17 Exclusive Credit Cards That Turn Heads

For most of us, credit cards are merely a tool to make ends meet or perhaps a way to pay for splurges. But for the ultra-wealthy or those with stellar credit scores, credit cards are a status symbol that’s part of one’s overall image. Many of the exclusive cards available to members of this elite club are often made from precious metals, while others come with a variety of drool-worthy perks (including concierge services and access to VIP lounges around the world). Want a glimpse at how the other half lives? Read on for a peek at some of the most prestigious credit cards available and what makes them so special.

Editors' Note: A previous version of this story quoted Patricia Russell, who identified herself as a certified financial planner. She is not. Information attributed solely to her has been removed from the story.

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A credit card that many call “the real black card,” the American Express Centurion Card is issued by invite only, says Brandon Neth, credit card and reward travel expert for FinanceBuzz. “This card offers perks above and beyond the Amex Platinum,” says Neth. “It’s heavy, sleek, and carries a large annual fee.” Large just may be an understatement. The initiation fee for this card is $7,500, and its annual fee is $2,500.

Another invite-only credit card, what really sets the JP Morgan Reserve Card (formerly the Chase Palladium) apart is that in order to qualify you must have $10 million in assets with JP Morgan Chase, says Neth. “So, if you see someone with this card, you know they’re a high net worth individual,” he adds. Introduced in 2009, the JP Morgan Chase Reserve is made out of brass and palladium. Need more evidence this card is aimed at the super rich? Among its benefits: Cardholders who spend $100,000 in one year (yes, $100,000 — more than many Americans' annual income) receive 35,000 bonus rewards points. 

The Dubai First Royale Mastercard is considered the most exclusive, and perhaps most secretive, card in the world, says Jared Weitz, CEO and founder of United Capital Source Inc. (It has been reported that there are only about 200 cardholders, including the Dubai and Saudi royal families.) “The card alone is valuable, containing a diamond-embedded crest,” explains Weitz. “However, the full span of the perks is not known because it only can be accessed by invitation. They do advertise that the card comes with a dedicated manager and lifestyle management to help you purchase exactly what you need.” Who doesn’t need that, right? Oh, and there are zero credit limits and guaranteed approval of all charges. Just in case you need to snap up another Ferrari or yacht.

The Crystal Visa Infinite’s prestige is tied to the combination of its stringent underwriting and approval process and the benefits it offers, says Neth. “In order to get this card, you need to go through full underwriting, which can’t be done online. You usually need to make over $100,000 a year and have a credit score of 760-plus,” he says. It also a pretty attractive annual perks package, adds Neth. Benefits include up to $550 per-calendar-year credit to spend at any airline lounge club worldwide, as long cardholders charge an annual $50,000; saving $100 on air travel when using the card to book qualifying U.S. domestic round-trip coach airline tickets; complimentary internet access with Gogo Inflight Wi-Fi service on up to 12 flight segments per year; VIP hotel benefits; and savings on chauffeured black car services.

The Citi Chairman is Citigroup’s response to the JP Morgan Chase Reserve, says Neth, who explains that “Citi partnered with American Express to develop [the card].” In order to be considered for it, you must have “significant investments” in a Citigroup brokerage account, Neth adds. As for the benefits, you must be a cardmember to get all of the details, but the card’s website promises “special benefits and unsurpassed personal service. From amazing travel rewards, to exclusive experiences, to an elite Citi Chairman Concierge team.” Cardmembers, for instance, are often among the first to be able to buy tickets for concerts, Broadway shows, and sporting events through the American Express Membership Experiences program.

Another millionaires-only club, at least the Coutts World Silk Card doesn’t require a staggering $10 million in the bank like the JP Morgan Reserve. But, “you still need to have at least $1 million in your account,” says Neth. The Silk card promises to open doors to a world of privileges and benefits and can be tailored to the cardholder’s lifestyle. Perks include a lounge program that provides Silk cardholders with access to more than 700 VIP lounges in over 300 airports. The card also offers concierge services to Silk clients 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Part of the prestige of Premier World Elite card is its appearance. “It’s a black, heavy, metal card featuring the HSBC lion in silver — it’s beautiful,” says Neth. The card carries an approximately $247 annual fee, and users are required to have an HSBC Premier account with a balance of at least $100,000. Among this card’s perks are complimentary access to more than 750 airport lounges around the world, plus free global Wi-Fi access and hotel discounts.

Like many of the other cards on this list that shroud their perks in secrecy, the Stratus Rewards Visa doesn’t make much information publicly available, says Russ Nauta, owner of CreditCardReviews.com. “But if you’re lucky enough to receive an invitation, you have access to a 24/7 concierge as well as free upgrades at luxury hotels and resorts,” he adds. “Cardholders can even pool and redeem points for travel on private jets or in business class with up to six travel companions.” Pull out the "White Card," and merchants will know you’re serious, says Nauta. Cardholders are required to spend an annual minimum of $150,000. No problem, right?

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The Mastercard Gold Card is a prestigious yet attainable credit card, says Logan Allec, owner of MoneyDoneRight.com. It’s also a beautiful card, he adds, “constructed out of stainless steel and plated with 24-carat gold on the front and carbon on the back.” The card comes with a hefty $995 fee, while its benefits include such things as a $200 airline credit and complimentary access to more than 1,200 airport lounges around the world, as well as 24/7 concierge services to assist with travel bookings and various personal requests. Cardmembers also get access to invitation-only, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Designed with a unique black-coated stainless-steel front and carbon back, the Black Card is a notch below Mastercard’s Gold Card. Like the Gold Card, it includes a 24/7 concierge to assist with travel bookings and other requests, as well as VIP access at airport lounges worldwide. The Black Card, however, offers a slightly lower rewards rate than the gold version, and its annual fee is cheaper: $495.

The third of Mastercard’s luxury cards, the Titanium Card, provides the VIP travel perks of the Mastercard Gold and Black cards at an annual fee of $195. In other words, like the pricier cards, it gives cardholders access to 24/7 concierge services and offers invitation-only, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The Titanium card also looks cool, with a brushed stainless-steel front and carbon back. However, this card does not include worldwide airport lounge access. 

The Platinum Card from American Express is revered not only for its refined metal design, but also for its massive selection of valuable benefits, says Sean Messier, a credit industry analyst with Credit Card Insider. “Amex Platinum cardholders receive complimentary access to more than 1,000 airport lounges spread throughout 120 countries, a benefit that can provide the frequent traveler with hundreds upon hundreds of dollars in value a year,” says Messier. The Platinum Card also provides elite status with both Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy, enhancing your ability to travel in style and luxury, he adds. The card’s annual fee is $550.

Not only is the Chase Sapphire Preferred a luxury card with great perks, it also feels more substantial than most cards, says Kevin Panitch, founder of JustStartInvesting.com. “It's heavier than usual and has a premium feel,” he says. “I don't condone getting a card just for its looks, but this is a great card with good benefits and an awesome aesthetic.” Card benefits include 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within the first three months of opening an account, and access to a 24/7 customer service specialist. The card also incentivizes you to redeem rewards points on travel by offering 25% more on such redemptions. The annual fee for this card is a mere $95.

The Executive World Elite card offers Admiral Club lounge membership and bonus rewards on flights through American Airlines. The card promises that you'll travel in style, offering exclusive perks such as priority check-in, priority airport screening, and boarding privileges for the cardholder and up to eight travel companions. The annual fee: $450.

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The Capital One Venture rewards credit card is among the heavier metal travel cards on the market, coming in at 16 grams, says Nathan Hamilton, co-founder and industry analyst at The Ascent. “While boasting an impressive weight, few cards can go toe-to-toe with its feature set, including a big sign-up bonus, unlimited miles on all purchases, and a best-in-class hotel rewards program that can turn a luxury vacation into a bargain,” says Hamilton. New cardmembers earn 50,000 bonus miles once they spend $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening an account.

The Capital One Savor cash rewards card earns a podium position for the heaviest metal card with a premium cash back program on restaurants and entertainment spending, says Hamilton. “But its value supersedes even its 16-gram, metal-front frame, especially when accounting for the big cash sign-up bonus and unlimited 4% cash back for restaurants and entertainment, which is among the richest you’ll find in this category,” he adds. New cardmembers earn a one-time $300 cash bonus by spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening an account.

One last card to keep in mind, if you are looking to break into the prestigious metal cardholders club. While this may not be the Royale Mastercard by Dubai First, the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite card earns its share of recognition among prestigious credit card analysts. Perks of this nice-looking card include complimentary 12-month Priority Pass Select membership for more than 1,200 VIP airport lounges worldwide; Silvercar special rental privileges and discounts; elevated, 24/7 service levels with dedicated service advisors and Visa Infinite Concierge; and discounted chauffeured black car service in more than 110 countries (yes, please!). The annual fee for these perks is $400.