The American Express Black Card is more exclusive and expensive. Here is my analysis and experience:
Annual fee of the American Express Platinum Card
The annual fee of the American Express Platinum Card is $695. This credit card offers excellent value in terms of statement credits and discounts. The return protection feature allows you to receive a refund for unused items within 90 days of purchase if the merchant refuses to accept a return. The refund is limited to a maximum of $1,000 per year, but you can expect to receive a substantial amount of value for your money.
The American Express Platinum Card offers a huge welcome bonus, a reputable concierge service, and consumer protections. However, its annual fee is quite high. Some credit card enthusiasts have compared its new benefits to coupons. Others have argued that the entertainment credits are forcing customers to spend more than they normally would. Some even question whether the Platinum card is worth the extra money. If you’re looking for a credit card with good travel and shopping benefits, consider the American Express Platinum Card.
Even with the higher annual fee, the benefits are well worth it. The AmEx Platinum Card offers five times more points for travel purchases than other credit cards. It also offers travel insurance and purchase protection. And the concierge service is excellent. This card will not only earn you points on travel purchases, but will also reward you for shopping, dining, or entertainment. However, the annual fee can be prohibitive if you spend excessively on the card.
It’s worth checking out both cards if you’re thinking of applying for an American Express credit card. They’ll review your credit history and determine which one will be the best fit for you. Just be sure to follow the rules and keep your balances low!
The American Express Platinum Card has more benefits than you might think. It offers a $200 statement credit every year, free TSA Pre and Global Entry memberships, and access to the Hotel Collection. The Platinum Card also offers perks to people below 18 years of age, including a $20 monthly digital entertainment credit for eligible providers such as SiriusXM and the New York Times. It’s hard to imagine a more valuable credit card!
I carefully opened the package, I was greeted by the sight of the Platinum card itself, nestled securely within. It was a thing of beauty—thick, with a cool metallic weight that felt substantial in my hand. The card was crafted from a stainless steel alloy, giving it a substantial weight that was noticeably different from the plastic cards I was used to. It was about 3.35 inches long and 2.13 inches wide, the standard credit card size, but the thickness and the metal material made it stand out.
Holding the card, I felt a sense of accomplishment. It was more than just a financial tool; it was a symbol of a certain level of attainment and a gateway to a range of benefits and experiences that were previously out of reach. I ran my fingers over the raised lettering of my name and the American Express logo, admiring the precision and craftsmanship.
The card’s benefits were extensive—a generous welcome offer, a hefty annual travel credit, access to a wide network of airport lounges including the exclusive Centurion Lounges, elite status with certain hotel chains, and a comprehensive travel insurance policy. The concierge service was another perk I was eager to try, having heard stories of the remarkable feats they could pull off for card members.
I spent the rest of the day exploring the online portal, registering for various benefits, and planning how I would maximize the card’s potential. The points earning structure was impressive, and I was already dreaming of a vaca to Mexico I could visit by leveraging the Membership Rewards points I would accumulate.
Income requirements
The income requirements for an American Express Platinum Card are not publicly disclosed. Most Platinum cardholders have a high income, but some have been approved with incomes as low as $45,000. Applicants with good credit and a low debt-to-income ratio can also qualify for an Amex Platinum card. The applicant should pay off all of their other credit cards in full each month. WalletFlo offers free credit card management tools to help you maximize your rewards and savings.
While the income requirements for a Platinum card are relatively low, the income requirements for a Black card are higher. Usually, the Black Card has a minimum income requirement of $40,000, and it requires a business that earns at least $1,000 per year. The Platinum income requirement is higher, but not by much. The average American household makes $62k a year. Thus, minimum income requirements of six figures are well beyond the means of most households. To avoid this, there are plenty of credit cards available with $500 or lower spending requirements.
The Platinum card is the most expensive card available from American Express. Its annual fee is $695, but if you are a big spender, this card may be worth it. While the Black Card income requirement is higher, you will also be charged a hefty annual fee of $5000. For these reasons, you should consider American Express Platinum vs. Black Card income requirements.
The Black Card is a better option for those with higher net worth and significant spending. The average Centurion cardholder spends hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, and is willing to pay a $5,000 annual fee for its concierge services. Having a concierge service is also a bonus for Centurion cardholders. These cardholders are not the type of people who mind paying the extra money, but they’re definitely high income earners.
I thought about applying but did not because the fees are too high. I have been traveling more by car and less by air. I think it would be worth it if you fly a lot.
Annual fee
There are several differences between the Platinum and the Black cards, including their annual fees. The Platinum card requires an annual fee of $695, while the Black has no annual fee. The Black card’s limit is based on your monthly spending habits. American Express does not disclose the income requirements for the Platinum card. Generally, you need to have a steady source of income to qualify. You must also be able to pay the $695 annual fee in full each year.
The American Express Black card is a premium card aimed at higher-net-worth individuals who spend substantial amounts. Centurion cardholders spend hundreds of thousands of dollars a year and frequently use its concierge service. The high annual fee is well worth it for this level of service. However, many people find it a hassle to deal with Amex representatives. In order to get the most out of your card, you should first understand the benefits offered by each card.
With the Platinum Card, you will be able to redeem 100,000 Membership Rewards (r) points after spending $6,000 for every six-month period. It also has a few other benefits, such as a free fifth night after spending $6000. In addition, it offers three metal designs. Its annual fee is higher than the Chase Sapphire Reserve, but it is definitely worth it for the perks. If you’re looking for the highest rewards, the Platinum Card is for you.
When comparing the annual fees of the American Express Black vs. Platinum card, make sure you check the fees and the annual fees of each. The Platinum card’s annual fee is $695, while the Black card’s is $550. The cost difference between the two cards depends on the amount of spending you have. The Centurion Card costs you $15,000 to start. After the first year, you must pay $695.
If you aren’t interested in spending more money, the Platinum card will save you money. However, the Platinum card does have some perks that make it worth paying the higher annual fee. For example, the Platinum card offers airport lounge access and elite status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors. It has no foreign transaction fees. Aside from these benefits, the Platinum card can also provide you with a great deal of cash back for purchases.
Annual fee of the American Express Centurion Card
The Centurion Card is the top tier credit card from American Express. It comes with a seven-figure initiation fee and a $2,500 annual membership fee. For those of us earning less than $100,000, these fees may seem steep, but they can be worth it. The Centurion Card also features a host of travel benefits, including hotel status, airport lounge access, and baggage insurance.
One of the most exclusive charge cards on the market, the American Express Centurion Card (or Black Card) requires a personal invitation from a wealthy friend or family member. In addition to paying an annual fee of $5,000, the Centurion Card comes with a five-figure initiation fee. This makes it the highest-end card in the world, though the annual fee is quite steep. But consider this: the benefits and extras you can get with this card are priceless.
Amex offers purchase protection. With this benefit, you can claim a refund if an item you bought is cheaper than the price you paid for it. This benefit is only available if you claim within 90 days of purchase. With The Platinum Card from American Express, you can get this same benefit as well. Other credit cards offer price protection, which means they refund you the difference in price if an item is marked down more than 30% within a certain amount of time.
While eligibility criteria for the Centurion Card vary widely, the benefits are quite valuable. In order to be eligible for the card, you must spend between $250,000 and $5 million a year on American Express products. However, if you are in the business of buying luxury cars, this benefit is not for you. This card is not for the faint of heart. The benefits are far beyond the annual fee. The benefits are truly worth the cost.
For those interested in the Centurion Card, however, there is a requirement. While there is no public application for the card, you can request an invitation for yourself through an American Express representative. To apply, all you have to do is enter your American Express card number and security code on the Centurion’s website. You’ll then be able to receive more information on the card’s benefits.
Fico.com reports that 59% of people in the United States have a score in the 700-850 range. The average score has been rising the past few years as shown below:
2011 – 689
2013 – 691
2015 – 695
2018 – 701
2020 – 710
2021 – 716
2022 – 714
2023 – 715
FAQ
- Q: What’s the difference between the American Express Platinum and Black Cards?A: The Platinum Card is Amex’s high-end travel card available to anyone brave enough to pay the annual fee and meet the credit requirements. The Black Card, on the other hand, is like the mysterious VIP room of credit cards. You can’t just apply for it, you have to be invited. It’s kind of like getting a letter from Hogwarts, but instead of magic, you get luxury perks.
- Q: What are the benefits of the American Express Platinum Card?A: The Platinum Card offers an impressive suite of travel benefits, including airport lounge access, airline and hotel credits, and bonus points on travel purchases. You can feel like an A-list celeb cruising through the airport, minus the pesky paparazzi.
- Q: What are the benefits of the American Express Black Card?A: The Black Card takes the perks of the Platinum Card and dials them up to 11. It includes a dedicated concierge service, access to exclusive events, and even unlimited airport lounge access for two companions. It’s like being a rock star, but without having to smash a guitar on stage.
- Q: What are the fees for these cards?A: Hold onto your wallets! The Platinum Card has a hefty annual fee ($695), but the Black Card really takes the cake. Its initiation fee is rumored to be $7,500 and the annual fee $5,000. That’s like buying a used car every year just to own the card! Yikes!
- Q: Is the Black Card made of real black metal?A: Yes, indeed! The Black Card is made of anodized titanium, so it weighs more than the average card. If you’re not careful, it might give your wallet a workout!
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