The biggest draw of elite rewards cards are the many travel benefits they offer. It's been 21 years since Amex launched the original black card, and card issuers are increasingly offering more and more luxury perks at a more accessible price point to a larger portion of their customers. (Note: Delta Skymiles Reserve card members are only eligible to visit the Centurion Lounge when flying on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight.) Terms apply. Cardholders with the Amex Platinum, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card can also use the lounge when they pass through LAX, or one of the other 11 airports with Centurion lounges. However Centurion customers won't be the only Amex cardholders who can access the new LAX Centurion Lounge.
The lounge offers travelers a place to relax with a full complimentary bar, spa services and premium amenities. In other cases, having a black card can help cardholders navigate the rigor of a high-demand business lifestyle with services like Royale Lifestyle Management that comes complimentary with the Dubai First Royale Mastercard.Īs for the original black card, Centurion cardholders have access to the new Amex Centurion lounge, opening in March 2020 at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Black cards also offer private concierge service, and some are even rumored to provide charter jet service. The privileges of a black card include upgrades and special permissions for rental cars and access to some of the most breathtaking hotel suites in hard-to-reach destinations.
These include opportunities to quickly rack up points on travel, dining and shopping around the globe, plus other perks like exclusive lounge access.īut the high-end perks that come with the ultra elite black cards remain out-of-reach for even those who are willing to pay an annual fee to access the best international travel cards. Some of the rewards offered by black cards are similar to what you get with more accessible, high-end cards, like The Platinum Card® from American Express or the Chase Sapphire Reserve® credit card.