Ghost of a flea

The Centurion Card, popularly known as the Black Card, is American Express's most exclusive charge card. Urban legends of a special, black-colored card offering dignitaries and celebrities unlimited spending power and after-hours access to high-end stores circulated in the 1980s. While the rumors were false, American Express decided to capitalize on them by launching the Centurion Card in October 1999 to selected holders of Platinum Cards, with an annual fee originally at $1,000.

The card is available only by invitation and, as of January 1, 2006, requires minimum annual spending of $250,000 on another American Express card and exceptional credit history among other requirements. Certain requirements have been known to be waived for major celebrities and business figures. As of 2006 the annual cardholder fee was $2,500 and it is estimated that there are fewer than 10,000 cards issued worldwide.