Hi All, I've recently been invited to take up the Centurion Card. As an existing Platinum Card holder I have found the perks and point scheme worthwhile even with the upcoming changes. The question is though, with a 5k initiation and the 5k annual fee is the Centurion card perks that much better than Platinum? I'm aware some one has asked this question before but I was wondering if opinions have changed?
I have a friend who has centurion card. Basically it's not a card really for point chasers. It's the service they provide. Say if there is a concert you want to go and ticket is impossible to get, centurion concierge can make it happen, stuff like that.
I have a friend who has centurion card. Basically it's not a card really for point chasers. It's the service they provide. Say if there is a concert you want to go and ticket is impossible to get, centurion concierge can make it happen, stuff like that.
Although from April next year, Centurion will gain the highest Membership Rewards earning rate on everyday spend, equivalent to 1.25 frequent flyer points per $1 spent (e.g. 1.25 KrisFlyer miles), versus 1.125 on the Plat Charge, 1.0 on the Explorer and what'll drop to 0.5 on the Platinum Edge.
If you’re weighing up the fee for C card, then that’s an indication that maybe Platinum Charge is the better way to go. C card is more about having an RM (relationship manager) who acts almost like your personal EA and is available to “manage” your travel and lifestyle schedule. Your don’t have a C card because you’re trying to earn points to fly in First Class.
Hi, I have been a member for a while now. The benefits are ok. However. I have experienced a few annoying things with the card. Firstly. The Annual cost is high and you do not get the same perks as the US. You never seem to get the best price when booking flights. You'd think as you are paying the $5k annual fee you'd get the best price. Unfortunately no. To take advantage of the Diamond Service (Meet & Great) + the chauffeur drive. You have to be flying in business and booking through AMEX.
I recently booked the Finnair RTW special for $6k. Amex best rate started at $13k then dropped to $10k. That was booking the same route and time. As I did not book with them I was unable to take advantage of my perks. Only flights booked & originating from Australia qualify for the perks.
The other issue I had was the Hilton Diamond. I recently booked a Hilton room through the AMEX website. Yet when I checked in I was unable to use the lounge or have a late check out as I booked through a 3rd party and not though Hilton directly.
Claiming point onto FF programs is easy and very quick. This is a great perk.
Thanks for the insight from everyone. I think given the feedback I'll be sticking with my Platinum Card for now as I don't think I would utilise the extra perks. As my wife and I fly to Europe yearly in J either with points for full fare (to maintain status) I'd be booking direct with the airline anyways.
I have a friend who has centurion card. Basically it's not a card really for point chasers. It's the service they provide. Say if there is a concert you want to go and ticket is impossible to get, centurion concierge can make it happen, stuff like that.
Mostly true. I did get some tickets for a sold out concert. Got reservation booking for a restaurant on friday that even the restaurant said they could not accommodate when called directly (without mentioning Centurion).
Hi, I have been a member for a while now. The benefits are ok. However. I have experienced a few annoying things with the card. Firstly. The Annual cost is high and you do not get the same perks as the US. You never seem to get the best price when booking flights. You'd think as you are paying the $5k annual fee you'd get the best price. Unfortunately no. To take advantage of the Diamond Service (Meet & Great) + the chauffeur drive. You have to be flying in business and booking through AMEX.
I recently booked the Finnair RTW special for $6k. Amex best rate started at $13k then dropped to $10k. That was booking the same route and time. As I did not book with them I was unable to take advantage of my perks. Only flights booked & originating from Australia qualify for the perks.
The other issue I had was the Hilton Diamond. I recently booked a Hilton room through the AMEX website. Yet when I checked in I was unable to use the lounge or have a late check out as I booked through a 3rd party and not though Hilton directly.
Claiming point onto FF programs is easy and very quick. This is a great perk.
I agree with the price regarding flights. The trick is this, Centurion will price match whatever quote you get elsewhere (in my opinion it is not good enough). So double work for me, i get a proper quote, get them to price match. This then entitles for limo pick up and drop off at your home and also at destination when you book flights and atleast one night in a hotel.
Regarding Hilton, not sure how they declined you. I have the same, and i have accessed the lounge multiple times with all bookings done via Centurion. You may have to contest this. Initially i was advised by hilton that i won't be getting points booked via 3rd party, this also has never been a problem.
I have a friend who has centurion card. Basically it's not a card really for point chasers. It's the service they provide. Say if there is a concert you want to go and ticket is impossible to get, centurion concierge can make it happen, stuff like that.
Although from April next year, Centurion will gain the highest Membership Rewards earning rate on everyday spend, equivalent to 1.25 frequent flyer points per $1 spent (e.g. 1.25 KrisFlyer miles), versus 1.125 on the Plat Charge, 1.0 on the Explorer and what'll drop to 0.5 on the Platinum Edge.
It is interesting, as a Centurion member, i have not been advised this (yet)!!
I agree with many of the comments. The benefits are pretty marginal especially over a platinum and its hard to justify the 5k unless you are travelling +++. You basically pay extra for a relationship manager who is essentially a travel agent but have to keep checking the prices as the deals can often be worsen than directly with the agent. Hotels are not cheaper than booking.com et al and even with fine hotels you pay more in the expectation you will get an upgrade.
The ability of the RM to get you seats at exclusive restaurants is limited even with amex partner restaurants. I've tried a couple of times and they can't get you into top restaurants that are booked out ahead of time.
and the main perk of a black titanium card...well platinum is metal now and in australia at least...everything is pay and wave so nobody notices anyway lol
Hi, I have been a member for a while now. The benefits are ok. However. I have experienced a few annoying things with the card. Firstly. The Annual cost is high and you do not get the same perks as the US. You never seem to get the best price when booking flights. You'd think as you are paying the $5k annual fee you'd get the best price. Unfortunately no. To take advantage of the Diamond Service (Meet & Great) + the chauffeur drive. You have to be flying in business and booking through AMEX.
I recently booked the Finnair RTW special for $6k. Amex best rate started at $13k then dropped to $10k. That was booking the same route and time. As I did not book with them I was unable to take advantage of my perks. Only flights booked & originating from Australia qualify for the perks.
The other issue I had was the Hilton Diamond. I recently booked a Hilton room through the AMEX website. Yet when I checked in I was unable to use the lounge or have a late check out as I booked through a 3rd party and not though Hilton directly.
Claiming point onto FF programs is easy and very quick. This is a great perk.
I have had the same experience however they will price match if you push them, the only time they wont price match is if its through one of those budget sites that skyscanner can bring up.
I have a friend who has centurion card. Basically it's not a card really for point chasers. It's the service they provide. Say if there is a concert you want to go and ticket is impossible to get, centurion concierge can make it happen, stuff like that.
Although from April next year, Centurion will gain the highest Membership Rewards earning rate on everyday spend, equivalent to 1.25 frequent flyer points per $1 spent (e.g. 1.25 KrisFlyer miles), versus 1.125 on the Plat Charge, 1.0 on the Explorer and what'll drop to 0.5 on the Platinum Edge.
It is interesting, as a Centurion member, i have not been advised this (yet)!!
the one positive change that im looking forward to is the huge increase in points for utilities spend like electricity, gas, phone etc, the letter i got says it goes up from 0.5 to 2 points per $. Also tax goes up to 1 point which is great when you pay BAS on it.
evolve80
evolve80
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
Member since 29 Aug 2017
Total posts 6
Hi All, I've recently been invited to take up the Centurion Card. As an existing Platinum Card holder I have found the perks and point scheme worthwhile even with the upcoming changes. The question is though, with a 5k initiation and the 5k annual fee is the Centurion card perks that much better than Platinum? I'm aware some one has asked this question before but I was wondering if opinions have changed?
sid
sid
Member since 07 Jan 2011
Total posts 205
Hi Evolve,
https://www.ausbt.com.au/community/view/27/7551/amex-platinum-charge-new-benefits-centurion-to-follow
Michael Kao
Michael Kao
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 06 Nov 2014
Total posts 163
I have a friend who has centurion card. Basically it's not a card really for point chasers. It's the service they provide. Say if there is a concert you want to go and ticket is impossible to get, centurion concierge can make it happen, stuff like that.
Chris C.
Chris C.
Member since 24 Apr 2012
Total posts 1,116
Although from April next year, Centurion will gain the highest Membership Rewards earning rate on everyday spend, equivalent to 1.25 frequent flyer points per $1 spent (e.g. 1.25 KrisFlyer miles), versus 1.125 on the Plat Charge, 1.0 on the Explorer and what'll drop to 0.5 on the Platinum Edge.
AT
AT
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 14 Sep 2012
Total posts 16
If you’re weighing up the fee for C card, then that’s an indication that maybe Platinum Charge is the better way to go. C card is more about having an RM (relationship manager) who acts almost like your personal EA and is available to “manage” your travel and lifestyle schedule. Your don’t have a C card because you’re trying to earn points to fly in First Class.
Lucas
Lucas
Qantas
Member since 03 Mar 2015
Total posts 5
Hi, I have been a member for a while now. The benefits are ok. However. I have experienced a few annoying things with the card. Firstly. The Annual cost is high and you do not get the same perks as the US. You never seem to get the best price when booking flights. You'd think as you are paying the $5k annual fee you'd get the best price. Unfortunately no. To take advantage of the Diamond Service (Meet & Great) + the chauffeur drive. You have to be flying in business and booking through AMEX.
jubbing
jubbing
American Airlines - AAdvantage
Member since 13 Jul 2015
Total posts 58
What do they consider is the spending needed to get a centurion invite?
Ross
Ross
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 10 May 2014
Total posts 83
evolve80
evolve80
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
Member since 29 Aug 2017
Total posts 6
Thanks for the insight from everyone. I think given the feedback I'll be sticking with my Platinum Card for now as I don't think I would utilise the extra perks. As my wife and I fly to Europe yearly in J either with points for full fare (to maintain status) I'd be booking direct with the airline anyways.
mspcooper
mspcooper
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 09 May 2013
Total posts 442
Mostly true. I did get some tickets for a sold out concert. Got reservation booking for a restaurant on friday that even the restaurant said they could not accommodate when called directly (without mentioning Centurion).
mspcooper
mspcooper
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 09 May 2013
Total posts 442
I agree with the price regarding flights. The trick is this, Centurion will price match whatever quote you get elsewhere (in my opinion it is not good enough). So double work for me, i get a proper quote, get them to price match. This then entitles for limo pick up and drop off at your home and also at destination when you book flights and atleast one night in a hotel.
mspcooper
mspcooper
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 09 May 2013
Total posts 442
Although from April next year, Centurion will gain the highest Membership Rewards earning rate on everyday spend, equivalent to 1.25 frequent flyer points per $1 spent (e.g. 1.25 KrisFlyer miles), versus 1.125 on the Plat Charge, 1.0 on the Explorer and what'll drop to 0.5 on the Platinum Edge.
It is interesting, as a Centurion member, i have not been advised this (yet)!!
mnc
mnc
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 06 Aug 2017
Total posts 37
mushmush
mushmush
Singapore Airlines - The PPS Club
Member since 14 Nov 2013
Total posts 40
I have had the same experience however they will price match if you push them, the only time they wont price match is if its through one of those budget sites that skyscanner can bring up.
mushmush
mushmush
Singapore Airlines - The PPS Club
Member since 14 Nov 2013
Total posts 40
Although from April next year, Centurion will gain the highest Membership Rewards earning rate on everyday spend, equivalent to 1.25 frequent flyer points per $1 spent (e.g. 1.25 KrisFlyer miles), versus 1.125 on the Plat Charge, 1.0 on the Explorer and what'll drop to 0.5 on the Platinum Edge.
It is interesting, as a Centurion member, i have not been advised this (yet)!!
the one positive change that im looking forward to is the huge increase in points for utilities spend like electricity, gas, phone etc, the letter i got says it goes up from 0.5 to 2 points per $. Also tax goes up to 1 point which is great when you pay BAS on it.