Once upon a time, American Express's fabled "Black Card,Largest Collection of Plastic mould," reserved for the world's wealthiest and most elite, was just that a fable, an urban myth. But not anymore.
Elizabeth Crosta, director of public affairs at American Express (AXP), confirms that yes, the Centurion Card, as it's officially named, exists, and is thriving despite the larger economic troubles. "We're actually seeing a rise in luxury spending," she explained.buy chicken coop online. "Our premium customers are definitely spending more and traveling more than they were a year ago."
Interestingly,you will need to get an Cold Sore. the myth predated the card. Doug Smith, director of American Express Europe, told snopes.com, "There had been rumors going around that we had this ultra-exclusive black card for elite customers. It wasn't true, but we decided to capitalize on the idea anyway. So far we've had a customer buy a Bentley and another charter a jet." (Yes, someone bought a Bentley a car that costs between $200,000 and $400,000 with a charge card!)
In general, I try not to get too nosy about the lives of the very rich,Use bluray burner to burn video to BD DVD on Hemroids disc. in part because I get a little jealous, and in part because I get a little distressed about wealth disparities. But this time, I couldn't resist. I wanted to know more, both about the fanciest of fancy cards, and the spending habits of the uber-wealthy.
The Centurion Card, which really is all black, and made of titanium, was introduced in 1999 and is extended to consumers on an invite-only basis. According to Crosta, there is no formula for qualifying. "It's decided person by person," she says, before adding with a chuckle, "I haven't been invited. I know that...People will call us and ask to be invited." Nonetheless, the Internet is teeming with speculation about the requirements. The general consensus is that eligibility involves some combination of a stellar credit score, a minimum of $250,000 a year – or roughly $21,000 a month – in charges, and at least one year's history as an American Express cardholder, as well as significant net worth.
American Express is tight lipped on the details. Crosta confirmed that there is a one-time, $5,000 initiation fee, and a $2,500 annual fee. However, she wouldn't disclose information around the percentage of selected consumers that accept the invitation, the size of and events that trigger a late fee, whether invitations are mailed or delivered by hand (as many on the Internet speculate), or the number of Centurion Card-carrying customers. "We cannot provide the exact numbers," Crosta said, "but I can tell you the demand for the Centurion Card continues to be high, as it provides a rich suite of benefits that one could not replicate on their own."
American Express has tried to keep those benefits under wraps as well, but some details have seeped out. Known benefits include what you might expect for an affluent population that frequently travels airline and hotel upgrades, and access to those nice airline lounges at airports. But for many cardholders who have their own jets and multiple homes scattered around the globe these may or may not even count as perks. Rather, the real benefit comes in the form of the 24-hour concierge service that can secure tickets to sold-out music and sporting events, that will do your shopping (if you so desire), remind you of birthdays and anniversaries,When the stone sits in the solar panel, and find that impossible-to-locate, limited-edition collector's item.
Elizabeth Crosta, director of public affairs at American Express (AXP), confirms that yes, the Centurion Card, as it's officially named, exists, and is thriving despite the larger economic troubles. "We're actually seeing a rise in luxury spending," she explained.buy chicken coop online. "Our premium customers are definitely spending more and traveling more than they were a year ago."
Interestingly,you will need to get an Cold Sore. the myth predated the card. Doug Smith, director of American Express Europe, told snopes.com, "There had been rumors going around that we had this ultra-exclusive black card for elite customers. It wasn't true, but we decided to capitalize on the idea anyway. So far we've had a customer buy a Bentley and another charter a jet." (Yes, someone bought a Bentley a car that costs between $200,000 and $400,000 with a charge card!)
In general, I try not to get too nosy about the lives of the very rich,Use bluray burner to burn video to BD DVD on Hemroids disc. in part because I get a little jealous, and in part because I get a little distressed about wealth disparities. But this time, I couldn't resist. I wanted to know more, both about the fanciest of fancy cards, and the spending habits of the uber-wealthy.
The Centurion Card, which really is all black, and made of titanium, was introduced in 1999 and is extended to consumers on an invite-only basis. According to Crosta, there is no formula for qualifying. "It's decided person by person," she says, before adding with a chuckle, "I haven't been invited. I know that...People will call us and ask to be invited." Nonetheless, the Internet is teeming with speculation about the requirements. The general consensus is that eligibility involves some combination of a stellar credit score, a minimum of $250,000 a year – or roughly $21,000 a month – in charges, and at least one year's history as an American Express cardholder, as well as significant net worth.
American Express is tight lipped on the details. Crosta confirmed that there is a one-time, $5,000 initiation fee, and a $2,500 annual fee. However, she wouldn't disclose information around the percentage of selected consumers that accept the invitation, the size of and events that trigger a late fee, whether invitations are mailed or delivered by hand (as many on the Internet speculate), or the number of Centurion Card-carrying customers. "We cannot provide the exact numbers," Crosta said, "but I can tell you the demand for the Centurion Card continues to be high, as it provides a rich suite of benefits that one could not replicate on their own."
American Express has tried to keep those benefits under wraps as well, but some details have seeped out. Known benefits include what you might expect for an affluent population that frequently travels airline and hotel upgrades, and access to those nice airline lounges at airports. But for many cardholders who have their own jets and multiple homes scattered around the globe these may or may not even count as perks. Rather, the real benefit comes in the form of the 24-hour concierge service that can secure tickets to sold-out music and sporting events, that will do your shopping (if you so desire), remind you of birthdays and anniversaries,When the stone sits in the solar panel, and find that impossible-to-locate, limited-edition collector's item.
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