Exclusive credit cards are often associated with wealth and privilege, but using one can be more about being noticed than having deep pockets. Many of these swank cards are invite-only, with little to no confirmed information about how to get on the list.
For the fortunate few, the benefits of these status-symbol cards can help you live the high life. Depending on the card, special concierge services, access to private planes and VIP experiences can all come with card membership.
Credit cards have become an indispensable part of our everyday lives. They offer convenience, security, rewards and more. But not all credit cards are created equal. There is a select category of ultra-exclusive credit cards catered specifically to the super wealthy. These prestigious cards exude luxury and come with jaw-dropping annual fees and requirements. They make the average premium travel rewards card look basic in comparison.
I did extensive research to uncover the most expensive and exclusive credit cards in the world. If you think you know of one that tops this list, it is likely so elusive that public knowledge of its existence is nonexistent. Let’s dive in and explore 10 of the most expensive and exclusive credit cards globally, as well as what kind of rich benefits and perks come with their astronomical membership fees.
The Most Exclusive Credit Cards
Centurion® Card from American Express
Known as the “Black Card” the Centurion Card from American Express is the most famous and sought-after exclusive credit card. To even be considered for an invite you reportedly need to consistently spend at least $250,000 annually on your existing AmEx cards. This mythic card comes with a $7,500 initiation fee and $2,500 in annual fees. With no preset spending cap, you can buy virtually anything with no limits. Some of the ritzy perks include
- Personal concierge for any requests
- Luxury travel benefits like exclusive airport lounge access
- Top-tier gifts and surprises
JP Morgan Reserve Card
This exclusive card made of palladium has rumored requirements of at least $10 million in assets managed by JP Morgan For $595 a year, you can enjoy unlimited airport lounge access, 3x points on dining and travel and up to $10,000 coverage for large purchases against theft and damage.
Dubai First Royale Mastercard
With actual gold and diamonds embedded in the card, this one is exclusively for UAE royalty and high net worth individuals by invite only. It has no credit limit, so you can buy a yacht or plane if your heart desires. Expect 24/7 Royale Lifestyle Management and exceptional service worthy of royalty.
Coutts Silk Credit Card
Coutts serves high net worth British clients exclusively and reportedly requires you to have £1 million in investable assets to be invited for the Coutts Silk. Perks include no annual fee, airport lounge access and exclusive events.
Sberbank Visa Infinite Gold Card
For ultrawealthy clients of Kazakhstan’s Sberbank, this $100,000 Visa Infinite card does not actually contain a magnetic strip. You’re paying for the gold, diamonds and mother of pearl. Get VIP treatment at luxury vacations, private plane arrangements and more.
Outrageous Fees and Requirements
Most of these cards have annual fees ranging from $595 to $2,500. But the Sberbank Visa Infinite Gold Card takes the cake with a $100,000 initiation fee, with $65,000 just to craft the card out of gold. You could also fork over approximately $5,000 in annual fees for the extremely rare Centurion Card.
Many also have rigid requirements, usually requiring you to already be an uber-wealthy banking client managing millions in assets with the card’s issuing institution. For example, the JP Morgan Reserve asks that you have at least $10 million managed by the firm.
And if that doesn’t make them exclusive enough, they are all invite-only. You cannot simply apply for these cards as Mr. Average. You have to be tapped on the shoulder by the issuer.
Lavish Rewards and Perks
With these astronomical fees, you may wonder what exactly makes these credit cards worth it for their uber-wealthy clientele. Here is a taste of the kind of lavish rewards and perks they offer:
- Personalized Concierge Service: Get whatever you want with your dedicated concierge and lifestyle manager
- Private Jet Access: Book a charter or gain entry to exclusive private jet rewards programs
- Exclusive Events and Parties: Get VIP access to luxury events around the globe
- Luxury Travel Perks: Enjoy free nights, room upgrades, resort credits and more at premium properties
- Elite Status and Privileges: Gain instant elite status with travel loyalty programs like hotel chains and airlines
- Premium Insurance and Protections: Take advantage of exceptional coverage for high-end purchases
Essentially, these cards are your key to opening any door you’d like – no request is too over the top or difficult when you hold the world’s most exclusive credit cards in your wallet. Their fees may be astronomical for average consumers, but they grant access to the kind of lifestyle afforded to only the wealthiest individuals.
Prestigious Credit Cards for Average Joes
While the most prestigious invite-only credit cards are likely out of your reach, there are still excellent premium travel rewards cards available if you have very good credit. Options like the Platinum Card from American Express, Chase Sapphire Reserve and Capital One Venture X all offer luxury perks like:
- Airport lounge access
- Up to $300 in annual travel statement credits
- Elite status with major hotels and airlines
- Premium travel insurance and protections
The key is that you have to spend substantially with the cards to offset their lofty annual fees, which can climb up to $550-$700. But they unlock VIP access that makes your trips exceptional.
Just because you do not have a black card does not mean you cannot travel in style and comfort. Many premium travel cards grant you similar (though not identical) perks to enjoy luxury on your getaways. You just need to look beyond the most expensive and exclusive credit cards and focus on options that align with your spending habits and budget.
So while the ultra-wealthy enjoy their exclusive credit cards with unparalleled luxury perks and essentially unlimited spending power, us average folks can still indulge in premium travel benefits with the right credit cards for our lifestyle. You don’t need a credit card trimmed in gold and diamonds to experience indulgence and excellent service on your next vacation.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Up to 10X Reward Rate
Earn 2 miles per dollar on all eligible purchases, 5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals and 10Read More
Earn 75,000 bonus miles
19.99% – 29.24% (Variable)
Excellent (740 and above)Our Expert Take
Capital One’s most premium travel card is packed with extras that put it firmly in competition with other upscale credit cards, but at an annual fee that leaves the others far behind.Expert Commentary
If you’re looking for lofty perks without a lofty annual fee (rates & fees), the Venture X fits the bill. While other cards with elite benefits run nearly $700 a year, you’ll only pay a little more than half that for the Venture X. And you’ll still get Capital One and Priority Pass™ lounge access (after enrollment), an annual travel credit and solid earnings on everyday purchases.Pros & Cons
- Lower annual fee than competing premium credit cards
- Excellent standard earnings rate of 2X miles on all eligible purchases
- $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel and a 10,000-mile anniversary bonus
- Access to Priority Pass™ lounges and Capital One Lounge locations with enrollment
- Transfer miles to Capital One’s 15-plus travel partners of airlines and hotels
- Travel booked outside of Capital One Travel won’t earn bonus miles
- Cash redemptions provide a poor value for your miles
- No domestic airline partners
Card Details
- Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options
- Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
- Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
- Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
- Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
What Do the Best Credit Cards in the World Offer?
- Exclusive credit cards can provide personalized, white-glove customer service any time you pick up the phone.
- Credit card concierges can land impossible-to-get reservations, private jet access and lavish hospitality.
- Ironically, these prestigious credit cards may earn below-average rewards, if there’s even a rewards program at all.
5 Most EXPENSIVE credit cards
FAQ
What is the richest credit card in the world?
The “richest” or most exclusive credit card is generally considered to be the American Express Centurion Card, also known as the “Black Card”. This card is invitation-only and reserved for the wealthiest clients of American Express.
What’s the most expensive credit card to have?
The most expensive credit card to have is the Centurion® Card from American Express, also known as the “Black Card”.
Which credit card do billionaires use?
Which credit card do rich people use? Unique cards for wealthy people include the American Express Centurion Card (Amex Black Card) and J.P. Morgan Reserve Card.
Which card is the most expensive in the world?
The current record price for an individual sports card is the US$12.6 million paid for a 1952 Mickey Mantle baseball card (Topps; #311) on August 28, 2022, breaking all previous records.