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Many people consider premium travel rewards cards to be the most luxurious and hardest to get credit cards. You may (or may not be) surprised to learn that banks offer their most exclusive credit cards to their wealthiest and most loyal customers on an invite-only basis. Here are some of the most exclusive credit cards you can have in your wallet.
How to Get the Most Exclusive Credit Cards
If you have a high net worth or frequently use credit cards for international travel, you might see if you can qualify for one of these exclusive credit cards.
Alternatively, try one of the best metal credit cards the bank has to offer.
Additionally, if you build up loyalty with one bank and maintain a good relationship with them, you have a higher chance of getting an exclusive card down the road.
Although the annual fees can be high on premium credit cards, the most exclusive credit card benefits can easily be worth thousands of dollars more if you use the card on a regular basis.
What are the most exclusive credit cards?
Here are some of the most exclusive credit cards as well as their more attainable (and likely much more useful) counterparts.
Centurion Card from American Express
The information for the Centurion Card from American Express has been collected independently by Johnny Jet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
If you thought The Platinum Card® from American Express “has it all,” check out the Centurion Card, also known as the Black Card. You might qualify for this most exclusive credit card if you have been an Amex cardholder for at least one year, spend at least $350,000 annually, have a high net worth, and meet American Express’ other criteria.
Basically, you’ll need to spend a lot to get access to this one.
Expect a $10,000 initiation fee and a $5,000 annual fee. Some of the exclusive travel benefits include elite airline and hotel status, rental car, and entertainment benefits. You may also have more valuable point redemption options. This includes a 50% travel redemption bonus when booking award flights using Amex Travel.
While this card is great for big spenders, most people can enjoy The Platinum Card® from American Express or even The Business Platinum Card® from American Express.
J.P. Morgan Reserve
The information for the J.P. Morgan Reserve card has been collected independently by Johnny Jet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Previously known as the Chase Palladium, the J.P. Morgan Reserve card is an invite-only product. This is only offered to Chase private banking clients with at least $10 million of assets under management. Chase still makes this metal credit card out of palladium.
J.P. Morgan Reserve cardmembers earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. They also earn 10x total points on dining purchases through Chase Dining℠.
You can get a 50% travel redemption bonus booking award travel through Chase Travel℠. Plus, you can access the 1:1 point transfer partners like Southwest Airlines, United, Aer Lingus, and Singapore Airlines.
This card is very similar to the Chase Sapphire Reserve® regarding purchase rewards and travel benefits, although it has a higher annual fee of $595. The Sapphire Reserve has a $550 annual fee.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve
The Chase Sapphire Reserve will probably be more useful if you are a frequent traveler who wants to enjoy travel benefits. Benefits include a $300 annual travel credit, 1:1 point transfer partners, Priority Pass lounge access, and more.
Chase Sapphire Reserve purchases also earn up to 10x Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Cardholders can earn unlimited:
- 10x total points on hotels and car rental purchases through Chase Travel℠ (after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually)
- 10x total points on Chase Dining purchases with Ultimate Rewards
- 5x total points on flights when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ (after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually)
- 3x points on other travel worldwide (after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually)
- 3x points on other dining at restaurants, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out
- 1x points for all remaining purchases
However, you will not receive rewards points on your first $300 in annual travel purchases as the annual travel statement credit reimburses these purchases.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve and The Platinum Card from American Express are both viable options as well. However, you can compare the Chase Sapphire Reserve vs American Express Platinum if you can’t decide which is best.
Related: Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Chase Sapphire Preferred
The Luxury Card
The information for the Mastercard® Gold Card™ has been collected independently by Johnny Jet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Most premium travel cards are either issued by American Express or Visa. Mastercard has partnered with Barclays to offer the Luxury Card.
Of the three-card versions—Gold, Black, and Titanium—the Mastercard® Gold Card™ is the most luxurious of these most exclusive credit cards.
Although it has a $995 annual fee, Mastercard accepts applications and doesn’t issue on an invite-only basis. Additionally, the Gold Card gets its name from the 24k gold plating.
This stainless steel card gets a 2% value for airfare redemptions and cash-back redemptions. It also comes with a $200 annual airline credit toward qualifying airline purchases, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit, Priority Pass Select membership and luxury gifts.
While this card has some nice perks, you’re likely to get more out of one of the best cashback credit cards. Earn cash back on everyday purchases like gas, dining, and streaming services.
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
An option you may instead consider is the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. This card comes with similar premium benefits, such as a fee credit of up to $100 for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, Capital One Lounge access, worldwide Priority Pass lounge access, and $300 back annually for bookings through Capital One Travel.
Cardholders also earn unlimited:
- 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
- 2x miles on all other purchases
Plus, you get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on the first anniversary.
Cardholders can use the miles they earn to cover travel expenses. This can include flights, hotels, rental cars, and more. You can also transfer your miles to several Capital One travel partners.
The annual fee is $395, but there are no foreign transaction fees.
Dubai First Royale Card
The information for the Dubai First Royale Card has been collected independently by Johnny Jet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
How many credit cards do you know of that contain real gold and diamonds?
The Dubai First Royale Card has real gold trim and a .235-carat diamond in the center. This card is only available to the super-wealthy who are lucky to receive an invitation. As expected, there isn’t a preset spending limit. Cardholders are assigned a dedicated relationship manager who can manage their lifestyle requests.
Coutts Silk Card
The information for the Coutts Silk Charge Card has been collected independently by Johnny Jet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Rumor has it that the Queen of England carries the Coutts Silk Card. If you are a high net-worth client of Coutts Private Banking, you can enjoy this premium card that has elite benefits and also happens to be a no-annual fee credit card.
Some of the benefits of this most exclusive credit card include LoungeKey airport lounge access, private shopping sessions, and 24/7 concierge service.
Stratus Rewards Visa
The information for the Stratus Rewards Visa has been collected independently by Johnny Jet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
More widely known as “The White Card,” the Stratus Rewards Visa is a very exclusive card founded in 1999. You must either receive an invitation from an existing member or merchant partner to join. Very little public information is known about it except the annual fee is $1,500.
Like other invitation-only credit cards, the White Visa has a full-service concierge service. It will try to fulfill your various travel, dining, and entertainment wishes.
Other Premium Credit Cards to Consider
What if you can’t get your hands on these most exclusive credit cards yet? You still have plenty of options if you’re willing to plunk down some dough for an annual fee. Like the ultra-exclusive cards with a $1,000+ annual fee, the rewards and benefits can be far more valuable.
While these cards won’t be encased with gold or diamonds, they still come with plenty of benefits and are some of the best miles credit cards available.
Summary of Exclusive Credit Cards
In conclusion, the most exclusive credit cards can offer some of the best travel and retail benefits available. Although you might only be able to join through invitation, some of the best travel credit cards accept applications all year. Additionally, you can always start building a relationship with a bank while also earning valuable rewards.
Related Articles:
- 3 Rewards Cards With Airport Lounge Access and Travel Benefits
- Best Credit Card Reviews: Miles, Points, Cash Back, & More
- The Best Limited-Time Credit Card Offers 100k Bonuses!
Johnny Jet has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Johnny Jet and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
