Overall rating
First year value
$0
Get this card if you:
- need luxurious credit card perks
- travel frequently and want to avoid foreign transaction fees
- want to access to the best airport lounges and elite travel perks
Scores by category
Travel 3.1
At a glance
The American Express Centurion Card, often referred to as the "Black Card," is an invitation-only charge card designed for high-net-worth individuals, offering a suite of exclusive benefits and services. Cardholders enjoy privileges such as dedicated concierge services, access to luxury travel accommodations, and invitations to elite events, reflecting its status as a symbol of prestige.
Highlights
$5,000
Annual fee
$7,500 initiation fee
Interest Rates
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended credit score
$1,000,000
Required annual personal income
Quick overview of the Amex Centurion
In cars, it’s the Rolls-Royce Phantom. In bespoke handbags, it’s the Hermes Birkin. In wine, it’s Chateau Margaux. And, in charge cards, it’s The American Express Centurion® Card, also called the Amex Black Card.
Launched in the United States 25 years ago and available in Canada since 2009, the invitation-only Amex Black Card has as much lore as the Hope Diamond. Except, unlike the maligned blue-tinted stone, the Centurion® Card bestows perks galore upon those who own it, such as limitless spending, free companion flight tickets, free hotel nights, superior lounge access, and more. It might even save your life, as it did in 2016 for Calgary real estate developer Riaz Mamdani. His titanium Black Card, in the pocket of his suit vest, slowed down an assassin’s bullet. As the tagline goes, “Don’t leave home without it.”
You can’t. This Amex Black Card gets you.
One fine day you may receive an invitation to become a Centurion® club member. According to a long-time Centurion® cardholder based in western Canada, “the invitation came in a beautiful black mahogany box with a prototype of the actual titanium card, engraved with my name, along with a catalogue of the range of benefits. It was very impressive looking.”
In order to be considered for a Centurion® card in Canada, you have to meet the following criteria:
- Own an American Express credit card for at least one year
- Spend at least $100,000 to $450,000 a year on another American Express card, typically The Platinum Card®
- Earn at least $1,000,000 annually
- Have a high net worth
Rumour also has it that if you have high deposits at a private bank, your banker could approach American Express on your behalf to request an invitation. The average Amex Black cardholder’s annual income is $1.8 million USD, and the average net worth of Centurion® cardholders is $11.4 million USD. Both business and personal versions of the card are available.
The Centurion® card is not a credit card but a charge card. Cardholders have used it to buy jets, a Bentley, a $170 million Modigliani painting at Christie’s auction and pretty much anything else that money can buy—as long as the balance is paid in full at the end of the month. Extra-large charges are approved on a case-by-case basis, so don’t forget to give Amex a call before you buy your Modigliani.
The illusive invitation is only the first hurdle. The adage, “if you have to ask the price, you can’t afford it,” comes to mind, because the card’s fees are certainly steep. The initiation fee for the hand-forged, hand-engraved and embossed Centurion® card is $7,500, with an additional annual fee of $2,500.
Members and authorized users receive two cards: the black charge card and an access card for the airport lounges. You can have up to two additional cardholders for $2,500 per year. To keep the card, you must maintain a high annual level of spending (generally above $250,000). There are no foreign transaction fees, but there is a $38 late or returned payment penalty and an annual interest rate of 30% for unpaid balances.
Related: Best credit cards that waive foreign transaction fees
Are you sitting down? The Centurion® card comes with a cornucopia of tangible and intangible benefits. (Let’s not underestimate what one cardholder calls “the plunk factor”— i.e. others’ reactions when you use the card.)
Each benefits package is customized to the cardholder based on her/his lifestyle and region, with a big emphasis on airline and hotel upgrades and exclusive Members Only experiences. If I had to encapsulate the range of benefits in a word, it would be “service.”
Personal concierge and travel service benefits of an Amex Black Card
All Centurion® cardholders receive personal concierge services for travel, restaurant bookings, or anything else. Basically, you get your own private travel agency with over 5,000 advisors globally.
“Once I wanted to treat an acquaintance to concert tickets for Eric Clapton. Unfortunately, none of Clapton’s tour dates coincided with where we would be. I called up American Express to arrange a private event with Clapton. They came back to me with all the details and costs; they had worked it all out. It was incredible,” says the Canadian Centurion® member.
And, they don’t forget birthdays either. “I was at a Fairmont Hotel and got a free round of golf, a room upgrade to a beautiful suite, spa and food credits. Very impressive,” he adds.
Related: Credit card concierge services—Which cards do it right?
Flight upgrades
Cardholders receive automatic upgrades on 15 of the world’s top airlines, as well as automatic Platinum Status on Delta and American Airlines, free seat selection, priority check-in and baggage delivery, and excess baggage allowance and limousine services. Buying a full-fare ticket from one of the partner airlines yields a free companion ticket. First-class upgrades on international flights are very favourably priced for members.
Related: Best companion ticket credit cards in Canada
Hotel upgrades
Throughout the year, American Express sends out what it calls WOW Offers to Centurion® cardholders. These offers often take the form of a fully free night at a luxury hotel, with no need to book other nights to get the free night.
Centurion® cardholders are also eligible for luxe travel features, including Elite Status with certain rental car companies and hotel chains through the Fine Hotels and Resorts Program.
Lounges
The card opens up access to over a thousand lounges in over a hundred countries, plus nine dedicated Centurion® lounges, in addition to food and drink credit at more than 1,250 third-party lounges and “lounge alternatives” that come with the Priority Pass Select Membership.
Some long-time cardholders have recently had mixed experiences with Centurion® lounges and are underwhelmed by their overcrowding (Centurion® lounges are open to both Centurion and The Platinum Card® cardholders). “When it first opened, the Dallas Forth Worth lounge was very quiet and enjoyable and Centurion® cardholders had reserved seating,” says one Canadian cardholder. “Each time I’ve visited, it’s gotten more crowded even though they enlarged it; anyone can pay $50 to get in and I’ve found it frustrating. When I visited one in Mexico City, Centurion® members had their own lounge upstairs from the main one and could order any kind of food or beverage and the service was great,” he adds.
On March 22, 2019, American Express implemented a new policy that restricts visits by The Platinum Card® cardholders to a maximum of three hours and for departing and transit passengers only, while Centurion® cardholders will continue to enjoy unrestricted access.
Related: Best credit cards for airport lounge access
Reward points
Big spenders can accrue massive benefits quickly. For example, when Chinese billionaire Liu Yiqian purchased “Reclining Nude” by Amedeo Modigliani at Christie’s auction in 2015 with his Centurion® Card, he and his family earned approximately 170,400,000 American Express Membership Rewards® points, meaning they will fly free for life.
Invitation-only events for the Amex Black Card
American Express creates over 100 invitation-only events annually for cardholders that love the best in food, fashion, travel, art, and entertainment. Think conversations with designers like Christian Louboutin and Giorgio Armani in Paris, London, and Milan; VIP party invites to the Monaco Grand Prix; Coachella; Wimbledon; access to the best restaurants in the world… you get the picture.
Other benefits
In 2011, American Express launched its own auto program where Centurion® Card members can negotiate and purchase a car through the Centurion® website without revealing any personal information. Members will also receive complimentary upgrades on Tesla, Jaguar, and other luxury cars. This is in addition to having access to luxury car rentals and Formula One racing courses.
Centurion Magazine, a luxury lifestyle publication, is created exclusively for Centurion cardholders.
While both cards offer premium services, the Amex Centurion card delivers a higher level of exclusivity and a range of additional benefits not found with the Platinum card. These exclusive perks include more personalized concierge services, access to invitation-only events, and enhanced travel rewards. However, the Centurion card comes with significantly higher fees and is available by invitation only.
In contrast, the Platinum card offers a more accessible application process and lower annual fees, making it a premium option that’s easier to obtain. It also comes with a very generous welcome bonus and a terrific rewards structure. So, it's a great option to consider over the Centurion. It also features a sleek, yet striking metal design.
Disclosures:
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
up to 100,000 points
Welcome Bonus
$931
First Year Value
$0
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points* – that’s up to $1,000 in value.
Get this card if you...
-
are a frequent traveler who wants luxury perks like lounge access
-
want to rack up rewards quickly
-
want great travel insurance, perks and concierge services
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$799
Annual Fee
21.99% - 28.99%
Purchase
Our Take
The American Express Platinum Card® is a premium travel rewards credit card offering elevated Membership Rewards® points on eligible purchases, with a substantial welcome bonus for new cardholders. Cardholders enjoy exclusive benefits such as access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide through the American Express Global Lounge Collection™, comprehensive travel insurance, and personalized concierge services.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
-
Access to a wide range of luxury perks, including premium concierge service
-
Complimentary lounge membership providing access to over 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide
-
Annual statement credits: $200 annual travel credit, $200 annual dining credit
-
Special insurance coverages like trip cancellation/interruption, flight delay, lost or stolen baggage and rental car theft & damage.
-
Provides extended warranty (2 years) and purchase protection (120 days).
Cons
-
High annual fee of $799, one of the heftiest among Canadian cards
-
The rewards system can be complicated, especially for users not familiar with maximizing credit card points
-
Requires good to excellent credit for eligibility
Annual Interest Rates
21.99% - 28.99%
Purchase
30.00%
Penalty
Fees
$799
Annual Fee
$2.5
Foreign Transaction
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards Membership Rewards
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel
1x
point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
1
additional point on Amex Travel Online for eligible hotel or car rental bookings
Insurance Benefits
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points* – that’s up to $1,000 in value.
Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $10,000 on your Card within your first 3 months as a new Platinum® Cardmember. That’s $700 towards your next flight.
Plus, earn 30,000 points* when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of Cardmembership.* That’s $300 towards dinner out with friends.
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for these offers. Other terms apply.
Our Take
The American Express Platinum Card® is a premium travel rewards credit card offering elevated Membership Rewards® points on eligible purchases, with a substantial welcome bonus for new cardholders. Cardholders enjoy exclusive benefits such as access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide through the American Express Global Lounge Collection™, comprehensive travel insurance, and personalized concierge services.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
-
Access to a wide range of luxury perks, including premium concierge service
-
Complimentary lounge membership providing access to over 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide
-
Annual statement credits: $200 annual travel credit, $200 annual dining credit
-
Special insurance coverages like trip cancellation/interruption, flight delay, lost or stolen baggage and rental car theft & damage.
-
Provides extended warranty (2 years) and purchase protection (120 days).
Cons
-
High annual fee of $799, one of the heftiest among Canadian cards
-
The rewards system can be complicated, especially for users not familiar with maximizing credit card points
-
Requires good to excellent credit for eligibility
Annual Interest Rates
21.99% - 28.99%
Purchase
30.00%
Penalty
Fees
$799
Annual Fee
$2.5
Foreign Transaction
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards Membership Rewards
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel
1x
point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
1
additional point on Amex Travel Online for eligible hotel or car rental bookings
Insurance Benefits
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points* – that’s up to $1,000 in value.
Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $10,000 on your Card within your first 3 months as a new Platinum® Cardmember. That’s $700 towards your next flight.
Plus, earn 30,000 points* when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of Cardmembership.* That’s $300 towards dinner out with friends.
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for these offers. Other terms apply.
The Amex Centurion Card and TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege are both premium cards but serve very different audiences. The Centurion is an invite-only credit card, offering you elite airline and hotel status, luxury perks, VIP access, and a personal concierge.
In contrast, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege is much more accessible and primarily focuses on Air Canada perks like priority boarding, free checked bags, and lounge access. While the Centurion caters to ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking exclusivity, the TD Aeroplan card is a great option for frequent Air Canada travelers wanting premium benefits at a much lower cost.
Disclosures:
This offer is not available for residents of Quebec. For Quebec residents, please click here.
The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any TD product, please click the Apply Now button. Sponsored Content.
†Terms and conditions apply.
up to 85,000 pts†
Welcome Bonus
$3,067
First Year Value
$67
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn up to $3,000 in value† including up to 85,000 Aeroplan points†. Conditions Apply. Offer effective as of January 7, 2025.
Get this card if you...
-
want exclusive travel perks like lounge access
-
want to maximize your Aeroplan points with great offers
-
want comprehensive travel insurance to ensure peace of mind
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$599
Annual Fee
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
Our Take
The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card is a premium travel rewards credit card tailored for frequent Air Canada travelers, offering elevated Aeroplan points on direct Air Canada purchases, as well as on eligible gas, grocery, travel, and dining expenses. Cardholders benefit from perks such as a NEXUS application fee rebate, complimentary first checked bag for the primary cardholder and up to eight companions on Air Canada flights, and access to select airport lounges; however, the card carries a substantial annual fee and requires a high personal or household income for eligibility.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$150,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$200,000
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
-
Welcome bonus up to $3,000 in value† including up to 85,000 Aeroplan points†
-
Complimentary Maple Leaf Lounge† access and six worldwide lounge visits annually†
-
Priority Airport Services† like Boarding, Baggage Handling, and Priority Boarding
-
High Aeroplan® earn rates, double points on eligible Air Canada purchases
-
Extensive travel insurance benefits
-
Free checked bags on Air Canada
-
Preferred Pricing on Aeroplan® flight rewards
-
Visa Infinite Privilege* designation perks (e.g. DragonPass membership)
-
Up to $100 CAD NEXUS credit†
-
Troon Rewards Platinum status benefit
Cons
-
Steep annual fee of $599
-
High eligibility requirements ($150,000 personal or $200,000 household income)
-
Additional cardholder fee of $199
-
High-value rewards mainly for Air Canada flights
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
Fees
$599
Annual Fee
$2.5
Foreign Transaction
3.00%
Balance Transfer
Rewards Aeroplan
2 points†
Earn 2 points† for every $1 spent on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada® including Air Canada Vacations®.
1.5 points†
Earn 1.5 points† for every $1 you charge to your Card on eligible gas, groceries, travel and dining purchases.
1.25 points†
Earn 1.25 points† for every $1 you charge to your Card on all other purchases.
6
Get 6 lounge visits included for each Cardholder per membership year at over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide with DragonPass†
2x
Earn points twice when you provide your Aeroplan number to Aeroplan partner brands and on the Aeroplan eStore
50%
Get 50% more Aeroplan points at Starbucks when you link your TD card with your Starbucks® Rewards account. Conditions Apply.
$100
Get a NEXUS application fee rebate up to $100 (CAD) every 48 months.†
1st
Get your 1st checked bag free for you and up to eight companions† when your travel originates on an Air Canada flight.
10%
Get 10% savings at Avis and Budget in North America, 5% off internationally†
Insurance Benefits
$1,500
Mobile device insurance amount
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to $3,000 in value† including up to 85,000 Aeroplan points (enough for a round trip to Honolulu†) and additional travel benefits. Conditions Apply. Offer effective as of January 7, 2025.
Earn a welcome bonus of 20,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first Purchase with your new Card†
Earn an additional 35,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $12,000 within 180 days of Account opening†
Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 30,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $24,000 within 12 months of Account opening†
Additional Travel Benefits
Enroll for NEXUS and once every 48 months get a partial application fee rebate†
Share first free checked bags with up to 8 travel companions† and get unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges† including complementary access for one guest.
Plus, primary cardholders get 6 complimentary worldwide select airport lounge visits annually through the Visa Airport Companion Program†
Starbucks Bonus Offer for New Linked Members†: Link your TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite to earn 600 Starbucks Stars and redeem them for free Starbucks treats. Limited time only. Conditions and restrictions apply.
Our Take
The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card is a premium travel rewards credit card tailored for frequent Air Canada travelers, offering elevated Aeroplan points on direct Air Canada purchases, as well as on eligible gas, grocery, travel, and dining expenses. Cardholders benefit from perks such as a NEXUS application fee rebate, complimentary first checked bag for the primary cardholder and up to eight companions on Air Canada flights, and access to select airport lounges; however, the card carries a substantial annual fee and requires a high personal or household income for eligibility.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$150,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$200,000
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
-
Welcome bonus up to $3,000 in value† including up to 85,000 Aeroplan points†
-
Complimentary Maple Leaf Lounge† access and six worldwide lounge visits annually†
-
Priority Airport Services† like Boarding, Baggage Handling, and Priority Boarding
-
High Aeroplan® earn rates, double points on eligible Air Canada purchases
-
Extensive travel insurance benefits
-
Free checked bags on Air Canada
-
Preferred Pricing on Aeroplan® flight rewards
-
Visa Infinite Privilege* designation perks (e.g. DragonPass membership)
-
Up to $100 CAD NEXUS credit†
-
Troon Rewards Platinum status benefit
Cons
-
Steep annual fee of $599
-
High eligibility requirements ($150,000 personal or $200,000 household income)
-
Additional cardholder fee of $199
-
High-value rewards mainly for Air Canada flights
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
Fees
$599
Annual Fee
$2.5
Foreign Transaction
3.00%
Balance Transfer
Rewards Aeroplan
2 points†
Earn 2 points† for every $1 spent on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada® including Air Canada Vacations®.
1.5 points†
Earn 1.5 points† for every $1 you charge to your Card on eligible gas, groceries, travel and dining purchases.
1.25 points†
Earn 1.25 points† for every $1 you charge to your Card on all other purchases.
6
Get 6 lounge visits included for each Cardholder per membership year at over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide with DragonPass†
2x
Earn points twice when you provide your Aeroplan number to Aeroplan partner brands and on the Aeroplan eStore
50%
Get 50% more Aeroplan points at Starbucks when you link your TD card with your Starbucks® Rewards account. Conditions Apply.
$100
Get a NEXUS application fee rebate up to $100 (CAD) every 48 months.†
1st
Get your 1st checked bag free for you and up to eight companions† when your travel originates on an Air Canada flight.
10%
Get 10% savings at Avis and Budget in North America, 5% off internationally†
Insurance Benefits
$1,500
Mobile device insurance amount
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to $3,000 in value† including up to 85,000 Aeroplan points (enough for a round trip to Honolulu†) and additional travel benefits. Conditions Apply. Offer effective as of January 7, 2025.
Earn a welcome bonus of 20,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first Purchase with your new Card†
Earn an additional 35,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $12,000 within 180 days of Account opening†
Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 30,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $24,000 within 12 months of Account opening†
Additional Travel Benefits
Enroll for NEXUS and once every 48 months get a partial application fee rebate†
Share first free checked bags with up to 8 travel companions† and get unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges† including complementary access for one guest.
Plus, primary cardholders get 6 complimentary worldwide select airport lounge visits annually through the Visa Airport Companion Program†
Starbucks Bonus Offer for New Linked Members†: Link your TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite to earn 600 Starbucks Stars and redeem them for free Starbucks treats. Limited time only. Conditions and restrictions apply.
Is the Amex Centurion Card for you?
While some might be drawn to the mere prestige that comes with the Centurion® card, according to one cardholder, that’s really not the main attraction for most.
The Centurion® is ultimately best suited to those who travel internationally on a frequent basis and need a card with limitless credit for major purchases. The airline, hotel, and rental car upgrades are also significant. Those benefits, along with the prospect of earning unlimited reward points (which transfer to a number of other programs, including Aeroplan), make the high annual and initiation fees worthwhile for those who are invited to apply.
If you aspire to carry this Amex Black Card but have not yet been invited to apply, you can take a first step by instead applying for The Platinum Card®, another premium American Express card that offers lucrative benefits (though certainly not equal to the Centurion®).
Disclosures:
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information click the Apply now link. Conditions apply.
Amex Black Card FAQs
Rita Silvan is the former editor-in-chief of ELLE Canada magazine. After a successful career in women’s consumer publishing, Rita has pursued her interest in finance, especially in the areas of personal finance and investing for women. She obtained the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) designation from the Canadian Securities Institute. Rita is also the former editor-in-chief of goldengirlfinance.com and a finance writer for Tier-1 Canadian banks and bespoke wealth management firms.
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†Terms and Conditions apply.