By STEPHANIE FARIS GOBANKINGRATES.COM
March 10, 2015 - 10:30 am
The world’s richest people know the value of having at least one elite credit card in their wallets. Not only can these cardholders enjoy rewards on every dollar they spend, the right card can also offer VIP-style perks. Add to that the exclusivity of having a credit card only provided to the world’s wealthiest, and you’ll understand why many of the rich and famous get memberships.
While most credit card companies are tight-lipped about their celebrity members, occasionally news leaks out on blogs, gossip sites and social media. When it does, fans are intrigued. The average person might never be able to enjoy the perks that come with an elite credit card, but it’s always interesting to see how the other half lives.
Here are a few credit cards reportedly used by the wealthier portion of the world.
American Express Red Card
Reportedly Used By: Bono, Gisele Bündchen, Elle MacPherson
One card that emerged as a must-have for cause-minded celebrities is the American Express Red Card, which has been supported by big names such as Bono, Elle MacPherson and Gisele Bündchen. Philanthropic celebrities probably love the fact that one percent of every dollar spent goes to the Global Fund, which works to alleviate AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria throughout the world. For cardholders that spend more than a set amount each year, that donation amount increases to 1.25 percent. Its role in making a difference in the world gives the Red card status.
The card was launched in the United Kingdom, requiring cardholders to be U.K. residents in order to apply. However, CreditCardForum.com reports American Express stopped accepting memberships in 2011. As of 2013, the card was being gradually phased out. It’s unclear if Red cardholders can still use the card, but you won’t even find it on the American Express website.
American Express Centurion Card
Reportedly Used By: Oprah Winfrey, Kim Kardashian, Jay Z
This invitation-only credit card has quite a few celebrities publicly attached to it. Oprah Winfrey is believed to be among its members, as well as Jay Z. In 2013, Kim Kardashian posted on Instagram that she used the exclusive card to pay for a meal at Panda Express.
The “black card” reportedly doesn’t have a spending limit, but only the world’s wealthiest are invited to join this elite club. Once invited, cardholders are required to pay a $7,500 initiation fee and a $2,500 annual membership fee.
Cardholders might be drawn to this card’s nonexistent spending limit, but the perks most likely make it even more attractive. CreditCardInsider.com reports that while American Express doesn’t reveal details of these perks, the bank says there are rare travel, food and entertainment experiences. Rumor has it that cardholders are able to get preferred pricing when renting luxury vehicles, like Lamborghinis and Bentleys, as well as access to airport lounges and hotel upgrades.
Coutts Silk Card
Reportedly Used By: Queen Elizabeth II
When it comes to elite credit cardholders, it doesn’t get more elite than the royal family. The Coutts Silk Card includes Queen Elizabeth II and Elton John as its members, according to CreditCardForum.com.
Issued by one of the world’s oldest banks, the Silk Card is the World Charge Card’s successor. It features a design that was based on wallpaper brought back to England in 1794 by Earl Macartney, Britain’s first ambassador to China. Cardholders are initially given a £20,000 monthly spending limit, and they don’t have to pay an annual fee as long as more than £50,000 is spent each year.
Owners of a Coutts Silk Card enjoy access to more than 700 executive airport lounges and an award-winning 24/7-concierge service. But perhaps the most attractive perk of the Coutts card is its exclusive privileges and benefits from partners throughout the world, including hotels, luxury retailers and fine wine suppliers.
American Express
Reportedly Used By: Warren Buffett
The world’s second-wealthiest man, Warren Buffett, stunned CNN viewers in 2013 when he pulled his American Express card out of his wallet. It wasn’t black or platinum, as one would expect of a man who is worth almost $73 billion. Instead, it was the same standard green American Express card average cardholders carry.
Whether you choose to be like Buffett and carry a standard American Express card or dream of someday qualifying for a black or platinum card, it’s interesting to learn about the perks the rich and famous enjoy. Access to many of the hotel and travel perks don’t require an elite card, but simply carrying the card probably gives the world’s richest people a feeling of exclusivity — which is perhaps the biggest perk of all.
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