American Express released the original black card, the CenturionTM Card, in 1999. The American Express Centurion is the most exclusive credit card in the world. There are thought to be fewer than 20,000 AmEx Centurion cardholders around the world. It costs $7,500 to become an American Express Black Card holder. There is a $2,500 annual fee, and additional cards cost $2,500 as well. The purpose of the Amex Black Card is to be an access pass to the .0001% of wealthy people.
Only loyal American Express cardholders are likely invited. You can now request an invitation to apply. Typically, a card issuer invites customers who spend six figures or more per year. However, even those with lower credit scores may still qualify if their annual spending is high enough.
There is no explicit information provided about the limit on the black card. However, the annual fee and costs to become a cardholder are specified as follows:
- Annual Fee: $2,500
- Initial Card Fee: $7,500
- Additional Card Fee: $2,500