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Exclusive credit cards are often thought of hand-in-hand with wealth and privilege. Owning one of the most exclusive cards in the world isn’t just about having the bank account to back it up. Many of these swank cards are invite-only and there’s little-to-no confirmed information about what exactly it takes to score an invitation to apply.
For the fortunate few who do receive an invite, the benefits of owning one of these status-symbol cards are designed to appeal to those who already live the high life. Special concierge services, access to private planes and VIP experiences can all be benefits of card ownership, depending on the particular card. Here’s what to know about some of the most exclusive cards in the world.
Related: Best Credit Cards Of 2023
Exclusive Credit Cards That Require an Invitation
The following cards are so exclusive, you’ll have to be invited to apply. If you do have the clout to score an invitation for an application, you’ll not only get the chance to show your elite status whenever it’s time to pay a bill, you’ll also get elite perks and benefits like concierge services to cater to your whims, access to private planes and VIP services to select private and live events.
Premium Credit Cards That You Can Apply For
If you’re in the market for a high-end credit card that can help unlock access to exclusive experiences like premium airport lounge access, airline ticket upgrades or elite status with airlines and hotels, there are options that don’t require an invitation. If you have excellent credit and are willing to fork over a premium annual fee, you can simply apply to have one of these cards added to your wallet. Here are some of Forbes Advisor’s top picks for premium cards you can apply for.
Mastercard® Gold Card™ *
Up to 2X Reward Rate
2% value for Airfare Redemptions. 2% value fir Cash Back Redemptions
Annual Fee
$995 ($295 for each Authorized User added to the account)
Regular APR
19.24% variable
Credit Score
Excellent (750 – 850)
Why We Picked It
If what your card is made of is more important than what it does for you, consider the Mastercard Gold Card. Just remember, Mr. T’s jewelry is shiny, too.
Pros & Cons
- 2% of spend cash back and travel redemptions (earned as 1 point per dollar spent)
- $200 annual airline credit
- $100 Global entry or TSA PreCheck credit
- No foreign transaction fees
- No welcome bonus
- High $995 annual fee
- Additional $295 per-authorized-user annual fee
- Ostentatious to the point of being tacky
Card Details
- 24K-Gold Plated – Patented Card Design
- Luxury Card Rewards Program
- 2% Value for Airfare Redemptions
- 2% Value for Cash Back Redemptions
- 24-7 Luxury Card Concierge™
- Exclusive Luxury Card Travel Benefits
- $200 Annual Airline Credit Toward Qualifying Purchases
- $100 Global Entry Application Fee Credit
- Luxury Gifts
- Members-Only LUXURY MAGAZINE
- Annual Fee: $995 ($295 for each Authorized User)
- 19.24% variable APR on Purchases and Transfers
- 0% introductory APR for the first fifteen billing cycles on balance transfers made in the first 45 days after account opening; After intro will be 19.24% variable
Mastercard® Black Card™ *
Up to 2% Reward Rate
2% value for airfare redemptions and 1.5% value for cash back redemptions
Annual Fee
$495 ($195 for each Authorized User added to the account)
Regular APR
19.24% variable
Credit Score
Excellent (750 – 850)
Why We Picked It
With an annual fee on par with most top-tier cards, you ought to expect great things from the Mastercard® Black Card™, but it falls short on delivering rewards. This card is ideal for someone with excellent credit and an appetite for luxury experiences and status, but if earning rewards is paramount, look to another premium card with a better earnings rate.
Pros & Cons
- No foreign transaction fees
- Decent reward redemption rates of 1.5% and 2%, depending on redemption type
- Various travel perks like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry credits
- Introductory APR on balance transfers
- $495 annual fee
- $195 authorized user fee
- Rewards earnings and perks don’t compare well to other high annual fee cards
- High 3% balance transfer fee
Card Details
- Stainless Steel – Patented Card Design
- Luxury Card Rewards Program
- 2% value for Airfare Redemptions
- 1.5% value for Cash Back Redemptions
- 24-7 Luxury Card Concierge™
- $100 Annual Airline Credit Toward Qualifying Purchases
- $100 Global Entry Application Fee Credit
- Annual Fee: $495 ($195 for each Authorized User)
- 0% introductory APR for the first fifteen billing cycles on balance transfers made in the first 45 days after account opening, followed by a will be 19.24%
How To Get Exclusive Credit Cards
There are no official steps to take in order to score an invite to a card like the Centurion® Card from American Express*. In most cases, it requires exceptional wealth and significant annual spending on your existing credit card. For example, American Express is rumored to only extend invitations for the Amex Centurion Card to those who already carry The Platinum Card® from American Express and spend a minimum of $250,000 a year on the card. Even so, that doesn’t mean everyone who can check those two boxes will be invited to apply. That’s part of the mystique and appeal that makes this card—and others like it—so exclusive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The term “black card” has come to symbolize an ultra-exclusive high-end credit card, referenced in pop culture as the ultimate status symbol. In the U.S., a black card is typically synonymous with the Centurion® Card from American Express*, a card both elusive and exclusive, with invitations to apply extended only to a select few based on unknown criteria.
What is the most prestigious credit card?
One of the world’s most prestigious credit cards is the Centurion® Card from American Express*. Though there may be other cards with more elaborate benefits, those cards are kept well under wraps. The Centurion card offers elite perks you can only dream of while still being relatively well-known, a combination that makes it particularly prestigions.
What makes a credit card exclusive?
Most credit cards you can apply for, although some may not be attainable for everyone. For example, most high-end premium rewards cards are only available to those with excellent credit and a strong financial history. But applications for the most exclusive credit cards are by invitation only, meaning you have to be selected to apply. Rumors abound as to who gets invited to apply for one of these cards but the details have never been confirmed.
What card do billionaires use?
The honest answer is that not all billionaires use the same credit card. The most exclusive credit cards may require extraordinary, pre-existing banking relationships. For example, the Coutts Silk Charge Card* is only available to Coutts’ clients. Other cards like the Dubai First Royale Mastercard* are rumored to be reserved for the ultra-wealthy specifically living in the United Arab Emirates.
That said, it’s most likely that billionaires use exclusive cards not available to the general public.
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