[Update: Some offers mentioned below have expired. You can view the current offers from our partners here — MasterCard Gold Card.]
A good credit score can open doors, giving you access to things like the best terms and conditions on loans or credit cards that come with some pretty outstanding benefits. For most mainstream credit cards, a strong credit report and good credit scores are enough to qualify, and credit card companies aren’t that concerned with how much cash you have in the bank or how much you spend in a year.
But to get some of the world’s most elite credit cards, there’s typically a catch: Basically, you must be loaded on top of having good credit. Here are some of the world’s most exclusive credit cards, some of which are invite only and only available to those with true baller status.
1. The Dubai First Royale MasterCard
The Dubai First Royale MasterCard is a diamond-embedded card designed to convey luxury and available only by invitation. Dubai First states that only royalty, the upper crust of society and captains of industry can land an invitation. There is no set spending limit. As for services, the card comes with a dedicated relationship manager and Royale Lifestyle Management.
2. J.P. Morgan Reserve Card
This Chase card is invite-only and offered only to Chase’s private banking customers, investors and the privately wealthy. And if you’re using a lot of your fortune to travel, this card may be the best thing to happen to your spending. Not only will you ditch any foreign transaction fees when using it, but you’ll earn three times the points when you book a flight, cruise, hotel or transportation, three times the points for dining around the world, and one point for every other dollar. There’s no cap on the amount you can earn — and when you cash in, you’ll get 50% more if you redeem through the Chase Ultimate Rewards platform. Each year, cardholders earn $300 in travel credits after spending that amount in qualifying travel purchases over 12 billing cycles. But what makes this card even more special: Access to exclusive events and experiences, ranging from VIP access to high-profile events to private dinners presented by famous chefs.
3. MasterCard Gold Card
The MasterCard Gold Card is one tier above MasterCard’s exclusive Black Card — and is named the Gold Card for a reason: It’s a 24K-gold plated carbon card. Details on qualification requirements are hard to come by, but we do know the Gold Card is designed to reward big spenders, giving you one point for every dollar spent — and points double in value when you redeem them for airfare. Some additional perks of this card include a $200 credit toward qualifying airline purchases each year, $100 Global Entry application fee credit, luxury gifts and access to the members-only LUXURY Magazine. Note: There is a $995 annual fee with this card.
4. Coutts World Silk Card
Founded in 1692, Coutts is a private bank that provides banking and wealth management services to its high-end members. Coutts offers several credit cards exclusively to members – the Silk Card is their top of the line offering. Credit limits and annual percentage rates (APRs) vary depending on individual member assessments. Travel rewards include travel insurance and access to exclusive airport lounges. Silk Card holders can use Coutts exclusive 24/7 concierge services, which are unavailable to other Coutts cardholders. Big spenders can get gifts ranging from luxury food and wine to trips and private tours.
You may not have one of these cards in your wallet, but your credit may make you eligible for some pretty good rewards credit cards. To discover what type of credit cards you may be eligible for, the first step is finding out where your credit currently stands. You can do that by viewing two of your credit scores, which are updated every 14 days, for free on Credit.com.
At publishing time, the MasterCard Gold Card is offered through Credit.com product pages, and Credit.com is compensated if our users apply and ultimately sign up for this card. However, this relationship does not result in any preferential editorial treatment.
Note: It’s important to remember that interest rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products frequently change. As a result, rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products cited in these articles may have changed since the date of publication. Please be sure to verify current rates, fees and terms with credit card issuers, banks or other financial institutions directly.
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