Exclusive credit cards exist in many countries. However, one of the world’s most elusive cards is offered by Coutts & Co (a.k.a The Queen’s Bank), the private banking adjunct of the Royal Bank of Scotland. Only a select few have this card, and it’s no easy task to acquire.
One of England’s premier private banks, Coutts & Co. caters to the needs of the United Kingdoms most affluent citizens. With a rich history that predates the formation of the USA, Coutts & Co. is no stranger to servicing the elite of the Western world. In fact, Coutts & Co. is the issuer of one of the world’s most exclusive credit cards: The Coutts World Card MasterCard.
One of the most exclusive credit cards
Perhaps all you need to know is that the Queen of England proudly carries this World Card MasterCard. The World Card is strictly available by invitation only. In fact, if you are not a Coutts private banking customer, your name will never be in the pool to receive an invitation for this exclusive credit card. Not only do you have to be a client of Coutts, but also you must have at least 1 million pounds in assets, or roughly $2 million US dollars.
The elegant look of this credit card comes from British tailor Ozwald Boateng. World renown, and possessing celebrity clientele, he was commissioned by Coutts in 2004 to design the super-premium credit card. Boateng discarded the typical World Card branding and used modern elements, like his trademark purple, to craft a unique and elegant way to spend…royally.
Concierge service to satisfy the most discerning tastes
One of the perks of the exclusive World Card is its 24-hour concierge service. Cardholders have a team of multi-lingual specialists to assist them with requests such as hotel reservations, event tickets, travel information and interpretation services. The concierge service can also hook clients up with last minute services such as shopping, tailoring, chartering a yacht, selecting personal staff, even with hiring a nanny. What more could anyone ask for?
Fees do apply with the World Card
Even one of the world’s most exclusive credit cards is not without its fees: 350 pounds/$700 annually. Coutts advertises that this fee is waived when certain conditions are met. On the fees page, it says this fee will be refunded if a client spends $100,000 annually using the card. (Remember it always pays to read the fine print.) Outstanding balances must be paid within 15 days of receiving the statement or a 2 percent late payment charge will be assessed. If a card is going to give one as much as Coutts’ World Card, lines have to be drawn someplace.
