Everyone has heard of the ultra-exclusive American Express Black card. Have you ever wondered how you can get your hands on one?

The once mythical card, has actually only been around since 1999. Doug Smith, director of American Express Europe, told Snopes.com that:

There had been rumors going around that we had this ultra-exclusive black card for elite customers. It wasn’t true, but we decided to capitalize on the idea anyway.

Actually called the American Express Centurion Black card, (it even sounds elite) it is available to users by invitation only, and American Express is quite secretive about what the requirements are.

Rumour has it that successful applicants are already American Express customers, have significant assets and charge at least $250,000 (R2,568,138) per year on their cards. Wowsers,.

Since the card is a charge card and not a credit card, there is no interest rate, and the full balance must be paid every month. There is a one time initiation fee of $7,500 and an annual fee of $2,500. For these fees cardholders will get special services and benefits that include travel, food and entertainment treats.

Snopes tells the unique story of a card holder in London, who had an American Express employee travel by motorcycle to gather sand from the shores of the Dead Sea for the school project of his son.

Want to know more about the American Express Centurion Black card? Check out this infographic: