Amex Centurion Card eligibility in Australia

[samh004]

Interesting that the Charge card made of stainless steel allows for contactless tapping, however the Centurion card made of titanium does not allow for contactless tapping, and so they print a plastic card for you. I carry my cards with me, but usually use Apple Pay these days, it's much simpler 99% of the time.

 

[albyd]

We are entitled to 5 platinum charge cards as well - these earn points at a slightly lower rate.
It total - one can get 10 cards - all on same account but each card's expenses are listed individually making it simpler for accountants ...

IME I've given family members the Platinum Supps - they're crediting at the same earn rate as the Centurion - I just checked to make sure.

Interesting that the Charge card made of stainless steel allows for contactless tapping, however the Centurion card made of titanium does not allow for contactless tapping, and so they print a plastic card for you. I carry my cards with me, but usually use Apple Pay these days, it's much simpler 99% of the time.

I think the point of giving us the non-Contactless Centurion card is so that other people can see it at POS - I'm sure showing it off might be a high priority for some. The design has been evolving. I saw the "new look" US Centurion recently (guess it'll get to AU eventually) - going down the path of the Platinum with the numbers printed on the back rather than the 'classic' design to emboss on the front. They're thinner now and have a plastic coating and have contactless. I've just loaded mine onto Apply Pay to use on public transport. Ended up going back to my Opal card (NSW) as it was too much trouble and wouldn't tap on/off as easily as a physical card.

I think the Platinum is too thick now as they've had to glue two cards together to put the contactless technology between them - much easier to embed in a plastic card. Next Gen platinum will be thinner.

 

[samh004]

I've just loaded mine onto Apply Pay to use on public transport. Ended up going back to my Opal card (NSW) as it was too much trouble and wouldn't tap on/off as easily as a physical card.

If Express Transit mode ever comes to Australian cities then it'll be much nicer.

 

[Avro504k]

Just get a JP Morgan Reserve card, the contactless works fine with that, but then if you had that card, you would probably already have your own plane, or fleet of planes.

 

[samh004]

Just get a JP Morgan Reserve card, the contactless works fine with that, but then if you had that card, you would probably already have your own plane, or fleet of planes.

That would be great advice if this was American Frequent Flyer and not Australian Frequent Flyer

 

[Avro504k]

Yeah, the invite threshold is a bit high too, you need to have account balance in excess of $100 millionUSD

 

[daft009]

Just get a JP Morgan Reserve card, the contactless works fine with that, but then if you had that card, you would probably already have your own plane, or fleet of planes.

Seems like a waste as no more perks than the sapphire card

 

[LTJ]

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.

Hi, Just wondering if you have any personal examples for the "International Airfare Program", Thank you

 

[samh004]

Hi, Just wondering if you have any personal examples for the "International Airfare Program", Thank you

When you book travel through AMEX it will note under a fare if it qualifies and has a discount. You can then search for the fare yourself elsewhere and you'll see the saving. I believe it's about 10% or so. I have saved in the past this way with my Plat Charge card.

 

[mrtupperware]

I spent about $700k in the past 12 months and just recently received my invitation

 

[LTJ]

When you book travel through AMEX it will note under a fare if it qualifies and has a discount. You can then search for the fare yourself elsewhere and you'll see the saving. I believe it's about 10% or so. I have saved in the past this way with my Plat Charge card.

Thanks for the reply. So the platinum card also has this benefit? Was travel booked online or through concierge service? Thanks

 

[aus_flyer]

What's the MR earn rate for Centurion?

 

[daft009]

What's the MR earn rate for Centurion?

2.5pt/$1

 

[samh004]

Thanks for the reply. So the platinum card also has this benefit? Was travel booked online or through concierge service? Thanks

You can phone up or do it online. I find it's easier online, but sometimes the agents on the phone can make the website play a little nicer as their interface is probably somewhat different to ours

 

[tlam]

I spent about $700k in the past 12 months and just recently received my invitation

Are you able to take a photo of the invitation and share it? I just want to see the latest benefits and fees. Thanks

 

[samh004]

I spent about $700k in the past 12 months and just recently received my invitation

They'd have to increase their benefits substantially (or the points per dollar spent) for it to be worth it in this climate.

After all, hard to use a travel concierge when social distancing means you can't dine out or go to experiences and you can hardly travel

 

[mrtupperware]

Are you able to take a photo of the invitation and share it? I just want to see the latest benefits and fees. Thanks

Sorry havent logged in for a while. Benefits are the same as advertised around the forum (search for Centurion, someone posted a summary of them). I would have posted it but threw it away. Fees are $5k joining fee + $5k annual fee. They refuse to waive the joining fee and with no travel in the foreseeable future I chose to decline. Just couldn't justify the extra fees and the benefits are not 3x the PC (or even 2x)

They'd have to increase their benefits substantially (or the points per dollar spent) for it to be worth it in this climate.

After all, hard to use a travel concierge when social distancing means you can't dine out or go to experiences and you can hardly travel

Agree

 

[Pointy Bird]

For benefits see my post # 34 on this forum.

Now 5 points per $ for 3 months

 

[Nizar]

$100k annual spend to be considered ?
Amex must be getting poor uptake on this card.
Back in the day the criteria was $40k/month.

 

[albyd]

That sounds low. What are you buying?