Nedbank Private Wealth launches Centurion, from American Express® in South Africa

The most exclusive Card Membership in the world has arrived in South Africa with the launch of Centurion, from American Express®. Issued by Nedbank Private Wealth, Centurion is now available by invitation only or upon appointment to a select group of individuals in South Africa.

'Centurion is intended for clients who demand a new level of personal service, something that surpasses anything else on offer in South Africa today. These clients are people who seek more enriched lives. Not only do they want to ease and facilitate their busy and frenetic lifestyles – they want privileged access to the most unique experiences and expert services globally and at home,' says Vince Boulle, Executive Head of Nedbank Private Wealth.

The Centurion Card, often known as the American Express® ‘black card’, is made of titanium, one of the world’s most precious metals. After being heated to a temperature of 1 688°C, the metal is carefully handcrafted and emblazoned with the Member’s name in individually set lettering – making it the only one of its kind. Truly unique, totally enriched – much like the benefits Centurion Members can enjoy wherever they are in the world.

With this exclusive membership comes a special relationship – each Centurion Member benefits from direct access to a dedicated personal Centurion Relationship Manager, on hand to proactively take care of the business and leisure needs of members. Members also have round-the-clock access to a dedicated team of service professionals who will provide specialist help and advice on travel, entertainment, lifestyle and financial matters, whether it entails facilitating travel bookings to support complex international itineraries or securing privileged access to some of the world’s most sought-after venues.

In fact, when it comes to travel, Centurion members can expect unsurpassed service wherever they are in the world, whether they want a private jet at short notice, VIP airport services at over 400 airports worldwide, access to a secluded island retreat or a table for two or two hundred at a well-reviewed restaurant. As well as bespoke travel advice and support, the unique package of travel benefits includes access to personalised lifestyle services and upgrades at a wide range of hotels, fast-track transfer services, and global protection and peace of mind for Centurion members and their families through comprehensive travel insurances.

The Centurion Service Team can facilitate access to special events and places around the world, such as securing sought after tickets to a sporting event or arranging private shopping at some of the most renowned stores in the world. Tables at top restaurants are reserved for Centurion members so, regardless of where they are travelling, they will have priority access to the world’s very best restaurants.

With Centurion, the Service Team are also on hand to develop personally crafted experiences, bespoke to the needs and preferences of each member. Whether it involves helping to arrange a romantic wedding anniversary, a dinner party at home with a celebrity chef or securing the perfect location and entertainment to celebrate a birthday, Centurion members can be assured of the utmost attention to detail to ensure an unforgettable experience.

The Centurion members can also experience a remarkable range of exclusive events, such as attending a golf clinic with a world class professional to accessing a special VIP package at the Cannes Film Festival.

'Centurion provides access to the most desirable events and places in the world. Whether it is gaining entry into private clubs, fashion events or high-end parties, Centurion’s expert Service Team is on hand to offer bespoke access to events for each member', says Boulle.

‘This exclusive membership is only for those whose lifestyles demand benefits and personalised service unlike any other. This is a world few ever see. Bespoke. Distinctive. One of a kind Centurion is far more than a card, it is the ultimate lifestyle companion and we are delighted to offer Centurion through Nedbank Private Wealth’, concluded Boulle.

‘We at American Express® are globally recognised for delivering the highest level of premium servicing, benefits and one-of-a-kind experiences. By that same token we only partner with leading banks, like Nedbank Private Wealth, who share our commitment to delivering only the best to their card members. We are proud to partner with Nedbank Private Wealth to now offer Centurion, the world’s most sought after American Express® Card Membership, to the most discerning individuals in South Africa’, commented Andrew Stewart, Vice President, of Partner Card Services for Turkey, Middle East and Africa at American Express.

He added, ‘Centurion is synonymous with luxury and personalised service, and is the pinnacle of the American Express® brand. We look forward to working with Nedbank Private Wealth to offer all of the unique benefits and services to Centurion members in South Africa’.