Quick answer: The Amex Black Card is officially the Centurion Card. It is invitation-only, and it carries a reported $10,000 one-time initiation fee plus a $5,000 annual fee, so about $15,000 in the first year. You can't apply for it. If you love the look of the famous black card but not the invitation list, our Black Centurion AMEX Metal Card is an original tribute inspired by that style, made from solid stainless steel with a deep matte black finish.
What is the Amex Black Card?
The American Express Centurion Card, known as the Black Card, is one of the most famous credit cards in the world. It is built on the same base as the Amex Platinum, with extra perks added on top. It is credited as the card that started the metal card trend, and its dark, heavy look is still the one people copy.
How much does the Amex Black Card cost?
| Fee | Amount (reported, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Initiation fee (one time) | $10,000 |
| Annual fee | $5,000 |
| First-year total | About $15,000 |
For comparison, the Amex Platinum lists an annual fee of $895 and the Amex Gold lists $325. Fees can change, so check American Express for the latest figures.
How do you get the Amex Black Card?
You can't apply. The Centurion Card is by invitation only, and American Express decides who is invited. Reports say invitations go to long-standing members with very high yearly spending across their Amex cards, and some sites mention figures such as $350,000 or more in annual spending. American Express does not publish the requirements, so treat those numbers as reports, not rules.
What do you get with it?
The Centurion Card includes most of the Platinum perks, such as airport lounge access and travel benefits, plus extra services and a concierge. It also has no preset spending limit. It is designed for people who spend heavily and travel often, not for rewards hunters.
Is the Amex Black Card worth it?
For the right person, perhaps. For most people, no. The card costs thousands of dollars every year, and the value comes from perks that you have to use to make the fee worth paying. If what you want is the look and the feel, there is a much simpler route.
Why do people want the black card look?
A heavy, matte black metal card has a quiet confidence. It does not shout. People notice the weight, the finish and the way it sits on the table when you pay. That feeling is the part you can have today.
The Black Centurion AMEX Metal Card by Solaris
- Solid stainless steel with a deep matte black finish and precision laser engraving.
- Standard card size, so it fits any wallet or cardholder.
- Works with your own bank chip. It ships without a chip. You move the chip from your current card across, following our free chip installation tutorial, for chip-and-insert payments at ATMs and terminals.
- A free design proof before production and discreet, tracked worldwide shipping. To the USA and EU, standard shipping takes about 9 to 10 days and express about 5 to 6 days, with priority production and engraving.
Want to tap to pay? A full-metal card can't, because metal blocks the signal. Choose the Tap to Pay AMEX Black Centurion Card instead. Read How Contactless Metal Cards Work to see how it works.
What our card is not
To be clear: the Solaris Black Centurion is an original tribute inspired by the look of the Black Card. It is not issued by American Express, it is not an Amex product, and it does not give you Centurion membership, perks or a credit line. It holds your own bank chip, so your account, PIN and limits stay exactly as they are. It is a style upgrade, and you carry the look, not the status. See how a custom metal card differs from a bank-issued one.
Who is it for?
Collectors who love iconic card design, business owners who like a sharp table presence, creators who want a striking prop, and anyone upgrading from plastic. It is also one of our most-gifted cards. See our Christmas Gift Guide 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Amex Black Card called?
Its official name is the American Express Centurion Card. People call it the Black Card because of its black metal design.
How much does the Amex Black Card cost?
Reports put the cost at a $10,000 initiation fee plus a $5,000 annual fee, about $15,000 in the first year.
Can you apply for the Amex Black Card?
No. It is invitation only.
Is the Solaris Black Centurion a real Amex card?
No. It is an original tribute inspired by the Black Card look. It is not issued by or affiliated with American Express.
Can I pay with the Solaris Black Centurion?
Yes, once you move your own bank chip into it, for chip-and-insert payments. A full-metal card can't tap. For contactless, choose the Tap to Pay Black Centurion.
How long does delivery take to the USA and EU?
About 9 to 10 days with standard shipping and about 5 to 6 days with express. Express also includes priority production and engraving.
Shop the Black Centurion AMEX Metal Card or browse the full collection.
Fees and details were checked in October 2026 and can change. American Express and Centurion are trademarks of their respective owners. Solaris Metal Cards designs are inspired by well-known card styles and are not issued by, affiliated with, or endorsed by American Express or any bank or card network.
