Monday, January 5, 2009

American Express Black Card - The Legend

By Gray Rollins

Credit cards have been one of the conveniences of banking nowadays in the growing institution of commerce. American Express, under their strictest standards, invites private individuals and businessmen whose income and credit ratings are higher than most of the ordinary cardholders, to avail the exclusive American Express Black Card which is officially known as the Centurion card. This card is the finest credit card (and most expensive) in the banking industry.

When certain criteria are met an invitation from American Express will be sent along for the Centurion credit card. The requirements are quite different from the other credit cards you may have had in the past. This credit card charges $2500 for their annual fee and there is another fee that must be paid which is an initiation fee of $5000 for the first year.

As with anything new or different, a sort of urban legend started to circulate about the 'black credit card'. The legend said there was a black credit card that allowed celebrities and persons of high rank unlimited credit and the ability to visit very high class stores after business hours. The unconfirmed reports first started being spread in the 1980s. The truth of the matter was it was not a credit card at all but an information card that had American Express Travel numbers as well as hotel assistants services numbers.

The rumor about the black credit card was about the widest range of benefits and privileges it extends to the cardholder. It emphasizes the freedom to buy anything as much as the cardholder wants it. Although the rumor was widespread in the industry, no one really ever had it or get to use it.

American Express used the rumors that had circulated about the black card that was so special to start the Centurion card in the fall of 1999. This card was only available to those who had the Platinum card and instead of being made of plastic; this card was made of metal.

American Express issued Centurion Card as "invitation only" card to the Platinum cardholders in different countries. Since Centurion Card is not available in other countries, the Platinum card serves as the exclusive card that can be used for almost all of services available anywhere. Even the services and purchases for VIPs can be availed through this Platinum card. It gives benefits to the cardholders even when they are in other places and countries because of its worldwide acceptance and online account access.

When the Centurion card was first issued it had an annual fee of $1000 but it was soon raised to the fee charged now of $2500. The first person deemed worthy of having one of these credit cards was comedian, Jerry Seinfeld. Part of the reason for this may have been because he was a spokesperson for American Express.

As long as there are urban legends circulating, the ones about the Centurion black credit card will probably persist. The tales of exclusive stores being closed for the whim of one person who wanted them all to himself to shop are only part of the rumors that have been told. Until a new rumor comes along to take the place of the old ones or people tire of the stories surrounding the black credit card, the tales will get more elaborate. Who knows what will be next? - 16492

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