The card is available only by invitation and, as of January 1, 2006, in the United States, it requires minimum annual spending of $250,000 on another American Express card and other requirements. Certain requirements have been known to be waived for major celebrities and business figures.
The card offers numerous exclusive privileges, including complimentary companion airline tickets on trans-Atlantic flights, personal shoppers at retailers such as Escada, Gucci and Saks Fifth Avenue, access to airport clubs, first class flight upgrades, membership in Sony's Cierge personal shopping program, and dozens of other elite club memberships. Centurion membership also includes personal services including a personal concierge and travel agent. The program offers many hotel benefits, including a free one-night's stay in every Mandarin Oriental hotel worldwide once a year
