Points · American Express · $5,000 annual fee
Last verified 2026-09-09. Review issuer source
Centurion Card from American Express is a $5,000-a-year points card from American Express. It earns 1x on purchases, which puts it behind most rewards cards; you hold it for the account itself, not the rewards.
On our reference budget of $24,600 a year its rewards come to $246, $4,754 short of the annual fee. That is normal at this price; the card only works if the perks replace spending you already do, or your bonus-category spending is far above a typical household's.
Premium cards are a bet that you will use the credits. Count only the ones that replace spending you already do, then see whether what is left justifies the fee.
No welcome bonus is stored for this catalog entry yet.
Centurion cardmembers receive complimentary access to Amex's Global Lounge Collection, which includes access to Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Club lounges, Priority Pass Select lounges, Escape Lounges, Plaza Premium lounges, Lufthansa lounges and other Global Lounge Collection partner lounges.
Avis President's Club status
Centurion concierge
Cardmembers receive an annual statement credit for up to $369 to cover a Clear Plus membership for them and up to three family members.
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Medallion status.
Cardmembers receive up to $3,600 in credits annually for an Equinox All-Access membership.
Equinox All Access Gym Membership
Hertz Platinum status
Hilton Honors Diamond status
IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status
Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
Benefit descriptions are the issuer’s and network’s own wording, trimmed for length. Limits and exclusions are in the guide to benefits.
| Card | Annual fee | Rewards earned | Net after fee | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centurion® Card from American ExpressThis card · 1x on everything | $5,000 | $246 | −$4,754 | 1291st of 1,291 |
| American Express® GoldAmerican Express's most-held other card · 4x on dining | $325 | $594 | +$269 | 547th of 1,291 |
| Savor RewardsThe strongest no-fee card on this budget · 3% on dining | None | $642 | +$642 | 4th of 1,291 |
| Robinhood Gold CardHighest net return on this budget · 3% on everything | $50 | $798 | +$748 | 1st of 1,291 |
Reference budget: groceries $6,000, dining and restaurants $3,600, gas and ev charging $2,400, travel and transit $3,000, online shopping $2,400, entertainment and streaming $1,200, everything else $6,000. Points are valued at 1¢ unless the program is worth less; statement credits, welcome bonuses, and perks are left out. Run it with your own spending.
