American Express Membership Rewards - Centurion Rates as Most Prestigious

Interesting blurb on cardtrak.com:

All the major credit card brands are aiming for the top of the heap with super reward cards for the super wealthy. However, a new study has found that the American Express' $2500 per year "Centurion" card reigns as the most prestigious credit card among the super affluent. New York-based Luxury Institute says MasterCard's "World Elite" ranked third while VISA's "Signature" came in sixth. The study found that younger consumers are more likely to choose "American Express Centurion" or "MasterCard World Elite," while older consumers are more likely to choose "VISA Signature." The "2007 Luxury Brand Status Index" ranks consumers with a minimum net worth of $5 million and $200,000 in annual income. The national sample of over 500 ultra-wealthy American consumers, with an average income of $775K, and average net worth of $14.4 million, was surveyed online.

too bad they didnt ask how many of the 500 $5MM+ carry cent and report that number.

I wonder who ranked second?

I wonder who ranked second?

The Amex Platinum card ranked second. Here's the full release....

Luxury Institute Survey: Ultra-High Net Worth Consumers Rate the Most Prestigious Credit Cards
Tuesday June 12, 11:00 am ET


American Express Centurion, American Express Platinum and MasterCard World Elite


NEW YORK, NY--(MARKET WIRE)--Jun 12, 2007 -- Consumers with a minimum net worth of $5 million and $200k income rated the American Express Centurion the most prestigious credit card in the 2007 Luxury Brand Status Index (LBSI) survey from the independent New York-based Luxury Institute (www.LuxuryInstitute.com). Another American Express offering, its platinum card, and the MasterCard World Elite card, were rated second and third, respectively.

"Credit cards are indispensable to ultra-wealthy consumers for value and reliability, as well as prestige. Big spenders require that the services and benefits be absolutely impeccable, and, most importantly, that the provider be a highly reliable, tried, true and trustworthy entity to whom they entrust their purchases and their data," said Milton Pedraza, CEO of the Luxury Institute. "Ultra-wealthy consumers tell us in their candid reviews that the special access, unparalleled benefits and enhanced customer experience that they, or those whom they know who have one, receive, make the Centurion card a unique and exclusive luxury product. For those who don't qualify, or prefer a more basic offering, consumers tell us that the Amex Platinum delivers superior value, well above the competition. As an independent research entity, the Luxury Institute delivers the impartial voice of the high net worth consumer and facilitates a candid dialogue with brands that seek to serve them."

Cards rated (alphabetical order): American Express Centurion, American Express Platinum, MasterCard Platinum, MasterCard World, MasterCard World Elite, Visa Signature, and Visa Platinum.

The proprietary Luxury Brand Status Index (LBSI) survey is the only measure of the reputation of leading brands among wealthy Americans. A national sample of over 500 ultra-wealthy American consumers, with an average income of $775K, and average net worth of $14.4 million, was surveyed online. Survey results are weighted to match demographic and net worth profiles of the same audience according to the latest Survey of Consumer Finances from The Federal Reserve.