

I will also add my 10c worth on levels of benefits. When SPG went from Plat to Gold I shifted ALL my hotel spending to Hilton (I also have the surpass card that provides HH Diamond level)


I think most here will agree that the loss of SPG Platinum was the biggest loss ever. But while this made you move to Hilton, it actually made me spend more with SPG to keep my status the hard way.

Australia has always been by invitation only so I am surprised that it is not the same everywhere. And we pay US$4000 per year for a card which certainly keeps a lot of people away.

I think that PlatinumPizza should wait a bit before cancelling his cards.

It's part of the "show" to make people wait for the Centurion card.
If he meets the (unknown) criteria, he should be invited in a few weeks, IMHO.

In the German language there is a fascinating book about this strategy "Der verbotene Ort oder die inszenzierte Verführung" by Ernst Mikunda.

He describes in a very detailed way this strategy if forbidden, hidden and exclusive places. Maybe this credit card is one part of this strategy (although not mentioned in the book).

So if I would be you I would just use the card as before, wait and look what will happen. Call centre structures are very efficient in the way how the register who is calling for what reason and channeling that information the right way.

And sometimes if a decision is between eventually go and go it helps to be and proof fan of a company. This means treating all staff there as human beings. So if you really want to have this card just try some months later.

(In my opinion I am not very used and not fascinated about that "colour" game. But if you are fan of it, enjoy it ! :D:D:D:D:D)

blackpizza? Burnedpizza? Pizzatit?metalpizza? Lol

titanium_taco!

I would not read too much into Centurion going (back) to an invitation only basis.

This could just mean AMEX is streamlining the Centurion Card issuing process.

It makes much more sense to have an automated invitation sent out to those who qualify for the card rather than to have to constantly answer calls about the card's requirements, putting people on hold, running the requsite qualification reports, telling callers "yes" or "no", and in the case of a "no", then having to answer all kinds of questions about "what do I have to do now to get one", etc.

If true, this is a logical, money saving move on the part of AMEX.

Hey, there's a first for everything!

I would not read too much into Centurion going (back) to an invitation only basis.

This could just mean AMEX is streamlining the Centurion Card issuing process.

It makes much more sense to have an automated invitation sent out to those who qualify for the card rather than to have to constantly answer calls about the card's requirements, putting people on hold, running the requsite qualification reports, telling callers "yes" or "no", and in the case of a "no", then having to answer all kinds of questions about "what do I have to do now to get one", etc.

If true, this is a logical, money saving move on the part of AMEX.

Hey, there's a first for everything!

Yeah, but if this was the case, wouldn't the OP have gotten an invitation already? I'm wondering if the criteria have changed, too.

I would not read too much into Centurion going (back) to an invitation only basis.

This could just mean AMEX is streamlining the Centurion Card issuing process.

It makes much more sense to have an automated invitation sent out to those who qualify for the card rather than to have to constantly answer calls about the card's requirements, putting people on hold, running the requsite qualification reports, telling callers "yes" or "no", and in the case of a "no", then having to answer all kinds of questions about "what do I have to do now to get one", etc.

If true, this is a logical, money saving move on the part of AMEX.

Hey, there's a first for everything!
This is exactly what I am thinking and thats why I said maybe they are moving more toward the way of the platinum and coming out with a different product?? They said they send out batches of invitations

titanium_taco!

hahahaha!

taco and pizza??? whats the comparison?

This is exactly what I am thinking and thats why I said maybe they are moving more toward the way of the platinum and coming out with a different product?? They said they send out batches of invitations

I'm not sure I understand what you are talking about...

If you are thinking AMEX is coming out with a higher end card than Centurion, then the answer is a resounding "No Way!"

BTW, what would they call such a card?

Maybe the "Centurion Extreme Elite Incredible Triple Plus Mega Ultra Card"?

I'm not sure I understand what you are talking about...

If you are thinking AMEX is coming out with a higher end card than Centurion, then the answer is a resounding "No Way!"

BTW, what would they call such a card?

Maybe the "Centurion Extreme Elite Incredible Triple Plus Mega Ultra Card"?

It's called the Uranium Reach-Around and it is coming out next month. Targeted to those spending $5MM+/yr.

Sorry for any confusion-- didn't mean that you should necessarily go ask an AMEX travel office to issue you an emergency green replacement card for a blk cent. Just to clarify, my understanding is that AMEX U.S. will not issue green cards attached to a Cent account but Amex Germany, Amex UK, Amex IDC and IEC will all issue green additional cards on a Cent account at the cardmember's request.

Thanks for the clarification - I called just a few minutes ago and they said they could give me a 30-day green card for travel use, which is useful, although they said that some of them don't have a mag stripe, which would be a total drag for a retail person trying to ring me up.

They said for $40 they would send a gold card as an additional card, but I've come full-circle and like the plain 'ol green one.

I am pissed so I went to cancel all my cards and of-course they hung up.

Why am i reminded of that old Groucho Marx line: "PLEASE ACCEPT MY RESIGNATION. I DON'T WANT TO BELONG TO ANY CLUB THAT WILL ACCEPT PEOPLE LIKE ME AS A MEMBER".

I use my Starwood American Express card for most everything. Only when I need a Centurion perk do I use the Centurion Card. Starwood points have more uses than American Express points. The Starwood card is free the first year and costs $45 (I think) a year after that.

I do not like to flash my Centurion card. But if I am buying something expensive and want the extra warranty, I use it. Recently had a large screen TV misbehave. Amex was there for me. Scheduled a repair person to the house. Then I found the loose power cord.

Anyhow, consider the Starwood card. We love the hotel options and the 25% bonus when you transfer 20,000 miles to an airline.

As for my Centurion card, it saves me the pain and expense of mileage runs while giving me mid-level status on multiple airlines. Most everything else is available with the platinum card.

Hope you get your invitation soon OP.

I think they are coming out with the "Uranus" card - and many people will be ticked that they can't join that exclusive club.

I handed mine back, and never noticed the difference. Any high end establishment, if it's still open, will give you anything the Black Card does, if you spend money. AMEX is choking on bad debt from people they extended credit to, who have leveraged themselves into oblivion. The only thing worse than this product, are the customer service schmucks, who big time you on the phone from a cubicle in Ft. Lauderdale, then go home in a Kia. This is a wannabe product (and I was guilty of that, too). Real rich guys have a green one, or pay cash. Many have never even heard of it.

. This is a wannabe product (and I was guilty of that, too). Real rich guys have a green one, or pay cash. Many have never even heard of it.

You have no idea what you are talking about. In paticular there are many Centurion holders who put the card away once they get it and use another card like the Amex Starwood and now you have the Hilton Surpass. If you actually read this thread you would find a poster who has the card but uses Amex Starwood. I know quite a few card holders who do the same. Do not get the wrong impression and think all Centurion holders use the card for status. If you had actually had the card you may have used it for flash but you can actually save money with Centurion.

I handed mine back, and never noticed the difference. Any high end establishment, if it's still open, will give you anything the Black Card does, if you spend money. AMEX is choking on bad debt from people they extended credit to, who have leveraged themselves into oblivion. The only thing worse than this product, are the customer service schmucks, who big time you on the phone from a cubicle in Ft. Lauderdale, then go home in a Kia. This is a wannabe product (and I was guilty of that, too). Real rich guys have a green one, or pay cash. Many have never even heard of it.

deelmakur,

Thanks for your classy, informative post.

I'm sorry those pesky AMEX customer service reps in small cars took advantage of your desire to look cool.

BTW, is the "schmuck" reference a racial or religious insult?

If AMEX is dropping something better than the centurion card then clearly it would have to be " uranium 235". and it won't be the a roman on the card anymore, it'll be Enrico Fermi.

Personally, I don't understand the fascination with the black amex; granted i don't have one either. My platinum one suits me just fine. The lounge access is the most critical issue in my book and the fact that I will always be at least starwoods gold.

Whoever made the comment about paying with cash or just using one of their lesser cards is so right IMO. What's the point in paying $7500/ yr just to let people know you have money? It's like you're painting yourself as a mark.

If AMEX is dropping something better than the centurion card then clearly it would have to be " uranium 235". and it won't be the a roman on the card anymore, it'll be Enrico Fermi.

Personally, I don't understand the fascination with the black amex; granted i don't have one either. My platinum one suits me just fine. The lounge access is the most critical issue in my book and the fact that I will always be at least starwoods gold.

Whoever made the comment about paying with cash or just using one of their lesser cards is so right IMO. What's the point in paying $7500/ yr just to let people know you have money? It's like you're painting yourself as a mark.

Interesting, I did not know the AMEX Green and Platinum would get me first class upgrades on 9 of my 11 trips this year, including 6 cross country. Huh, silly me for wanting the centurion?:rolleyes::rolleyes::o:o

What's the point in paying $7500/ yr ...

Who is paying $7500 / yr? I paid $2500.

If AMEX is dropping something better than the centurion card then clearly it would have to be " uranium 235". and it won't be the a roman on the card anymore, it'll be Enrico Fermi.

Personally, I don't understand the fascination with the black amex; granted i don't have one either. My platinum one suits me just fine. The lounge access is the most critical issue in my book and the fact that I will always be at least starwoods gold.

Whoever made the comment about paying with cash or just using one of their lesser cards is so right IMO. What's the point in paying $7500/ yr just to let people know you have money? It's like you're painting yourself as a mark.

First, it's only $2500 per year, not $7500 ($1500 for additional cardholders).

Second, the "black amex" (as you call it) gives you much more, in terms of lounge options. Check out the plat vs. cent comparison for other differences about which you have no idea.

http://www.jblackbelt.com/comparisonsmain/comparisons/gold-platinum-centurion.html

First, it's only $2500 per year, not $7500 ($1500 for additional cardholders).

Second, the "black amex" (as you call it) gives you much more, in terms of lounge options. Check out the plat vs. cent comparison for other differences about which you have no idea.

http://www.jblackbelt.com/comparisonsmain/comparisons/gold-platinum-centurion.html

You're right I have no idea. It's not 7500/yr it's 5000 initiation fee plus 2500/ yr. My mistake. Other than the airline benefits nothing else on that list matters to me. Sure, it would be great to be mid tier on multiple airlines, but I usually get my upgrades since my flights are usually non peak ones. And since Virgin doesn't service ATL being top tier with them has no benefit. I tend not to stay at Ritz or ICH properties. I don't fly private jets nor do I care for boats. I worked at two Relais and Chateaux restaurants, French Laundry and Fearrington House. It's not that hard to get a tour of a kitchen, all you have to do is ask. I don't stay at those properties when on business or vacation either regardless of amenities.

So once again the Centurion card offers a whole host of benefits that I didn't know about and for the most part I don't particularly care for either. But if it suits you so be it.

In regards to a wannabe product?
I have a few high profile friends and this is how they see it:

NFL player: Joking around one day he showed me his black american express from BOA or whatever bank offers it... Didnt really care for the Centurion.. He is a high profile player
Movie personality: A business partner of mine and likes to flash it around and hand it to his assistant all the time to pay for .......
Very Wealthy Local individual: They are 2 partners and they both have one and one likes to throw it on the counter when he uses it and uses it more than the other. The other always has his employee pay with their bank card and rarely pulls it out.

None of my handful of high profile friends pay cash, and I mean NONE!


With that said it may or may not be a "wannabe" card but some very high profile people do carry it and none I know pay cash as stated, cash doesn't exist anymore if you are successful, if you are paying cash you are more than likely not paying your taxes :/

how much cash can you carry in a pocket?

only saudis/etc roll with briefcases full.

Cash is dirty and stinky. Don't want to touch it.

In paticular there are many Centurion holders who put the card away once they get it and use another card like the Amex Starwood

That's what I do. I only use the Cent card for warranty purposes (and I enjoy the travel benefits), SPG Amex much better for points.

I just called to confirm with new accounts that it is invitation only now. Also, if you drop to a lower card, you have to be invited back (no more 1 year grace period). Perhaps they may be also doing this in response to the US Mint thing, if people charged $250k in coins just to get a Cent card, they can now exclude them.

I think they are coming out with the "Uranus" card - and many people will be ticked that they can't join that exclusive club.

"And how will you be paying for this Sir?"

"I would like to pay for this using Uranus. I know it is quite expensive, but I think Uranus can cover it....."

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA.

That's what I do. I only use the Cent card for warranty purposes (and I enjoy the travel benefits), SPG Amex much better for points.

I just called to confirm with new accounts that it is invitation only now. Also, if you drop to a lower card, you have to be invited back (no more 1 year grace period). Perhaps they may be also doing this in response to the US Mint thing, if people charged $250k in coins just to get a Cent card, they can now exclude them.

Did you ask specifically if the threshold is still $250k?

Did you ask specifically if the threshold is still $250k?


When I called they would not say. However I have a feeling they did away with the spending requirements. I think they are looking at average charge volume over a period of years rather then a onetime spend of $250K.

You can see both sides of the coin with this one. In the UK, the process has always been like this that the product was invitational only - the criteria have never been published or a real hard benchmark figure of spend set up on. Instead they did the intake of new members in acquistion waves that make sense based on the current people that are meeting the criteria to the current opening. It has never been a free for all of all people who have spent x per month or y in a fiscal on their card. It has been, we are going to invite z people to the card based on our undisclosed criteria. Raw spend is one thing, but people who spend a bit on regular travel (that they can look to acquire) would be a favourable criteria to meet too.

On the flipside though, for the first time in what I can remember AmEx is actually advertising the Platinum Charge card product on TV in the UK. THey have advertised in the past in certain publications that would meet their target demographic, but now that seems to gone out the window. And for a long time, Platinum was invite only (even after the launch of Centurion in 1999).

Thanks,
Richard

For what it's worth, I'll keep everyone posted if/when I get a Centurion invite. This past year I decided to pay with my amex cards with all merchants that would accept it. I made this decision not to get Centurion status, but mainly for membership rewards points and ease of accounting.

I have to say to platinumpizza and all others that seem to be spending just to get the card, it appears that you are exactly the customer amex isn't trying to sway. For instance, since I went from spending 40k a year on all cards to nearly 300k this year I've notably recieved less targeted offers to encourage spending. It will be interesting to see after year 3 or 4 if I become coveted by amex as a large volume customer or not.

On an aside, as an amex merchant, I have high wealth customers who use amex green cards or the ever popular aa visa. Out here in The Hamptons we run the gauntlet of personality types. One of my customers' is the majority owner of a very tall building in Chicago and charges with an amex gold card and another person who owns a tri-state window company charges with a Centurion. Invitation only seems like the best way to achieve a truely high end status.

At the end of the day it's still just a method of payment.

Only when I need a Centurion perk do I use the Centurion Card.

I do not like to flash my Centurion card. But if I am buying something expensive and want the extra warranty, I use it. Recently had a large screen TV misbehave. Amex was there for me. Scheduled a repair person to the house. Then I found the loose power cord.

As for my Centurion card, it saves me the pain and expense of mileage runs while giving me mid-level status on multiple airlines. Most everything else is available with the platinum card.


I use mine exactly the same way. I had my Centurion for a couple of years before I ever pulled it out for a POS purchase, preferring to use my Platinum when making purchases in person, or for restaurant tabs and similar.

I've only used it at retailers when wanting the extra warranty, like at the Apple shop or when purchasing a flatscreen television. It paid off when my 17" Macbook had a screen fault after the normal warranty expired, and I got a credit for the entire amount.

I've benefited from the airline status since I don't fly enough to earn it, from the hotel status, again since I don't stay frequently enough to earn status at any chain, and from the Avis President's Club.

But I rarely ever flash the card.

Susan

For what it's worth, I'll keep everyone posted if/when I get a Centurion invite. This past year I decided to pay with my amex cards with all merchants that would accept it. I made this decision not to get Centurion status, but mainly for membership rewards points and ease of accounting.

I have to say to platinumpizza and all others that seem to be spending just to get the card, it appears that you are exactly the customer amex isn't trying to sway. For instance, since I went from spending 40k a year on all cards to nearly 300k this year I've notably recieved less targeted offers to encourage spending. It will be interesting to see after year 3 or 4 if I become coveted by amex as a large volume customer or not.

On an aside, as an amex merchant, I have high wealth customers who use amex green cards or the ever popular aa visa. Out here in The Hamptons we run the gauntlet of personality types. One of my customers' is the majority owner of a very tall building in Chicago and charges with an amex gold card and another person who owns a tri-state window company charges with a Centurion. Invitation only seems like the best way to achieve a truely high end status.

At the end of the day it's still just a method of payment.

Like many of the other people in this thread, I've made note of what type of cards people use to pay for things when out in public. I, too, have some acquaintances who I would consider high-level, though only one even has a Centurion card. I can think of another person in particular, an "A-List" actor with beyond comprehensible amounts of wealth, that has not only never been offered a Centurion card, but has no interest in pursuing one (he does have a PLAT).

I agree with the above, though, that the customer who ups their spending to hit $250k is not the target for Centurion. The target is, obviously, the big spender who does not really have a regard for their spend, but casually hits $250k in a year, and has a pattern of doing so. Despite the travel benefits that CENT allows for, they clearly do not target the big traveler (but as I see, the traveler who does not bargain hunt for the cheapest ticket, but spends enough to ensure upgrades from the benefits CENT does offer).

I think AMEX made a good move by moving back to truly Invitation Only, and hope that they can do enough to weed out the customers to water down CENT, and truly make it a prestige.

Count yourself lucky you didn't get one!
I've had the card for quite some time and my conclusion is that it's just wallet jewelery ... which I don't need.

Same issue for me. Downgraded to Plat when the fees jacked (I was on the $1K grandfather program)... and now downgrading to New Gold Rewards... since it gets 3X rewards on US flights... etc.

$175 per yr for the card, same limits as my Cent... (and my Plat), no charge for secondary cards... i.e., "I miss out on Travel Support, and *Concierge*, but save $650 a year in fees..."

No brainer...

P

ps... when you downgrade, just keep your Cent... u can still use it as jewellery, and, even better, don't activate the new card until the expiry date of the old Cent... u can *use* the Cent card, while it really is Gold/Plat/Green... since card processing is identical. (AND YES, I've been doing this for 2 years, so it works... AND DOUBLE YES, I keep my "real" card as backup, if it ever declined for some reason...).

Note to Avalon 28. The word "Schmuck" is actually a descriptive adjective. "Putz" might have been more appropriate. How's the KIA running?:D

Like many of the other people in this thread, I've made note of what type of cards people use to pay for things when out in public. I, too, have some acquaintances who I would consider high-level, though only one even has a Centurion card. I can think of another person in particular, an "A-List" actor with beyond comprehensible amounts of wealth, that has not only never been offered a Centurion card, but has no interest in pursuing one (he does have a PLAT).

I agree with the above, though, that the customer who ups their spending to hit $250k is not the target for Centurion. The target is, obviously, the big spender who does not really have a regard for their spend, but casually hits $250k in a year, and has a pattern of doing so. Despite the travel benefits that CENT allows for, they clearly do not target the big traveler (but as I see, the traveler who does not bargain hunt for the cheapest ticket, but spends enough to ensure upgrades from the benefits CENT does offer).

I think AMEX made a good move by moving back to truly Invitation Only, and hope that they can do enough to weed out the customers to water down CENT, and truly make it a prestige.


+1 on most of what you've said. I have a good friend, and top NHL player, who refuses to get the centurion because of the one time fee up front and the annual fee of $2500. That is money he could be using on something else, and using it for membership purposes isn't his thing.

Like many of the other people in this thread, I've made note of what type of cards people use to pay for things when out in public. I, too, have some acquaintances who I would consider high-level, though only one even has a Centurion card. I can think of another person in particular, an "A-List" actor with beyond comprehensible amounts of wealth, that has not only never been offered a Centurion card, but has no interest in pursuing one (he does have a PLAT).

I agree with the above, though, that the customer who ups their spending to hit $250k is not the target for Centurion. The target is, obviously, the big spender who does not really have a regard for their spend, but casually hits $250k in a year, and has a pattern of doing so. Despite the travel benefits that CENT allows for, they clearly do not target the big traveler (but as I see, the traveler who does not bargain hunt for the cheapest ticket, but spends enough to ensure upgrades from the benefits CENT does offer).

I think AMEX made a good move by moving back to truly Invitation Only, and hope that they can do enough to weed out the customers to water down CENT, and truly make it a prestige.

I think it's a good move too, and hope that it helps get more perks.

I disagree with you regarding who their target customer is. If they only wanted customers who casually hit $250k per year, they would mandate a spending threshold that would match that group. Perhaps over $150k/year every year, and over $250k one out of every 3 years, etc. It would be really easy to implement. However, they choose not to. In fact, they have lowered some Centurion-holder's spending limits to under $150k/year! They have also made it nearly impossible to impose such restrictions by implementing the "initiation fee".

As it stands (and as proven by several posts above), once you get the card, you don't have to spend more than the annual fee to keep it, along with all its benefits.

I think it's a good move too, and hope that it helps get more perks.

I disagree with you regarding who their target customer is. If they only wanted customers who casually hit $250k per year, they would mandate a spending threshold that would match that group. Perhaps over $150k/year every year, and over $250k one out of every 3 years, etc. It would be really easy to implement. However, they choose not to. In fact, they have lowered some Centurion-holder's spending limits to under $150k/year! They have also made it nearly impossible to impose such restrictions by implementing the "initiation fee".

As it stands (and as proven by several posts above), once you get the card, you don't have to spend more than the annual fee to keep it, along with all its benefits.

I think what he was saying is that Amex is targeting card members who have a consistent annual spend, not necessarily 250K, but a consistent high dollar spend.

I think when Amex implemented the $150k and $250K spend requirements, they assumed they would get those types of cardmembers. Amex ended up getting a number of cardmembers who met the spend requirements just to get the card and the following years the spend dropped to the level of their previous average spend.

By changing to "By Invitation Only" it allow Amex the flexibility to review card member history and see their average spend and where they make those spends before sending an invite. It also allows them the flexibility around any "spend requirements" they have or had. I think Amex wants Customer A who spends a consistent average of around $100K annually over a number of years then Customer B who just met the spend requirement for that year.

I agree with SteveT. Amex has a spend-centric business model, they like alot of consistant spend over a long period of time.

In my case, they got the consistent spend, but never took notice. I rarely received the "gifts", which were selectively targeted, and when I objected to the fee rise, having been told, in writing, I was "grandfathered", they basically ignored me.

I had originally gotten the Centurion because it was also offered to so called "Charter Members", that is, existing cardholders who had joined at the beginning, in years 1958 to 1963. I never understood how they would let my six figure annual spend just walk out the door, especially when they had run into so much trouble with collections last year. I finally reasoned that those of us who came in under the "Charter" program, may have been put in a separate database, viewed as "contaminants". My first Black card was embossed with the words, “Charter Member”. Subsequent cards were not

I just took my spend to a Visa Signature from B of A/US Trust, downgraded my AMEX to a $55 Senior Gold (they have such a product, but don’t promote it on their website), and moved on.

It strikes me, from a marketing perspective, that the Centurion is a clever product. The empirical evidence, however, would seem to suggest that mantra doesn’t extend to the people running it.

For the record, Canadian Centurion (which was only launched in the past year) is also ONLY by invitation. They won't even take your call unless you get the huge invite package....which I received this year.
Unfortunately, the Canadian priviledges are somewhat watered down from the US ones...but there are a few nice ones.
I for one, accepted the invite, beleiving and hoping that the perks will increase vs decrease as the membership roster grows.

German Centurion customers can have 1 additional card for personal use plus one Centurion card for soemone else plus up to 5 other cards either in Platinum, Gold or Green.

My dad got the second Cent card on my account and the rest of the family all have Platinum cards. It's all part of the annual fee. I think this is the same accross Europe.

Hi Rambuster, good to see you here as well!
I have a Swiss Centurion Member and I was given two black cards, one additional black to my wife, plus two green cards (one for me and one for my wife) with the Cent account

I have a Swiss Centurion Member ....

I thought there was no slavery in Switzerland? :confused:

I thought there was no slavery in Switzerland? :confused:

hahahahaha



WOW I made some blogs with my thread, im proud!!

Do I get a card now hahaha

Do I get a card now hahaha

[ ] Yes
[X] No

Maybe we need to start a FlyerTalk petition drive for PlatinumPizza :p

platinumPizza,

As far as Centurion's value, it comes down to your travel and lodging habits.

If you fly first class on Delta, Continental, US Air, or Virgin Atlantic, AND you stay at five star properties, AND you travel more than five or so times a year, then the Centurion Card is worth having.

If not, then it's just an expensive status symbol compared to the AMEX card you already have.

My theory behind Amex's recent policy to make the Centurion Card by invitation only is that this would allow them to have more autonomy on who gets the card while maintaining exclusivity.

Agree. And it simplifies the "acquisition" process without AMEX's having to disappoint or even anger anyone who thought he or she should qualify.

Maybe we need to start a FlyerTalk petition drive for PlatinumPizza :p

HEY!

I like you:D

If you fly first class on Delta, Continental, US Air, or Virgin Atlantic, AND you stay at five star properties, AND you travel more than five or so times a year, then the Centurion Card is worth having.

I disagree. After several years of having the centurion and looking at the actual value it delivered during my extensive travels, I got rid of it. I usually fly paid C/F and free upgrades on second-tier carriers therefore mean nothing. The hotel upgrades could be had -for free- by booking with my very good Virtuoso agent. Centurion travel and concierge reps could deliver no better service than the Platinum ones. In the end, the outlay for these benefits just wasn't worth it anymore. I think the most joy I got out of it was a just-out-of-highschool cheerleader-type blond Best Buy employee asking me "Like, is that the card Jay-Z has? That is SOOOO awesome." and then proceeding to give me an unasked-for 20% discount on my item.

I have three American Express Cards: the Platinum Charge, Starwood Preferred Guest, and the Delta Reserve Card. In all, with supplemental cardholders I spend approximately $1k per year to have these cards. In other words, I am foolish to pay for the privilege of using a credit card, when I could get more generous credit lines for FREE with Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo.

American Express is in the business of punishing their customers lately. I go out of my way to only use my Platinum Charge card. How am I repaid? By having credit limits imposed on me because they are afraid of defaults. Nothing in my credit portfolio has changed. I have a 728 credit score and have never missed any payment, with any credit card/bill/mortgage.

I pay $450 roughly for the Delta Reserve Card, only to have my limit randomly slashed on that card to $1,800 from 5k. Why on earth would I pay $450 to have an $1,800 credit limit? $5k was pushing it to begin with. I can't even buy Delta tickets on the card so I put them all on my Platinum Charge thus defeating the purpose of having the card in the first place.

Note: I'd also like to mention that I have had a Platinum Charge since 1988 and I have been an AMEX cardholder since 1981. I qualified for the Centurion card (but laughed as to why I would pay thousands to have a credit card) in 1999. I have qualified every year since and have ignored 4 of their invitations total.

I find it humorous that AMEX cuts my Delta card to $1,800 while letting me spend tens of thousands on another card. They make no sense and are just insulting.

At the end of 2009, I will, for the first time since 1981 be American Express-free. I am looking forward to it. American Express is hardly taken overseas and if you put all your spending on their cards, they'll just cut your limits.

As for the Centurion, there is no worthy benefit to the card. The "Centurion Concierge" is nothing more than the same Circles Concierge program that answers when you have a Platinum Card--just they say Centurion Concierge if you are forwarded to them from the Centurion line. They can barely get anything done for you, and this is hardly a perk. Case and point: I was traveling in DC and in the mood for Mexican. I asked them to send me good Mexican restaurants, and they e-mailed me (two hours later) a list of restaurants including Chipotle! Wow, impressive.

At anytime I have around 100k in my checking account. I have come to the conclusion that all I need is my debit card, and the credit cards I have with Bank of America/Chase. They are taken all over the world without hassle. And I don't have to pay them to use their cards.

I think it's ridiculous that a Gold Card is getting 3x points for airline tickets, when the Platinum isn't. Why pay $450 for Platinum?

Welcome to Flyertalk.

... I don't have to pay them to use their cards.

American Express also offers cards with no annual fee, yet you chose two of their most expensive cards. Why did you choose those specific cards?

Be grateful you don't have to carry around their thoughtless gimmick of a Centurion Card made out of titanium. This sets off airport security alarms almost every time. At Hamburg recently, the guard snatched my wallet out of my hand when I tried to show him what set off the alarm, he marched away and zapped it through the X ray again. My thought was he could have helped himself to the cash while his back was to me. That stupid card is now in my dresser draw and will never again travel with me!

Well Mia, I know you moderate this site and AMEX is one of your advertisers so you have to go to extraneous lengths to make them look good, but if you want one of their cards you pretty much have to pay a fee, unless you want a college-kid geared card.

Well Mia, I know you moderate this site and AMEX is one of your advertisers

To be sure there is no misunderstanding, Flyertalk moderators are volunteers, we are not employees of Internet Brands or Webflyer. My job is to make this forum useful, not to curry favor with American Express.

My viewpoint is that annual fees are for benefits, not for the basic payment function. Paying a higher annual fee doesn't buy a higher line of credit. A Platinum charge card does not have more purchasing power than a Green charge card. I think most posters would justify the higher annual fee primarily by mentioning the AA, CO, DL/NW lounge access. Likewise, the Delta Reserve card carries a high annual fee that is often justified by the lounge access, and the opportunity to earn EQM.

It looks (to me) as if there is substantial overlap between your Platinum and Reserve cards. That's why I asked the reasons you had chosen those particular cards. There's little doubt that a free card can perform the purchasing functions, but will they provide the benefits, and does that matter to you?

dennis

There is overlap between the Delta Reserve/Platinum and that's why I will get rid of the Reserve card eventually. The reason I initially got the reserve card, was because I was about 10k miles away from Platinum status with delta and the reserve card gives you 10k MQMiles.

German Centurion customers can have 1 additional card for personal use plus one Centurion card for soemone else plus up to 5 other cards either in Platinum, Gold or Green.

My dad got the second Cent card on my account and the rest of the family all have Platinum cards. It's all part of the annual fee. I think this is the same accross Europe.


Same in France at least! Anyway I'm gonna cancel mine as the Concierge and Travel services are both rude and useless!

...10k miles away from Platinum status with delta and the reserve card gives you 10k MQMiles.

Thank you. Sensible solution on a one time basis.

Gold Card is getting 3x points for airline tickets, when the Platinum isn't.

It's tempting to think of American Express cards arranged in a pyramid with Centurion at the apex and each level including all the rewards and benefits of the cards below, but this isn't their business model. American Express can extract more fee revenue from customers by offering several cards with unique features. When you have time to review previous posts in other threads you will find many people mentioning that they have a Platinum or Centurion card primarily for benefits, and use the Starwood or (free) Hilton card for most purchases because they find more value in SPG or HHonors points. You will also see advocates for Membership Rewards because the points transfer instantly to several airlines and this allows you to grab fleeting award seat inventory. What type of awards do you value?

Be grateful you don't have to carry around their thoughtless gimmick of a Centurion Card made out of titanium. This sets off airport security alarms almost every time.

Neither my husband nor I have ever set off airport security alarms with the titanium card in our wallets, and we've traveled through both European and U.S. airports multiple times per year since the card became titanium. Of course, no one "has" to carry around the card.

Susan

Be grateful you don't have to carry around their thoughtless gimmick of a Centurion Card made out of titanium. This sets off airport security alarms almost every time. At Hamburg recently, the guard snatched my wallet out of my hand when I tried to show him what set off the alarm, he marched away and zapped it through the X ray again. My thought was he could have helped himself to the cash while his back was to me. That stupid card is now in my dresser draw and will never again travel with me!

Not this fake story again. Mine has never set off a metal detector. If you're worried about the issue, the card in your carry on bag. Or like you said, put it in your dresser drawer and never travel with it.

Not this fake story again. Mine has never set off a metal detector. If you're worried about the issue, the card in your carry on bag. Or like you said, put it in your dresser drawer and never travel with it.

Mine does in fact set off metal detectors. It set one off within a week of getting it at a Federal Court House in Santa Ana. It took me a few moments to figure it out. Since then I just put my wallet through the x-ray to avoid the issue.

Mine never sets anything off at the airports.

Mine never sets anything off at the airports.

Mine never set off airports, many times for a couple of years.

However, once in a blue moon it did, and after that happened a couple of times I simply decided a few years ago that it was quicker and easier to just put the wallet in my carry-on bag and know that it will never set it off anymore.

platinumPizza,

As far as Centurion's value, it comes down to your travel and lodging habits.

If you fly first class on Delta, Continental, US Air, or Virgin Atlantic, AND you stay at five star properties, AND you travel more than five or so times a year, then the Centurion Card is worth having.


I believe you mean "if you buy coach fares on DL, CO, US or Virgin and would like to be upgraded" - There's no benefit to having status if you're flying in paid F.

Also, as others have pointed out, five star hotel benefits can be gotten with a good Virtuoso agent (and they can also book any FHR rate).

*However*, the centurion only benefits (aman, mandarin, ritz, peninsula, orient) can be very valuable, and generally trump anything a TA can get you.

I believe you mean "if you buy coach fares on DL, CO, US or Virgin and would like to be upgraded" - There's no benefit to having status if you're flying in paid F.

Also, as others have pointed out, five star hotel benefits can be gotten with a good Virtuoso agent (and they can also book any FHR rate).

*However*, the centurion only benefits (aman, mandarin, ritz, peninsula, orient) can be very valuable, and generally trump anything a TA can get you.

I think the original comment was correct, if you understand what the definition of "value" was.

When a person chooses to buy coach, the potential upgrades that come with status aren't worth anything specific that you can quantify in order to offset the Cent fees.

It is the person who normally pays F, who would save money by purchasing coach and flying in the F cabin anyway due to status obtained through Cent membership.
The difference between the F they used to pay and the coach they will now pay is a direct monetary "saving" - which they would balance against the 2500 annually for the Cent. That's where the direct "value for money" comes in.

If you were purchasing a $300 suit, and you were offered a $1300 suit instead - did you just "save $1000"? No, because you wouldn't have paid $1300 to begin with.
On the other hand, if you went in to purchase the $1300 suit, and the salesperson said that they would allow you to pay for a $300 suit and give you the $1300 suit anyway - then you DID save $1000.

... or Virgin and would like to be upgraded" -

To my knowledge Gold Flying Club status does not include any upgrade benefit. It does put you near the top of the list for an operational upgrade in the event VS oversells Economy or Premium Economy. However, Gold does allow you to use the LHR private security channel and lounge even if not flying in Upper Class. It also allows you to create a household account and pool miles for redemption purposes which is a good way to avoid orphaned miles for infreqent flyers.

If you were purchasing a $300 suit, and you were offered a $1300 suit instead - did you just "save $1000"? No, because you wouldn't have paid $1300 to begin with.
On the other hand, if you went in to purchase the $1300 suit, and the salesperson said that they would allow you to pay for a $300 suit and give you the $1300 suit anyway - then you DID save $1000.

I don't agree with that analogy. If I went in to purchase a $1300 suit and was given a $2300 suit instead simple because of a Centurion card... while that is not money saved, it's clearly a value of $1000.

Not this fake story again. Mine has never set off a metal detector. If you're worried about the issue, the card in your carry on bag. Or like you said, put it in your dresser drawer and never travel with it.

in my personal experience twice in different airports it has set off the metal detector we walk thru. thus not a fake story to some. perhaps you have been lucky.
also regarding leaving the centurion card at home, i purposely have a gold card (which is plastic, which i use in order to not stand out at day to day establishments where i might use an amex card) the centurion linked gold card is what i use most of the time.
HOWEVER, some centurion offers and redemptions are specifically geared to you presenting your centurion card to receive the perk, reward, or hotel offer etc. thus leaving it in your dresser drawer renders the benefit moot unless you can get the hotel or store to show up at your dresser drawer.
just curious, have you ever been hit by lightning, been bitten by a dog, or won a lottery? if not do you believe it is possible that these 3 occurences might happen to other humans and just not you and therefore these other individuals may be telling the truth even if it is outside your realm of immediate experience??
regards,
jsq

I don't agree with that analogy. If I went in to purchase a $1300 suit and was given a $2300 suit instead simple because of a Centurion card... while that is not money saved, it's clearly a value of $1000.

If you're wearing a $1300 suit, then Centurion is not for you.

My dress shirts cost $400 & up.

I hope I didn't miss the point...

If I went in to purchase a $1300 suit and was given a $2300 suit instead ... while that is not money saved, it's clearly a value of $1000.

This upgrade provides value, but I wouldn't quantify the amount as $1,000 unless I knew that the suit was typically sold at $2,300. In general terms, the problem is that if I am offered something that I do not normally buy I cannot accurately judge the value. I only know the nominal price which is often an illusion. This is true whether it is a first class airline seat, a hotel suite, a bottle of wine, or an article of clothing.

I don't agree with that analogy. If I went in to purchase a $1300 suit and was given a $2300 suit instead simple because of a Centurion card... while that is not money saved, it's clearly a value of $1000.

We're talking about whether paying $2500 annually is sufficient value to a prospective member.

Getting a "value of $1000" does not mean that it was worth 40% of his fees, if it was something they had no intention nor desire to purchase with $1000 of money.

If you paid for a centurion, and the only benfit you received all year for it was when purchasing a suit for $300 you were offered (at no extra charge) a suit with a retail tag of $2800 instead (and you were not willing to pay $2800 for that suit to begin with, nor would you have considered paying $2800 for a suit at all - then your logic would dictate that "My centurion card cost me nothing this year", which is nowhere near the case.

A person who flies F and now saves more than $2500 by purchasing those flights as coach tickets instead, and still receiving the same product (the F seats) which they were intending to spend their money on - has obtained a positive net return on their investment.

Someone who would never have purchased an F ticket due to the cost, but got a perk of a free upgrade anyway, might feel vindicated or validated by the cent fee - but you wouldn't call that a savings.

Just a simple economics calculation.

S.Bling,

Your logic is unassailable.

But very few can view Centurion without prejudice.

I guess that's why this topic always makes the Flyertalk Top Ten...

My dress shirts cost $400 & up.

On sale :) ;)

We're talking about whether paying $2500 annually is sufficient value to a prospective member.

Getting a "value of $1000" does not mean that it was worth 40% of his fees, if it was something they had no intention nor desire to purchase with $1000 of money.

If you paid for a centurion, and the only benfit you received all year for it was when purchasing a suit for $300 you were offered (at no extra charge) a suit with a retail tag of $2800 instead (and you were not willing to pay $2800 for that suit to begin with, nor would you have considered paying $2800 for a suit at all - then your logic would dictate that "My centurion card cost me nothing this year", which is nowhere near the case.

A person who flies F and now saves more than $2500 by purchasing those flights as coach tickets instead, and still receiving the same product (the F seats) which they were intending to spend their money on - has obtained a positive net return on their investment.

Someone who would never have purchased an F ticket due to the cost, but got a perk of a free upgrade anyway, might feel vindicated or validated by the cent fee - but you wouldn't call that a savings.

Just a simple economics calculation.

You have it all wrong, and truly don't understand the centurion card. :p

Once you get a lot of money you think different about spending. It is not about affording or not affording items. Now in the case of the $300 suit (which who wears a $300 suit :confused:) that you opted to buy because you are going out with your poor friends and you want to fit in...that gets upgraded to a $2800 suit is actually priceless. Now you can say I got a deal...it was only $300! :cool:

For me I pay $4000/yr to say "I pay $4000 a year for a credit card." :p

It is a great discussion topic. Every perk I get is just icing. I don't even use the $500 gift cards they send out. I bet more than half go unused. People with centurions generally don't care about the money.

That being said not counting all the "perks" which there are many, I save my $4000 on one trip in RC discounts. Contrary to your "which is nowhere near the case." it is exactly the case. ^

Wow, I dont even think I own a decent single suit, does that mean I have to return my card?

Money should always matter. Like Warren Buffet says, a $9 dollar pizza still costs him $9

If you're wearing a $1300 suit, then Centurion is not for you.

People with centurions generally don't care about the money.

:confused:

Wow, I dont even think I own a decent single suit, does that mean I have to return my card?

I guess you should. Or not.

In any case, welcome to FT, Stryker1112!

I have three American Express Cards: the Platinum Charge, Starwood Preferred Guest, and the Delta Reserve Card. In all, with supplemental cardholders I spend approximately $1k per year to have these cards. In other words, I am foolish to pay for the privilege of using a credit card, when I could get more generous credit lines for FREE with Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo.

American Express is in the business of punishing their customers lately. I go out of my way to only use my Platinum Charge card. How am I repaid? By having credit limits imposed on me because they are afraid of defaults. Nothing in my credit portfolio has changed. I have a 728 credit score and have never missed any payment, with any credit card/bill/mortgage.

I pay $450 roughly for the Delta Reserve Card, only to have my limit randomly slashed on that card to $1,800 from 5k. Why on earth would I pay $450 to have an $1,800 credit limit? $5k was pushing it to begin with. I can't even buy Delta tickets on the card so I put them all on my Platinum Charge thus defeating the purpose of having the card in the first place.

Note: I'd also like to mention that I have had a Platinum Charge since 1988 and I have been an AMEX cardholder since 1981. I qualified for the Centurion card (but laughed as to why I would pay thousands to have a credit card) in 1999. I have qualified every year since and have ignored 4 of their invitations total.

I find it humorous that AMEX cuts my Delta card to $1,800 while letting me spend tens of thousands on another card. They make no sense and are just insulting.

At the end of 2009, I will, for the first time since 1981 be American Express-free. I am looking forward to it. American Express is hardly taken overseas and if you put all your spending on their cards, they'll just cut your limits.

As for the Centurion, there is no worthy benefit to the card. The "Centurion Concierge" is nothing more than the same Circles Concierge program that answers when you have a Platinum Card--just they say Centurion Concierge if you are forwarded to them from the Centurion line. They can barely get anything done for you, and this is hardly a perk. Case and point: I was traveling in DC and in the mood for Mexican. I asked them to send me good Mexican restaurants, and they e-mailed me (two hours later) a list of restaurants including Chipotle! Wow, impressive.

At anytime I have around 100k in my checking account. I have come to the conclusion that all I need is my debit card, and the credit cards I have with Bank of America/Chase. They are taken all over the world without hassle. And I don't have to pay them to use their cards.

Based on what you stated, you are amongst the few cardmembers that get got in the Amex FR crossfire. You should contact Beth at Amex Customer Care to see if she can refer you to an Amex department that can assist you with your situation.

To be sure there is no misunderstanding, Flyertalk moderators are volunteers, we are not employees of Internet Brands or Webflyer. My job is to make this forum useful, not to curry favor with American Express.

dennis

Dennis, you are doing a great job and I for one do appreciate flyertalk's volunteer moderators.

If you're wearing a $1300 suit, then Centurion is not for you.

My dress shirts cost $400 & up.

I hope I didn't miss the point...

Not sure what to tell you. Since you've declared Centurion is not for me I guess I should get on the phone to AMEX to cancel.

... and congratulations on your expensive shirts. ^

If you're wearing a $1300 suit, then Centurion is not for you.

My dress shirts cost $400 & up.

I hope I didn't miss the point...

Pathetic.

...appreciate flyertalk's volunteer moderators.

Thank you. Is now a good time to mention that I do not even own a suit ;) .

Do you have at least an expensive print T-Shirt?

This thread is going off the track, but to resume....

I have called a handful of times to Centurion, and they have gone out of their way to be nice and help me. I have even gotten the same girl twice a week apart and she remembered me and our consersation. Maybe closing the doors on the card is the first to them restructuring? Have any of you long time card holders noticed better responses and nicer people the last couple of weeks? Or have I just been lucky?

I think the original comment was correct, if you understand what the definition of "value" was.

When a person chooses to buy coach, the potential upgrades that come with status aren't worth anything specific that you can quantify in order to offset the Cent fees.

It is the person who normally pays F, who would save money by purchasing coach and flying in the F cabin anyway due to status obtained through Cent membership.
The difference between the F they used to pay and the coach they will now pay is a direct monetary "saving" - which they would balance against the 2500 annually for the Cent. That's where the direct "value for money" comes in.

If you were purchasing a $300 suit, and you were offered a $1300 suit instead - did you just "save $1000"? No, because you wouldn't have paid $1300 to begin with.
On the other hand, if you went in to purchase the $1300 suit, and the salesperson said that they would allow you to pay for a $300 suit and give you the $1300 suit anyway - then you DID save $1000.

I see where you were coming from now (fiscal value for people already flying up front). I was looking at "value" from a quality of life/travel standpoint for people who would like to upgrade. I've never seen a mileage run that can compete with $2500 for mid-tier on 4 carriers, with 0 hours butt-in-seat.

In regards to your argument, I still disagree that those people really save any money from centurion (though, they obviously can).

I know very few people who can justify buying paid F, but would be willing to roll the upgrade dice.

Stretching your suite analogy a bit, How many people do you know that can afford and buy $1300 suits that would be caught in a $300 suit, just to save $1000? That's the risk you run with the upgrade game.

Have any of you long time card holders noticed better responses and nicer people the last couple of weeks? Or have I just been lucky?

You've just been lucky. Ask for something out of the ordinary (statement reconciliation, why a benefit changed, when will we hear of benefit changes) and you'll get a clueless response and maybe, if you're lucky, a hollow promise for follow-up but no follow up. The nice-ness of the people is not that relevant (people are nice at a lot of call centers), the competency, service and follow-through is what matters.

<begin rant>Actually, I don't really like being chatted up about my day and this and that (nice thought, but they can't possibly really care) at Centurion CS and especially the "Concierge" (feels like they quadruple the amount of words necessary for normal/efficient communication), all I want to do is get the credit card business done so I can get back to my regular business (no offense, it's business, not personal). Centurion, especially the concierge, is all about typical American insincere "How are you's" and contrived empathy.

While I'm at it, I wish Americans would wake up and not rhetorically ask "how are you" when we mean "good day to you sir, I hope you and your family are well and I wish much kindness and goodness in your general direction" (or whatever level you mean that at, I do). It's kinda awkward when someone doesn't answer anyway, especially if you really mean it like I do and are really asking when so many people aren't asking, just saying it as part of the culture. I also wish slow drivers would get out of the fast lane, like Germany where it is mandatory.

BTW: I am American, born and raised, just have seen a few things/countries and went to an international Uni. - so don't think I'm not patriotic (I'd be on a boat dumping tea right now if I thought it'd help, gov't is out of control.)
</end rant>

b8b,

Please take 5 mg of Centurapam, wait an hour, and try another post.

Please take 5 mg of Centurapam, wait an hour, and try another post.
:D

I was hoping that scrip was a cent benefit, but I think it only is with the Impersonal Centurion Card. I have the personal. Used to have the business too.

Reminds me of an recent proverb, "I pitty tha foo."

.......
<begin rant>Actually, I don't really like being chatted up about my day and this and that (nice thought, but they can't possibly really care) at Centurion CS and especially the "Concierge" (feels like they quadruple the amount of words necessary for normal/efficient communication), all I want to do is get the credit card business done so I can get back to my regular business (no offense, it's business, not personal). Centurion, especially the concierge, is all about typical American insincere "How are you's" and contrived empathy.

While I'm at it, I wish Americans would wake up and not rhetorically ask "how are you" when we mean "good day to you sir, I hope you and your family are well and I wish much kindness and goodness in your general direction" (or whatever level you mean that at, I do). It's kinda awkward when someone doesn't answer anyway, especially if you really mean it like I do and are really asking when so many people aren't asking, just saying it as part of the culture. I also wish slow drivers would get out of the fast lane, like Germany where it is mandatory.

BTW: I am American, born and raised, just have seen a few things/countries and went to an international Uni. - so don't think I'm not patriotic (I'd be on a boat dumping tea right now if I thought it'd help, gov't is out of control.)
</end rant>


but your application for a german passport would not be declined....

but your application for a german passport would not be declined....

Seriously? If that were true, I just might... love driving there, would love to be an EU citizen as well.

I know this goes far off-topic, but I agree with b8b. My own experiences tell me that most of the time, Amex, Concierges, etc. are really beating around the bush and wasting time that could be spent and valued elsewhere. I appreciate kindness on the phone, but you all have to admit that making a phone call to a concierge to do anything usually involves a lengthy conversation. I think I'm just bitter against the fact that Amex (and the Concierges) lack in the technology department. For a major company, why can our concierge requests not be made with exact precision via a website? Why can't we book FHR properties and make requests directly from the web? Why hasn't Amex developed an iPhone or Blackberry app for PLAT and CENT cardholders that not only let you have a look at your spending, but a look at your benefits, a look at your claims (and claim filing), the ability to take advantage of the Fine Dining program right from your phone, the ability to send a request to a concierge and receive a reply back to your phone, all within a technically supported environment?

That's really where I DON'T find value in my $450 PLAT card, or if it were the case, in a $2500/yr. CENT card. It's not that the benefits aren't valuable, and it's not that the cost of the card can't be recouped in things you get for free, and time saved on things that need to be done, but more the fact that that money doesn't go to improving the cards in any revolutionary ways.

Be grateful you don't have to carry around their thoughtless gimmick of a Centurion Card made out of titanium. This sets off airport security alarms almost every time.!

Security scanners are set to go off randomly regardless of you walking through the scanner naked. Also, scanners are set to detect different amounts of metal, to make them unpredictable for people with bad intentions. This might be the reason for the alarm going off in your case. I wouldn't know myself, cause I put everything metal through the x-ray as instructed, including my Cent card.

Regarding the card's value, I just got 100.000 MR bonus points, for reaching the 100K USD spending threshold. That's worth the annual fee in itself. I aslo had numerous valuable hotel upgrades and free nights, for example a weekend in a suite at Jumeirah Carlton Towers in London that saved me some GBP 1500.

Also, some of the comments I get on the card are priceless ;)

Why do you people keep your wallets in your pockets when going through a metal detector? Take it out and put it in your luggage. It's not going to get stolen.

Regarding the card's value, I just got 100.000 MR bonus points, for reaching the 100K USD spending threshold

What's a "100k USD spending threshold"? Is that per month/year?

Regarding the card's value, I just got 100.000 MR bonus points, for reaching the 100K USD spending threshold. That's worth the annual fee in itself. I aslo had numerous valuable hotel upgrades and free nights, for example a weekend in a suite at Jumeirah Carlton Towers in London that saved me some GBP 1500.


Yeah, I'd like to know more about this one, how'd you get this?!

What's a "100k USD spending threshold"? Is that per month/year?

I have never heard of this either. Do tell more. :)

Susan

I spend way more than that amount, but annually. Maybe that's why I've never heard of it? :D

The 100K spending bonus applies to the IDC and IEC Cent cards (international dollar and euro respectively) and form part of the ICC (international currency cards) centurion product - these are serviced and operated out of Brighton (UK). If a card member spends $100 OR Euros 100K in a year they are given a bonus 100K MR points bonus!!! I recently changed from IDC to UK sterling Cent (god only knows why as sterling cards do not benefit from 100k bonus MR points.) Still now have my own relationship manager :rolleyes: who, to be fair is very good and has managed to get me some great upgrades...still would ratehr have the bonus miles though!

I was just going to post a topic about differences between IDC/IEC and sterling amex - find uk products website appauling compared with the ICC website - crazy thing is ICC have less staff and are run out of the same office...probably not appropriate place for this post but I hope the above answers your questions...

Previous discussions of the IDC Centurion 100,000 point bonus...


2007 (see msg 14)
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/american-express-membership-rewards/727899-international-dollar-euro-centurion-cards-fee-increase-added-benefits.html

2008
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/american-express-membership-rewards/784610-international-dollar-euro-centurion-benefits-2.html

Why do you people keep your wallets in your pockets when going through a metal detector? Take it out and put it in your luggage. It's not going to get stolen.

Do most people have metal in their wallets? I would much rather prefer to (and do) keep my wallet in my pocket. Just one less thing to worry about.

Why do you people keep your wallets in your pockets when going through a metal detector? Take it out and put it in your luggage. It's not going to get stolen.

gee, i guess all the people that show up on a simple search engine request, describing how they had their wallets, purses, or even laptops stolen while passing through security checkpoints must be telling tall tales.

try these or other similiar searches via a search engine for a small sample of victims:

"purse stolen while going through security checkpoint"
"wallet stolen while going through security checkpoint"
"laptop stolen while going through security checkpoint"

scam artists at airports target people passing through security checkpoints. because you are distracted, not doing something routine to your daily life, and potentially ordered out of line in one direction while your possessions (and the scam artists) temporarily go in another direction.

for those of you who get pilfered at a security checkpoint, for a real laugh ask the security checkpoint organization to reimburse you for your loss, then hold your breath while awaiting reimbursement.

anytime i can keep my possessions on my person, i feel a bit safer, call me old fashioned.


jsq

Also, check out the Travel/Safety forum for lively discussion about TSA folk who steal (and get caught)

I'm sorry, but I must call you all old fashioned. I take my drivers license out of my wallet, put it in my pocket, and put my wallet in my carry-on bag. I prefer not to be "that guy" standing at the screener having to unload his pockets while everyone waits. To me, courtesy means you unload your pockets ahead of time and put your items you know will set off the buzzer (this may or may not include your wallet) in your bag, then proceed through.

Perhaps your pure black metal credit cards may catch the eye more than my lowly plastic silver card, but you could always be a gentleman (and or gentlelady?) and take your metal card out of your wallet, bury it within your bag as to not set off the machine, and when you're sitting at the gate, put it back in your wallet.

I like to wear my Centurion on a Gold link chain around my neck. It goes nice with my new diamond and gold grill bling.

I usually wear it while going through security. When the alarm goes off, I get to wave it around while telling everyone it was my Amex black card, cos its made of metal.

Apparently the Titanium Centurion card weights about 12 grams. My watch (which is primarily stainless steel) weights 10 to 15 times that much, but doesn't seem to set off the alarms.

Apparently the Titanium Centurion card weights about 12 grams. My watch (which is primarily stainless steel) weights 10 to 15 times that much, but doesn't seem to set off the alarms.

The metal detectors at the airport are set for a certain level of "tolerance" (otherwise everyone would beep) which allows for many watches, a pair of earrings, or a necklace. With a watch, plus a bracelet, plus a titanium card, the threshold might be exceeded and you beep.

As each machine is calibrated slightly different (and some countries' standards are for differing "tolerance levels") you will experience some trips where you set off one machine but not another - wearing/carrying the exact same things.

Hence, while most people report that the Amex Titanium card by itself will not trigger the machines, pair that with other metallic objects on/in you and the card might be the catalyst for the beep in one airport.

I'm sorry, but I must call you all old fashioned. I take my drivers license out of my wallet, put it in my pocket, and put my wallet in my carry-on bag. I prefer not to be "that guy" standing at the screener having to unload his pockets while everyone waits. To me, courtesy means you unload your pockets ahead of time and put your items you know will set off the buzzer (this may or may not include your wallet) in your bag, then proceed through..

Totally agree, and I'd have to think that most of the people here in the forums do the same thing. By the time I'm done at the ticket kiosk, I have nothing on me but my DL and ticket - wallet, watch, blackberry all stuffed into my bag in one practiced swoop. Heck, I have my shoes untied while standing in line at security before I'm even near the belt.