Amex Platinum Card vs. Centurion Card [Detailed Comparison]

Key Takeaways

• The Platinum Card^® from American Express earns 5x points on flights (up to $500,000 per year, then 1x) and prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com, and has great travel benefits and statement credits.
• The Centurion^® Card from American Express offers 1.5x points on purchases over $5,000 and 1x points on everything else.
• The Centurion card holds prestige as an invitation-only card, but the Amex Platinum card delivers immense value if you can utilize the benefits it offers.

Few credit cards come with the exclusive bragging rights of the Centurion^® Card from American Express. And rightly so, as this elusive titanium card, known colloquially as the Black Card or Amex Black Card, remains available by invitation-only to select individuals with a high net worth.

We may not know how many Centurion cards have been issued, but there is certainly a lot of hype surrounding the card. This attention presents an opportunity for us to explore the attributes of its allure and compare it to another valuable travel rewards card, the Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Because the Centurion card comes with an extraordinarily high acquisition fee and subsequent annual fees, we suspect there must be some substance behind its reputation. This premise alone prompts our need to compare this sought-after status symbol with the card we know represents great value for the frequent traveler.

And so, for your practical economic knowledge, and perhaps some entertainment, we’re going to proceed with our comparison of a card that few have had in their wallet against a travel rewards card you should ultimately consider.

All information about the Centurion^® Card from American Express has been collected independently by Upgraded Points.

Overview

Before we dive into all the key details of the Amex Platinum card and the Centurion card, let’s look at a high-level overview comparing our featured cards side-by-side.

Welcome Offer

Platinum Card^® from American Express

+ NEW BENEFITS

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $3,850

Annual Fee

$895

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than the Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,550 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $895 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards^® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel^®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts^® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel^® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
• More Value! With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection^®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club^® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. * As of 07/2025.
• More Value! $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card^® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card^® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
• More Value! $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $25 in statement credits each month after you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card^® at participating partners. Enrollment required.
• More Value! $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel^® using the Platinum Card^®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• New! $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: When you use the Platinum Card^® to pay at U.S. Resy restaurants and to make other eligible purchases through Resy, you can get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter with the $400 Resy Credit benefit. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card^®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you, enrollment required.
• More Value! $209 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with the Platinum Card^®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card^® Account*. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
• Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts^® through American Express Travel^®, enjoy noon check-in upon arrival, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
• New! $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card^® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card^®.*Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
• $100 Saks Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com on the Platinum Card^®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December. No minimum purchase required. Enrollment required.
• Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
• $895 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Apply and find out if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of as high as 175,000 points with the Amex Platinum. Welcome offers may vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

The Amex Platinum welcome bonus offer does vary, but you can count on receiving a value of 1 cent per Membership Rewards point when redeeming points for travel via AmexTravel.com. This valuation equates to a 50,000-point welcome bonus having a value of $500 and a 100,000-point bonus having a value of $1,000, and so on.

You may, however, receive additional value by transferring Amex points to the American Express transfer partners.

Centurion^® Card from American Express

The Centurion card does not offer a welcome bonus.

Membership Rewards Points

Both the Amex Platinum card and the Centurion card earn valuable Membership Rewards points.

Comparing Earning Potential

Bottom Line:

The Amex Platinum card clearly offers better earning potential than the Centurion card. In addition, you have the opportunity to earn a generous welcome bonus after meeting initial spending requirements.

Comparing Redemptions

Since both the Amex Platinum card and the Centurion card earn Membership Rewards points, the redemptions are similar. One noticeable difference is that redeeming points on the Centurion card are worth more when redeeming for flights on AmexTravel.com, as the cardholder receives a 50% rebate of the points on eligible flights.

Statement Credits

Both the Amex Platinum card and the Centurion card come with statement credits for specific purchases:

• Up to $200 in airline credits for incidentals
• Up to $85 in statement credits for TSA PreCheck application fee or up to $120 statement credit for Global Entry application fee

The Amex Platinum has several other additional statement credits (some require enrollment):

• Up to $209 in annual CLEAR Plus credit
• Up to $300 in annual Equinox credit
• Up to $300 in digital entertainment credit (up to $25 monthly)
• Up to $600 in prepaid hotel credit (up to $300 semiannually) on eligible stays at Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection bookings through Amex Travel
• Up to $200 in annual Uber Cash
• Up to $100 in Saks Fifth Avenue credit
• Up to $155 in Walmart+ credit
• Up to $200 in Oura Ring credit
• Up to $300 in lululemon credit (available as $75 quarterly)
• Up to $400 in Resy credit (available as $100 quarterly)
• Up to $120 in Uber One credit

Airport Lounge Access

The American Express Global Lounge Collection

Both the Centurion card and the Amex Platinum card offer lounge access to over 1,550 airport lounges worldwide. With either card, you have access to all of the lounges in The American Express Global Lounge Collection. Complimentary access is valid for the cardholder plus up to 2 guests, except where noted.

With either card, you have access to the following lounge networks:

• Centurion Lounges (including international locations)
• 10 visits to Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta) with the ability to unlock unlimited visits through spend
• Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner
• Select Lufthansa Lounges (when flying Lufthansa the same day)
• Plaza Premium Lounges
• Priority Pass Select lounges, upon enrollment
• Select Virgin Clubhouses

Amex Platinum card and The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express cardholders may enter Centurion Lounges with up to 2 complimentary guests if they have spent $75,000 in eligible purchases in a calendar year. Otherwise, a guest day pass can be purchased for $50 per adult or $30 per child between 2 and 17.

Comparing Additional Cardholder Lounge Access

Additional cardholders added to either the Amex Platinum card or the Centurion card receive the same lounge access benefits as the primary cardholder, including the same guest access privileges.

Bottom Line:

The Amex Platinum card offers far better value than the Centurion card with complimentary worldwide lounge access to the same lounge networks in exchange for a far lower annual fee. 

Airline Advantages

International Airline Program

Both Amex Platinum and Centurion cardmembers receive access to discounts and upgrades in the International Airline Program (a premium airfare purchasing program).

There is no booking fee for Centurion cardmembers.

Amex Platinum Card

The Amex Platinum card does not offer any specific airline program benefits.

Centurion Card

Delta Platinum Medallion Elite Status

The Centurion card comes with Delta Platinum Medallion elite status, which delivers a long list of benefits. You’d normally have to fly 75,000 miles each calendar year (or 100 segments) and spend $9,000 on Delta tickets to achieve Platinum status.

Here are some of the benefits Delta Platinum Medallion elites can expect to receive:

• Unlimited complimentary upgrades
• Choice Benefits: Select from a list of regional upgrades, shopping certificates, gift Medallion status, or choose 20,000 SkyMiles.
• Earn bonus miles on flights.
• No additional fees for checked bags and ticket changes
• Discounted CLEAR Plus membership
• Priority boarding, security, and baggage
• Dedicated phone line

Centurion International Arrival Services

At the arrival airport, you’re greeted by a personal guide who expedites you through customs and immigration when you travel internationally in first or business class.

Hotel Program Benefits

Amex Platinum Card

The Amex Platinum card offers a wide range of hotel program benefits, including elite status, on-site property amenities, and elevated service.

As a cardholder, you get the following hotel benefits with the Amex Platinum card:

Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status

Upon enrollment, Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite members receive upgraded rooms when available, free Wi-Fi, welcome bonus points, a 25% bonus on earnings, and late checkout.

Hilton Honors Gold Elite Status

Upon enrollment, Hilton Honors Gold elite members receive upgraded rooms, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary breakfast. They earn 18 Hilton Honors points per $1 spent at Hilton properties.

Leaders Club Sterling Status

Members can enroll for Leaders Club Sterling status at no charge. This benefit provides upgrade priority at check-in, 5 prearrival upgrade awards per year, and 5% bonus earnings on stays.

Prepaid Hotel Credit

Get up to $600 back (up to $300 semiannually) in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings through AmexTravel.com when you pay with your card. Note that Hotel Collection bookings require a 2-night minimum stay.

American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts

Cardholders receive the following benefits:

• Room upgrade, subject to availability
• Breakfast each day for 2
• Early check-in and late checkout
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• An amenity valued at $100

The Hotel Collection

Book your prepaid stay of 2 nights or more and receive a $100 credit toward an eligible charges. You also earn 5x Membership Rewards on your booking.

Centurion Card

The Centurion card offers the same hotel program benefits as the Amex Platinum card, with a few exceptions:

Hilton Honors Diamond Status

In addition to all the benefits of Hilton Honors Gold status, Diamond status offers additional earnings on Hilton hotel stays, complimentary lounge access, and suite upgrades when available.

The Centurion Hotel Program

Receive the same benefits and amenities as with the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts plus receive an extra $100 to $200 Centurion Hotel Program credit to spend during 2-night stays or more.

Rental Car Program Perks

Amex Platinum Card

• Avis Preferred: Receive a 25% discount on base rates and a 1-category upgrade when available.
• Hertz Gold Plus rewards: Complimentary Hertz President’s Circle status and a 1-category upgrade on a rental of an intermediate-size vehicle or greater.
• National Emerald Club Executive status: Receive a 1-category upgrade when renting a full-size vehicle or greater, elevated earnings, preferred car selection, and easy returns.

Centurion Card

• Avis President’s Circle: Receive complimentary double-vehicle upgrades, walk-up car availability (even without a reservation), and discounted rates.
• Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Platinum status: Receive elevated personal service, vehicle upgrades, and rental delivery to select private airports.

Travel Insurance Benefits

The following is a sampling of highlighted benefits and a brief description of how the benefit works on each card.

Car Rental Insurance

The Centurion card comes with primary car rental insurance, while the Amex Platinum card offers secondary car rental coverage. However, the Amex Platinum card offers the option to purchase Premium Car Rental Protection, which includes primary car rental coverage for a flat fee (maximum $24.95) for the entire rental period.

Baggage Insurance

Both cards carry this protection with up to $2,000 for lost, stolen, or damaged checked bags and $3,000 for carry-on.

Trip Cancellation, Interruption, and Delay Coverage

Purchase a round-trip ticket with your eligible card and receive up to $10,000 per trip and up to $50,000 per year for covered events and up to $500 if your trip is delayed more than 6 hours.

Notable Shopping Benefits and Protections

While the Centurion card has its own set of additional shopping benefits, which we’ll discuss shortly, both cards offer a multitude of basic shopping benefits and protections.

• Amex Offers: Receive ongoing special offers that provide rebates and bonus points for specific purchases.
• American Express presale and preferred seating: Members receive early access to event tickets and priority seating.
• Entertainment access: Receive access to member-only events and special experiences.
• Return protection: If an item you purchased is not accepted as a return by the merchant within 90 days of purchase, the purchase price could be refunded.
• Extended warranty: An additional year is added to the manufacturer’s warranty of 5 years or less on eligible purchases. Coverage is provided for up to $10,000 per purchase, $50,000 per eligible card.
• Purchase protection: Pay for your eligible purchase with your card and receive up to $10,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per account per calendar year if the item is accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost. Coverage is provided for 120 days (90 days in New York) from the date of purchase.

Additional Perks of the Centurion Card

With a list of benefits nearly too long to describe, the Centurion card steps it up a notch or two above the Amex Platinum card with perks and services that cater to every potential aspect of the cardholder’s daily life and travel activities.

• Private concierge and travel agent: Receive personalized assistance with any reservations, transportation assistance, event planning, travel disruption, and so much more.
• No preset spending limits*: Your card does not come with a spending limit but does need to be paid off at the end of each monthly statement period.
• CLEAR membership: Speed through security with a complimentary CLEAR membership
• Elite wine services and Centurion Wine: Receive special wine discounts, complimentary free wine storage, wine appraisals, consultations, and more.
• Centurion Dining program: Get access to a prereserved table for Centurion members at 1,000 fine dining establishments worldwide.
• Special tour packages: Select from exclusive 3-day Tuscany or Napa Valley customized tours.
• Special access and invitation-only events: Get VIP invitations and treatment at events such as concerts, sports, and even special events such as the Kentucky Derby or the Grand Prix de Monaco.
• Centurion Shopping program: Engage the services of a personal shopper and free express shipping, with access to Net-a-Porter shopping services.
• Surprise gifts: Members receive unexpected gifts such as shopping certificates and luxury merchandise.
• Elevated Centurion Lounge experience: Centurion cardmembers receive unrestricted access, a reserved seating area, and special top-shelf beverages at Centurion Lounges

Annual Fees and Adding Additional Users

Annual Fees

Given the exclusivity of the Centurion Card, there isn’t a lot of public information regarding the annual fees. However, some have indicated that the card carries an initiation fee of around $10,000 along with an annual fee of $5,000.

At $895, the Amex Platinum card has an annual fee that is a fraction of the Centurion card fee.

Additional Cardholders

To add an Additional Platinum Card to the Amex Platinum card, it costs $195 per card. The Centurion card reportedly charges $5,000 for each additional user for each card year.

Centurion Card Alternatives

In addition to the Amex Platinum card, which is an excellent alternative to the Centurion card, there are several travel rewards cards that rival the Centurion card and have arguably better overall value.

Alternative Personal Travel Rewards Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

NEW OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Welcome Offer

Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

125,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$2,500

Annual Fee

$795

APR

19.99% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Excellent

Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® is one of the best options.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like worldwide airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options. Plus, it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to cover you at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the more than $2,000 in annual credits, which can offset the annual fee!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 8x points on all Chase Travel purchases
• 5x points on Lyft rides
• 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly

Cons

• $795 annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
• Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
• $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge^® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^® every 4 years
• Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
• Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $250 annually
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card comes with a generous welcome offer, an annual $300 travel statement credit, Priority Pass Select worldwide lounge membership, 4x earnings on flights and hotels booked directly, and 3x earnings on dining worldwide. Additionally, you receive even more value when redeeming your Ultimate Rewards points for travel via Points Boost.

Alternative Business Travel Rewards Cards

Amex Business Platinum card

ELEVATED WELCOME OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Welcome Offer

Earn 150,000 200,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.

150,000 200,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $4,400

Annual Fee

$895

APR

18.24% - 28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card tailored toward business owners who are frequent travelers with a high number of annual expenses.

When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers like the best airport lounge access at over 1,550 lounges, along with tons of annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Earn 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on eligible travel purchases like flights, prepaid hotels, and prepaid short-term rentals booked through AmexTravel.com
• Access to over 1,550 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
• Earn 2x Membership Rewards points on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (on up to $2 million per calendar year)

Cons

• High annual fee of $895 (rates & fees)
• Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Elevated Welcome Offer: Earn 200,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Business Platinum Card^® within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection^® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,550 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card company on the market as of 07/2025.
• See how you can unlock over $3,500 in business and travel value annually after meeting qualifying spend thresholds on the Business Platinum Card. Terms apply.
• New! Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually for up to a total of $600 in statement credits per calendar year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using the Business Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• No Preset Spending Limit: The spending limit on the Business Platinum Card is flexible, so unlike a traditional credit card with a set limit, the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment and credit history.
• Make the Business Platinum Card^® work even harder for you. Hilton For Business members get up to $200 back per calendar year when you make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties across the globe. Benefit enrollment required.
• Fly like a pro with a $200 Airline Fee Credit. Select one qualifying airline to receive up to $200 back per year on baggage fees and other incidentals.
• Use the Business Platinum Card and get up to $209 back per calendar year on your CLEAR^® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal).
• Maximize your time away with Fine Hotels + Resorts through Amex Travel™.
• New! Enroll and get up to $150 in statement credits on U.S purchases directly with Dell Technologies on the Business Platinum Card and an additional $1,000 statement credit after you spend $5,000 or more on that same Card per calendar year.
• New! Enroll and get a $250 statement credit after you spend $600 or more on U.S. purchases directly with Adobe per calendar year on the Business Platinum Card.
• Get up to $90 in statement credits quarterly for purchases with Indeed on the Business Platinum Card. That’s up to $360 back per year. Enrollment required.
• Get up to $10 in statement credits per month for wireless telephone service purchases made directly with a wireless provider in the U.S. on the Business Platinum Card. That’s up to $120 back per year. Enrollment required.
• Enhanced! 2X points on purchases at U.S. construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more, up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
• 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com
• 1X points on other eligible purchases
• $895 Annual Fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 18.24% - 28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 250,000 points with the Amex Business Platinum card. The current public offer is 150,000 200,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

With the same 5x earnings on flights and prepaid hotels and worldwide lounge access as the Amex Platinum personal card, the Amex Business Platinum card is a fine choice.

You also receive a 35% rebate when using your Membership Rewards points for flights on your preselected airline when booked through AmexTravel.com, up to 1 million bonus points per calendar year.

Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card

Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Ink Business Preferred card is hard to beat, with a huge welcome bonus offer and 3x points per $1 on the first $150,000 in so many business categories.

Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card

The Ink Business Preferred card is hard to beat, with a huge welcome bonus offer and 3x points per $1 on the first $150,000 in so many business categories.

Welcome Offer

Earn 90k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

90,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,800

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.99% - 25.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card is a powerhouse for earning lots of points from your business purchases, especially for business owners that spend regularly on ads.

Plus the card offers flexible redemption options, including access to Chase airline and hotel transfer partners where you can achieve outsized value.

Business owners will also love the protections the card provides like excellent cell phone insurance, rental car insurance, purchase protection, and more.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x Ultimate Rewards points per $1 on up to $150,000 in combined purchases on internet, cable and phone services, shipping expenses, travel, and ads purchased with search engines or social media sites
• Cell phone protection
• Purchase protection

Cons

• No elite travel benefits like airport lounge access

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 90k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 cash back or $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
• Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
• Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
• Points are worth more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
• Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 25.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

The Ink Business Preferred card is one of our favorite business credit cards, and it comes with a generous welcome bonus, top-level earnings on select business categories, and up to 75% more value for your Ultimate Rewards points when redeemed for select bookings via Chase Travel.

Ink Business Unlimited^® Credit Card

Ink Business Unlimited^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Ink Business Unlimited card is a stellar option for business owners looking for a no-fuss uncapped 1.5% cash-back card without an annual fee.

Ink Business Unlimited^® Credit Card

The Ink Business Unlimited card is a stellar option for business owners looking for a no-fuss uncapped 1.5% cash-back card without an annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

$900

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$900

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.24% - 23.24% thereafter.

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

As a business owner, you likely keep pretty busy and probably prefer a credit card that just keeps things simple.

If so, the Ink Business Unlimited^® Credit Card might be just the card for you. From zero annual fee to a flat cash-back rate, the card is a no-frills option that you don’t have to think twice about.

Don’t forget too, 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.24% - 23.24% thereafter.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 1.5% cash-back on all purchases
• No annual fee
• 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.24% - 23.24% thereafter.

Cons

• 3% foreign transaction fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
• No Annual Fee
• Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards^®.
• Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
• Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.24% - 23.24% thereafter.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Rewards Center

• Chase Ultimate Rewards

While not a premium travel rewards card, the no-annual-fee Ink Business Unlimited card serves business owners well with unlimited earnings. The card earns 1.5% cash-back (earned as Ultimate Rewards points) on every purchase without regard to caps or complicated bonus categories.

Additionally, business owners can combine the earning power of the Ink Business Unlimited card with the redemption power of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card or Ink Business Preferred card to receive even more value when redeeming points for travel.

Bottom Line:

While none of the alternatives to the Centurion card have the same panache and prestige, you still receive stellar value with any of these alternative cards. The best card for you depends on how you spend on the card, whether you use the benefits offered, and your willingness to pay an annual fee. 

Final Thoughts

At this point, you might be wondering why we featured a card that few are likely to be invited to have. One reason is for the informational value, but the bottom line for the comparison is to illustrate the tremendous value of the Amex Platinum card and alternative travel rewards cards … and you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars for the privilege of having these cards.

Also, please note that Amex does not publish information on the Centurion card, so the data in this article was gathered from those who have the card, bulletin boards discussing the benefits, news articles, and Wikipedia.

If you have the Centurion card and can add information from your own personal experience of using the card, we encourage you to do so in the comments section.

For the car rental insurance benefit of the Platinum Card^® from American Express, insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

For the baggage insurance benefit of the Platinum Card^® from American Express, coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the Trip Delay Coverage insurance benefit of the Platinum Card^® from American Express, up to $500 per covered trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For the Trip Cancellation and Interruption insurance benefit of the Platinum Card^® from American Express, the maximum benefit amount is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For the Return Protection benefit of the Platinum Card^® from American Express,  you may return eligible purchases to American Express if the seller won’t take them back up to 90 days from the date of purchase. American Express may refund the full purchase price excluding shipping and handling, up to $300 per item, up to a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year per Card account, if you purchased it entirely with your eligible American Express^® Card. Purchases must be made in the U.S. or its territories. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

*No Preset Spending Limit means your spending limit is flexible. Unlike a traditional card with a set limit, the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment, and credit history.

For the Extended Warranty benefit of the Platinum Card^® from American Express, when an American Express^® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase to an Eligible Card, Extended Warranty can provide up to one extra year added to the Original Manufacturer’s Warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your Card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the Purchase Protection benefit of the Platinum Card^® from American Express, purchase protection is an embedded benefit of your Card Membership and requires no enrollment. It can help protect Covered Purchases made on your Eligible Card when they’re accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost, for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date. The coverage is limited up to $10,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Coverage Limits Apply. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the baggage insurance plan benefit of the Centurion^® Card from American Express, baggage insurance plan coverage can be in effect for covered persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen baggage during their travel on a common carrier vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an eligible card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the common carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per covered trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each covered person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all covered persons per covered trip. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the cell phone protection benefit of the Centurion^® Card from American Express, coverage for a stolen or damaged eligible cellular wireless telephone is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions and limits of liability of this benefit. The maximum liability is $800, per claim, per eligible card account. Each claim is subject to a $50 deductible. Coverage is limited to two (2) claims per eligible card account per 12 month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by Card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For the extended warranty benefit of the Centurion^® Card from American Express, when an American Express^® card member charges a covered purchase to an eligible card, extended warranty can provide up to one extra year added to the original manufacturer’s warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per card member account per calendar year. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the purchase protection benefit of the Centurion^® Card from American Express, purchase protection is an embedded benefit of your card membership and requires no enrollment. It can help protect covered purchases made on your eligible card when they’re accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost, for up to 90 days from the covered purchase date. The coverage is limited up to $10,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per card member account per calendar year. Coverage limits apply. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the return protection benefit of the Centurion^® Card from American Express, with return protection, you may return eligible purchases to American Express if the seller won’t take them back up to 90 days from the date of purchase. American Express may refund the full purchase price excluding shipping and handling, up to $300 per item, up to a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year per Card account, if you purchased it entirely with your eligible American Express^® Card. Purchases must be made in the U.S. or its territories. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

For the trip cancellation and interruption insurance benefit of the Centurion^® Card from American Express, the maximum benefit amount for trip cancellation and interruption insurance is $10,000 per covered trip and $20,000 per eligible card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For the trip delay insurance benefit of the Centurion^® Card from American Express, up to $500 per covered trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per eligible card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.