Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
The invitation-only Centurion® Card from American Express (aka the "Black Card") has a breathtaking $10,000 initiation fee, plus a $5,000 annual fee. While that's beyond most people's means, elite credit cards still draw a lot of consumer interest.
These exclusive offerings have benefits to match their requirements, like airport lounge access, accelerated rewards for shoppnig and dining out, exclusive access to concerts and games and more.
The most exclusive credit cards
- Best for premium benefits: American Express Platinum Card®
- Best for travel: Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees)
- Best for concierge: Mastercard® Black Card®
- Best for flexible rewards: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Best for dining: American Express® Gold Card
- Best for high redemption value: Mastercard® Gold Card™
- Best for invite-only: Centurion® Card from American Express
Best for premium benefits: American Express Platinum
Exclusive perks: The American Express Platinum Card offers a long list of luxury travel and lifestyle benefits, including hundreds in credits toward rideshares, hotel stays, shopping and dining out. Members enjoy access to over 1,550 airport lounges in the Global Lounge Collection and more than $100 in quarterly credits for Resy and Lululemon.
The American Express Platinum Card® is a premium card loaded with annual statement credits, entertainment benefits, extensive airport lounge access, elite status perks and more. (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
- Access to 1,550+ airport lounges, including Priority Pass™ lounges (enrollment required) and Amex Centurion lounges
- Statement credit offers worth up to twice what the annual fee costs
- Elite status perks for hotels and rental cars (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
- High annual fee
- Many statement credit offers are complicated and are earned in increments or limited to specific purchases
- Not as rewarding for purchases as other lower-fee travel cards
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you're approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you're approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
- With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 Delta Sky Club visits (subject to visit limitations) when flying on an eligible Delta flight, Priority Pass™ membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. *As of 01/2026
- $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
- $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
- $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights™ by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. As a Platinum Card® Member you have special access to reservations on select nights at participating sought after Resy restaurants in select cities through Platinum Nights™ by Resy. Simply add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile to book your reservation.
- $219 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $219 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
- Start your vacation sooner and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM late check-out.
- $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That's up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Get up to a $12.95* statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Platinum Card®. *Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- $895 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Balance transfer fee
N/A
Foreign transaction fee
None
Best for travel: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Exclusive perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve comes with an annual $300 travel credit, comprehensive travel and shopping protections and credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS every four years. Members (and up to two guests) can relax in more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, including Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a standout premium credit card with luxury perks including, hotel credits, complimentary hotel elite status, travel credits, dining credits, rideshare and delivery benefits and much more.
- Access Priority Pass lounges, including unlimited access to Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club locations.
- Up to $300 in annual travel credit each account anniversary year
- You can transfer rewards to all of Chase's travel partners including World of Hyatt, Southwest Rapid Rewards and many more
- Top-tier travel and shopping protections
- High annual fee
- Requires a high credit score
- Complicated list of benefits
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Get $3,000 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
- Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase TravelSM, including The EditSM and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
- $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority PassTM Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
- Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
- Get complimentary subscriptions to Apple TV and Apple Music for a minimum of one year when activated by June 22, 2027, a value of $288 annually.
- Member FDIC
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
Best for concierge services: Mastercard Black Card
Exclusive perks: Mastercard Black Card rewards carry greater value depending on how you redeem them: Points are worth 1.5% each toward cash back redemptions and 2% value toward airfare redemptions.
The card offers several other luxury benefits, such as a travel concierge, a Priority Pass™ Select membership, up to $200 annual air travel statement credits and access to exclusive events through Mastercard Priceless™.
The Mastercard Black Card offers solid travel perks and a strong 2% airfare redemption rate. But its steep $699 annual fee and low rewards rates make it hard to justify unless you'll fully use its luxury benefits.
- 2% value on airfare redemptions
- 1.5% value on cash-back redemptions
- 24/7 Luxury Card Concierge and travel perks
- No fee on purchases made outside the U.S.
- $699 annual fee
- Low rewards rate on everyday purchases
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn 2X points on Airfare and Hotel reservations booked through LuxuryCardTravel.com. One point for every one dollar you spend for all other categories, earning points every time you spend.
- Redeem at 2% value for airfare and 1.5% for cash back. For example, when you redeem 50,000 points you will get $1,000 value for airfare or $750 value in cash back, issued as a direct deposit statement credit.
- $200 Annual Airline Credit: Receive up to $200 in annual statement credits toward flight-related purchases, including airline tickets, baggage fees, upgrades and more. No enrollment or airline designation required.
- $100 Annual Dining Credit: Receive up to $100 in annual statement credits when you use your Luxury Card for restaurant transactions. No enrollment, designated restaurant networks or third-party apps required.
- Receive up to $120 reimbursement credit for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee. Global Entry includes access to TSA PreCheck® with no additional application or fee required.
- Your time is valuable and Luxury Card Concierge makes life easier. Agents are available to provide you with personal assistance, tailored to your specific request. Concierge can assist with travel planning, dining reservations, everyday tasks such as sending flowers or researching products and services. Available 24/7: Call, email, text, or chat with agents.
- Enjoy automatic complimentary access to over 1,800 airport lounges. Access includes participating airport restaurants, mini-suites and unlimited visits for yourself as well as your guests.
- Made of Stainless Steel®: A contactless, patented metal card design that raises the standard.
- Exclusive Luxury Card Travel® benefits—average value of $750 per stay (e.g., resort credits, room upgrades, free wifi, breakfast for two and more) at over 3,000 properties. Receive protection benefits like trip cancellation and interruption, auto rental car collision waiver, travel accident and baggage delay. Cell phone protection for eligible claims of up to $1,000 each year. Plus additional World Elite Mastercard® benefits.
- Annual Fee: $699 ($249 for each Authorized User). Terms and conditions apply.
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Best for flexible rewards: Capital One Venture X Rewards
Exclusive perks: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is packed with plenty of features outside of its 2X rate on all purchases. For starters, cardholders receive up to $300 in statement credits each year for bookings made through Capital One Travel, plus a 10,000-mile bonus on each account anniversary. Beyond that, the card offers access to Capital One Lounges and Landings and the extensive network of Priority Pass™ and Plaza Premium lounges worldwide.
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium credit card with a myriad of benefits and a lower annual fee than other high-end cards with similar features.
- Annual $300 credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
- 10,000 bonus miles after every card anniversary
- Unlimited complimentary access to 1,300+ airport lounges, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations
- Long list of valuable travel and shopping protections, including return protection, rental car coverage and trip delay reimbursement (Benefit(s) only available to accounts approved for the Visa Infinite card. Terms apply.)
- Limited bonus spending categories compared to other premium credit cards
- High annual fee
- High credit score requirement (excellent credit)
Highlights
- Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
- Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
- Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
- Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Top rated mobile app
Balance transfer fee
$0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you
Foreign transaction fees
$0
Best for dining out: American Express Gold
Exclusive perks: Beyond a competitive return on restaurant and U.S. supermarket spending, American Express Gold Card offers dining credits of up to $120 in statement credits annually ($10 every month), which can be used at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder (enrollment required). Plus, receive up to $120 in Uber Cash ($10 every month), which can be used toward Uber rides or Uber Eats (you must have downloaded the latest version of the Uber App and your eligible American Express Gold Card must be a method of payment in your Uber account. The Amex Benefit may only be used in the U.S.)
The American Express Gold Card is great for earning valuable Membership Rewards® points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets. Membership Rewards® points transfer to many of the top airline and hotel loyalty programs, which makes this card one of the best options for earning travel rewards.
- You can earn $400+ in dining and rideshare credits every year (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
- Exceptionally rewarding for eligible restaurant and U.S. supermarket purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
- Large annual fee
- Credits are more complicated, you earn them monthly or semi-annually
- Spending caps on the top bonus categories
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you're approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you're approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You'll know upfront exactly how much you'll pay.
- $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Foreign transaction fee
None
Best for high redemption value: Mastercard Gold
Exclusive perks: With the Mastercard Gold Card, the points you earn are worth 2% when spent on airline or cash-back redemptions — so 50,000 points would be worth $1,000 in airline travel or cash-back value. Cardholders get $200 in annual statement credits when you use your Luxury Card for restaurant transactions and up to $300 in annual statement credits toward flight-related purchases, including airline tickets, baggage fees and upgrades. You also receive a credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and access to Priority Pass Select airport lounges.
While the Mastercard® Gold Card™ offers some stronger redemption value, its lack of a welcome bonus and strong earning categories makes it significantly more niche.
- 2% redemption value for airfare and cash back
- Luxury Card Concierge
- $300 Annual Airline Credit
- High annual fee
- Lower rewards earnings
- Offers similar travel perks to other cards
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn 2X points on Airfare and Hotel reservations booked through LuxuryCardTravel.com. One point for every one dollar you spend for all other categories, earning points every time you spend.
- Redeem at 2% value for airfare or cash back. For example, when you redeem 50,000 points you will get $1,000 value for airfare or cash back, issued as a direct deposit statement credit.
- $300 Annual Airline Credit: Receive up to $300 in annual statement credits toward flight-related purchases, including airline tickets, baggage fees, upgrades and more. No enrollment or airline designation required.
- $200 Annual Dining Credit: Get up to $200 in annual statement credits when you use your Luxury Card for restaurant transactions. No enrollment, designated restaurant networks or third-party apps required.
- $200 Ship&Play Credit: Send your belongings ahead of time with Ship&Play and receive up to $200 in credits annually.
- Receive up to $120 reimbursement credit for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application for each Mastercard Gold Card Primary Cardmember and Authorized Users.
- Your time is valuable and Luxury Card Concierge makes life easier. Agents are available to provide you with personal assistance, tailored to your specific request. Concierge can assist with travel planning, dining reservations, everyday tasks such as sending flowers or researching products and services. Available 24/7: Call, email, text, or chat with agents.
- Enjoy automatic complimentary access to over 1,800 airport lounges. Access includes participating airport restaurants, mini-suites and unlimited visits for yourself as well as your guests.
- Made with 24K Gold®: A contactless, patented metal card design that raises the standard.
- Exclusive Luxury Card Travel® benefits—average value of $750 per stay (e.g., resort credits, room upgrades, free wifi, breakfast for two and more) at over 3,000 properties. Receive protection benefits like trip cancellation and interruption, auto rental car collision waiver, travel accident and baggage delay. Cell phone protection for eligible claims of up to $1,000 each year. Plus additional World Elite Mastercard® benefits.
- Annual Fee: $1,199 ($349 for each Authorized User). Terms and conditions apply.
Balance transfer fee
Refer to Terms and Conditions
Best invite-only card: Centurion Card from American Express
Exclusive perks: The Centurion® Card from American Express is only available via invitation. We know the card comes with elevated status at hotels and airlines, including IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite Status and Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Medallion. The Centurion Card also provides an Equinox Destination Access Membership, which unlocks access to most Equinox facilities nationwide. Other perks include entry to Amex's Global Lounge Collection, up to $369 in CLEAR Plus statement credits per calendar year and a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
The Centurion® Card from American Express offers some amazing value, but only if you're lucky enough to be selected to apply.
- Elevated flight and hotel status
- Equinox All-Access membership
- Centurion concierge
- Invite only
- Initiation fee and annual fee
What do exclusive credit cards offer?
While many exclusive credit cards earn solid rewards, what's most sought after are the exclusive perks and clout they offer.
Hard-to-get cards offer some of the highest-quality travel perks, including airport lounge access and elite status with hotels, airlines and car rental services. Most also offer statement credits that can offset their high annual fees.
Unique experiences are increasingly driving consumer interest, and these exclusive cards tout dinner with celebrities, seats at fashion shows and other one-of-a-kind events. Many offer 24/7 concierge services that can help book a table at a well-trafficked restaurant or put together a dream vacation.
How to get an exclusive credit card
Having a strong credit score will give you the best chance of approval, so making sure you're in the good-to-excellent range, 740 to 850, will put you on the front foot.
With many of these exclusive credit cards geared toward higher spenders, card issuers often like to see a high income from applicants. Similarly, some cards may only be available to those who have spent enough over a certain period of time, or eligibility could depend on your relationship with the issuing bank.
FAQs
What is the most exclusive credit card?
Crafted from anodized titanium, the Centurion® Card from American Express (a.k.a. the "Black Card") is widely considered the most exclusive credit card on the market. It's available only by invitation to high-net-worth individuals who won't blink at its $10,000 initiation fee and $5,000 annual fee. In return, they receive 24/7 concierge service, entry to Amex Global Lounge Collection lounges, Equinox membership and other ultra-elite perks.
What is a World Elite credit card?
Designed for jet-set travelers, World Elite is Mastercard's second-highest tier. Membership includes Priority Pass airport lounge access, 24/7 access to personalized concierge service and credits toward Peacock, Lyft and other companies.
How many credit cards should I have?
In 2025, U.S. consumers had an average of 3.7 active credit cards. Experts recommend owning two or three cards to keep your credit utilization low while maximizing your ability to earn points and other benefits.
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Why trust CNBC Select?
At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed financial decisions. Every credit card list is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.
Our methodology
To determine which exclusive credit cards offer the best value, CNBC Select analyzed over 230 of the most popular credit cards available in the U.S. We compared each card on a range of features, including rewards, welcome bonus, introductory and standard APR, balance transfer fee and foreign transaction fees, as well as factors such as required credit and customer reviews when available.
We also considered additional perks, the application process and how easy it is for the consumer to redeem points.
Read more
For rates and fees of the American Express Platinum Card®, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here.
Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
