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Does your credit card get you reservations at the most exclusive restaurants? Does it let you reserve a seat on a private jet? Do you get your own private lifestyle manager when you open an account?
If not, you’re probably not using one of the credit cards designed for the super-rich.
Some cards are so exclusive you can barely find information about them online, including the American Express Centurion Card — known famously as the Black Card — or the Dubai First Royale Mastercard, which boasts a real diamond in its middle.
Want to add one of these ultra-elite cards to your wallet? You might be out of luck: Most of these cards are invite-only. But if you want a peek into the perks you’ll get with the most luxurious credit cards, here are the six more exclusive cards out there.
Plus, we added a few cards that are a bit more accessible — with rewards that can make you feel pretty wealthy.
1. The Centurion® Card from American Express
While it may seem like more myth than reality, the Centurion Card — or Amex Black — does really exist. And it’s so exclusive that you can’t even apply for it.
American Express is tight-lipped about what it takes to become a Centurion cardholder, but it’s believed you need to pay a $10,000 initiation fee to get into the club. And that’s not all: The Centurion Card also charges an annual fee of $5,000.
To get a Centurion card, you need to spend a lot on an existing American Express card each year — at least $250,000 annually. American Express will then invite you to apply for the Centurion card.
That’s a lot just to apply for a card. But what do you actually get from it? There is a rewards program: You’ll earn 1 point for every dollar you charge. But the rewards aren’t the big draw here. It’s the perks. And there are plenty of them.
You’ll get automatic elite status at hotel chains, including IHG, Hilton and Marriott. You’ll also get complimentary Delta SkyMiles Platinum Medallion status. You’ll get access to exclusive airport lounges and elite car rental programs.
Most notably, this card gives you access to a 24/7 concierge service, which will book your flights and hotels, get you backstage access at concerts, track down any personal items that you’ve lost during your travels, and set up personal itineraries for your trips.
2. J.P. Morgan Reserve Card
The J.P. Morgan Reserve Card is another invite-only credit card. This card is reserved for customers with at least $10 million in assets managed by J.P. Morgan Private Bank. That makes it one of the more exclusive credit cards in the world.
Many consider this card a status symbol. It is, after all, made out of brass and palladium, giving it a hefty feel.
The available information on the rewards program is identical to what you’d get with the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. You’ll earn 3X points on travel and dining and 1X on all other purchases once the $300 travel credit has been used. You’ll also qualify for an annual $300 travel credit.
So, what makes this card so special? Again, it’s the perks. Like the Centurion card, this card offers a 24/7 concierge service to help make airline reservations, hotel reservations, car rentals, and cruises.
You’ll also get exclusive access to events hosted by Chase and can redeem points for Sapphire Private Dining Series events at exclusive restaurants around the world. However, these perks don’t come cheap: There’s an annual fee of $595.
3. Dubai First Royale Mastercard
The Dubai First Royale Mastercard, issued by Dubai First Bank in the United Arab Emirates, is considered the most exclusive credit card in the world. There’s rumored to be only about 200 cardholders out there. And like other cards on this list, it’s only available by invitation.
How high-end is this card? Its edges are plated in real gold. And it boasts a real diamond in its middle.
Information about this card is sparse, but some sources say this card comes with no credit limit. So if you want to use your First Royale card to buy a yacht, you should be able to do it.
This card also reportedly comes with a lifestyle manager that can help you secure exclusive reservations and book trips. It has an annual fee of over $1,900.
4. Silk Charge Card from Coutts
London-based private bank Coutts has its own ultra-exclusive card, the Silk Charge Card. And while details are shrouded in secrecy, rumor has it that cardholders must deposit at least £1 million with Coutts to open a Silk Card.
As with many high-end cards, the biggest selling point of the Silk Charge Card is its concierge service. You’ll earn extras like room upgrades and dining deals at more than 1,800 luxury properties around the world. You can use the service to get reservations at exclusive restaurants or secure tickets to sports games and theater shows. You can even access Coutts’ own suite at London’s O2 concert venue.
You’ll also get exclusive airport lounge access through the LoungeKey™ program.
5. Mastercard Black Card
Good news: You can actually apply for the Mastercard Black Card. And if you qualify, you’ll gain access to a host of travel and concierge perks. But like the rest of the cards on this list, the Black Card doesn’t come cheap: You’ll pay an annual fee of $495.
What do you get in exchange? A 24/7 concierge service will help you make travel arrangements, arrange dinner reservations, find high-demand products, and even deliver gifts and flowers.
The concierge service can also help in times of crisis, like if you lose something while abroad or need to change your travel plans quickly.
This Black card also provides travel credits, airport lounge access, hotel room upgrades, and travel insurance.
6. Visa Infinite
Visa Infinite isn’t a single credit card. It’s a level of Visa-branded card — the highest — ranking above Visa Signature and Visa Traditional cards.
Cards branded as Visa Infinite include the Chase Sapphire Reserve ($550 annual fee), Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card ($395 annual fee), and the U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Credit Card ($400 annual fee).
What do you get with Visa Infinite status? A lot of perks.
These cards offer a concierge service to help book travel plans, restaurant reservations, and tickets to sporting events and concerts. You’ll also get access to the Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection, which gives you VIP status, room upgrades, and free breakfast.
The card also provides rental car discounts with Avis, Hertz, National, and Audi, along with personalized winemaker and celebrity chef experiences through Infinite’s fine wine and food program.
You’ll also get access to more than 1,300 airport lounges, travel credits, and travel insurance.
Elite credit cards that make you feel like a millionaire
You don’t need to apply to one of these cards above to feel wealthy. There are plenty of elite credit cards that are more easily attainable.
These include:
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: This luxury travel card costs a pretty penny with a $695 annual fee. See rates and fees. But you’ll get valuable rewards and perks for that money. You’ll earn 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked directly through American Express Travel (up to $500,000 per calendar year) and 2X points on prepaid rental cars booked through the portal. You’ll also get 1X points on all other purchases. You’ll also get various travel credits, airport lounge access, complimentary hotel status, and travel insurance.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: For its $550 annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Reserve gives you 10X points on hotel stays, car rentals, and Chase Dining purchases booked through Ultimate Rewards, 5X points on air travel booked through Ultimate Rewards, 3X points on restaurants and general travel, and 1X points on all other purchases. You’ll also get free access to more than 1,300 airport lounges, travel credits, and travel insurance.
- Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: This card’s low $95 annual fee comes with a solid rewards program: You’ll earn 3X points on travel and select business categories (up to $150,000, then 1X) and 1X points on everything else. You’ll also get perks like purchase protection and trip cancellation and interruption insurance.
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: The Venture X from Capital One boasts one of the more lucrative rewards programs: You’ll earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel, and 2X miles on all other purchases. This card also has a robust welcome bonus and comes with travel credits that can offset the annual fee.
The bottom line
Yes, certain credit cards serve as status symbols. But don’t despair if you can’t nab a Centurion Card or Dubai First Royale Mastercard. There are still plenty of cards designed for the rest of us that come with robust rewards programs — plus travel and retail perks.
*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company
Opinions expressed are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
