American Express Membership Rewards - AMEX Centurion Card from Commerzbank

Premium cards by as Platinum and Centurion are now available from
Commerzbank in Germany. As a customer of Commerzbank`s PRIVATE BANKING, you will receive the Platinum/Centurion card. I wonder how often the Centurion card will be handed out from now on...

Please find AMEX press release (in german only) here:
http://home3.americanexpress.com/corp/de/pc/2006/release18.asp

Regards,
GULEGAGA

wonder how much in assets gets you a free cent. that would be nice.

Premium cards by as Platinum and Centurion are now available from
Commerzbank in Germany. As a customer of Commerzbank`s PRIVATE BANKING, you will receive the Platinum/Centurion card. I wonder how often the Centurion card will be handed out from now on...

Please find AMEX press release (in german only) here:
http://home3.americanexpress.com/corp/de/pc/2006/release18.asp

Regards,
GULEGAGA

Very nice, indeed! Are there more European countries were Amex give their cards through banks?

Very nice, indeed! Are there more European countries were Amex give their cards through banks?

UBS offers the Charter Card which is an Amex Cent.

UBS Charter Card = annual fee $1500 ($1000 for additional cards)

- SR

the UBS charter card IS a centurion? someone implied it was their own product in another recent thread.

so it would be a swiss centurion i take it?

the UBS charter card IS a centurion? someone implied it was their own product in another recent thread.

so it would be a swiss centurion i take it?

Hello Kagehitokiri,
My understanding of the UBS Charter card is that it is a UBS issued Amex Cent card. Similar to the Commerzbank setup it sounds like. I have tried to get additional information on it, but I don't do my banking / brokerage with UBS so the information that I have is limited (based on a single conversation that I had with an FA from the UBS Private Bank). The FA simply told me that the UBS Charter card is a Cent Amex issued by UBS and that it is offered to certain clients of the UBS Private Bank.

I don't know if that means that it is Swiss specific since UBS has a fairly large presence globally. I am US based and the FA that I spoke to was also US based.

I chose not to go forward with any relationship with UBS so I don't know how much information I could get.

- SR

Are there more European countries were Amex give their cards through banks?

You can add the UK...

good to know, and good point about not having to be a swiss card.

thanks!

You can add the UK...

Which UK bank :D

But I doubt they are issuing them in the UK, since Amex themselves are not issuing them :p

Bit off topic, has anyone had any experience with Natwest Private Banking?

Cheers,

Chris

Which UK bank :D

But I doubt they are issuing them in the UK, since Amex themselves are not issuing them :p

Bit off topic, has anyone had any experience with Natwest Private Banking?

Cheers,

Chris

Hello,
I thought that Royal Bank of Scotland Group took over Natwest, and that Natwest Private Banking was handled by Adam and Company, and Coutts. I didn't know that Natwest Private Banking was still around.
- SR

Which UK bank :D

Amex Bank :p

amex gives out free centurions in uk? in usa AFAIK you can only get 2 free plat for highest account level.

Hello Kagehitokiri,
My understanding of the UBS Charter card is that it is a UBS issued Amex Cent card. Similar to the Commerzbank setup it sounds like. I have tried to get additional information on it, but I don't do my banking / brokerage with UBS so the information that I have is limited (based on a single conversation that I had with an FA from the UBS Private Bank). The FA simply told me that the UBS Charter card is a Cent Amex issued by UBS and that it is offered to certain clients of the UBS Private Bank.

I don't know if that means that it is Swiss specific since UBS has a fairly large presence globally. I am US based and the FA that I spoke to was also US based.

I chose not to go forward with any relationship with UBS so I don't know how much information I could get.

- SR
Yes it does have a $1500.00 annual fee. It is by invitation only. You can only be considered once you have in excess of 5 Million in assets invested with UBS.

while the us version of the ubs charter amex card is black, comes with priority pass, companion tickets and has some other similar benefits, it is not a centurion card. it has its own ubs rewards program and comes along with a similarly designed, ubs branded, black signature visa which earns points in the same program.
i cut and paste an overview describing the benefits of the ubs charter program which my broker sent me earlier this year when ubs switched from their previous rewards program. (unfortunately the picture of the charter amex and visa cards does not cut and paste here. both cards have identical black backgrounds, the ubs key symbol in the upper left corner and the amex (or visa signature) logo in the lower right hand corner).

UBS Charter Level
• By invitation only to clients with $5 million or more in eligible assets
• Annual fee of $1,500 entitles clients to exclusive benefits
• 1.5 points per $1 on eligible purchases made with the
UBS American Express Card or UBS Visa Signature credit card
• 50% more points (an additional 0.75 point per $1) when the
UBS American Express Card is used for eligible travel purchases

Exceptional Travel Benefits
Unlimited companion tickets (domestic or international)

Complimentary, unlimited Priority Pass access to 450 airport lounges and clubs worldwide

Access to special benefits and consultative services for jet charter ownership

Special amenities and offers at five-star properties around the world, including The Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons

Unsurpassed Concierge Benefits
Access to experts on the world’s most luxurious destinations without any
traditional booking fees

Assistance from a dedicated team of senior concierge and category experts
to answer client requests and provide exclusive access

$350 worth of complimentary technical assistance plus access to experts who will answer all technology-related questions, whenever and wherever is most convenient

Personal Protection
Complimentary assistance in the event of fraud

One-number access for travel and emergency medical services with $1 million coverage

Travel Accident Insurance coverage starting at $1 million
plus 25% additional coverage when clients use a UBS American Express Card to purchase travel tickets to purchase travel tickets

Hello Kagehitokiri,
My understanding of the UBS Charter card is that it is a UBS issued Amex Cent card. Similar to the Commerzbank setup it sounds like. I have tried to get additional information on it, but I don't do my banking / brokerage with UBS so the information that I have is limited (based on a single conversation that I had with an FA from the UBS Private Bank). The FA simply told me that the UBS Charter card is a Cent Amex issued by UBS and that it is offered to certain clients of the UBS Private Bank.

I don't know if that means that it is Swiss specific since UBS has a fairly large presence globally. I am US based and the FA that I spoke to was also US based.

I chose not to go forward with any relationship with UBS so I don't know how much information I could get.

- SR

while the us version of the ubs charter amex card is black, comes with priority pass, companion tickets and has some other similar benefits, it is not a centurion card. it has its own ubs rewards program and comes along with a similarly designed, ubs branded, black signature visa which earns points in the same program.
i cut and paste an overview describing the benefits of the ubs charter program which my broker sent me earlier this year when ubs switched from their previous rewards program. (unfortunately the picture of the charter amex and visa cards does not cut and paste here. both cards have identical black backgrounds, the ubs key symbol in the upper left corner and the amex (or visa signature) logo in the lower right hand corner).

UBS Charter Level
• By invitation only to clients with $5 million or more in eligible assets
• Annual fee of $1,500 entitles clients to exclusive benefits
• 1.5 points per $1 on eligible purchases made with the
UBS American Express Card or UBS Visa Signature credit card
• 50% more points (an additional 0.75 point per $1) when the
UBS American Express Card is used for eligible travel purchases

Exceptional Travel Benefits
Unlimited companion tickets (domestic or international)

Complimentary, unlimited Priority Pass access to 450 airport lounges and clubs worldwide

Access to special benefits and consultative services for jet charter ownership

Special amenities and offers at five-star properties around the world, including The Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons

Unsurpassed Concierge Benefits
Access to experts on the world’s most luxurious destinations without any
traditional booking fees

Assistance from a dedicated team of senior concierge and category experts
to answer client requests and provide exclusive access

$350 worth of complimentary technical assistance plus access to experts who will answer all technology-related questions, whenever and wherever is most convenient

Personal Protection
Complimentary assistance in the event of fraud

One-number access for travel and emergency medical services with $1 million coverage

Travel Accident Insurance coverage starting at $1 million
plus 25% additional coverage when clients use a UBS American Express Card to purchase travel tickets to purchase travel tickets
What was left out here is that:
It is Prime + .49%
0% Foreign Exchange Fee
ATM fees are rebated
& the most important part is that you get Town and Country Magazine :D

Oh and the Priority Pass is unlimited for ONE person, the card holder ONLY!

Oh and the Priority Pass is unlimited for ONE person, the card holder ONLY!
Hey, what do you expect for a lousy $5,000,000.00 commitment?

while the us version of the ubs charter amex card is black, comes with priority pass, companion tickets and has some other similar benefits, it is not a centurion card. it has its own ubs rewards program and comes along with a similarly designed, ubs branded, black signature visa which earns points in the same program.
i cut and paste an overview describing the benefits of the ubs charter program which my broker sent me earlier this year when ubs switched from their previous rewards program. (unfortunately the picture of the charter amex and visa cards does not cut and paste here. both cards have identical black backgrounds, the ubs key symbol in the upper left corner and the amex (or visa signature) logo in the lower right hand corner).


Muito obrigado! :)

It does seem that the perks are somewhat similar, however, it looks as if Cent. has a slight edge. I bet UBS also uses Circles as the concierge service provider...

questions i have would be

jet charter benefits?
hotel benefits?
companion tickets (full fare as always?)

Hello,
I thought that Royal Bank of Scotland Group took over Natwest, and that Natwest Private Banking was handled by Adam and Company, and Coutts. I didn't know that Natwest Private Banking was still around.
- SR

Well RBS and Natwest are both owned by RBS Group. I have a graduate account with RBS and wanted to open a graduate account with Natwest as I do my business banking there. Went in and was preapproved for Private Banking (not sure why). I said no at the time and took the Gold for 90 days free, but it's pants. My Amex offers me everthing and then some, so I'm either going up to private or down to graduate :p

Certainly around though. I think Coutts is for their much wealthier clients, Natwest (and RBS) Private Banking only require £75k income per year.

Chris

Bit off topic, has anyone had any experience with Natwest Private Banking?

I signed up with them about two weeks ago. So far, I have found them to be very attentive. I wired funds from the US last week so I will finish setting up my account later this week. They are going to structure the account so I can maximize BA miles. I especially like their interest rates on dollar accounts. It is a good place for me to park funds while I wait for the dollar to strengthen against the pound.

Well RBS and Natwest are both owned by RBS Group. I have a graduate account with RBS and wanted to open a graduate account with Natwest as I do my business banking there. Went in and was preapproved for Private Banking (not sure why). I said no at the time and took the Gold for 90 days free, but it's pants. My Amex offers me everthing and then some, so I'm either going up to private or down to graduate :p

Certainly around though. I think Coutts is for their much wealthier clients, Natwest (and RBS) Private Banking only require £75k income per year.

Chris
I bank with NatWest, yes it is owned by RBS. But when I go into any NatWest branch is still has a NatWest sign and everything else. The logo did change to resemble the RBS logo though. I have found Midland Bank (HSBC) to be the most cooperative in the UK.

<<structure the account so I can maximize BA miles>>

I assume you are registered in the UK version of Executive Club?

<<structure the account so I can maximize BA miles>>

I assume you are registered in the UK version of Executive Club?

Yes, I moved my BAEC home address to the address of my flat in London. I could use the Malta address and get gold at 800 points but there are absolutely no BA Mile earning opportunities here except flying. As it is, I am spending most of my time in the UK and will probably abandon Malta before long (although I will definitely keep my permanent residency here for tax purposes). I make enough trips to keep UK BAEC Gold but I needed extra miles through Tesco, NatWest, BA Amex, Powergen, etc. for all my MFU's.

Very nice, indeed! Are there more European countries were Amex give their cards through banks?

Société Générale in France

AmEx Uk will waive the annual fee if you keep $500k in a private bank account with them.

Not tried Natwest Private banking, now with Bank Of Scotland who don't cahrge for Private Banking. Used to be with Barclays Private CLients (okay for a while), Clydesdale (same, okay for a while). Think some of it comes down to the person that looks after your account - for both previous banks I had some really good account managers, but they were then replaced by interns from London Zoo.

Thanks,
Richard

Commerzbank will not hand out many of those...

Btw, "Commerzbank" will be written on the card in small letters.

amex usa only gives you 2 plats for $500K :(

although are you talking GBP500K?

while the us version of the ubs charter amex card is black, comes with priority pass, companion tickets and has some other similar benefits, it is not a centurion card. it has its own ubs rewards program and comes along with a similarly designed, ubs branded, black signature visa which earns points in the same program.
i cut and paste an overview describing the benefits of the ubs charter program which my broker sent me earlier this year when ubs switched from their previous rewards program. (unfortunately the picture of the charter amex and visa cards does not cut and paste here. both cards have identical black backgrounds, the ubs key symbol in the upper left corner and the amex (or visa signature) logo in the lower right hand corner).



From reading this, the Charter Amex from UBS is not a Centurion Card, but a branded Amex Card in black with a lot of benefits.

I have an American Express Gold card valid 07/82 - 07/84 which was issued though my bank. Below my name is embossed "Sun Bank, N.A." Shortly thereafter MasterCard and VISA adopted the rules which prohibited their members from issuing other card brands, and American Express was effectively prevented from establishing these types of relationships. This was the basis of the recent antitrust action in which American Express prevailed. I am sure we will see the same sort of cards again in the USA.

I also have my original Master Charge card with no magnetic stripe :cool:

Which UK bank :D

But I doubt they are issuing them in the UK, since Amex themselves are not issuing them :p

Bit off topic, has anyone had any experience with Natwest Private Banking?

Cheers,

Chris


Yup I've had Natwest private banking for years. They have just rebranded everything this year as well.

amex usa only gives you 2 plats for $500K :(

although are you talking GBP500K?

This is through Ameriprise (formerly American Express Financial Services.) Im wondering if the have a unpublized program (million plus in accounts) that will get you a Centurion Card?

What was left out here is that:
It is Prime + .49%
0% Foreign Exchange Fee
ATM fees are rebated
& the most important part is that you get Town and Country Magazine :D

that is correct... too funny on the details left out

Yup I've had Natwest private banking for years. They have just rebranded everything this year as well.

They told me last week that they are adding online access very soon. Definitely before year end.

We received an invitation to accept a UBS Black AMEX card. I understand the benefits, but what I want to know is - what are bad things about the card?
What is the annual spending minimum?
What is annual fee?
Are the airline deals as good as they say they are?
Are there blackout dates?
What airlines can you fly?
Are the travel concierge services only for luxury resorts (we do a lot of travel to undeveloped areas) and only in bigger cities worldwide?
Do you pay for the extra services such as travel concierge, technology assistance, luggage coverage, identity theft, etc?

Thanks so much for your help! It seems like an easy choice to make, but we just want to make sure that we know what we're getting into.

My UBS agent informed me that the card was accessible only to clients that had $5,000,000 in assets with UBS. I have asked her if the $5Mil was assets or $5Mil with UBS--I am now waiting for her reply.

A friend has received such a card from BofA and they picked up the $1500 annual cost. I have no idea how much they have in assets with BofA financial advisment services but it is at least 2Mil.

Société Générale in France

Indeed. Societe Generale does. They even have a Platinum++ thing (Club Societe Generale) or whatever it is called -- which costs about 580 Eur on top of the regular Plat fee and gets you some unspecified benefits on top of those of Plat....

Although AmEx France exists as an independent issuer as well.

Someone mentioned, but I may be wrong (wouldn't be a first) that BNP also had some-sort-of relationship with AmEx, but I have been unable to find this.

Anyways, in Denmark, I think AmEx is issued exclusively through "Danske Bank" -- but I also seem to recall that they only issue Green there?

Wirelessly posted (Nokia E61i: Mozilla/5.0 (SymbianOS/9.1; U; en-us) AppleWebKit/413 (KHTML, like Gecko) Safari/413 es61i)

Just like Denmark, American Express cards (green and gold) are issued exclusively by DnB NOR in Norway (used to be Den Norske Bank) on a franchise based deal.

PS: We don't even have Plat here....

In Spain you can get a "special" AMEX thru "Caixa d'Estalvis i Pensions de Barcelona". You can get double "star points" (a own reward program) instead MR. The fee is only 30€ and seems to be a credit card, not a charge one.

http://portal1.lacaixa.es/Cards/Home_Item/0,2181,1-P-519_7_677_612,00.html

Is also possible to get an AMEX through an on-line bank (part of the BBVA) where you can get the "Uno-e Amex", something like the "Amex Blue".