The Death Spiral of the Centurion Card
#64
Join Date: Sep 2011
Programs: AA SPG Amex
Posts: 4,644
#65
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: AMEX Cent, VS G, CO G, US Plat, IC Plat Amb
Posts: 101
Another benefit appears to be lost or on its way out. Just got off the phone with Centurion Travel and Ritz-Carlton is as of now off the small list of hotels which offer special centurion benefits... the most important being a guaranteed upgrade at time of booking (vs at check-in if available).
The agent read off an email she received stating they are still in negotiations with the chain for the 2014 contract (which are normally finalized around October) so only standard FHR benefits apply for now.
The agent read off an email she received stating they are still in negotiations with the chain for the 2014 contract (which are normally finalized around October) so only standard FHR benefits apply for now.
#66
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: Marriott LT Platinum+Titanium Elite, Hyatt Globalist, AA EXP, Delta Plat, United Silver, AX Biz Cent
Posts: 705
Another benefit appears to be lost or on its way out. Just got off the phone with Centurion Travel and Ritz-Carlton is as of now off the small list of hotels which offer special centurion benefits... the most important being a guaranteed upgrade at time of booking (vs at check-in if available).
The agent read off an email she received stating they are still in negotiations with the chain for the 2014 contract (which are normally finalized around October) so only standard FHR benefits apply for now.
The agent read off an email she received stating they are still in negotiations with the chain for the 2014 contract (which are normally finalized around October) so only standard FHR benefits apply for now.
#67
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 16
I gave back my Cent and kept a plat. Best decision ever.
BTW once you return your Cent you keep the old perks until the exp date of your card. So my exp date was 09/16. Gave the card back in July and still enjoying all the perks of the cent including DL status/SWU.
I feel like I saved $5k/year...(we had 2 cards).
For me being AA exec plat + Admiral Club works just fine. I see zero benefit in the Cent as is. The JP Morgan Palladium looks like the one to get.
BTW once you return your Cent you keep the old perks until the exp date of your card. So my exp date was 09/16. Gave the card back in July and still enjoying all the perks of the cent including DL status/SWU.
I feel like I saved $5k/year...(we had 2 cards).
For me being AA exec plat + Admiral Club works just fine. I see zero benefit in the Cent as is. The JP Morgan Palladium looks like the one to get.
#69
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend; Moderator: American Express, Capital One, Citi, Chase, Credit Card Programs, Diners Club, Signatures
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,878
I think you are mistaken if you believe that American Express will arrange for Delta to renew your status in 2014, 2015 and 2016. The expiration date printed on the physical card is unrelated to benefits.
#70
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: CDG
Programs: A bit of this and a bit of that
Posts: 777
How often do they update other countries Centurion's site? I mean, they rarely Update the Argentine one.. so i can still see some very old offers.. and was wondering if they would add new ones soon, since it's a new year..
#71
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Arizona
Posts: 5,681
I agree with MIA. You will not get Delta benefits to 2016. Amex is pretty darn good at killing benefits even if you have the Centurion card. The problem is once you drop Centurion card you may never ever get it back. I know many people who have the Centurion card and through it in the drawer to gather dust and use SPG Amex with a + six figure credit line
I gave back my Cent and kept a plat. Best decision ever.
BTW once you return your Cent you keep the old perks until the exp date of your card. So my exp date was 09/16. Gave the card back in July and still enjoying all the perks of the cent including DL status/SWU.
I feel like I saved $5k/year...(we had 2 cards).
For me being AA exec plat + Admiral Club works just fine. I see zero benefit in the Cent as is. The JP Morgan Palladium looks like the one to get.
BTW once you return your Cent you keep the old perks until the exp date of your card. So my exp date was 09/16. Gave the card back in July and still enjoying all the perks of the cent including DL status/SWU.
I feel like I saved $5k/year...(we had 2 cards).
For me being AA exec plat + Admiral Club works just fine. I see zero benefit in the Cent as is. The JP Morgan Palladium looks like the one to get.
Last edited by Centurion; Jan 6, 2014 at 9:49 pm
#72
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 208
Yup looks like Centurion not worth the $$ with it being watered down it's beginning to look like a much more expensive version of the Platinum card.
At least with the Palladium card you are getting a better value and some may argue a better bling factor for the card fee.
Palladium + Platinum appears to be a good value combination compared to the Cent. If the Palladium ups its game just a little bit Amex may truly have a real competitor.
At least with the Palladium card you are getting a better value and some may argue a better bling factor for the card fee.
Palladium + Platinum appears to be a good value combination compared to the Cent. If the Palladium ups its game just a little bit Amex may truly have a real competitor.
#74
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,742
I'm thinking about dropping my spouse's card this year as it currently isn't worth the additional $2,500 to keep it. I'm only keeping mine based on the "once you drop Centurion card you may never ever get it back" rule cited by mia because I know this would be the case, particularly as I would not be willing to pay an initiation fee if I should want it back in future.
I assume that as long as I retain my Cent account, I can always re-add my husband in future, correct? And if so, am I always able to add him back at the annual fee only, without needing to pay an initiation fee for his card?
I assume that as long as I retain my Cent account, I can always re-add my husband in future, correct? And if so, am I always able to add him back at the annual fee only, without needing to pay an initiation fee for his card?