American Express and Harrods Collaborate to produce an Invitation Only Amex Card.

Forget Black, the new top tier colour for credit cards in the prestige world is now Brown.  Thanks to a collaboration between American express and Harrods, a new Charge Card has been born, the Brown American Express Harrods card.

Essentially, this is an extension of Harrods rewards program, at present their rewards program grants 4 level, green tier 1, green tier 2, Gold tier, and the Black tier, they dont change the colour of your rewards card, you just spend more in a 12 month period, and are elevated.  traditionally this has left clients with extra benefits depending on how much they spend in store, for example, spending over £2500 will elevate you to Green Tier 2, which grant the user free parking, free cups of tea and coffee, and free use of the By Appointment personal shopping service. 

The Highest level of Harrods reward card is the Black Tier, and it is at this level that the user can expect to receive a brown coloured envelope in the post.  To reach the Black tier in harrods, a spend of £10,000 in a 12 month period is required, this will grant pre approval, and invitation, to the American Express Harrods rewards program.

That is pretty much all the vague mystery behind it solved, now for what it gives you, a Brown coloured exclusive american Express Charge Card, which must be paid in full at the end of each month, with an annual fee of £150, rather than being linked to American Express Rewards, this Card grants points only on the Harrods rewards scheme, 1 point for purchases outside Harrods, 1 extra point on Harrods purchases, and obviously, special Harrods days can leave you with 5 points per pound, as you get double, and sometimes triple points on these days.

Aside from the Brass tacks figures involved, there are less tangible benefits, such as the chance to redeem points for unique experiences, originally they offered the chance to receive a free night in the Ritz Paris for a over £5000 spend in 12 Months, this has now been ammended, the Ritz Paris experience is now merely a rewards redeemable offer, for 40,000 points, which means you need to spend £30,000 to 40,000 to get it.  Additionally specially trained marketing people will analyse your spending, and offer you tailor made experiences specially for you only, such as if you are a big Loro Piana Buyer then they may offer you the chance to meet the Loro Piana Brothers, or visit the factory.  And finally the chance to get discounts of Harrods exclusive services, such as their Aviation service at 10% discount, or Harrods Concierge free at all times.

Whether or not these benefits are worth it is up to the few individuals who have reached the black tier, and are offered the Card to decide, we feel the card is at the very least, excellent for showing off.