American Express has announced that they will be increasing the annual fee on the Centurion (often referred to as the black) card from $2,500 to $5,000 in April 2020, this is on top of the $7,500 initiation fee new cardholders need to pay (the initiation fee will also be increasing to $10,000). The following benefits have been added according to nyc2cal:
- Complimentary CLEAR membership for member ($179) and family members ($50).
- $250 saks credit per quarter
- Equinox Destination Access Membership
- The Private Suite at LAX (still need to pay $2,700 per visit)
In addition to the annual fee increase and those benefits being added, the $200 airline incidental credit is being removed. Holding the centurion card is more about status than benefits for most cardholders and those with the card are likely to be able to pay a $5,000 fee just as easily as a $2,500 fee. The Equinox membership is worth approximately $250 per month, so that along with the Saks benefit could help offset the annual fee increase.
I personally don’t think this card is worth having and that was before this annual fee increase, the value proposition has probably gotten worse. For those caring about status this will likely mean there are less Centurion cardholders so that’s a positive I guess?
Hat tip to VFTW
View Comments (84)
Very helpful, thank you. I've got a couple people interested in getting a Business Centurion Card and I'm helping them with the strategy to receive an invite. Any news on updates to the business version? Same initial and annual fees? Benefit changes / additions?
What's the sign up bonus on this card?
Is there at least a signup bonus?
I would love the Delta Medallion status this card comes with.
Is it just me or it looks like they redesigned the card into the "new style" as well?
Just double the AF? Looks too cheap...
$100k base AF + negative points for spending is the way to go. Let everyone know how cool you are!
Ha ha ha the best comment!
Like Eddie Murphy said, "Bring on the royal wipers!"
Pass, unless they have FYF offer along with 250,000 MR Points MSR Bonus after $5k spent!
It’s better to paint the gold card black then pull it out and pay for oneself own meal while on a tinder date.
Instant deal-breaker for me.
"Oh, you have a Centurion card? You are utter scum and a capitalist pig. Shame on you. You could have donated all that money you paid on fees to charity, but no, you only care about yourself. It's all about you, isn't it?"
The status it provides are weak.