A Brief History of the American Express Centurion Card  

     Source: http://www.americanexpress.com/centurion

The American Express Centurion Card was launched in 1999 and was invitation only. It was placed above the American Express Platinum Card. Letters were sent out to the most elite clients of American Express inviting them to join the Centurion Card program. The annual fee was $1,000 for the primary card holder and $500 for every additional Centurion Card. Eventually American Express announced there was a  spending threshold of $150,000 within twelve consecutive months in order to qualify for the card.Between 1999 and 2007, many benefits were added and lost. Many say one of the greatest losses was the loss of Starwood Preferred Guest Platinum and also Hyatt Diamond. They also raised the spending threshold from $150,000 to $250,000 and changed the card from plastic to the world’s first titanium credit card.In March 2007 it was announced that starting May 1st, 2007 all members would have to pay the $2,500 annual fee. Many grandfathered members were very unhappy that they would no longer be “grandfathered” in and have to pay $1,000 a year. It was also announced that there would be a $5,000 initation fee for all new members. The Centurion Card is considered to be the world's most exclusive credit card and a status symbol to many. It is in the wallets of many celebrities and high powered wealthy people, and mentioned in television shows and today's music. Every year, the Centurion Card Benefits come in a special form. In 2007, they came on a flash drive and in 2008 they came in a box that contained a booklet detailing  all the benefits. They also provided a Centurion wallet as a gift.

Below are some pictures of gifts from American Express for Centurion Card Members and other things or items that come with the card.