2023 Has anyone actually received a Centurion Card invite?
Aug 4, 2023, 10:58 am
#76
Join Date: Aug 2023
Posts: 3
First, welcome to Flyertalk!
I'm a little surprised that the Biz Cent categories revolve around luxury spend. I imagine attempting to buy any kind of luxury good on my corporate card would trigger all sorts of red flags from compliance (e.g. am I trying to bribe someone?)
What kind of business has a legitimate, or at least, reasonable, rationale for spending $6M/yr. on say, handbags or watches?
I'm a little surprised that the Biz Cent categories revolve around luxury spend. I imagine attempting to buy any kind of luxury good on my corporate card would trigger all sorts of red flags from compliance (e.g. am I trying to bribe someone?)
What kind of business has a legitimate, or at least, reasonable, rationale for spending $6M/yr. on say, handbags or watches?
You seem to want to argue because who said $6m luxury spend? I said significant luxury spend and I also included about half of my examples as TRAVEL related, fine hotels, private airfare, etc. But on the luxury side, I am an executive, my wardrobe is purchased at Louis Vuitton or Gucci, my 10k briefcase is an LV, I bought a $120k watch which I carry as an asset of the company to diversify my balance sheet away from cash, when you get on the level of being worthy of this card you will understand these things. You could also buy a Lambo or Ferrari on the card, great business expense. I travel the world and stay at the finest hotels, the brands matter, this simply IS part of the criteria. You can argue it’s stupid you can say whatever you want, but for once this thread has REAL info as to what it takes.
Also, there is ZERO marketing for this card. It’s not on their website they won’t discuss benefits you won’t see an ad. You either know what it stands for and want it for that reason or you don’t.
This card is meant for certain people that appreciate it, appreciate the benefits, the spending capability and security, for people that need the concierge to assist them in travel and purchasing.
Aug 4, 2023, 11:33 am
#77
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Between AUS, EWR, and YTO In a little twisty maze of airline seats, all alike.. but I wanna go home with the armadillo
Programs: CO, NW, & UA forum moderator emeritus
Posts: 35,432
...But on the luxury side, I am an executive, my wardrobe is purchased at Louis Vuitton or Gucci, my 10k briefcase is an LV, I bought a $120k watch which I carry as an asset of the company to diversify my balance sheet away from cash, when you get on the level of being worthy of this card you will understand these things. You could also buy a Lambo or Ferrari on the card, great business expense. ...
ur legs here.
Aug 4, 2023, 11:39 am
#78
Join Date: Aug 2023
Posts: 3
While one could certainly make those purchases, most businesses that are not privately held would find such excesses to be inappropriate when such extravagances are charged to the company. Privately held ones have always skirted the edge of propriety to enrich their owners. But if you claiming the purchase of a $120k watch is a, "[diversification of] my balance sheet away from cash," I'd say you are trying to pull ur legs here.
ur legs here.what I posted was for people seriously interested in the card, hopefully it helps them.
regarding the watch, no let pulling, it’s on my corporate financials, why? Because the watch I bought for 125k is was worth $250k the second I bought it, so I booked $125k in equity and as the dollar goes down my watch goes up.
get on my level.
also regarding private or public business expenses are business expenses, if the public company cares about Optics they just pay the executive more and he buys the same stuff anyway. Luxury suitcases, brief cases, planners, pens, apparel and suits, shoes, the list goes on. Amex wants to see it, period.
BYE EVERYONE ENJOY YOUR SUCCESS!!
Aug 4, 2023, 1:42 pm
#79
Join Date: Sep 2011
Programs: Virgin Atlantic Silver, IHG Diamond, Bonvoy Gold, Hilton Diamond, AA Platinum Pro
Posts: 1,386
Funny the now-derelict poster claims to have "cracked the code" when there are years of invitation data points here all across the spectrum, even a few of only high five figures of spending (for the personal version, at least).
As an aside, if the poster (or anyone else with the relevant knowledge) could expand on how a watch purchased for $125K doubled in value the moment he "drove it off the lot," I'd love to hear more!
As an aside, if the poster (or anyone else with the relevant knowledge) could expand on how a watch purchased for $125K doubled in value the moment he "drove it off the lot," I'd love to hear more!
Aug 4, 2023, 2:54 pm
#80
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: SEA/NYC/IAD
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Titanium, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 1,932
I don’t want to get sucked into arguing with people that have nothing better to do, after going through this myself what I provided is the REALITY of what I know simply to help others.
You seem to want to argue because who said $6m luxury spend? I said significant luxury spend and I also included about half of my examples as TRAVEL related, fine hotels, private airfare, etc. But on the luxury side, I am an executive, my wardrobe is purchased at Louis Vuitton or Gucci, my 10k briefcase is an LV, I bought a $120k watch which I carry as an asset of the company to diversify my balance sheet away from cash, when you get on the level of being worthy of this card you will understand these things. You could also buy a Lambo or Ferrari on the card, great business expense. I travel the world and stay at the finest hotels, the brands matter, this simply IS part of the criteria. You can argue it’s stupid you can say whatever you want, but for once this thread has REAL info as to what it takes.
Also, there is ZERO marketing for this card. It’s not on their website they won’t discuss benefits you won’t see an ad. You either know what it stands for and want it for that reason or you don’t.
This card is meant for certain people that appreciate it, appreciate the benefits, the spending capability and security, for people that need the concierge to assist them in travel and purchasing.
You seem to want to argue because who said $6m luxury spend? I said significant luxury spend and I also included about half of my examples as TRAVEL related, fine hotels, private airfare, etc. But on the luxury side, I am an executive, my wardrobe is purchased at Louis Vuitton or Gucci, my 10k briefcase is an LV, I bought a $120k watch which I carry as an asset of the company to diversify my balance sheet away from cash, when you get on the level of being worthy of this card you will understand these things. You could also buy a Lambo or Ferrari on the card, great business expense. I travel the world and stay at the finest hotels, the brands matter, this simply IS part of the criteria. You can argue it’s stupid you can say whatever you want, but for once this thread has REAL info as to what it takes.
Also, there is ZERO marketing for this card. It’s not on their website they won’t discuss benefits you won’t see an ad. You either know what it stands for and want it for that reason or you don’t.
This card is meant for certain people that appreciate it, appreciate the benefits, the spending capability and security, for people that need the concierge to assist them in travel and purchasing.
My experience working at multiple Fortune 500 companies has been that buying pretty much anything over $50 invites scrutiny from accounting and compliance, but perhaps the rules are more flexible at the executive level, as you say.
Aug 4, 2023, 3:32 pm
#81
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Newport Beach / San Francisco / Seattle
Programs: UA GS 1MM, Amex Centurion, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 289
Funny the now-derelict poster claims to have "cracked the code" when there are years of invitation data points here all across the spectrum, even a few of only high five figures of spending (for the personal version, at least).
As an aside, if the poster (or anyone else with the relevant knowledge) could expand on how a watch purchased for $125K doubled in value the moment he "drove it off the lot," I'd love to hear more!
As an aside, if the poster (or anyone else with the relevant knowledge) could expand on how a watch purchased for $125K doubled in value the moment he "drove it off the lot," I'd love to hear more!
There is a thriving secondary market where you can "skip the line" and buy exactly what you want without playing the allocation game. The website Chrono24 is the benchmark a lot of folks use. As of this posting, the cheapest 5990 listed on Chrono24.com is $116,989. I imagine this is what the poster was suggesting - that he could "drive it off the lot" and immediately turn it around for almost double.
Aug 4, 2023, 4:37 pm
#82
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: CLT
Programs: US CP, SPG Gold
Posts: 593
But on the luxury side, I am an executive, my wardrobe is purchased at Louis Vuitton or Gucci, my 10k briefcase is an LV, I bought a $120k watch which I carry as an asset of the company to diversify my balance sheet away from cash, when you get on the level of being worthy of this card you will understand these things. You could also buy a Lambo or Ferrari on the card, great business expense.
Aug 4, 2023, 5:38 pm
#83
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Houston, TX, USA
Programs: UA 1K, AA Lifetime Platinum, DL Platinum, Honors Diamond, Bonvoy Titanium, Hertz Platinum
Posts: 7,970
There is a thriving secondary market where you can "skip the line" and buy exactly what you want without playing the allocation game. The website Chrono24 is the benchmark a lot of folks use. As of this posting, the cheapest 5990 listed on Chrono24.com is $116,989. I imagine this is what the poster was suggesting - that he could "drive it off the lot" and immediately turn it around for almost double.
Aug 4, 2023, 7:40 pm
#84
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: NYC
Posts: 1,007
Oh, lord. What a douchey post from someone who, according to him/herself, routinely spends on luxury and feels all giddy about finally getting the “holy grail” of credit cards.
Sorry to break it to you, but Centurion ain’t all it’s cracked up to be for a while now. Especially when it’s sitting in your Apple pay and even if you do whip it out, NOGAF bc every other card is now black or in some form of metal.
Sorry to break it to you, but Centurion ain’t all it’s cracked up to be for a while now. Especially when it’s sitting in your Apple pay and even if you do whip it out, NOGAF bc every other card is now black or in some form of metal.
Last edited by mia; Aug 4, 2023 at 8:03 pm Reason: Please write about Amex products, policies & practices, not about other posters.
Aug 5, 2023, 12:48 am
#85
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Newport Beach / San Francisco / Seattle
Programs: UA GS 1MM, Amex Centurion, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 289
Aug 5, 2023, 6:25 am
#86
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Bainbridge Island, WA
Posts: 8,965
I have been following this thread for several
years and I am thrilled to say I finally received an invitation to apply for the business Centurion. I have seen a lot of misinformation on here so for other people wondering and working towards this I want to share what I know in August of 2023.
Post COVID Amex made a decision to make the card more elite then ever. Previously you may have seen information stating that 400,000 was the starting point for consideration as a business cardholder. I have been a member of AMEX since 2006 and I spent 2.4m on my AMEX platinum last year.
I had the opportunity to speak to TWO business development managers at AMEX to really find out what the starting criteria for business are. $2.4m is VERY LOW for the business card and I was told they are looking for members starting around $6m annual spend.
Additionally, they want to see a substantial LUXURY spend at super high end and we’ll know brands and establishments. Think Cartier, Hermes, Patek Phillipe, Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, private jet travel, etc. This is very important to them.
Additionally they prefer there to be a story behind the member, you should be noteworthy in your field with some press or even a bonafide celebrity.
You must be very high income, this matters, generally 500k a year or more and you should have perfect credit.
I wouldn’t even waste your time applying for interest, it did nothing for me. One day when you least expect it AMEX will deem you worthy and the rest will be history.
They don’t need the customers for this card, this card is a privilege, it’s not amount money for them, they literally don’t care. It is the ultimate financial
milestone I think you can accomplish because even if your rich you can’t buy this card. I wondered recently when I heard the $6m number if I would ever make the cut and I can only say that I am so gracious and happy to have earned this. This is worth more then money.
I don’t know about personal spend but I would venture to say based on what I know that your looking at 500k per year on the absolute low end for consideration.
There are no more then 25,000 Centurion members in the USA. You are looking at roughly 1 out of every 17,000 people have this card. Amex wants to keep it that way.
Also, the card comes with no preset limit like the rest of their charge cards, but the Centurion no preset isn’t like the others. Think a limit of around a million starting, I put through a test transaction of $200k on the app before the card even came and it was instantly approved.
Once you get invited they will have you formally apply, you could actually get denied at that point. It can take up to 72 hours for a decision, mine was instant. They overnight the card to you. This is a completely new account, not an upgrade for your platinum.
Good luck everyone, I went through years of directing almost all of my card spend to my Amex to get here and it took me almost 10 years to make it happen, but I finally did it!!! Long live American Express!!
years and I am thrilled to say I finally received an invitation to apply for the business Centurion. I have seen a lot of misinformation on here so for other people wondering and working towards this I want to share what I know in August of 2023.
Post COVID Amex made a decision to make the card more elite then ever. Previously you may have seen information stating that 400,000 was the starting point for consideration as a business cardholder. I have been a member of AMEX since 2006 and I spent 2.4m on my AMEX platinum last year.
I had the opportunity to speak to TWO business development managers at AMEX to really find out what the starting criteria for business are. $2.4m is VERY LOW for the business card and I was told they are looking for members starting around $6m annual spend.
Additionally, they want to see a substantial LUXURY spend at super high end and we’ll know brands and establishments. Think Cartier, Hermes, Patek Phillipe, Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, private jet travel, etc. This is very important to them.
Additionally they prefer there to be a story behind the member, you should be noteworthy in your field with some press or even a bonafide celebrity.
You must be very high income, this matters, generally 500k a year or more and you should have perfect credit.
I wouldn’t even waste your time applying for interest, it did nothing for me. One day when you least expect it AMEX will deem you worthy and the rest will be history.
They don’t need the customers for this card, this card is a privilege, it’s not amount money for them, they literally don’t care. It is the ultimate financial
milestone I think you can accomplish because even if your rich you can’t buy this card. I wondered recently when I heard the $6m number if I would ever make the cut and I can only say that I am so gracious and happy to have earned this. This is worth more then money.
I don’t know about personal spend but I would venture to say based on what I know that your looking at 500k per year on the absolute low end for consideration.
There are no more then 25,000 Centurion members in the USA. You are looking at roughly 1 out of every 17,000 people have this card. Amex wants to keep it that way.
Also, the card comes with no preset limit like the rest of their charge cards, but the Centurion no preset isn’t like the others. Think a limit of around a million starting, I put through a test transaction of $200k on the app before the card even came and it was instantly approved.
Once you get invited they will have you formally apply, you could actually get denied at that point. It can take up to 72 hours for a decision, mine was instant. They overnight the card to you. This is a completely new account, not an upgrade for your platinum.
Good luck everyone, I went through years of directing almost all of my card spend to my Amex to get here and it took me almost 10 years to make it happen, but I finally did it!!! Long live American Express!!
Aug 5, 2023, 11:18 am
#87
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Houston, TX, USA
Programs: UA 1K, AA Lifetime Platinum, DL Platinum, Honors Diamond, Bonvoy Titanium, Hertz Platinum
Posts: 7,970
Aug 7, 2023, 9:36 am
#88
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Taiwan
Programs: EVA
Posts: 182
I am officially leaving the forum as to not waste any precious time arguing with a gaggle of people that seem to have nothing better to do.
what I posted was for people seriously interested in the card, hopefully it helps them.
regarding the watch, no let pulling, it’s on my corporate financials, why? Because the watch I bought for 125k is was worth $250k the second I bought it, so I booked $125k in equity and as the dollar goes down my watch goes up.
get on my level.
also regarding private or public business expenses are business expenses, if the public company cares about Optics they just pay the executive more and he buys the same stuff anyway. Luxury suitcases, brief cases, planners, pens, apparel and suits, shoes, the list goes on. Amex wants to see it, period.
BYE EVERYONE ENJOY YOUR SUCCESS!!
what I posted was for people seriously interested in the card, hopefully it helps them.
regarding the watch, no let pulling, it’s on my corporate financials, why? Because the watch I bought for 125k is was worth $250k the second I bought it, so I booked $125k in equity and as the dollar goes down my watch goes up.
get on my level.
also regarding private or public business expenses are business expenses, if the public company cares about Optics they just pay the executive more and he buys the same stuff anyway. Luxury suitcases, brief cases, planners, pens, apparel and suits, shoes, the list goes on. Amex wants to see it, period.
BYE EVERYONE ENJOY YOUR SUCCESS!!
Funny the now-derelict poster claims to have "cracked the code" when there are years of invitation data points here all across the spectrum, even a few of only high five figures of spending (for the personal version, at least).
As an aside, if the poster (or anyone else with the relevant knowledge) could expand on how a watch purchased for $125K doubled in value the moment he "drove it off the lot," I'd love to hear more!
As an aside, if the poster (or anyone else with the relevant knowledge) could expand on how a watch purchased for $125K doubled in value the moment he "drove it off the lot," I'd love to hear more!
I'm a huge Omega and NASA fan so last year I bought a Silver Snoopy Speedmaster for about $10k that I could have easily flipped for about $30k at the time (it's come down since then but no way I would ever sell it). The reason why pieces like this are worth more on the secondary market is that Omega controls supply and will only sell one to you if you have a substantial purchase history with your authorized dealer. I usually hate playing this game which is why I avoid Rolex in particular but Silver Snoopy is too adorable.
Last edited by mia; Aug 9, 2023 at 6:43 am Reason: Combine consecutive replies.
Aug 8, 2023, 1:12 pm
#89
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 20
I am an executive, my wardrobe is purchased at Louis Vuitton or Gucci, my 10k briefcase is an LV, I bought a $120k watch which I carry as an asset of the company to diversify my balance sheet away from cash, when you get on the level of being worthy of this card you will understand these things.