Decades ago credit cards were mostly just a form of payment, but today, they considered to be status and fashion symbols… in the same was as a piece of jewelry or the latest handbag. But what is the most prestigious credit card in the world? Well, here are several contenders…

The Top 5 Most Prestigious Credit Cards

#1 – Dubai First Royale MasterCard
Everyone knows Dubai is flooded with cash due to UAE’s massive oil revenue. First Dubai Bank created this ultra prestigious card for their richest jet setters. It’s actually made with real gold and a diamond!

Benefits include no spending limit, travel benefits, a personal “relationship manager,” and unlike the Centurion, the Dubai First Royal MasterCard actually has a very generous rewards program too – up to 4% cash back.

#2 – American Express Centurion
Without a doubt, this piece of titanium is the most well known and most sought after prestigious credit card in the world (although its requirements aren’t as exclusive as the Dubai First). It was launched in 1999 as an invite-only card with a $1,000 annual fee. Today, the annual fee is substantially higher; $2,500 per year plus a one-time initiation fee of $5,000 (so $7,500 for your first year).

Ironically, despite the higher price tag, there are actually far fewer benefits than the card had originally. For example, the best feature was giving cardholders automatic upgrade to first class (when available) but that benefit was cut. Today you still have benefits like phone concierge service and numerous travel benefits.

#3 – Royal Bank of Scotland Coutts World Card
This card is only available to Coutt’s clients who have at least $1,000,000 in the bank. The annual fee is £350 but that’s waived for customers that charge at least £50,000 per year on the card.

The range of benefits are great considering the relatively low annual fee. For example you get airport lounge access, concierge, comprehensive insurance benefits, and access/special offers for luxury goods and services – i.e. an around the world trip via private jet and the chance to have your biography written by a bestselling author.

#4 – Sotheby’s World Elite Mastercard
This prestigious piece of plastic is catered to art collectors whom regularly buy from Sotherby’s auction houses. In order to qualify for this card you must earn at least $250,000 annually and have $2,000,000+ in investable assets. The annual fee is $395.

Despite its relatively low annual fee, the Sotherby’s World Elite MasterCard has many benefits that compare to the other prestigious cards above. The card has concierge service included, free business-class companion airfare on some international flights, airport lounge access, and more.

#5 – American Express Platinum Card
This may not be the most prestigious credit card from American Express but it comes darn close. For a $450 annual fee, you get many of the same benefits that the Centurion card has.

Due to the rising annual fees and overly-saturated cardmember base, many Centurion holders are switch back to Platinum because the benefits are so similar. To find out more read our American Express Platinum review.