Amex Platinum Card vs. Centurion Card [Detailed Comparison]

Few credit cards come with the exclusive bragging rights of the Centurion® Card from American Express. And rightly so, as this elusive titanium charge card, known colloquially as the “Black Card” or “Amex Black Card,” remains available by invitation-only to select high-net-worth individuals.

We may not know how many Centurion cards have been issued, but there is certainly a lot of hype surrounding the card. This attention presents an opportunity for us to explore the attributes of its allure and compare it to another valuable travel rewards card, The Platinum Card® from American Express.

Because the Centurion card comes with an extraordinarily high acquisition fee and subsequent annual fees, we suspect there must be some substance behind its reputation. This premise alone is prompting our need to compare this sought-after status symbol with the card we know represents great value for the frequent traveler.

And so, for your practical economic knowledge, and perhaps some entertainment, we’re going to proceed with our comparison of a card that few have had in their wallet against a travel rewards card you should ultimately consider.

Amex Platinum Card vs. Centurion Card

 — Overview

Before we dive into all the key details of the Amex Platinum card and the Centurion card, let’s look at a high-level overview comparing our featured cards side-by-side.

Benefit
Amex Platinum Card
Centurion Card
Welcome Bonus

• Earn 80,000 points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first 6 months.
  

• N/A

Earnings

• 5x Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airlines or through Amex Travel, up to $500,000 per calendar year
• 5x points on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel
• 1x points on all other purchases

 

• 1 Membership Reward point per dollar spent on all purchases
• Earn 1.5x points on purchases over $5,000 (up to 1 million additional points per year)
• Receive a 50% rebate when you Pay With Points to book eligible flights through Amex Travel

Redemption Options

• Transfer to airline/hotel partners
• Redeem for 1 cent per point for flights on Amex Travel
• Qualifying travel via Amex Travel, gift cards, statement credits, retail shopping, event tickets, NYC taxi fares, and more

• Transfer to airline/hotel partners
• Redeem for up to 1.5 cents per point for flights booked through Amex Travel
• Qualifying travel via Amex Travel (other than flights), gift cards, statement credits, retail shopping, event tickets, NYC taxi fares, and more

Travel/Lifestyle Benefits and Protections

• Access to the International Airline Program
• Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status and Hilton Honors Gold status upon enrollment
• Access to Fine Hotels & Resorts
• Access to The Hotel Collection
• Car rental status and/or benefits with National Emerald Club, Avis Preferred, and Hertz Gold Plus Rewards

• Delta SkyMiles Platinum Medallion status
• Access to the International Airline Program
• Marriott Bonvoy Gold status, Hilton Honors Diamond status, IHG One Rewards Platinum status
• Hertz Platinum and Avis President’s Club status
• Centurion International Arrival Services
• Centurion Hotel Program (additional $100 to $200 in property credits on stays of at least 2 nights)
• Access to Centurion Concierge
• Numerous other Centurion perks (detailed below)

Airport Lounge Access
 

• Centurion Lounges (including international locations)
• Delta Sky Club (when flying with Delta)
• Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner
• Lufthansa Lounges (select locations when flying with Lufthansa Group)
• Plaza Premium Lounges
• 1,300+ Priority Pass Select lounges, upon enrollment
• Virgin Clubhouses (select locations)

Statement Credits

• Up to $200 in airline credits
• Up to $85 statement credit for TSA PreCheck application fee or up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry application fee
• Up to $100 in Saks Fifth Avenue credit
• $189 statement credit for CLEAR
• Up to $300 in Equinox statement credits
• Up to $200 in hotel credit for eligible prepaid stays
• Up to $155 in statement credits for Walmart+
• Up to $240 in digital entertainment credits
• Up to $300 in SoulCycle credits

• Up to $200 in airline credit for incidentals
• Up to $85 statement credit for TSA PreCheck application fee or up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry application fee

Shopping Benefits 

• Amex Offers
• American Express Auto Purchasing Program
• Entertainment Access

Annual Fees and Authorized Users

• $695 annual fee
• Add up to 3 additional authorized users for an additional $175 total
• Free basic Gold cards for authorized users (not the same as the Amex Gold card) (rates and fees)

• Data points suggest this card has an initiation fee of around $10,000 and an annual fee of $5,000
• Authorized users are said to cost $5,000 apiece

The Value of a Welcome Offer

The Platinum Card® by American Express

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 150,000 points with the Amex Platinum card! The current public offer is 80,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

The Amex Platinum welcome bonus offer does vary, but you can count on receiving a value of 1 cent per Membership Rewards point when redeeming points for travel via Amex Travel. This valuation equates to a 50,000-point welcome bonus having a value of $500 and a 100,000-point bonus having a value of $1,000, and so on.

You may, however, receive additional value by transferring Membership Rewards points to airline and hotel partners.

Centurion® Card from American Express

The Centurion card does not offer a welcome bonus.

Membership Rewards Points

Both the Amex Platinum card and the Centurion card earn valuable Membership Rewards points.

Comparing Earning Potential

Card
Earnings
Amex Platinum Card

• 5x Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airlines or through Amex Travel, up to $500,000 per calendar year
• 5x Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel
• 1 point per 1 dollar spent on all other purchases

Centurion Card

• 1 Membership Rewards point per dollar spent
• 1.5x Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on purchases over $5,000

Bottom Line: The Amex Platinum card clearly offers better earning potential than the Centurion card. In addition, you have the opportunity to earn a generous welcome bonus after meeting initial spending requirements.

Comparing Redemption Options

Since both the Amex Platinum card and the Centurion card earn Membership Rewards points, redemption options are similar. One noticeable difference is that redeeming points on the Centurion card are worth more when redeeming for flights on Amex Travel as the cardholder will receive a 50% rebate of the points on eligible flights.

Card
Best Redemption Options
Additional Redemption Options
Amex Platinum Card

• Transfer to airline partners
• Redeem for flights on Amex Travel (1 cent per point)

Redeem for travel (other than flights) on Amex Travel, transfer to hotel partners, statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, Amazon, Ticketmaster, donate points

Centurion Card

• Transfer to airline partners
• Redeem for flights on Amex Travel (up to 1.5 cents per point)

Airport Lounge Access

The American Express Global Lounge Collection

Both the Centurion card and the Amex Platinum card offer lounge access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide. With either card, you’ll have access to all of the lounges in The American Express Global Lounge Collection. Complimentary access is valid for the cardholder plus up to 2 guests, except where noted.

With either card you’ll have access to the following lounge networks:

Amex Platinum card and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express cardholders may enter Centurion Lounges with up to 2 complimentary guests if they have spent $75,000 in eligible purchases in a calendar year. Otherwise, a guest day pass can be purchased for $50 per adult or $30 per child between the ages of 2 and 17.

Comparing Authorized User Lounge Access

Authorized users added to either the Amex Platinum card or the Centurion card receive the same lounge access benefits as the primary cardholder, including the same guest access privileges.

Bottom Line: The Amex Platinum card offers far better value than the Centurion card with complimentary worldwide lounge access to the same lounge networks in exchange for a far lower annual fee. 

Airline, Hotel, and Rental Car Program Benefits

Airline Program Benefits — Amex Platinum Card

The Amex Platinum card does not offer any specific airline program benefits.

Airline Program Benefits — Centurion Card

Delta Platinum Medallion Elite Status

The Centurion card comes with Delta Platinum Medallion elite status, which delivers a long list of benefits. You’d normally have to fly 75,000 miles each calendar year (or 100 segments) and spend $9,000 on Delta tickets to achieve Platinum status.

Here are some of the benefits Delta Platinum Medallion elites can expect to receive:

• Unlimited complimentary upgrades
• Choice Benefits — select from a list of regional upgrades, shopping certificates, gift Medallion status, or choose 20,000 SkyMiles
• Earn bonus miles on flights
• Waived fees for checked bags and ticket changes
• Discounted CLEAR membership
• Priority boarding, security, and baggage
• Dedicated phone line

Centurion International Arrival Services

You’ll be greeted by a personal guide who will expedite you through customs and immigration when you travel internationally in first or business class.

Hotel Program Benefits — Amex Platinum Card

The Amex Platinum card offers a wide range of hotel program benefits, including elite status, on-site property amenities, and elevated service.

As a cardholder, you’ll enjoy the following hotel benefits with the Amex Platinum card:

Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status

Upon enrollment, Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite members receive upgraded rooms when available, free Wi-Fi, welcome bonus points, a 25% bonus on earnings, and late checkout.

Hilton Honors Gold Elite Status

Upon enrollment, Hilton Honors Gold elite members receive upgraded rooms, free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, and earn 18 Hilton Honors points per dollar spent at Hilton properties.

Prepaid Hotel Credit

Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings, which require a minimum 2-night stay, through Amex Travel when you pay with your card.

American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts

Cardholders receive the following benefits:

• Room upgrade, subject to availability
• Breakfast each day for 2
• Early check-in and late checkout
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• An amenity valued at $100

The Hotel Collection

Book your prepaid stay of 2 nights or more and receive a $100 credit towards an on-site qualifying dining, spa, or resort activity. You’ll also earn 5x Membership Rewards on your booking.

Hotel Program Benefits — Centurion Card

The Centurion card offers the same hotel program benefits as the Amex Platinum card with a few exceptions:

Hilton Honors Diamond Status

In addition to all the benefits of Hilton Honors Gold status, Diamond status offers additional earnings on Hilton hotel stays, complimentary lounge access, and suite upgrades when available.

The Centurion Hotel Program

Receive the same benefits and amenities as with the American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts plus receive an extra $100 to $200 Centurion Hotel Program credit to spend during 2-night stays or more.

Rental Car Program Benefits — Amex Platinum Card

• Avis Preferred — Receive a 25% discount on base rates and a 1-category upgrade when available.
• Hertz Gold Plus Rewards — Complimentary Hertz President’s Circle status and a 1-category upgrade on a rental of an intermediate-size vehicle or greater.
• National Emerald Club Executive Status — Receive a 1-category upgrade when renting a full-size vehicle or greater, elevated earnings, preferred car selection, and easy returns.

Rental Car Program Benefits — Centurion Card

• Avis President’s Circle — Receive complimentary double-vehicle upgrades, walk-up car availability (even without a reservation), and discounted rates.
• Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Platinum Status — Receive elevated personal service, vehicle upgrades, and rental delivery to select private airports.

Statement Credits and Additional Benefits

Statement Credits

Both the Amex Platinum card and the Centurion card come with statement credits for specific purchases:

• Up to $200 in airline credits for incidentals
• Up to $85 statement credit for TSA PreCheck application fee or up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry application fee

The Amex Platinum has several other additional statement credits:

Travel Benefits and Protections

The following is a sampling of highlighted benefits and a brief description of how the benefit works on each card:

• Car Rental Insurance — The Centurion card comes with primary car rental insurance while the Amex Platinum card offers secondary car rental coverage. However, the Amex Platinum card offers the option to purchase Premium Car Rental Protection which includes primary car rental coverage for a flat fee (maximum $24.95) for the entire rental period.
• International Airline Program — Both Amex Platinum and Centurion cardmembers receive access to discounts and upgrades in this premium airfare-purchase program, however, the booking fee is waived for Centurion cardmembers.
• Baggage Insurance — Both cards carry this protection with up to $2,000 for lost, stolen, or damaged checked bags and $3,000 for carry-on.

• Trip Cancellation, Interruption, and Delay Coverage —

  Purchase a round-trip ticket with your eligible card and receive up to $10,000 per trip/$50,000 per year for covered events and up to $500 if your trip is delayed more than 6 hours.

Shopping Benefits and Protections

While the Centurion card has its own set of additional shopping benefits, which we’ll discuss shortly, both cards offer a multitude of basic shopping benefits and protections.

• Amex Offers — Enjoy ongoing special offers that provide rebates and bonus points for specific purchases.
• American Express Presale and Preferred Seating — Members receive early access to event tickets and priority seating.
• Entertainment Access — Receive access to member-only events and special experiences.
• Return Protection — If an item you purchased is not accepted as a return by the merchant within 90 days of purchase, the purchase price could be refunded.
• Extended Warranty — 1 additional year is added to the manufacturer’s warranty of 5 years or less on eligible purchases. Coverage is provided for up to $10,000 per purchase, $50,000 per eligible card.
• Purchase Protection — Pay for your eligible purchase with your card and receive up to $10,000 per occurrence, $50,000 per account per calendar year if the item is accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost. Coverage is provided for 120 days (90 days in New York) from the date of purchase.

Additional Perks of the Centurion Card

With a list of benefits nearly too long to describe, the Centurion card steps it up a notch or 2 above the Amex Platinum card with perks and services that cater to every potential aspect of the cardholder’s daily life and travel activities.

• Private Concierge and Travel Agent — Receive personalized assistance with any reservations, transportation assistance, event planning, travel disruption, and so much more.
• No Preset Spending Limits — Your card does not come with a spending limit but it does need to be paid off at the end of each monthly statement period.
• CLEAR Membership — Speed through security with a complimentary CLEAR membership
• Elite Wine Services and Centurion Wine — Receive special wine discounts, complimentary free wine storage, wine appraisals, consultations, and more.
• Centurion Dining Program — Enjoy access to a pre-reserved table for Centurion members at 1,000 fine dining establishments worldwide.
• Special Tour Packages — Select from exclusive 3-day Tuscany or Napa Valley customized tours.
• Special Access and Invitation-only Events — Get VIP invitations and treatment at events such as concerts, sports, and even special events such as the Kentucky Derby or the Grand Prix de Monaco.
• Centurion Shopping Program — Enjoy a personal shopper and free express shipping, with access to NET-A-PORTER shopping services.
• Surprise Gifts — Members receive unexpected gifts such as shopping certificates and luxury merchandise.
• Centurion Auto Program — Receive access and preferred pricing when purchasing, leasing, or renting luxury vehicles.
• Elevated Centurion Lounge Experience — Centurion cardmembers receive unrestricted access, a reserved seating area, and special top-shelf beverages at Centurion Lounges

Annual Fees and Adding Additional Users

Annual Fees

Given the exclusivity of the Centurion Card, there isn’t a lot of public information regarding the annual fees. However, some have indicated that the card carries an initiation fee of around $10,000 along with an annual fee of $5,000.

At $695, the Amex Platinum card has an annual fee that is a fraction of the Centurion card fee (see rates and fees).

Authorized Users

To add an authorized user to the Amex Platinum card, it costs $175 total each card year to add up to 3 (see rates and fees). The Centurion card reportedly charges $5,000 for each additional user for each card year.

Centurion Card Alternatives

In addition to the Amex Platinum card, which is an excellent alternative to the Centurion card, there are several travel rewards cards that rival the Centurion card with arguably better overall value.

Alternative Personal Travel Rewards Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card comes with a generous welcome bonus, an annual $300 travel statement credit, Priority Pass Select worldwide lounge membership, and 3x earnings on travel and dining. Additionally, you’ll receive 50% more value when redeeming your Ultimate Rewards points for travel.

Alternative Business Travel Rewards Cards

Amex Business Platinum card

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a huge welcome bonus offer of up to 150,000 points with the Amex Business Platinum card! The current public offer is 120,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

With the same 5x earnings on flights and prepaid hotels and worldwide lounge access as the Amex Platinum personal card, the Amex Business Platinum card is a fine choice.

You’ll also receive a 35% rebate when using your Membership Rewards points for flights on your preselected airline when booked through Amex Travel, up to 1 million bonus points per calendar year.

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

The Ink Business Preferred card is one of our favorite business credit cards, and it comes with a generous welcome bonus, top-level earnings on select business categories, and 25% more value for your Ultimate Rewards points when redeemed for travel.

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

While not a premium travel rewards card, the no-annual-fee Ink Business Unlimited card serves business owners well with unlimited earnings. The card earns 1.5% cash-back (earned as Ultimate Rewards points) on every purchase without regard to caps or complicated bonus categories.

Additionally, business owners can combine the earning power of the Ink Business Unlimited card with the redemption power of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card or Ink Business Preferred card to receive up to 50% more value when redeeming points for travel.

Bottom Line: While none of the alternatives to the Centurion card have the same panache and prestige, you’ll still be receiving stellar value with any of these alternative cards. The best card for you will depend on how you spend on the card, whether you use the benefits offered, and your willingness to pay an annual fee. 

Final Thoughts

At this point, you might be wondering why we featured a card that few are likely to be invited to have. One reason is for the informational value, but the bottom line for the comparison is to illustrate the tremendous value of the Amex Platinum card and alternative travel rewards cards… and you won’t have to spend thousands of dollars for the privilege of having these cards.

Also, please note that Amex does not publish information on the Centurion card, so the data in this article was gathered from those who have the card, bulletin boards discussing the benefits, news articles, and Wikipedia.

If you have the Centurion card and can add information from your own personal experience of using the card, we encourage you to do so in the comments section.

For the car rental insurance benefit of The Platinum Card® from American Express, insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

For the baggage insurance benefit of The Platinum Card® from American Express, coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the Trip Delay Coverage insurance benefit of The Platinum Card® from American Express, up to $500 per covered trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For the Trip Cancellation and Interruption insurance benefit of The Platinum Card® from American Express, the maximum benefit amount is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For the Return Protection benefit of The Platinum Card® from American Express,  you may return eligible purchases to American Express if the seller won’t take them back up to 90 days from the date of purchase. American Express may refund the full purchase price excluding shipping and handling, up to $300 per item, up to a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year per Card account, if you purchased it entirely with your eligible American Express® Card. Purchases must be made in the U.S. or its territories. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

For the Extended Warranty benefit of The Platinum Card® from American Express, when an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase to an Eligible Card, Extended Warranty can provide up to one extra year added to the Original Manufacturer’s Warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your Card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the Purchase Protection benefit of The Platinum Card® from American Express, purchase protection is an embedded benefit of your Card Membership and requires no enrollment. It can help protect Covered Purchases made on your Eligible Card when they’re accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost, for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date. The coverage is limited up to $10,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Coverage Limits Apply. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

The information regarding the Centurion® Card from American Express was independently collected by Upgraded Points and was not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. 

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.