TPG credit card reader question: What are some Amex Centurion alternatives?
Editor’s note: This article is part of a new column to answer your credit card questions. If you would like to ask us a question, tweet us at @thepointsguy, message us on Facebook or email us at info@thepointsguy.com.
Any time card details change, it's a good time to reevaluate if it's still worth keeping — especially when those changes include an increased annual fee. When looking at whether or not a card is worth it, it's important to check to see what alternative credit cards could potentially give you a better value.
[pullquote source="RUSS "]I have been a Centurion Cardholders for a long time. Amex is doubling the fees and all the benefits seem to be geared toward NYC residents. I live on the West Coast and there are almost no benefits that work for me. Is the Centurion still worth the new fees for non-New Yorkers? Should I downgrade to the Amex Platinum or do something else entirely?[/pullquote]
Back in October 2019, Amex announced a host of changes to its invite-only Centurion Card. Added benefits include Saks Fifth Avenue credits, a complimentary Equinox membership, expanded Airport Meet & Greet services, a Clear membership annual statement credit, complimentary annual membership to The Private Suite at LAX, extended 27/4 personal Centurion concierge services and more. A few current benefits are being eliminated as well — the airline fee credit, Boingo Preferred Plan and GoGo Preferred Plan.
Unfortunately, these changes came with a doubled annual fee. Yes, you read that right. Cardholders were now being charged double the current annual fee each year, bringing the annual cost up to $5,000. The initiation fee (currently $7,500) is also increasing to $10,000, but that won't affect existing cardholders.
The information for the Amex Centurion Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: Major new changes to the Amex Centurion card’s benefits and fees
Russ makes a valid point — a lot of the additional perks are only going to truly benefit those who live in or frequently visit larger cities such as New York or Los Angeles, and $5,000 is a hefty price to pay for a card with a slew of benefits you can't -- or won't -- use.
If you are someone who will use both the existing and new perks, the doubled annual fee is still worth it. The Points Guy himself -- Brian Kelly -- plans on keeping the card in his wallet, actually saying he's as happy as ever with the cards new benefits, despite the increased annual fee.
However, if Russ knows that these new benefits aren't going to provide value for him as a cardholders, it might be time to look at alternatives.
Related reading: Amex Centurion card review — Is it worth it?
Alternatives to the Centurion Card
Here are a couple of premium credit cards that might be a better fit for Russ if he decides not to renew his Centurion Card. These are publicly available cards, so they don't require a special invite to apply.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The most obvious alternative is the Amex Platinum. With this card, you're getting plenty of membership perks (many of which are mirrored in the Centurion Card), though of course not at the same level as the Centurion Card.
The card grants you access to Priority Pass, Centurion and Delta SkyClub (when flying Delta) lounges. You'll also get complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, up to $200 airline fee credit in statement credits per calendar year, up to $100 per year at Saks, up to $200 in Uber credits and more. Amex has also added limited-time, coronavirus-based benefits to give more value to cardholders.
And with the Amex Platinum, you have the ability to earn bonus points on spending, which is not a feature of the Centurion Card. To start, you'll earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn 10x points on eligible purchases on the Card at restaurants worldwide and when you Shop Small in the U.S., on up to $25,000 in combined purchases, during your first 6 months of Card Membership. And you'll also earn 5x on airfare booked directly with airlines and airfare (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, starting on Jan. 1, 2021) prepaid hotels booked through amextravel.com.
Related reading: Amex Platinum card review
While you're still shelling out a hefty $695 per year for this card (see rates and fees), that's only a fraction of the cost of the Centurion Card. And you're still getting a solid suite of benefits that can help upgrade your travel experience.
If you're a small business owner, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, which offers a similar level of benefits (with a few specifically geared towards business travelers) as the personal version, is another good option to look into.
Related reading: Amex Business Platinum review
Chase Sapphire Reserve
The other premium credit card that could be a good alternative is the Chase Sapphire Reserve. It also comes with a more easily justifiable $550 annual fee and offers solid benefits for travelers.
You'll earn 10x on Lyft and 3x on all other travel and dining purchases. As far as perks, you're getting Priority Pass lounge access, a $300 annual travel credit, complimentary DashPass and Lyft Pink memberships and a great set of travel protections.
While the card doesn't offer quite the same level of benefits as the Amex Platinum, this card does make it easier to rack up points across purchases with broader bonus categories.
Related: Which card should I use? A guide to navigating COVID card bonuses and benefits
Bottom line
The Centurion Card certainly isn't for everyone. If Russ isn't going to be able to take advantage of the benefits offered by the card, it makes sense to start looking at other options. The Amex Platinum offers a compelling alternative for anyone who wants luxury perks without the $5,000 annual price tag, but the Chase Sapphire Reserve is a great choice for anyone hoping to dive deeper into earning points.
Featured image by John Gribben/The Points Guy
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum card, please click here.