A Brief History of the American Express Centurion Card  

Last Updated: 6/7/08

   The American Express Platinum Card was launched in 1984 and given to the most elite customers of American Express. It originally started as an invitation only card and eventually opened up so that others could apply for it. Over the years benefits have been added and removed, and the annual fee has continued to rise. In 1999, the Centurion Card was launched as the flagship card, for those who wanted something above a Platinum Card.