The Centurion Card, most commonly known as Black American Express credit card, is American Express' most exclusive plastic. It provides a range of exclusive privileges. There are supposedly fewer than 10,000 Black American Express credit cards issued worldwide.

Much of the origin of Black American Express credit cards is shrouded in mystery. As early as the 1980s, rumors have circulated about a black-colored credit card with unlimited purchasing power, given exclusively for celebrities and dignitaries. These black-colored credit cards supposedly granted after-hours access to the best and the most high-end stores.

Were these black credit cards Black American Express credit cards? Certainly not! At the time, Black American Express credit cards had not existed. But American Express quickly recognized the opportunity, and capitalized on the free publicity by launching the Black American Express credit cards in 1999.

Little is known about Black American Express credit cards. These are not even listed on the American Express website. Far from being obscure, however, this veil of mystery just makes the credit card even more appealing.

Black American Express credit cards are made of pure titanium. This is probably its most appealing and distinctive feature. Unlike other credit cards, Black American Express credit cards are heavy and can set off metal detectors.

Being made of metal, the magnetic strip doesn't work with most credit card scanners. But if you think this is a problem, think again. High-end shops and boutiques are fully equipped to accommodate Black American Express credit cards. Smaller shops, however, require the card numbers to be keyed-in manually.

With all these distinguishing features, it cannot be denied Black American Express credit cards are, indeed, designed to be different.

While most credit card companies relentlessly hound you to apply for a credit card, providers of Black American Express credit cards do the opposite. Black American Express credit cards are so exclusive you cannot apply for one. In fact, you need a special invitation to have one. Moreover, for you to even be considered eligible for an invite, you need to be an American Express cardholder of excellent credit standing. Additionally, you must charge an average of $250,000 a year.

Black American Express credit cards also bill you a gargantuan annual fee. When the cards were first launched, the annual fee was only $1,000. Today, it has increased to a whopping $2,500.

Black American Express credit cards come with a personal concierge, complete with a direct phone number and email address. The concierge does the cardholder's bidding, as long as this is legal. Personal concierges typically make travel arrangements and secure tickets to sold-out events at very short notice.

As if that is not impressive enough, Black American Express credit cards also provide other exclusive privileges, such as complimentary companion airline tickets to trans-Atlantic flights, personal shoppers at high-end shops like Gucci and Saks Fifth Avenue, and a complimentary suite in any Mandarin Oriental hotel worldwide every year.

With Black American Express credit cards, all you ever need to think about is what to buy and when. It is not a plastic for the faint of heart. It is only for those who know how to live well and luxuriously.