In a world where status symbols and power play have come to dominate every day life and permeated all strata of society and are no longer limited to the excessively rich or the famous, drawing the lines and making your presence felt have come to acquire new and surprising forms. Possibly one of the most subtle yet most powerful ways of announcing your place in the social hierarchy would be through the legendary “Black Card” offered by American Express. The Centurion Card which has come to be known as the Black Card is the most sought after credit card in the world that can be obtained on an invitation only basis and cannot be applied for. The Black Card has, as a result of its ultimate exclusivity, come to be the status symbol to have, and of course, something to flaunt about.

The Centurion Card has been launched only in a few countries in the world, namely Australia, Japan, Europe, Canada and the United States of America. The form in which the card is applicable, its minimum requirements, invitation system, features and benefits all vary from market to market. The Black Card is a symbol of fabulous financial power and is hence the supreme expression of wealth and influence. American Express launched the Centurion Card in the year 1999, capturing the attention of markets around the world as a result of the mystery and exclusivity that shrouds this enigmatic credit card.

The Centurion Card can be gotten only if you are invited by American Express as there is no process for applying for it. The bank has never officially announced the requirements for being eligible for an invitation. However it has been estimated that in the United States you need to have a minimum card usage of $250,000 per year along with a stellar credit record and significant balance to be able to qualify for the card.

Those who have the Centurion Card can make use of the following services-

• Free airline tickets along with full fare tickets on select international airlines

• Flight upgrades to first class

• A membership to the Cierge shopping program run by Sony

• Services of a travel agent

• Services of a concierge

• Special shopping services at stores such as Neiman Marcus, Davidoff, Piaget, Saks Fifth Avenue, Gucci, Bergdorf Goodman, and Escada

• Special privileges at world famous hotel properties such as Aman resorts and Ritz-Carlton

• Personal shoppers

• The chance to shop after hours at exclusive retail stores

• Access to limited entry private lounges and clubs

• Invites to closed events

• Invites to celebrity cruises

• International traveler cell phones (only the calls made have to be paid for by the user)

• Insurance schemes and assistance plans across the globe

The Centurion Card is so named for the Centurion logo of the American Express Company. To add to the exclusivity and appeal of the credit card the company has now started producing them in titanium.