AmEx Centurion: I Don't See The Benefits

yycan on 03/11/2016 - 20:04

Hello OzBargainers,

I got an invitation from Amex today to sign up to their Centurion card. Was surprised to see it, as my income is around $80k. Anyway, had a flick through their brochure, and I can honestly say that I don't see any benefits of signing up at all. All their spruiking is some kind of concierge service for $5000 a year (plus $5000 sign up fee)!

I thought… who in their right mind would sign up for that?

So, fellow OzBargainers who may have done some more research than me, why would anyone get this card? It does not appear value for money at all. Is there any way they would waive the fee?

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Comments

  • kev98 on 03/11/2016 - 20:19

    Have a look on ausfrequentflyer forum for info on it. I don't believe there is possibility of fee reduction, and it seems it is only worth the fee for very niche group of people. Platinum charge seems better value IMO

  • Skramit on 03/11/2016 - 20:44
    +1

    Centurion have a lot of deals for frequent luxury travellers
    e.g.
    First class Etihad for the price of Business class.
    Free nights at luxury hotels stay 5 pay 3.
    Front row seats for the price of average seats of broadway.

    That sort of thing.

    If your a baby boomer retiree in the game of luxury travel then a centurion card is worth considering. Especially if you travel in the pointy end of the plane and like a travel agent booking things for you. Otherwise it's not.

    • yycan on 03/11/2016 - 21:05
      +3

      Ha thanks, I mostly travel on Scoot and AirAsia, like a true OzBargainer :P

      I guess it's not for me then.

      • Skramit on 03/11/2016 - 21:09

        Yeah probably not. I know a few people with them and they are frequent travellers and have the spending power to make it worthwhile.

        The metal card is a bit of fun too when you hand it over in a shop or restaurant.

      • NotAMoodle on 03/11/2016 - 21:19
        +2

        The true OzBargainer finds the Business class fares at Economy prices, then flies!

        • yycan on 03/11/2016 - 21:21

          Ah true, but I have never seen business class fares at Scoot/AirAsia/Jetstar prices.

        • Zaenille on 04/11/2016 - 10:56

          Same, never seen them.

          I have seen economy class fares at cheaper-than-normal prices though, and those are what I book :)

  • Rashed on 03/11/2016 - 21:26
    +1

    it's not about income but expenses that gets you invited ;)

  • flash987 on 03/11/2016 - 21:31

    How much are you putting through a month to get the invite?

    • yycan on 03/11/2016 - 21:36

      I've only had the card for six months, and most months I put through less than $2k, but two of the months, I've put through >25k.

      • plentifoo on 04/11/2016 - 01:54
        +3

        50k in 2 months, that's probably what got their algorithms tingling with excitement.

  • bobbified on 03/11/2016 - 21:52
    +1

    It used to be good, but the benefits have been significantly reduced over the years.

    Even the Platinum Charge Card, which is one level lower at $1200/year, is hardly worth it anymore.

    There were some "hidden" (I should say not-so-publicised) benefits before like a high automatic frequent flyer status' to certain airlines and automatic gold memberships to some big name hotel chains.

    The biggest benefits for the holders of these cards are the frequent travellers who are more concerned with level of services they receive rather than what it costs.

    • kawinuyo on 03/11/2016 - 22:31

      Probably not ozbargainers then

      • Rashed on 04/11/2016 - 02:59

        it could be, if you are after cheaper first/suite airline tickets for your weekly gateway ;)

  • [Deactivated] on 04/11/2016 - 09:28

    not worth it aye

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