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Credit cards have been one of the conveniences of banking nowadays in the growing institution of commerce. American Express, under their strictest standards, invites private individuals and businessmen whose income and credit ratings are higher than most of the ordinary cardholders, to avail the exclusive American Express Black Card which is officially known as the Centurion card. This card is the finest credit card (and most expensive) in the banking industry.

Centurion card offers direct access to a wide range of exclusive privileges and benefits, but in order to avail it, a certain criteria should be met. Aside from the necessary requirements, an applicant should pay an initial fee of $5000 plus the annual fee of $2500 for a total of $7500.

The black credit card started from a legend which states that American Express issued the black credit card to its cardholders; most of them are celebrities and well-off personalities, allowing them to avail high class products and services from high class establishments. The fact behind this rumor was the information card issued by the American Express to cardholders containing important American Express Travel numbers and hotel assistant services numbers.

It was also rumored that the black credit card enables the cardholder to buy anything in any establishments or avail of any luxurious services. Since it was just a mystery, the card never really existed and nobody ever really had it.

American Express used the rumors that had circulated about the black card that was so special to start the Centurion card in the fall of 1999. This card was only available to those who had the Platinum card and instead of being made of plastic; this card was made of metal.

American Express sends invitations to qualified cardholders. Once the cardholder is qualified to have met the criteria, he will then be invited to avail the Centurion card. For cardholders located in different countries, they can also be qualified as applicants by the American Express through sending the invitation. The Platinum card will serve as the exclusive "invitation only" Centurion Card that is electronically linked to the American Express.

When the Centurion card was first issued it had an annual fee of $1000 but it was soon raised to the fee charged now of $2500. The first person deemed worthy of having one of these credit cards was comedian, Jerry Seinfeld. Part of the reason for this may have been because he was a spokesperson for American Express.

The rumors about the Centurion Card continue to spread; one of these is about some exclusive stores that opt to close just for the sole shopping of one wealthy cardholder. There have been different rumors regarding the Centurion Card and its benefits; more rumors would still be possible to spread. And as rumors keep circulating the industry, the Centurion Card will continue to get more attracted applicants.