Jerry Seinfeld Doubles Down on Claim He Inspired the Iconic AmEx Black Card

Jerry Seinfeld is leaning back into one of his favorite flexes. The sitcom billionaire recently doubled down on his claim that he inspired the creation of the ultra-exclusive American Express Centurion Card, better known across pop culture as the AmEx Black Card. While making an appearance with comic Sebastian Maniscalco to launch the "We Got Company!" podcast, Seinfeld spilled fresh details about how a rumor on a commercial set allegedly convinced top credit card executives to turn an urban legend into high-society reality.

How Did Jerry Seinfeld Get The First AmEx Black Card?

According to Seinfeld, the myth began back in the 1990s when he was starring in high-profile commercials for American Express. While on set shooting one of the ad spots, a crew member quietly approached the comedian to ask if he carried the mysterious, rumored piece of plastic reserved only for world leaders and royalty like the Sultan of Brunei. At the time, Seinfeld had never heard of such a thing. Surprised that a crew member thought an exclusive card existed that he didn't own, the comedian took matters into his own hands. He called up then-president of American Express, Harvey Golub, to demand his own black card. Golub informed the star that no such card existed and that the rumor was entirely made up. However, the corporate brass quickly realized the genius of the concept. If people believed a mythic card for the uber-wealthy already existed, why not actually build one?

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Did Jerry Seinfeld Invent The American Express Black Card?

When American Express officially introduced the Centurion Card to its most elite clientele in 1999, executives reportedly ensured Seinfeld was properly compensated for spark-plugging the idea. The comedian claims he was handed Card No. 1 right out of the gate. This is not the first time the *Seinfeld* co-creator has shared this corporate folklore. Fans might remember him telling a similar version of the story to fellow comedian John Mulaney during a 2018 episode of his Netflix show, *Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee*. But during his live chat with Maniscalco, Seinfeld added extra flavor to the narrative, recalling the exact hushed tones of the crew member who sparked the whole multi-billion-dollar branding move. Whether the credit card giant officially credits the sitcom king or not, Seinfeld continues to wear the legend like a badge of honor. For a guy who built a comedy empire out of a show about nothing, turning a fake set rumor into the ultimate status symbol might just be his ultimate punchline.