Posts Tagged ‘international’

The latest fashion accessory for the jet-setter and VIP shopper isn’t a flashy wallet or a designer handbag, but a wallet full of exclusive credit cards. Titanium cards, gold cards and credit cards made with diamonds appeal to the luxury market that meet certain eligibility requirements. With the help of a Korean card maker, several international banks have raised the bar for what an exclusive credit card looks like. Here’s a close look at some of the leading luxe credit cards available to the upper echelons of society.

GK Power Concept Cards

The concept cards from GK Power are the ultimate show-stoppers. The company holds an exclusive patent on gold, diamond and implant card technologies. These exclusive credit cards are designed only for the most affluent clients and feature a glossy black print, metal membrane laminate and diamonds embedded into the design. Among their clientele’s products are:

Dubai First Royale Diamond-Studded Mastercard

Available only in Dubai, the Diamond-Studded Mastercard is a stylish all-black card with a gold metal border, and is finished with a large solitaire diamond embedded in the middle of the card. Dubai First issues the exclusive credit card by invitation only, and recipients are selected from the elite class of the business and social community of the city. Card holders must meet both income and status requirements. Only nine cards are produced in a day, and each one is made partially by hand. And the perks? Personalized services on yacht charters, restaurants and hospitality brands around the world, as well as insider information on area events.

KTC - Royal Orchid Plus World MasterCard

KTC, cooperating with MasterCard and Thai Airways International, issued the 1st Diamond and Gold Credit Card in Thailand, making it 3rd in the world after Dubai and Korea. The KTC - Royal Orchid Plus World MasterCard is embedded with a .06-carat diamond. To draw big spenders to spend big, a “Dream Excursion” was awarded to the first 20 customers with the highest expenditures. Consisting of a tailored traveling package with net worth of nearly 3 million Baht (or a little over $88,000), this package ended in February 2009. Estimating its card base will reach 500, this exclusive card is by invitation only.

Eurasian Bank Diamond Card

The Visa Infinite card is among the most sought-after exclusive credit cards on the market and is distributed by Eurasian Bank, an elite bank in Kazakhstan. The card is embedded with a .02-carat diamond and an intricate gold heart design around it. It’s an all-black card with plenty of purchasing power, and cardholders must earn an income of at least $300,000 to own one. Cardholder benefits include insurance benefits at no cost, 1 percent cash back towards purchases, no-cost airport travel lounge access and 24/7 concierge services.

If you’re making an annual income of at least $300,000, have good credit and own some holdings in the issuing countries, you might be eligible for one of these exclusive credit cards. From gold cards to titanium cards, exclusive credit cards are both a status symbol and fashion statement for the world’s elite. If your lifestyle demands exclusive access to VIP events, personalized services when you travel and free upgrades at the world’s finest hotels, you may be a good candidate for carrying any of these diamond-embedded or gold cards.

Sabah Karimi

When it launched in 2004, the Stratus Rewards Visa–the White Card–was poised to be a competitor to the Amex Centurion Black Card. There were many similarities: both featured privileged rewards and benefits, exclusive access to restricted events, and membership by invitation only. The White card even had the upper hand in some cases–the parent company, Stratus Media Group, directly manages many live entertainment and sporting events. But the stir Stratus Visa initially gathered has silenced. (Of course this could be a representation of its success. If Stratus’ membership is truly restricted, then a quiet existence would be appropriate.) But on July 13, Stratus Media Group announced the appointment of a new VP to Stratus Rewards Visa program, indicating this exclusive credit card is very much alive.

This exclusive credit card seeks to meet the needs of an elite consumer audience, and is trying to catch their attention at all the right places, like sponsoring this year’s National Tour d’Elegance, a touring auto show of rare and expensive antique, exotic and modern cars and motorcyles from around the world.

The White Card is truly an invitation-only credit card. According to the Stratus Rewards Web site, membership is only available through an already established relationship with one of its partners, or through a referral or nomination by another member.

If you think you’re Stratus Card app got lost in the mail, or you don’t charge the requisite $250k annually, the American Express Platinum card has many worthwhile perks–and is attainable. Among the benefits are a 24-hour concierge service and complimentary worldwide Airport Club access.

While many credit cards offer points toward purchases or cash back, the White Card provides rewards that stand out from the crowd. Instead of earning frequent flier miles, for example, Stratus Rewards members can earn private jet travel or first class travel upon arrival.

The White Card also boasts opportunities for users to collaborate and combine their reward points toward something more extraordinary. The promises made from the White Card’s first press release were big: Redeem rewards for a trip on a private jet, and end the trip with a private tour of, say, the Louvre, or maybe the Pyramids of Egypt. Though the focus of the rewards appears to be on travel and travel-related perks, members can also take advantage of popular, hard-to-locate items, as well as personalized and unique services.

Upscale, high-end rewards, the status of an invitation-only credit card, and the type of market that only the National Tour d’Elegance can hope to reach–the White Card may be the next big status symbol for the wealthy business class in America today.

Kelly Herdrich and CCCG staff

These days, a big spender has the opportunity to take advantage of a number of credit cards that result in privileged rewards. Used properly, these exclusive credit cards can be a tool. They can unlock a number of benefits and perks, simply by using them every day.

The Citibank Ultima Card, especially, can unlock a number of privileges that go well beyond the realm of the “usual” rewards, allowing you to show your good taste and enjoy the perks that come with being an Ultima Card holder. Exclusive credit cards are offered only to the cream of the crop, and the Citibank Ultima Card is an exclusive card with exclusive rewards.

Rewarding Experiences from the Citibank Ultima Card

The Citibank Ultima Card can be a Visa or a MasterCard, depending on where it’s issued. Citibank, with its global reach, provides even more reliability and protection than most other credit cards. One of the more exclusive credit cards, the Ultima Card is available in Russia, Germany, parts of Asia (including India, Indonesia and Singapore) and the Middle East. And of these countries, the United Arab Emirates is the only one with an apply button—the rest are by invitation only.

Its unique rewards program allows account holders to enjoy special access to a number of perks. For example, In Singapore, cardholders are guaranteed a room upgrade. At the Dubai Hilton, the Ultima Card grants a discount at Gordon Ramsay’s first restaurant outside the UK. When traveling, it is possible to gain access to airport VIP lounges. Additionally, the Ultima Card offers travel upgrades that can provide you with increased comfort. Want to move in true style? Using the Citibank Ultima Card, you can arrange for a private jet, a chartered yacht or a chauffeured Bentley — all with just 10 hours notice. In short, the Citibank Ultima Card are your keys to the kingdom.

Jean Marquit

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.

ShawnTe Pierce

Trips to Europe might get a bit more complicated for Americans if European financial institutions have anything to say about it. American Banker reports that the chairman of the European Payments Council, Gerard Hartsink, has suggested that once a switch by European financial institutions to the EMV integrated circuit card is completed in 2011, a recommendation could be made to stop accepting magnetic swipe credit cards. This news could bode poorly for American travelers, who often use their credit cards to both withdraw spending money in local currency and to make purchases while traveling abroad.

Rather than using magnetic swipe strips on the backs of credit cards to read customer information, EMV credit card chip enabled credit cards are inserted into a handheld device. The customer then types in a four-digit PIN to confirm their identity. Deemed more secure than traditional credit cards, EMV technology is set to become the new industry standard throughout Europe.

While Europe has emphatically supported credit card chip technology, and all financial institutions will be switched to it by 2011, America has lagged behind, with consumers and retailers still utilizing magnetic swipe credit cards. Herein lies the issue for American travelers: If European banks choose to eliminate their support for magnetic swipe credit cards (current handheld machines in Europe have the capability to accept them), American travelers may need to find a new way to pay for things while overseas.

While credit cards with chips are hard to come by in the US, there are other options. A few prepaid credit cards offer PayPass—a chip system used by MasterCard. The Exact MasterCard is a prepaid debit card that offers PayPass as well as direct deposit.

Evidence of trouble between the EMV and magnetic swipe systems is already creeping up for some travelers. According to EuropeForVisitors.com, newer self-service machines at railroad stations in France won’t accept magnetic swipe credit cards. In addition, those traveling with magnetic swipe credit cards may have to explain their use to smaller retailers, something difficult to manage if a language barrier exists. While problems are relatively small now, expect them to expand once the EMV switchover is completed in 2011.

If you’re planning European travel between now and 2011, you should still be able to use your traditional magnetic swipe credit card. However, a phone call to your credit card company may give your more insight, as these issues are certainly set to take center stage for them within the next two years.

Kelly Herdrich