Amex Black vs Platinum Differences
The American Express Black Card and Platinum Card are both premium credit cards with exclusive perks, but they have differences in terms of fees, benefits, and eligibility. Understanding these distinctions can help you decide which card aligns better with your financial goals and lifestyle.
American Express offers two premium credit cards, the American Express Centurion Card, often referred to as the "Amex Black Card," and the American Express Platinum Card. These cards cater to high-net-worth individuals and come with numerous benefits and perks. Here are some of the key differences between the two:
Membership:
Amex Black Card (Centurion Card): The Amex Black Card is an invitation-only card, and potential cardholders typically need to have a significant history of spending with American Express to receive an invitation. It's one of the most exclusive and prestigious cards offered by American Express.
Amex Platinum Card: The Amex Platinum Card is available to applicants who meet specific credit requirements and can afford the annual fee. It is more widely accessible than the Amex Black Card but is still considered a premium card.
Annual Fees:
Amex Black Card: The annual fee for the Amex Black Card is considerably higher than that of the Platinum Card. The exact fee is not publicly disclosed but is reported to be substantially higher.
Amex Platinum Card: The annual fee for the Amex Platinum Card is also relatively high but significantly lower than that of the Amex Black Card.
Benefits and Perks:
- Both cards offer a range of travel and lifestyle benefits, including access to airport lounges, travel credits, concierge services, and hotel and airline status upgrades. However, the specific benefits and terms can vary between the two cards.
Metal vs. Plastic:
- One of the distinctive physical differences is the material used for the cards. The Amex Black Card is famously made of metal, often referred to as the "Black Metal Card," while the Amex Platinum Card is typically plastic, although some versions offer a metal option for a fee.
Eligibility:
Amex Black Card: As mentioned, the Amex Black Card is invitation-only, and cardholders need to have a significant spending history with American Express to be considered.
Amex Platinum Card: The Amex Platinum Card is available to individuals who meet the credit and income requirements. It is not as exclusive as the Amex Black Card.
Rewards:
- Both cards earn Membership Rewards points, which can be redeemed for various rewards, including travel, statement credits, and merchandise. However, the earn rates and bonus categories can differ.
Target Audience:
The Amex Black Card is aimed at the ultra-wealthy and offers a higher level of exclusivity and personalized services.
The Amex Platinum Card is designed for high-net-worth individuals and frequent travelers but is more widely available and accessible to those who meet the requirements.
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck:
- Both cards offer a statement credit to cover the cost of either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees, making the security screening process more convenient for travelers.
It's important to note that the specific benefits and terms of these cards can change over time, so it's advisable to check with American Express for the most up-to-date information regarding each card's features, benefits, and eligibility requirements.
What are the distinctions between the American Express Black Card and the Platinum Card, and which one suits your needs better?.
The American Express Centurion Card, also known as the Amex Black Card, is the company's most exclusive charge card. It is known for its high annual fee and its many valuable benefits, including:
- Airport lounge access: The Black Card offers access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, including Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, and Priority Pass lounges.
- Travel benefits: The Black Card includes a number of travel benefits, such as a $200 annual airline fee credit, a $200 annual travel credit, and a $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee credit.
- Hotel benefits: The Black Card includes a number of hotel benefits, such as a $200 annual hotel credit and a free night's stay at a Fine Hotels & Resorts property each year.
- Dining benefits: The Black Card includes a number of dining benefits, such as a $200 annual dining credit and a $100 statement credit each year for dining at select restaurants during the week.
- Other benefits: The Black Card also includes a number of other benefits, such as a $100 Saks Fifth Avenue statement credit each year, a $200 statement credit each year for purchases at Dell, and a $200 statement credit each year for purchases at Uber Cash.
The American Express Platinum Card is also a high-end charge card, but it is not as exclusive as the Black Card. It has a lower annual fee and offers a slightly different set of benefits, including:
- Airport lounge access: The Platinum Card offers access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, including Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, and Priority Pass lounges.
- Travel benefits: The Platinum Card includes a number of travel benefits, such as a $200 annual airline fee credit, a $200 annual travel credit, and a $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee credit.
- Hotel benefits: The Platinum Card includes a number of hotel benefits, such as a $200 annual hotel credit and an automatic upgrade to a preferred room upon check-in at select hotels.
- Dining benefits: The Platinum Card includes a number of dining benefits, such as a $200 annual dining credit and a $100 statement credit each year for dining at select restaurants during the week.
- Other benefits: The Platinum Card also includes a number of other benefits, such as a $100 Saks Fifth Avenue statement credit each year, a $200 statement credit each year for purchases at Dell, and a $200 statement credit each year for purchases at Uber Cash.
Which card is better for you?
The best card for you will depend on your individual needs and spending habits. If you are looking for a card with the most exclusive benefits and don't mind paying a high annual fee, then the American Express Centurion Card is the better option. However, if you are looking for a card with a lower annual fee and still offers many valuable benefits, then the American Express Platinum Card is a good choice.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between the two cards:
| Feature | American Express Centurion Card | American Express Platinum Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $7,500 | $695 |
| Invitation-only | Yes | No |
| Airport lounge access | Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, Priority Pass lounges | Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, Priority Pass lounges |
| Travel benefits | $200 annual airline fee credit, $200 annual travel credit, $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee credit, free night's stay at a Fine Hotels & Resorts property each year | $200 annual airline fee credit, $200 annual travel credit, $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee credit, automatic upgrade to a preferred room upon check-in at select hotels |
| Hotel benefits | $200 annual hotel credit | $200 annual hotel credit |
| Dining benefits | $200 annual dining credit, $100 statement credit each year for dining at select restaurants during the week | $200 annual dining credit, $100 statement credit each year for dining at select restaurants during the week |
| Other benefits | $100 Saks Fifth Avenue statement credit each year, $200 statement credit each year for purchases at Dell, $200 statement credit each year for purchases at Uber Cash | $100 Saks Fifth Avenue statement credit each year, $200 statement credit each year for purchases at Dell, $200 statement credit each year for purchases at Uber Cash |