amex Centurion free first-class upgrades

American Express Centurion
 Annual fee: $2,500
 When it launched in 1999, American Express’s Centurion card, made from titanium, essentially defined the premium card category, and it’s still the most exclusive card out there. Cardholders pay a one-time $5,000 joining fee and $2,500 annually.

 They also must spend at least $250,000 annually on an Amex Platinum or Gold card. Michael Dolen, founder and CEO of CreditCardForum.com, says the Centurion isn’t that much better than the Amex Platinum Card, which gives you many of the same benefits for only a $450 annual fee. What you can’t get with the Platinum card, however, is elite status on Delta and US Airways. That means Centurion holders are eligible for free first-class upgrades on those airlines when flying domestically – and when space is available, says Brian Kelly, of ThePointsGuy.com.

One of the plushest perks for Centurion holders is access to the Centurion Lounge, which opened in Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport in February. All Amex cardmembers can purchase one-day access to the lounge for $50; Centurion cardholders get in free. The lounge’s amenities include a shower suite, family room, gourmet buffet and computer bar.