Comments on: American Express Centurion: Once you go black, you never go back

By: Neil Patel

Neil Patel — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 19:09:15 +0000

It is a same my friend… however, if your’re making the type of money to have a Centurion Card, I’m sure your’re a happy camper anyway.

By: A simple guy

A simple guy — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 11:27:35 +0000

Dear Mr Patel,

It is sad to read your comments for the Centurion card in the UK does not give the same level of benefits… not even half of it…
Shame….

By: Neil Patel

Neil Patel — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 06:42:05 +0000

black cards had no use for me as I wouldn’t take advantage of the rewards.

By: MMA

MMA — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:17:47 +0000

You are right Howie, they have a black card with no prestige

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By: Neil Patel

Neil Patel — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 07:54:46 +0000

Wow, that sure is a lot of traveling. Great job on finding something with out the ridiculous fees.

By: Travelots

Travelots — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 13:14:37 +0000

“I probably do 40 to 60 trips a year, which means I end up sleeping in hotels a good amount of the year. The room and flight upgrades make my traveling experience pleasant, especially when traveling international.”

If you travel this much, you should get all the perks you list above FOR FREE (i.e. through the hotel/airline elite programs). It’s absolutely ridiculous to pay $7500 in fees. The only reason any frequent flyer would get this card is to show off

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By: Neil Patel

Neil Patel — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 18:14:11 +0000

What type of advice are you looking for?

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By: Mark

Mark — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 06:25:54 +0000

have you seen this? it’s a fake commercial making fun of the card. It’s pretty funny…well…kinda funny. I still want one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twhLW_6L9FY

By: Neil Patel

Neil Patel — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:50:55 +0000

I never paid a payroll service through a credit card, but a few of my friends said they did. Sadly, I don’t think anyone does it anymore due to the economy.

By: Michael Cheng

Michael Cheng — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 22:40:25 +0000

Hi Neil,

Sorry to hear you’re no long a proponent of the Centurion program. I was scratching my head trying to justify for the insane amount of annual fee (especially the initial year). I know the age old comment of “If you have to ask how much, you can’t afford it”. But that is also followed by the other wiser, and more applicable comment of “Sinking $7,500 a year on just service fee, you have more money than brains”

Anyhow, I decided not to go for it since you hit the nail right on the head with regards to The Centurion benefits really isn’t that much higher than the Platinum program, and even that had been eroded to the point of not being worth the fee (PLUM is the new BLACK!)

I have a question for you if you don’t mind… WAY back up at the top of the thread, you mentioned something about paying your payroll with your Amex. What company have you come across that actually accept credit card payment for payroll? I was curious and checked, but can’t seem to find even find one.

Cheers,

Michael

By: Neil Patel

Neil Patel — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:37:23 +0000

Wow, that’s a pretty legit operation. If you spend so much money, I guess you kind of have to expect them to do whatever it takes to please you, right?

By: Vicky Merchant

Vicky Merchant — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:02:30 +0000

I used to work at AMEX in Canada. The conceirge is indeed a call centre. But they have dedicated Accounts to handle.
It was a HUSH HUSH thing. These conceirge staff were designated as “Account Managers”, and were given Blackberry’s so that they could attend to the call even when they were not at their desks.
Was Kinda cool.

By: Neil Patel

Neil Patel — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 23:50:03 +0000

That’s the same card I use

By: Neil Patel

Neil Patel — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 23:48:13 +0000

Plum Card

By: john

john — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 18:55:08 +0000

Hi Neil, I have one and honestly I pay the $2500 because of the 3 day upgrade with Continental as I fly out of Newark NJ. I spend roughly $300,000 per month on business needs and the problem with other banks is that no one can give me that kind of limit without hounding me. I have been a member since 1997 when it was $1000 per year but out of 10 flights on Continental, I got upgraded 75% of the time so I really cannot complain. I do agree that if you do not travel often or need the credit line, $2500 is steep. I like the 30 days because I am double dipping. If I pay my vendors within 30 days, I usually get a 2-5% prompt pay discount from them and also get 1 point for every dollar with Amex. If you play this game right, it can really work for you. I actually found the plum a better card because i get 2% back if I pay withing the 1st 10 days of the billing cycle. I will still give Amex Centurion $250k a year minimum so that i can get the upgrades on Continental, Delta and Hertz but I do agree that most people stereo type about this card as I once haggled about why a bag cost $100 and the looked at me and said (You have the back card and you are worried about $100). Just because I have the money does not mean I am going to throw it out easily. I grew up poor so I just cannot forget how to be froogle. Just my 2cents

By: Peter

Peter — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 14:25:44 +0000

Very interesting blog. Just out of curiosity, did you switch to Amex Platinum or you don’t use Amex anymore…

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By: Neil Patel

Neil Patel — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:32:04 +0000

No I don’t have it anymore… it wasn’t worth for me to have it.

By: Centari

Centari — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:35:36 +0000

Hi Neil,

Do you still have the black amex? What do you mean by the Visa black card ruining the Amex Centurion? I think people still know the difference, though not all. If you don’t have the card anymore, I would be happy to add you as an additional on my account, just to get to know you a bit and maybe you could mentor me – email me at icurme@gmail.com

I am in my thirties and haven’t achieved the success you have, though I have read through a lot of your blogs and have learned some of the same mistakes. I am still trying to find my niche.

Thanks for giving back to the community!

By: Neil Patel

Neil Patel — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 05:50:28 +0000

You can do anything with the AMEX Centurian, as long as AMEX is accepted.

By: Norman

Norman — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:43:20 +0000

Can you shop via internet with AMEX Centurion?

By: Neil Patel

Neil Patel — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 20:49:41 +0000

That’s a fantastic opinionated response Pat. I can completely understand what you mean. People get the black card for the obvious flaunting reasons, but ideally, the real perks is the level of convenience you receive.

By: Pat LeNeil

Pat LeNeil — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:43:57 +0000

Meanwhile back in reality… corporate mind control is alive and well. Let me get this straight – you paid 7.5k for a card that requires you pay it off every month, that requires you to continue to pay each year, that requires you to pay 1.5k per ea. extra card, that requires you to spend 250k per year after you gave them 7.5k for a monochromatic metal card ?! But oh the perks !- 1) attract Ho’s that can out scheme you any day of the week – 2) tell hot educated women that you are deeply insecure – 3) guarantee being kidnapped in a foreign country because you flashed your card – 4) enjoy having your time wasted by what only a hillbilly would consider real concierge service ( for only 1k you can sign up for outstanding concierge service by dedicated vendors ) – 5) let service know that it not only ok but fun to spit in your food before they bring it out – 6) make everyone who knows you have the card think it’s ok to charge you more or quote you more or expect a much bigger tip for standard service – 7) make you a preferred target for all criminals and con games in your own country… and on and on.
The only point is that Amex is praying on your insecurity. Any one of real wealth has assistants doing everything for them and accountants that would never approve this ridiculous expense as a from of payment. If your a Paris Hilton type then yes it fits your fake life(style). Corporate brainwashing is complete – that’s why people pay for shirts and hats that advertise other companies products. If I’m spending 250k per year using a magnetic strip the company issuing that thin mylar film better kiss my a** and pay me at least 2.5k a year for my business.

By: Julie

Julie — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 03:19:42 +0000

I have had my Black Card for about a year. I admit Concierge service is a bit lacking. I tried out different ones till I found one I liked and stuck with her (you can get one assigned to you).

I have gotten upgrades to first class at least 80% of the time. I like the ability to use the airline clubs. It works great to get you into more upscale clubs..smaller towns people never heard of it which is fine with me (they just say it is heavy).

Downside..it sets of the metal detectors in airports so make sure you put it in carry on and not on your body when going thru security.

I personally spend most of my money with the american express plum card which gives you 2% cash back on your spend if you pay within 10 days of the closing of the billing cycle.

Julie

By: Neil Patel

Neil Patel — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:39:32 +0000

Thanks for sharing that link!

By: Neil Patel

Neil Patel — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 23:11:34 +0000

It just seemed to get a lot of hype from celebs endorsing it.

By: Neil Patel

Neil Patel — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 23:10:35 +0000

Interesting, thanks for sharing your experience.