What Does It Take to Get an Invite for the Amex Black Card?

The American Express Centurion Card, often called the Amex Black Card, is part card, part status symbol. It's ultra-exclusive. You can't apply for it -- American Express needs to invite you. If you accept the invitation, there's a $10,000 initiation fee, plus a $5,000 annual fee.

American Express decides who to invite, and there aren't any firm rules on what it takes to get invited. Conventional wisdom has long been that you need to spend at least $250,000 to $500,000 per year on your American Express cards to have a chance. But there are also people who have spent $1 million or more and haven't been invited.

While there's no guaranteed way to get an invite, there are enough reports online to get a reasonable idea. Whether you're hoping to get the American Express Centurion Card, or you're just curious about one of the most luxurious cards in the world, keep reading for up-to-date information.

Invitation criteria for the American Express Centurion Card

A common misconception about the American Express Centurion Card is that if you spend a certain amount, you'll get an invite. It's more complicated than that. The amount you spend is only one of the factors that American Express appears to take into consideration. Based on reports on Flyertalk and Reddit, here's what else matters:

• Type of spending
• Where you live
• Your spending history

Now, let's get into the details for each of those factors.

Type of spending

When it comes to getting a Centurion Card invite, not all spending is created equal. American Express seems to look for cardholders who lead affluent lifestyles and have high luxury spending. Business spending, on the other hand, doesn't matter nearly as much.

If you're spending $500,000 to $1 million a year on first-class airfare, fine dining, and luxury goods, that could put you in range for an invite. If you're spending that same amount on online advertising or office supplies, there's almost no chance.

Where you live

The American Express Centurion Card is intended to be exclusive. Because of that, the spending required to get invited also depends on where you live. In areas where salaries and expenses are much higher, American Express reportedly looks for much higher annual spending. Otherwise, it would have a large concentration of cardholders in those major markets.

So, if you live in an area with a low cost of living, $500,000 in annual spending could be enough. If you're in San Francisco, Manhattan, or anywhere else where mid-six-figure salaries are the norm, it could take $1 million to $2 million in spending.

Your spending history

American Express may want to see two to three years, or more, of high annual spending. It seems to want cardholders who consistently spend significant amounts of money. If you don't get an invite after your first year of heavy spending, it's possible that you just need to show that same level of spending for more time.

How to be considered for the American Express Centurion Card

To sum it up, here's what it likely takes to have a chance at the American Express Centurion Card:

• Annual spending of at least $500,000 to $1 million on your American Express cards -- and potentially double that if you're in a high-cost-of-living area
• An affluent spending profile with high spending on luxury goods, restaurants, high-end travel, and similar types of purchases
• At least one year of spending that meets those guidelines, and possibly two years or more

It's worth reiterating that there's no way to guarantee an invitation. Ultimately, it's up to American Express.

Is the American Express Centurion Card worth getting?

The American Express Centurion Card is hard to compare to most of the top credit cards. Where other cards offer everyday value, this American Express card is all about premium benefits. Here are some of the many perks it offers (terms apply):

• Airport meet and greet services: At 32 airports around the world, you can schedule a complimentary meet and greet with a rep who will escort you through customs and help you with your baggage.
• Elite status with airlines and hotels: This includes Delta SkyMiles Platinum Medallion, Hilton Honors Diamond, IHG Platinum Elite, and Marriott Bonvoy Gold.
• 24/7 concierge service: While many credit cards offer concierge service, this card is reported to offer a much higher level of service.
• Airport lounge access: Not only do you get access to over 1,400 airport lounges, the American Express Centurion Card allows you to skip the line and relax in a private room at Centurion Lounges.
• Free Equinox gym membership: This covers your initiation fee and the monthly membership fee.

This isn't a card where you try to get your money's worth on the annual fee. It's the type of card you use to enhance your lifestyle, if you have no problem paying the annual fee. And, to be fair, it's a status symbol. Some people use it for the perks, but it's a safe bet that many use it because of its reputation.