29 replies

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

Member since 07 Jan 2011

Total posts 209

Michael Kao

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 06 Nov 2014

Total posts 164

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.

Member since 24 Apr 2012

Total posts 1,116

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.

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

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.

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.

jubbing

American Airlines - AAdvantage

Member since 13 Jul 2015

Total posts 60

What do they consider is the spending needed to get a centurion invite?

Ross

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 10 May 2014

Total posts 83

I had the Centurion Card from it's release in Australia and gave it up about six years ago.

I found the benefits, while on paper are significant, are not that frequently used when you travel in F or J anyway.

As said above, the prices AMEX can find are often not the best and my relationship manager was pretty useless at anything I wanted at last minute.

I dropped back to Plat Charge and find the cost/benefit works for me.

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

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 09 May 2013

Total posts 456

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).

mspcooper

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 09 May 2013

Total posts 456

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.

mspcooper

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 09 May 2013

Total posts 456

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)!!

mnc

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 06 Aug 2017

Total posts 38

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

mushmush

Singapore Airlines - The PPS Club

Member since 14 Nov 2013

Total posts 40

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.

mushmush

Singapore Airlines - The PPS Club

Member since 14 Nov 2013

Total posts 40

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.

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