Wondering what the most exclusive credit cards in the world are? Money makes the world go round. And for many, money brings more money. It is no news that extravagance, luxury, elitism and exclusive treats are some of the things that billionaires enjoy the most.
When it comes to credit cards, it is clear that most people use them as payment tools, and enjoy their diverse benefits. Taking a look at some of the most exclusive credit cards in the world, it is clear that they are spread across the globe. But not everyone can gain access to these luxury passports. In some cases, private bank accounts permit elite members with very large bank accounts, access to some very exclusive credit cards. And these credit cards no doubt represent a symbol of status, as they usually require the elite members of private banks to load their accounts with a six-figure charge per year.
Those who carry these luxurious credit cards actually hold a pass to a world of upgrades, private jet rides, vacation getaways, and all sorts of amazing bonuses. The prototypical people holding exclusive credit cards are celebrities and billionaires. Yet, there’s no need to be famous to gain access to these luxury passports: you just need to be a millionaire (ok, also easier said than done).
Some high paid professionals can make fortunes and request an exclusive credit card. Doctors, for example, are amongst the highest paid professionals in the workforce, and taking a look at the 16 Highest Paying Countries for Doctors, it is clear that most of them, living in Australia, Canada, Denmark or Finland, find it quite easy to gain access to some of the most exclusive credit cards in the world, our list of which begins on the next page. Check them out!
No. 10 Black Brazilian MasterCard from the Santander Group
This card is a sign of status for Latin America residents. For Santander Group members only, the Black Brazilian MasterCard is offered by invitation. Yet, the amount of money a client should have in their bank account to be invited hasn’t been disclosed. Nevertheless, there are currently no more than 3,000 exclusive credit cards in circulation in Latin America. Some of the benefits the cardholders of the Black Brazilian MasterCard enjoy include private jet discounts, and worldwide airport lounge access.
No. 9 NatWest Black MasterCard
Another MasterCard, the NatWest Black Card is one of the most exclusive in the world and has an annual spending limit of $1.5 million. Nevertheless, its annual fee isn’t as high as many other cards: it only reaches $395 per year. The NatWest Black MasterCard offers a wide range of perks, from flight upgrades to 24/7 concierge services.
No. 8 Merrill Accolades American Express
Only qualified clients of the Merrill Lynch Wealth Management can access this exclusive credit card. Awarded by invitation, the Merrill Accolades American Express credit card carries an annual fee of $295, and requires clients to have a minimum of $250,000 in their Merrill Brokerage Account. Among the benefits provided to cardholders, there are private jet memberships, and special amenities at five-star resorts.
No. 7 Citigroup Black Chairman Card
With an annual fee of $500 and a spending limit is $300,000, the Citigroup Black Chairman Card is one of the most exclusive in the world. To access this credit card, one is required to be a member of Citi’s private bank and investment units and therefore, only 5% of the population has the chance to own this card. Amazing perks come along with this credit card: not only 24/7 concierge services, but also important upgraded travel accommodations and access to private and exclusive airport lounges.
No. 6 Coutts World Silk Card from the Royal Bank of Scotland
Available only for Coutts private banking clients, with an annual fee of £350. This card is used by Queen Elizabeth II, and there are only about 100 people who own this card. Among its exclusive benefits, this card offers a wide range of perks from airport lounge access, concierge 24/7 services and insurance benefits, up to luxury goods and services and a VIP membership at the bank’s partners, including private jet companies, cruise lines, hotels and airlines.
No. 5 Stratus Rewards Visa
This card is one of the only white credit cards available. In order to own a Stratus Reward Visa, the client needs to receive an invitation from a member of the Stratus Rewards Visa program. One of the main features of this card is that it allows the cardholder to pool reward points with friends and other cardholders. It has numerous benefits, from personal concierge services, to car services, upgrades at luxury hotels, and even a consultation with lifestyle experts. The annual fee reaches $1,500.
No. 4 JP Morgan Chase Palladium
Released in 2009, this credit card is a flashy piece of metal, made out of a palladium and 23-karat gold alloy. Only for those elite members of the JP Morgan Private Bank, holding $5 million in assets in their bank account, this Palladium Card has an annual fee of $595. Without a spending limit, it offers an exclusive rewards program with unthinkable perks such as private jet memberships and personal shoppers.
No. 3 Dubai First Royal MasterCard
Dubai is no doubt a country filled with millionaires. The First Royal Dubai Bank offers an ultra-exclusive credit card, made with real gold and a .235-carat solitary diamond in the center of the face of the black card. This card has no spending limit, and is only available for a select group of people, which represent Dubai’s royalty and upper echelons of the social and business communities. Among its numerous benefits, the Dubai First Royal MasterCard offers a personal relationship manager, or Lifestyle Managers, and a generous rewards program
No. 2 American Express Centurion Card
This titanium card is a very prestigious and well known credit card. Launched in 1999 as an invite-only credit card with an annual fee of $1,000, the American Express Centurion Card is still today one of the most exclusive credit cards around. The annual fee today is $2,500 per year, plus a one-time initiation fee of $5,000. This card, nevertheless, doesn’t have as many perks as it used to have. It does still offer benefits such as traveling facilities and lounge access.
No. 1 Sherbank Visa Infinite Gold Card
Kazakhstan’s elite needed a more exclusive bank and credit card. Sherbank developed this luxurious credit card for their top 100 customers, made of solid gold, with 26 diamonds encrusted in it. For the first year, clients have to pony up $65,000 for the card and $45,000 for a security deposit. Perks include private concierge services, traveling upgrades, and exclusive customized benefits.