Amex Centurion Card eligibility in Australia

[Pointy Bird]

the joining fee was 5k - waived
the yearly fee ( ongoing ) is 5k - had to pay it
the spend on explorer was 400k pm - mostly personal spend, perhaps 20% business - this was a pain as explorer had limit of 50 k so I had to continuously top up.
they wanted the notice of assessment from ATO
I now use centurion more for business expenses ( hence 5k fee tax deductible) and personal expenses that do not charge a fee of more than 1.5% - otherwise not really worth using it.

 

[DaveB]

Had reason to phone Amex account manager to have an Asia Miles refund transferred out of the closed Business Explorer account to the replacement Platinum account.
Finding it necessary to have both the Business Platinum and Corporate Platinum cards, enquired about a company based Centurion account being advised Amex strangely discontinued the Business Centurion card a few years back. Advising the account manager of no interest in being referred for a personal Centurion card, left with the impression Amex would happily give the Centurion card to those willing to pay the annual fee.

 

[Pointy Bird]

There is no need for a business Centurion as they provide you with a number of cards which are sub-accounts. I use some for business and others for personal expenses. The statements separate the sub-accounts for taxation purposes.

 

[DaveB]

It all depends on your level of risk taking and spend levels as I would not want to run the risk of seeing a 7 or 8 figure rewards points stash suddenly removed due to putting too much business spend on a personal account.
I know Amex closely monitor spending levels and spending type having even being advised when suppliers in my industry come on board with Amex. Amex also seem to have plenty of unwritten internal rules that differentiate between their three department silos of Personal, Business and Corporate.
I was initially denied moving from Business Explorer to Business Platinum due to my company turnover level placing it outside their Business Department levels. It was explained to me they only handle small businesses with less than $10m turnover though this internal rule seemingly only applies to charge cards as my company had exceeded that turnover level when applying for the Explorer card 12 months earlier. The Amex Business made no attempt explain how any small business could possibly need 99 separate cards being issued under their account.
Amex Corporate quickly contacted me and after learning of the significantly lower fees available when making large payments, I happily signed up for the Corporate Platinum card.
With the main annoyance of the Corporate Platinum being only one card being permitted, I contacted the Business section again over how to handle cards for staff and family, Amex Business were happy to issue me a separate Business Platinum account provided I used another ABN with <$10m turnover. I now have the trading and holding companies each with separate card accounts with all cards embossed with the same company trading name.
Though readily making two company platinum card accounts work, I would never bother with a separate personal centurion account and seems incongruous why Amex would discontinue the Business Centurion when happy to make personal cards available.

 

[mrtupperware]

The calculation for me whether the Centurion is worth it or not is simple.
I don’t really care about the benefits and the things that interest me the most are the points (currently hold PC).

The Cent will give me 0.0125 more FF points per dollar. So on incrementally spending another $3,550 i’ll generate on $1m spend another 125k points. The breakeven point for me (personally) is $2.8m spend p.a., so at the moment even if I am offered a card I probably won’t accept it.

 

[daft009]

well inspired by this thread, I called up and applied for it,
I dont have a charge card, and i dont expect to be approved, and even if I was i wouldnt pay the $10k fees just for the first year,
was surprised not to get rejected on the spot

was told 5-10 business days and a call/email regardless,

Any updates as yet?

 

[SOPOOR]

Any updates as yet?

Actually i did get a missed call from amex today but i also applied for a supp card.

Thanks for the reminder

Will call tomorow

 

[aus_flyer]

Does anyone have a list of benefits?

 

[SOPOOR]

Any updates as yet?

spoke tothem today, the call centre lady was like "have you received your letter or email?"
"No"
"are you aware the fee is $5k annual fee and $5k initiation fee?"

"after checking your application, we have no updates, I will submit a follow up, if you dont hear from us within the next 30 days, it means you are not eligible, and you can reapply in 6 months time"

 

[albyd]

FWIW I've found Centurion to be pretty much like Platinum feature-wise. There are some notable differences:

• the "Relationship Manager" which seems to be a personal travel agent - they can't move mountains (at least mine can't) as folk lore on Google searches might suggest;
• some of the hotel statuses are higher than for Platinum - notably for Hilton (Diamond vs Gold) and Shangri-La (Diamond vs Jade);
• Qantas Club membership - good for Domestic J travel if Qantas is your domestic airline of choice and you don't have status to get lounge access.
• ever so slightly higher MR earn rate - it's bugger all but makes a difference post April's MR enhancements;
• Enhancement to FHR;

Not sure much else stands out to me outside of getting through to someone in Sydney whose first language is English during business hours. Line of Credit works just the same as for any other Amex Charge card - spend history will determine how much you can spend up to a point before a more detailed application. I'm sure I've missed some other salient features.

If you're booking your own travel - esp on FF points, they can't help you make those bookings. It's otherwise a card for frequent travelers.

In short, it's the Platinum card with more "Mystique" (if that's important to you) and a small number of additional benefits surrounding it.

 

[samh004]

Qantas Club membership - good for Domestic J travel if Qantas is your domestic airline of choice and you don't have status to get lounge access

Can this be given to your +1 (or does it also offer to the +1 card)? In my case for instance, it would be completely useless as I'm about to hit LTG. So being able to choose for my +1 or a supplementary PC holder to take the membership would be useful.

 

[albyd]

I don't believe that it can be transferred.

 

[jasonfungsing]

FWIW I've found Centurion to be pretty much like Platinum feature-wise. There are some notable differences:

• the "Relationship Manager" which seems to be a personal travel agent - they can't move mountains (at least mine can't) as folk lore on Google searches might suggest;
• some of the hotel statuses are higher than for Platinum - notably for Hilton (Diamond vs Gold) and Shangri-La (Diamond vs Jade);
• Qantas Club membership - good for Domestic J travel if Qantas is your domestic airline of choice and you don't have status to get lounge access.
• ever so slightly higher MR earn rate - it's bugger all but makes a difference post April's MR enhancements;
• Enhancement to FHR;

Not sure much else stands out to me outside of getting through to someone in Sydney whose first language is English during business hours. Line of Credit works just the same as for any other Amex Charge card - spend history will determine how much you can spend up to a point before a more detailed application. I'm sure I've missed some other salient features.

If you're booking your own travel - esp on FF points, they can't help you make those bookings. It's otherwise a card for frequent travelers.

In short, it's the Platinum card with more "Mystique" (if that's important to you) and a small number of additional benefits surrounding it.

Also heard can get EK Gold

 

[Pointy Bird]

I was verbally given option of Qantas Club membership for myself or my wife ( not both).
When I recently flew domestic economy Lufthansa Munich to Frankfurt - they put us in the 1st class lounge at Munich - v nice!.
A recent hotel Centurion booked for us included free dinner x 2 + massive room upgrade especially for Centurion members ( and a big fuss by hotel staff). Price we paid was for standard room.
Priority Pass membership x 2 = no matter what airline or class of travel anywhere - there is nearly always a lounge you can use.
As I stated previously - if most expenses tax deductible - card fee is a tax deduction.
If spending > $1m pa - extra points may be worth it - depending on how you value them...
The relationship manager gets better with time as they get to know you. Mine now understands that I will not be impressed if the "special deals" she finds me are not as good as what I can find on line.
They have saved me lots of time getting me tickets to concerts ( good seats).
Also worth the cost if you travel a lot.

Here is some more info:
International Airfare Program
This is not something that you need to sign up for, this is purely a benefit that is exclusive to your Centurion Membership. We are able to offer heavily discounted premium class (business/first) airfares with airlines such as (but not limited to) Qantas, Virgin Australia, Etihad, Emirates and Qatar.

Qantas Club
The Centurion Card provides complimentary Qantas Club membership (Value AUD$510.00) for you or your nominated Additional Centurion Member.

Hotel Elite Status, Hertz & Avis Presidents Clubs
Using your online account and clicking you are able to enrol for a number of different benefits associated with your Centurion account.

Accor Plus (Value AUD$395)
With your Accor Plus Membership, you'll enjoy many benefits including one 'Stay Plus' complimentary night stay each year at your choice of over 700 participating hotels across Asia Pacific, In addition to the complimentary night stay, members will also enjoy a host of other benefits.

Centurion En Route
Purchase an eligible international airfare through Centurion Travel and we'll provide you with a private sedan to an Australian airport. Add a cruise, accommodation or overland tour to selected international return Business or First Class fare bookings and you'll receive similar transportation on arrival to selected international
destinations as well as on your return to Australia.

Centurion Fast Track (selected airports)
Naturally, if you're travelling with friends or family, Centurion Fast Track will help your entire party through, right up to five people. We will arrange for a representative to meet you at the end of the aerobridge. You'll be ushered past the long queues at immigration and customs (where available), after liaising with your driver, taken to your car - which can also be arranged through Centurion Travel.

RSVP to events curated for you
Your Centurion Card is your key to specially tailored experiences, with access to a calendar of extraordinary events such as the Grange Wine Dinner Series, Melbourne Cup American Express marquee or Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race film premieres and VIP launches
American Express Invites
With American Express Invites you have access to pre-sale tickets to a variety of concerts and shows.

Dining
Enjoy special access to reservations at restaurants that Centurion Members love. If the restaurant you’re after can’t manage a table, that’s where I can perhaps help. That’s because every day at a selected number of restaurants, both locally and internationally we hold a table just for Centurion Members.

Golf – Top 100 Club
Centurion Members have access to complimentary membership to ‘The 100 Club’, an elite golf tour program managed by Teed Up Exclusive Golf Tours which offers access to small group golf tours.
Centurion Members have access to play at Top 100 and many exclusive and private Members Only clubs around the world.

Centurion Luxury Spa - As a Centurion Member you’ll be pampered with many privileges and benefits at one of these Luxury Spa partners.

Wine
Centurion Members can enjoy special benefits with Langton’s Australia’s leading fine wine specialist.

• Access to Langton’s renowned wine brokerage service.
• Priority pre-release access to the world’s most sought after wines
• Extensive range top shelf Australian and imported wine.
• A shopping rewards program that will entitle you to a complimentary bottle of wine per membership year.

Emirates Skywards – Gold Tier Membership

• Lounge access with a guest when travelling on an Emirates flight.
• 50% bonus Skywards Miles on each flight.
• 16kgs of extra baggage allowance.

Accor Plus

• Enjoy complimentary membership in the Accor Plus program.
• One 'Stay Plus' complimentary night each year.
• Up to 50% off dining across AccorHotels properties in Asia Pacific.

Avis President's Club

• Up to 10% off published rates.
• Complimentary two car-class upgrade, subject to availability.
• Priority service with guaranteed car availability.

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® President's Circle

• Jump straight to Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® President's Circle tier
• Up to 20% off standard rental rates.
• Guaranteed one car class upgrade.

Hilton Honors Diamond Status

• Enjoy complimentary Diamond status with no minimum stay requirements.
• Earn reward nights faster with 100% Bonus on all Hilton Honors Base Points.
• Enjoy space-available room upgrades and daily continental breakfast.

IHG® Rewards Club Platinum Elite Status

• Your shortcut to Platinum Elite Status.
• Fast track your IHG® Rewards Club benefits with 50% bonus points on eligible stays.
• Benefits include priority check-in & room upgrade, when available.

Langton’s

• Access to Langton's renowned wine brokerage service.
• Enjoy access to an extensive range of top shelf wine.
• Priority pre-release access to the world’s most sought-after wines

Marriott Bonvoy™ Gold Elite Status

• Upgrade to SPG Gold Elite. Regular status requirement waived.
• Earn 25% more points than base-level.
• Enjoy a Welcome Gift of points and complimentary in-room Internet access.

Radisson Rewards™ Gold status

• Jump straight to Gold status. Regular status requirement waived
• Earn points faster with 25 points per US$1 spent on eligible stays.
• Complimentary room upgrades when available at check-in, upon request.

Shangri-La Golden Circle - Diamond membership

• Jump straight to Diamond tier. Regular status requirement waived.
• Earn Golden Circle Award Points faster. 50% base points bonus on eligible stays.
• Early check-in/Late check-out and access to Horizon Club Lounges.

The Australian Financial Review Premium Digital Subscription

• Complimentary Premium Digital Subscription valued at $628 per year.
• Digital version of the daily newspaper, interactive and searchable.
• Exclusive daily emails: Before the Bell, Market Wrap, Life & Leisure and more.

 

[kallinch]

I was verbally given option of Qantas Club membership for myself or my wife ( not both).
When I recently flew domestic economy Lufthansa Munich to Frankfurt - they put us in the 1st class lounge at Munich - v nice!.
A recent hotel Centurion booked for us included free dinner x 2 + massive room upgrade especially for Centurion members ( and a big fuss by hotel staff). Price we paid was for standard room.
Priority Pass membership x 2 = no matter what airline or class of travel anywhere - there is nearly always a lounge you can use.
As I stated previously - if most expenses tax deductible - card fee is a tax deduction.
If spending > $1m pa - extra points may be worth it - depending on how you value them...
The relationship manager gets better with time as they get to know you. Mine now understands that I will not be impressed if the "special deals" she finds me are not as good as what I can find on line.
They have saved me lots of time getting me tickets to concerts ( good seats).
Also worth the cost if you travel a lot.

Here is some more info:
International Airfare Program
This is not something that you need to sign up for, this is purely a benefit that is exclusive to your Centurion Membership. We are able to offer heavily discounted premium class (business/first) airfares with airlines such as (but not limited to) Qantas, Virgin Australia, Etihad, Emirates and Qatar.

Qantas Club
The Centurion Card provides complimentary Qantas Club membership (Value AUD$510.00) for you or your nominated Additional Centurion Member.

Hotel Elite Status, Hertz & Avis Presidents Clubs
Using your online account and clicking you are able to enrol for a number of different benefits associated with your Centurion account.

Accor Plus (Value AUD$395)
With your Accor Plus Membership, you'll enjoy many benefits including one 'Stay Plus' complimentary night stay each year at your choice of over 700 participating hotels across Asia Pacific, In addition to the complimentary night stay, members will also enjoy a host of other benefits.

Centurion En Route
Purchase an eligible international airfare through Centurion Travel and we'll provide you with a private sedan to an Australian airport. Add a cruise, accommodation or overland tour to selected international return Business or First Class fare bookings and you'll receive similar transportation on arrival to selected international
destinations as well as on your return to Australia.

Centurion Fast Track (selected airports)
Naturally, if you're travelling with friends or family, Centurion Fast Track will help your entire party through, right up to five people. We will arrange for a representative to meet you at the end of the aerobridge. You'll be ushered past the long queues at immigration and customs (where available), after liaising with your driver, taken to your car - which can also be arranged through Centurion Travel.

RSVP to events curated for you
Your Centurion Card is your key to specially tailored experiences, with access to a calendar of extraordinary events such as the Grange Wine Dinner Series, Melbourne Cup American Express marquee or Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race film premieres and VIP launches
American Express Invites
With American Express Invites you have access to pre-sale tickets to a variety of concerts and shows.

Dining
Enjoy special access to reservations at restaurants that Centurion Members love. If the restaurant you’re after can’t manage a table, that’s where I can perhaps help. That’s because every day at a selected number of restaurants, both locally and internationally we hold a table just for Centurion Members.

Golf – Top 100 Club
Centurion Members have access to complimentary membership to ‘The 100 Club’, an elite golf tour program managed by Teed Up Exclusive Golf Tours which offers access to small group golf tours.
Centurion Members have access to play at Top 100 and many exclusive and private Members Only clubs around the world.

Centurion Luxury Spa - As a Centurion Member you’ll be pampered with many privileges and benefits at one of these Luxury Spa partners.

Wine
Centurion Members can enjoy special benefits with Langton’s Australia’s leading fine wine specialist.

• Access to Langton’s renowned wine brokerage service.
• Priority pre-release access to the world’s most sought after wines
• Extensive range top shelf Australian and imported wine.
• A shopping rewards program that will entitle you to a complimentary bottle of wine per membership year.

Emirates Skywards – Gold Tier Membership

• Lounge access with a guest when travelling on an Emirates flight.
• 50% bonus Skywards Miles on each flight.
• 16kgs of extra baggage allowance.

Accor Plus

• Enjoy complimentary membership in the Accor Plus program.
• One 'Stay Plus' complimentary night each year.
• Up to 50% off dining across AccorHotels properties in Asia Pacific.

Avis President's Club

• Up to 10% off published rates.
• Complimentary two car-class upgrade, subject to availability.
• Priority service with guaranteed car availability.

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® President's Circle

• Jump straight to Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® President's Circle tier
• Up to 20% off standard rental rates.
• Guaranteed one car class upgrade.

Hilton Honors Diamond Status

• Enjoy complimentary Diamond status with no minimum stay requirements.
• Earn reward nights faster with 100% Bonus on all Hilton Honors Base Points.
• Enjoy space-available room upgrades and daily continental breakfast.

IHG® Rewards Club Platinum Elite Status

• Your shortcut to Platinum Elite Status.
• Fast track your IHG® Rewards Club benefits with 50% bonus points on eligible stays.
• Benefits include priority check-in & room upgrade, when available.

Langton’s

• Access to Langton's renowned wine brokerage service.
• Enjoy access to an extensive range of top shelf wine.
• Priority pre-release access to the world’s most sought-after wines

Marriott Bonvoy™ Gold Elite Status

• Upgrade to SPG Gold Elite. Regular status requirement waived.
• Earn 25% more points than base-level.
• Enjoy a Welcome Gift of points and complimentary in-room Internet access.

Radisson Rewards™ Gold status

• Jump straight to Gold status. Regular status requirement waived
• Earn points faster with 25 points per US$1 spent on eligible stays.
• Complimentary room upgrades when available at check-in, upon request.

Shangri-La Golden Circle - Diamond membership

• Jump straight to Diamond tier. Regular status requirement waived.
• Earn Golden Circle Award Points faster. 50% base points bonus on eligible stays.
• Early check-in/Late check-out and access to Horizon Club Lounges.

The Australian Financial Review Premium Digital Subscription

• Complimentary Premium Digital Subscription valued at $628 per year.
• Digital version of the daily newspaper, interactive and searchable.
• Exclusive daily emails: Before the Bell, Market Wrap, Life & Leisure and more.

Is EK Gold ongoing like Hilton or once off I.e. one year?

 

[GHE?]

I recently accepted my invitation to Centurion and currently waiting on my card to arrive. How good is the relationship manage in securing tickets to ultra premium events? Does anyone think they would be able to get superbowl or world cup final tickets?
Is it possible to get Qantas gold status by using your EK Gold account to achieve the Qantas equivalent? I believe this works with regular loyalty earning accounts

 

[rzr]

I recently accepted my invitation to Centurion and currently waiting on my card to arrive. How good is the relationship manage in securing tickets to ultra premium events? Does anyone think they would be able to get superbowl or world cup final tickets?
Is it possible to get Qantas gold status by using your EK Gold account to achieve the Qantas equivalent? I believe this works with regular loyalty earning accounts

Would you mind sharing how much you were putting through your card to be offered, and what spend categories?

 

[GHE?]

On average a bit over 100k per month, mostly business

 

[samh004]

Is it possible to get Qantas gold status by using your EK Gold account to achieve the Qantas equivalent? I believe this works with regular loyalty earning accounts

Do you mean status matching? Unlikely as they are partners.

On the other hand, if you mean using your EK Gold for lounge access/benefits while crediting to QFF, there's no reason this wouldn't work. Though you do get Qantas Club anyway, which would provide some level of lounge access.

 

[GHE?]

Yes I do mean Status matching. I was under the impression that Emirates status' automatically receive the equivalent for Qantas and other partners?