Selected from 1,500+ credit cards for December 2023
Updated Dec 15, 2023
Fact checked
Written by John Kiernan
Credit Card Editor
Reviewed by Alina Comoreanu
Senior Researcher
The most exclusive credit cards can provide you with luxurious perks such as a personal concierge, VIP access to events, airport lounge access, and elite status with multiple travel providers and hotels. But just because a card is exclusive doesn't necessarily mean that it's the best option for you personally. To help you determine which, if any, of the most exclusive credit cards are right for your needs, we compared more than 1,500 credit card offers based on WalletHub's proprietary 100-point credit card rating system and identified the best, most prestigious options for different types of applicants.
5 Most Exclusive Credit Cards
Most Prestigious Overall:Centurion® Card from American ExpressCenturion® Card from American ExpressLearn MoreLearn More- Rates & FeesTerms ApplyAirport Lounge Access:The Platinum Card® from American ExpressThe Platinum Card® from American ExpressLearn MoreLearn Moreon issuer's website
- Rates & FeesTerms ApplyBusiness Rewards:The Business Platinum Card® from American ExpressThe Business Platinum Card® from American ExpressLearn MoreLearn Moreon issuer's website
- Rates & FeesBest Rewards:Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardCapital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardLearn MoreLearn Moreon issuer's website
- Visa Infinite Concierge:Chase Sapphire Reserve®Chase Sapphire Reserve®Learn MoreLearn Moreon issuer's website
You can learn more about these prestigious and exclusive credit card offers below. Just remember that neither a credit card’s prestige nor its exclusivity will help you save money. A credit card’s rates, fees, rewards and other tangible perks are what really count. So what you really want is one of 2023’s best credit cards, no matter how many other people may have it.
The most exclusive credit card overall is the Centurion® Card from American Express, also known as the Amex Black Card. It is reportedly reserved for people who spend at least $100,000 per year, and an invitation is needed to apply. The so-called Amex Black Card is far too exclusive for most people, as a result, but there are plenty of other prestigious and exclusive credit cards that might be attainable for you if you have excellent credit and a high income. You can learn more about them below.
WalletHub tracks 1,500+ credit cards (other sites only consider a much smaller number of cards, so they naturally miss a lot of great cards)
WalletHub picks the best credit cards overall (other sites pick the best cards from their advertising partners)
WalletHub uses a sophisticated card rating system to objectively find the best cards (other sites’ picks are influenced by their own biases)
WalletHub has 100% editorial independence (other sites just provide a billboard for advertisers)
WalletHub does not have a conflict of interest (other sites are biased due to promoting their own lending and banking offers)
WalletHub has 15+ years of credit card experience (other sites simply don’t have the same expertise)
WalletHub's best credit card picks and ratings are completely independent and not provided, commissioned, or endorsed by any issuer. Some offers may come from WalletHub's advertising partners. WalletHub independently collected information for some of the cards on this page.
Overall
Most Prestigious Credit Card Overall
0.9WalletHub Rating
WalletHub Rating
0.9
This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated the card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need most relevant to this page ("Earn Rewards"). The rating for this card may vary on other pages where a different need is used. A rating of 5 is the best a card can receive.
User Reviews
4.2
Market Comparison
0.6
fees: 1.3
rewards: 0.8
cost: 0.0
Other Features: 5.0
Regular APR
21.24% (V)
Annual Fee
$5000
Rewards Rate
1 point / $1
Min Credit Needed
Excellent
Regular APR
21.24% (V)
Annual Fee
$5000
Rewards Rate
1 point / $1
Accepted Credit
Excellent
Editors’ Thoughts
Why It’s One of the Most Exclusive Credit Cards:The most exclusive credit card is the Centurion Card from American Express, otherwise known as the Amex Black Card. It’s available by invitation only, and you reportedly need to charge at least $100,000 to $250,000 to your credit card per year to even be eligible.
Most of us won’t ever get first-hand experience using the Amex Black Card. The closest most of us will come is hearing rappers name-drop it or seeing pictures of celebrities flashing theirs. You may come across imposter “black cards” trying to take advantage of Centurion’s popularity, too.
Pros, Cons & More Details
Pros
- No foreign fee
Cons
- High membership fees
- No rewards bonus
Editors' Thoughts and More Details Pros, Cons & Details
Most Exclusive Consumer Credit Cards
PRESTIGIOUS CREDIT CARD FOR GREAT REWARDS
4.2WalletHub Rating
WalletHub Rating
4.2
This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated the card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need most relevant to this page ("Earn Rewards"). The rating for this card may vary on other pages where a different need is used. A rating of 5 is the best a card can receive.
Editor’s Rating
4.8
User Reviews
3.1
Market Comparison
4.2
fees: 1.3
rewards: 4.8
cost: 4.7
Other Features: 5.0
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.99% (V)
Annual Fee
$395
Rewards Rate
2 - 10 miles / $1
Bonus Offer
75,000 miles
Min Credit Needed
Excellent
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.99% (V)
Annual Fee
$395
Rewards Rate
2 - 10 miles / $1
Bonus Offer
75,000 miles
Accepted Credit
Excellent
Editors’ Thoughts
Why It’s One of the Most Prestigious Credit Cards:The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card isn’t especially exclusive, considering it’s available to the general public, but you do need excellent credit to get approved. You must also be able to afford the card’s $395 annual fee. That said, Capital One Venture X is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market right now, which makes it prestigious.
For starters, Capital One Venture X offers an initial bonus of 75,000 miles for spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. That’s worth $750 in travel – more than enough value to take you on some exclusive getaways. You’ll also earn 2 - 10 miles per $1 on purchases.
To learn more, check out WalletHub’s completecomplete Venture X Card review.
Pros, Cons & More Details
Pros
- 75,000-mile initial bonus
- 2 - 10 miles per $1 spent on purchases
- Annual statement credit & bonus opportunities
- Airport lounge access
Cons
- $395 annual fee
- Not good for financing
- Requires excellent credit
Editors' Thoughts and More Details Pros, Cons & Details
EXCLUSIVE CREDIT CARD FOR THE VISA INFINITE CONCIERGE
3.7WalletHub Rating
WalletHub Rating
3.7
This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated the card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need most relevant to this page ("Earn Travel Rewards"). The rating for this card may vary on other pages where a different need is used. A rating of 5 is the best a card can receive.
Editor’s Rating
4.4
User Reviews
3.3
Market Comparison
3.6
fees: 1.3
rewards: 4.4
cost: 4.0
Other Features: 0.0
Regular APR
22.49% - 29.49% (V)
Annual Fee
$550
Rewards Rate
1 - 10 points / $1
Bonus Offer
60,000 points
Min Credit Needed
Excellent
Regular APR
22.49% - 29.49% (V)
Annual Fee
$550
Rewards Rate
1 - 10 points / $1
Bonus Offer
60,000 points
Accepted Credit
Excellent
Editors’ Thoughts
Why It’s One of the Most Exclusive Credit Cards:The “Reserve” part of this card’s name hints at exclusivity, as does its excellent-credit approval requirement. And its travel perks show why it’s a prestigious choice. You’ll earn 60,000 points – redeemable for$900 in travel through Chase – if you spend at least $4,000 within 3 months of account opening. You’ll receive a credit for up to $300 in travel purchases each year. And you’ll earn the points equivalent of 1.5% to 15% cash back on purchases, depending on the type of purchase, assuming you redeem for travel booked through Chase.
Plus, there are a few other perks – such as access to 1,300+ airport lounges and Visa Infinite Concierge service – that help offset the card’s $550 annual fee.
Pros, Cons & More Details
Pros
- Initial Bonus: 60,000 points
- $300 Annual Travel Credit
- Up To 15% Back On Hotels and Car Rentals
Cons
- High Annual Fee
- High APR
Editors' Thoughts and More Details Pros, Cons & Details
EXCLUSIVE CARD FOR AIRPORT LOUNGE ACCESS
3.0WalletHub Rating
WalletHub Rating
3.0
This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated the card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need most relevant to this page ("Earn Travel Rewards"). The rating for this card may vary on other pages where a different need is used. A rating of 5 is the best a card can receive.
Editor’s Rating
3.0
User Reviews
3.9
Market Comparison
2.9
fees: 1.3
rewards: 4.1
cost: 2.5
Other Features: 5.0
Terms Apply|
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Annual Fee
$695
Rewards Rate
1 - 5 points / $1
Bonus Offer
80,000 points
Min Credit Needed
Good
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Annual Fee
$695
Rewards Rate
1 - 5 points / $1
Bonus Offer
80,000 points
Accepted Credit
Excellent, Good
Editors’ Thoughts
Why It’s One of the Most Exclusive Cards:The Platinum Card® from American Express gives cardholders and eligible guests access to well over 1,000 airport lounges around the world as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection. This includes all American Express Centurion Lounge locations and the 45 Delta SkyClub lounges. This card requires at least good credit for approval and costs a pretty penny, with a $695 annual fee. But cardholders get plenty of other perks for the money, too.
For example, new applicants who spend at least $8,000 within 6 months of opening an account earn an initial bonus of 80,000 points. There are also $200 in credits for fees on a pre-selected airline each year, up to $200 per year in free Uber rides, and up to $100 in annual credits for shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue (enrollment required), among other perks.
Pros, Cons & More Details
Pros
- 80,000 points offer
- Hundreds in annual credits
Cons
- $695 annual fee
- Limited financing capabilities
- No preset spending limit
Editors' Thoughts and More Details Pros, Cons & Details
MOST PRESTIGIOUS CREDIT CARD OVERALL
0.9WalletHub Rating
WalletHub Rating
0.9
This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated the card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need most relevant to this page ("Earn Rewards"). The rating for this card may vary on other pages where a different need is used. A rating of 5 is the best a card can receive.
User Reviews
4.2
Market Comparison
0.6
fees: 1.3
rewards: 0.8
cost: 0.0
Other Features: 5.0
Regular APR
21.24% (V)
Annual Fee
$5000
Rewards Rate
1 point / $1
Min Credit Needed
Excellent
Regular APR
21.24% (V)
Annual Fee
$5000
Rewards Rate
1 point / $1
Accepted Credit
Excellent
Editors’ Thoughts
Why It’s One of the Most Exclusive Credit Cards: The most exclusive,prestigious credit card is without a doubt the American Express Centurion Card, otherwise known as the Amex Black Card. That’s because it’s the most famous. Perhaps you’ve heard rappers name-drop it, or seen pictures of celebrities flashing theirs. Or maybe you’ve come across one of the imposter cards trying to take advantage of Centurion’s popularity. Regardless, most of us won’t ever get first-hand experience using the real Amex Black Card. It’s available by invitation only. And reportedly, you need to charge at least $100,000-$250,000 to your credit card per year to even be eligible.
Pros, Cons & More Details
Pros
- No foreign fee
Cons
- High membership fees
- No rewards bonus
Editors' Thoughts and More Details Pros, Cons & Details
Most Exclusive Business Credit Card
Exclusive Card for Business
2.7WalletHub Rating
WalletHub Rating
2.7
This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated the card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need most relevant to this page ("Business - Earn Rewards"). The rating for this card may vary on other pages where a different need is used. A rating of 5 is the best a card can receive.
Editor’s Rating
3.0
User Reviews
3.7
Market Comparison
2.5
fees: 1.3
rewards: 2.9
cost: 2.5
Other Features: 5.0
Terms Apply|
Regular APR
19.49% - 27.49% (V)
Annual Fee
$695
Rewards Rate
1 - 5 points / $1
Bonus Offer
120,000 points
Min Credit Needed
Good
Regular APR
19.49% - 27.49% (V)
Annual Fee
$695
Rewards Rate
1 - 5 points / $1
Bonus Offer
120,000 points
Accepted Credit
Excellent, Good
Editors’ Thoughts
Why It’s One of the Most Exclusive Cards:The Business Platinum Amex Card’s annual fee alone makes it exclusive, as your average small business owner probably won’t want to shell out hundreds of dollars per year just for the privilege of having a particular card. Similarly, the average business owner does not have the credit needed to be approved for this card. Plus, few people will use this card deftly enough to get their money’s worth from its assorted rewards and benefits.
Those perks include 120,000 points after you spend $15,000 within 3 months of opening an account. Additionally, cardholders earn 1 - 5 points per $1 on purchases, get rebates on points redeemed for airfare, and more.
Pros, Cons & More Details
Pros
- High rewards rate
- 120,000 points welcome offer
- No foreign fee
Cons
- High membership fees
- Requires good/excellent credit
Editors' Thoughts and More Details Pros, Cons & Details
NON-U.S. CARDS
EXCLUSIVE CREDIT CARD FOR INTERNATIONAL PRESTIGE
Dubai First Royale Mastercard
Why It’s One of the Most Exclusive Credit Cards: Only about 200 people in the world are believed to have this invite-only credit card, and many of them are rumored to be in the Dubai and Saudi royal families. The Dubai First Royale Mastercard is also rumored to have an annual fee of around $2,000, no spending limit, and a 24/7 concierge.
Were the editor’s picks helpful?
WalletHub's Research
362
Research Hours
461
Companies Reviewed
1,391
Cards Reviewed
- How to get an exclusive credit card – 3 tips
- Most exclusive credit cards compared
- Prestigious imposters – Don’t be fooled
- Methodology
- Sources
- About the author
- User questions & answers
How to Get an Exclusive Credit Card – 3 Tips
- Build a Credit Score of 800+
Although the credit score range goes up to 850, anything in the 800’s is considered perfect credit because improving your credit score further is unlikely to save you more money. For tips on how to go about accomplishing this, check out WalletHub’s credit improvement guide.You can also check your latest credit score for free and get personalized advice by signing up for a free WalletHub account.
- Maximize Your Income
Exclusive credit cards generally target high net-worth individuals who spend a lot but make more than enough to support it. Credit cards make money whenever you make a purchase. So the more you spend, the more they make. Credit card companies also like knowing they’ll recoup whatever they lend you.
- Minimize Your Debt
The more debt you have relative to your income and assets, the less affordable a new line of credit will be. And the most exclusive credit cards tend to have pretty high limits.
Now that you know what getting an exclusive credit card entails, you may want to take another look at WalletHub’s picks to see if the reward you’re chasing is really worth it. For your convenience, we’ve summarized how the most exclusive credit card offers compare in a few key areas below.
Most Exclusive Credit Cards Compared
| Credit Card | Best For | Annual Fee |
| Centurion® Card from American Express | Most Prestigious Overall | $5000 |
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | Airport Lounge Access | $695 |
| The Business Platinum Card® from American Express | Business Rewards | $695 |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (see Rates & Fees) | Best Rewards | $395 |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Visa Infinite Concierge | $550 |
Remember, exclusivity and prestige won’t pay the bills. So we recommend checking out 2023’s best overall credit cardsbefore making a decision.
Prestigious Imposters – Don’t Be Fooled
Mastercard® Black Card – This is not the famous “black card.” It’s just a wannabe trying to capitalize on pop culture confusion regarding the Amex Centurion Card. Just check out WalletHub’s Mastercard Black Card Review to see how little you get in return for a $495 annual fee.
Diners Club Elite Credit Card – Another “elite” card with more bark than bite, this Diners Club credit card charges a $300 annual fee and doesn’t offer anything special in return. All of its features can be found on credit cards with much lower annual fees or no fee at all.
Mastercard® Gold Card – The Mastercard Black Card’s sibling is actually even worse, as it charges one of the highest annual fees on the market: a staggering $995! Sure, it’s 24-karat gold-plated card. But even if it were solid gold, it still wouldn’t be worth it.
Methodology for Selecting the Most Exclusive Credit Cards
To identify the most prestigious and most exclusive credit cards, WalletHub’s editors regularly compare 1,500+ credit card offers based on their approval requirements, fees, rates, rewards, secondary benefits and special features, such as airport lounge access or concierge service. We focus on credit cards for people with excellent credit, though standout cards that require a minimum of good credit may earn a spot, and we use expected rewards earnings after annual fees as the primary barometer.
When appropriate, we also highlight luxury credit cards with high annual fees that may scare away the average consumer, despite unlocking valuable rewards potential. In addition to the most exclusive credit cards for consumers, we select the most exclusive credit card for business based on approval requirements and expected rewards earnings, net annual fees.
Sources
WalletHub actively maintains a database of 1,500+ credit card offers, from which we select the most exclusive credit cards for different applicants as well as derive market-wide takeaways and trends. The underlying data is compiled from credit card company websites or provided directly by the credit card issuers. We also leverage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to develop cardholder profiles, used to estimate cards’ potential savings.
About the Author
John S Kiernan
John Kiernan has covered the credit card industry for more than 10 years as a writer and editor for WalletHub. His work has been featured by major media outlets such as The Washington Post and The New York Times and has been cited by industry regulators such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Most Exclusive Credit Cards FAQ
Finding the best credit card can be tough. But you’ve got the knowledgeable WalletHub community on your side. We encourage everyone to share their knowledge while respecting our content guidelines. Please keep in mind that editorial and user-generated content on this page is not reviewed or otherwise endorsed by any financial institution. In addition, it is not the financial institution’s responsibility to ensure all posts and questions are answered. WalletHub independently collected information for some of the cards on this page.
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What credit card do millionaires use?
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Reply
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Chip Lupo, Credit Card Writer
@CLoop
Millionaires use credit cards like the Centurion® Card from American Express, the J.P. Morgan Reserve Credit Card. These high-end credit cards are available only to people who receive an invitation to apply, which millionaires have the best chance of getting. For example, in the case of the Amex Centurion Card – also known as “the Black Card” – you reportedly need to charge at least $100,000 across Amex credit cards every year to even qualify for an invite. The Platinum Card® from American Express is another exclusive credit card that...
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What is the best luxury card?
34
Upvotes
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John S Kiernan, Managing Editor
@John
One of the best luxury credit cards is Chase Sapphire Reserve® because it offers an initial bonus worth up to $900 in travel booked through Chase, gives an annual travel credit, and provides complimentary airport lounge access. But luxury comes at a cost, and Chase Sapphire Reserve® charges a $550 annual fee.
The Platinum Card® from American Express is another popular luxury card worth considering. Paying the card's $695 annual fee is worth it for high-spending frequent travelers who earn its initial bonus...
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What's the most prestigious American Express card?
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Sally Jones
@sally_deJones
The most prestigious American Express card is the Centurion® Card from American Express. You need an invitation to get it and an income of at least $250,000 a year to merit consideration, according to online reports. Note that Amex doesn't disclose the requirements for this card.
The Centurion® Card from American Express also has a $10,000 initiation fee and a $5000 annual fee. Cardholders get access to Centurion Lounges, hotel benefits, apersonal concierge, and more. They also earn 1 point per $1 spent on all purchases.
Here's another...
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What is the highest level of American Express card?
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Ryan P Page, Staff Writer
@ryan_page
The highest level American Express card is the Centurion® Card from American Express, better known as the Amex Black Card. The Black Card can't simply be applied for, as unconfirmed sources say that cardholders must spend between $250,000 and $1 million through American Express each year to receive an invitation. As of 2021, though, individuals who feel they might meet the criteria can request an invitation.
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Maria Adams, Credit Cards Moderator
@m_adams
The best credit card in the world is considered to be the Centurion® Card from American Express, which is famously known as the "black card." This card is seen as a status symbol for rich and influential people. Benefits include free access to airport lounges, elite status and other perks at various hotels, a personal concierge, lots of travel insurance and more.
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Which is the most expensive credit card?
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Maria Adams, Credit Cards Moderator
@m_adams
The most expensive credit card is the Centurion® Card from American Express (also called the Amex “Black Card”), because it has an initiation fee of up to $10,000 and a $5000 annual fee. You have to be invited to even apply for this card and you have to spend (and pay off) hundreds of thousands of dollars annually on Amex credit cards to get an invitation.
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Maria Adams, Credit Cards Moderator
@m_adams
The Mastercard® Black Card requirements for approval include:
- At least good credit score (700+).
- U.S. residency.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Enough income to afford the card's $495 annual fee and monthly bill payments.
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What are the most prestigious credit cards?
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Christie Matherne, Credit Card Writer
@christie_matherne
The most prestigious credit card is the invitation-only Centurion® Card from American Express (Amex Black Card), as well as The Platinum Card® from American Express, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card. All three cards require applicants to meet high income and/or spending standards for approval.
Most Prestigious Credit Cards in 2023
- Centurion® Card from American Express: Most Prestigious Overall
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: Airport Lounge Access
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Visa Infinite Concierge
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (see Rates & Fees): Generous Rewards
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Which is the most elite credit card?
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Chip Lupo, Credit Card Writer
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The most elite credit card is the Centurion® Card from American Express, also known as the Amex Black Card, because it's not a card you can simply apply for. You need to receive an invitation just to be able to apply, and you reportedly need to spend at least $250,000 a year on Amex cards to be eligible. On top of that, there's a $10,000 initiation fee for those who are approved, and the annual fee is a whopping...
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WalletHub
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The highest level for a Visa card is Visa Infinite, topping Visa Signature and standard Visa cards. Visa Infinite benefits are reserved for the most premium credit cards, and they can save you a lot of money.
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Expert Opinions
To help you learn more about the upper-crust of the credit card market, we assembled an exclusive panel of experts from prestigious institutions and asked them to share their thoughts on the following questions. Just click “Read More” to check out an expert’s comments.
- To what extent are exclusive credit card offers really status symbols?
- Who are ultra-exclusive credit cards better for: the issuers or their customers?
- What are the best ways to tell if a credit card is really prestigious/exclusive vs. a knockoff?
Larry D. Compeau
Professor Emeritus of Marketing and Consumer Psychology, Editorial Review Board Member: Journal of Public Policy & Marketing, Expert Witness and Consultant, The David D. Reh School of Business, Clarkson University
Read More
William Hedgco*ck
Associate Professor, Director of Carlson School Behavioral Labs, Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota
Read More
Jennifer A. Pope
Ph.D., Fulbright Scholar- IEDC Bled School of Management, Associate Professor of International Business and Marketing, Grand Valley State University
Read More
Ryan Eanes
Assistant Professor of Instruction, Klein College of Media & Communication, Temple University
Read More
Arjun Chakravarti
Managing Partner of Cogknition, Assistant Professor of Management and Marketing, Illinois Institute of Technology, Stuart School of Business
Read More
Zhiyong Yang
Professor and Chair, Department of Marketing, Farmer School of Business, Miami University
Read More
More Experts
WalletHub is committed to transparency and editorial independence. The information about the following cards has been independently collected by WalletHub: Centurion® Card from American Express, Mastercard® Gold Card, Mastercard® Black Card, Diners Club Elite Credit Card, J.P. Morgan Reserve Credit Card, U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® Card, and American Express® Green Card
As an expert in credit cards with a demonstrated depth of knowledge, let me break down the key concepts discussed in the article on exclusive credit cards:
-
Centurion® Card from American Express (Amex Black Card):
- Annual Fee: $5,000
- Rewards Rate: 1 point per $1
- Eligibility: By invitation only; reportedly requires annual spending of $100,000 to $250,000
- Features: Exclusive perks such as personal concierge, VIP access to events, airport lounge access, and elite status with travel providers and hotels.
-
The Platinum Card® from American Express:
- Annual Fee: $695
- Rewards Rate: 1 - 5 points per $1
- Eligibility: Requires at least good credit
- Features: Access to airport lounges, initial bonus of 80,000 points, $200 annual credit for a pre-selected airline, and other luxury perks.
-
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express:
- Annual Fee: $695
- Rewards Rate: 1 - 5 points per $1
- Eligibility: Requires good/excellent credit
- Features: Business-focused perks, including 120,000 points welcome offer, rebates on points redeemed for airfare, and more.
-
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card:
- Annual Fee: $395
- Rewards Rate: 2 - 10 miles per $1
- Eligibility: Requires excellent credit
- Features: Not as exclusive but offers excellent travel rewards, including a 75,000-mile initial bonus and 2 - 10 miles per $1 spent on purchases.
-
Chase Sapphire Reserve®:
- Annual Fee: $550
- Rewards Rate: 1 - 10 points per $1
- Eligibility: Requires excellent credit
- Features: Exclusive travel perks, 60,000 points initial bonus, $300 annual travel credit, and access to airport lounges and Visa Infinite Concierge service.
-
Dubai First Royale Mastercard (Non-U.S. Card):
- Features: Extremely exclusive, believed to be held by around 200 individuals, often in the Dubai and Saudi royal families. Annual fee rumored to be around $2,000, with no spending limit and a 24/7 concierge.
-
WalletHub's Methodology:
- WalletHub compares 1,500+ credit card offers based on approval requirements, fees, rates, rewards, and special features.
- Focuses on credit cards for people with excellent credit, using expected rewards after annual fees as the primary measure.
-
Tips for Getting an Exclusive Credit Card:
- Build a Credit Score of 800+: Aim for excellent credit.
- Maximize Your Income: Exclusive cards target high-net-worth individuals who spend a lot.
- Minimize Your Debt: Lower debt relative to income improves affordability.
-
Prestigious Imposters - Don't Be Fooled:
- Highlights other cards masquerading as exclusive, such as Mastercard® Black Card, Diners Club Elite Credit Card, and Mastercard® Gold Card.
-
Expert Opinions:
- Features insights from a panel of experts on the status symbol nature of exclusive credit cards, who benefits more from ultra-exclusive cards, and how to distinguish genuine prestige from knockoffs.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive comparison of exclusive credit cards, emphasizing the importance of features, fees, and rewards over exclusivity alone. It also offers expert opinions and tips for individuals aspiring to obtain such prestigious cards.
