Author Topic: Israel's version of the Centurion (by IsraCard) (Read 12628 times)

ADG · « **on:** May 23, 2017, 10:00:37 AM »

The Centurion Card
The Centurion Card from American Express, is considered the most prestigious card in the world. It allows you to enjoy an abundance of special services and unique benefits.

A toll free - Call Center offers you high-standard professional service, staffed by a devoted team of professionals whose sole duty is to assist you with your day-to-day needs and special services.
The following are some of the services and benefits you will enjoy as a Centurion Cardholder.

The Membership Rewards program
The unique Membership Rewards program, offers Membership Rewards points for purchases made with the Centurion card, every 38 NIS grants you 1 Membership Reward point, in Israel or abroad.
The points may be converted at a preferential rate to the best international loyalty programs of hotels and airlines:
Air France KLM, Alitalia, Sheraton Starwood , Delta, Hilton HHonors & El-Al’s Matmid program.

*the membership rewards points are not included payments of government purchases, tax authorities, the Postal Authority, the National Insurance Institute, the Israel Lands Authority, a municipal company , pay fees and insurance payments.
* Customers who frequently convert points to El-Al’s Matmid program can enjoy the benefit of obtaining the status of PL on El-Al’s Matmid program in condition to join the automatic conversion to El-Al’s Matmid program and once he joined until one year, the customer needs to convert 2527 points to receive the status PL.

Centurion Lifestyle
A concierge service, for any requirement or request, which will provide you with
professional and friendly solutions, and practical support solutions in areas such as:
o   Booking tickets for shows and sporting events in Israel and abroad.
o   Booking restaurant tables in Israel and abroad.
o   Obtaining information about events, shows, sporting events etc.
o   Help with arranging business meetings abroad.
o   Arranging events in Israel and aboard such as birthdays, wedding anniversaries etc.
o   The Fine Dining program – an international program which allows Centurion
cardholders to book tables at the best restaurants in the world. These restaurants reserve tables for Centurion cardholders all year round.

Centurion Travel
A dedicated travel service team that takes care of all aspects of travel, business and
Private. The team also provides fringe benefits at hotels, such as Fine Hotel & Resorts Design Hotels - programs that offer free room upgrading, early check-in, late checkout and additional benefits at the world’s finest hotels.

yelped · « **Reply #1 on:** May 23, 2017, 10:15:12 AM »

You have to spend 38 NIS to get one MR point?

ADG · « **Reply #2 on:** May 23, 2017, 10:19:26 AM »

correct. That flaw does stand out. Can anyone comment how else it falls short to the american version.

Emkay · « **Reply #3 on:** May 23, 2017, 10:20:29 AM »

Quote from: yelped on May 23, 2017, 10:15:12 AM

You have to spend 38 NIS to get one MR point?

Do they transfer at 1 to 1?

moe8555 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 23, 2017, 10:28:34 AM »

What's the annual/monthly fee? And what about FX fees? Lounge access? Insurances?

ADG · « **Reply #5 on:** May 23, 2017, 10:30:57 AM »

Here is the second part of the brochure...

Delta lounges - Flying with Delta Airlines, gives you complimentary access to the VIP lounges in Delta sky club program.

Priority Pass –An entry card, which allows unrestricted entries to VIP, lounges at 700 airports around the world.

The Dan Lounge at Ben Gurion Airport - an unrestricted entry for two with the
Presentation of the Centurion card.

Laufer Aviation-GHI – leading provider of aircraft ground handling and VIP services in Israel. Laufer provides discount for Centurion cardholders.

Car rental membership in programs which grant complimentary upgrades and
other benefits: Hertz # 1 Club gold & Avis President's club.
Shlomo Sixt- Centurion customers enjoy a 20% discount in car rentals abroad.

Membership to deluxe hotels loyalty programs:

o Hilton HHonors Diamond VIP Membership
o Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts, Country Inn and Park Inn in Europe, Africa and Middle East.

Extended Insurance Coverage
Extended travel insurance for necessary medical, surgical and
Hospital costs as a result of you becoming ill or being injured during your trip.

All subject to policy terms and conditions.

According to the guidelines and operating procedures of worldwide American Express, a card fee of $168 per month, is charged for the unique services and
benefits provided for the Centurion card.
In return, the cardholder can receive an additional 2 Centurion cards, without a card fee, for their first degree relatives, partners in their account or an additional card for charging a business account.

moe8555 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 23, 2017, 10:34:48 AM »

And do they have the minimum income/wealth requirement like in other markets? Or can any Joe Shmoe who's willing to pay $168/month get the card?

ADG · « **Reply #7 on:** May 23, 2017, 10:45:57 AM »

seems like no requirements based on my dad's inquiry... though he is a knaker:)

moe8555 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 23, 2017, 10:56:16 AM »

Quote from: ADG on May 23, 2017, 10:45:57 AM

seems like no requirements based on my dad's inquiry... though he is a knaker:)

Interesting, but obviously the card is still a sad joke compared to any premium US credit card.

ADG · « **Reply #9 on:** May 23, 2017, 11:01:47 AM »

I would imagine you are correct- but can you pinpoint anything aside for poor accumulation?

ADG · « **Reply #10 on:** May 23, 2017, 11:08:54 AM »

Can we know if it the same level of customer service/ concierge as the american card?

moe8555 · « **Reply #11 on:** May 23, 2017, 11:10:44 AM »

Quote from: ADG on May 23, 2017, 11:01:47 AM

I would imagine you are correct- but can you pinpoint anything aside for poor accumulation?

Here's my list after a brief perusal of the pamphlet:

1) Insanely high annual fee (and still high even if you order the free additional cards and average out the cost)
2) No guests included with the PP membership (except for Dan Lounge)
3) Limited MR transfer partners - nowhere near what the US card offers
4) Poor accumulation, as you already mentioned
5) No car rental insurance (although it does offer travel insurance)
6) I'm assuming there are FX fees -- I have yet to find a card in Israel with 0 FX fees
7) None of the other various perks even US Platinum Amexs offer (e.g. redemption rebate, Gogo internet, etc.)

Hjay · « **Reply #12 on:** May 23, 2017, 12:01:50 PM »

Offers Hilton diamond. Don't know of any other card that offers that.

yelped · « **Reply #13 on:** May 23, 2017, 12:40:52 PM »

Quote from: Hjay on May 23, 2017, 12:01:50 PM

Offers Hilton diamond. Don't know of any other card that offers that.

I found it very easy to get with last year's status match. This year it's harder. Last year, I matched using another free option that gave me diamond status somewhere else.