The Most Difficult Credit Card to Get, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the credit card you think is the most difficult!
Updated on May 8, 2024 06:24
Many consumers find themselves puzzled by the complexity and exclusivity of certain credit cards, which are often characterized by stringent eligibility criteria. These elite cards, coveted for their prestige and benefits, remain out of reach for the average applicant. Understanding which are the hardest to obtain can help potential applicants set realistic goals and focus their efforts more effectively.
This site offers a dynamic ranking system where you contribute by voting for the credit card you believe to be the most challenging to acquire. By participating, you not only learn about others' experiences and perceptions but also help form a comprehensive community-driven guide. The rankings update in real time, reflecting the latest input from voters like you.
What Is the Most Difficult Credit Card to Get?
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161votes
Centurion Card from American Express
American ExpressThis card is invitation-only and requires a minimum of $250,000 in annual spending on other American Express cards to even be considered. It also comes with a $5,000 initiation fee and a $2,500 annual fee.The Centurion Card from American Express, commonly known as the Amex Black Card, is an exclusive credit card available by invitation only to high net worth individuals. It is widely regarded as one of the most difficult credit cards to obtain due to strict eligibility criteria and limited membership.- Membership: By invitation only
- Eligibility: High net worth individuals
- Annual Fee: Varies
- Card Material: Titanium
- Concierge Services: 24/7 personal concierge
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217votes
Granote431 · CC BY-SA 4.0J.P. Morgan Reserve Card
J.P. MorganAnother invitation-only card, this one is reserved for J.P. Morgan Private Bank clients with at least $10 million in investable assets. It comes with a $595 annual fee and offers exclusive travel and lifestyle benefits.The J.P. Morgan Reserve Card is an exclusive and highly sought-after credit card that offers numerous privileges and benefits to its select cardholders. It is designed for high net worth individuals who appreciate luxury and personalized service.- Annual Fee: USD 595
- Approval Requirement: Excellent credit
- Credit Limit: No pre-set spending limit
- Rewards Program: Highly customizable with exclusive travel, dining, and lifestyle perks
- Airport Lounge Access: Complimentary access to select airport lounges worldwide
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318votes
Visa Black Card
BarclaycardThis card is marketed as an exclusive, luxury credit card with a $495 annual fee and a minimum credit limit of $10,000. However, it has been criticized for its lack of benefits compared to other high-end cards.The Visa Black Card is an exclusive credit card designed for high-net-worth individuals who value luxury and premium perks. It is often considered one of the most difficult credit cards to obtain due to its stringent approval criteria and high annual fees.- Annual Fee: $495
- Credit Limit: Minimum $10,000
- Rewards Program: 1 point per dollar spent
- Airport Lounge Access: Priority Pass Select membership
- Luxury Gifts: Complimentary annual gifts
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422votes
Merrill Lynch Octave Card
Merrill LynchThis card is only offered to Merrill Lynch Wealth Management clients and requires a minimum of $250,000 in assets under management. It comes with a $950 annual fee and offers exclusive travel and lifestyle benefits.The Merrill Lynch Octave Card is an exclusive credit card offered by Merrill Lynch, a wealth management division of Bank of America. It is known to be one of the most difficult credit cards to obtain, as it is designed for high net worth individuals with significant assets and exceptional creditworthiness.- Annual Fee: $500
- Credit Limit: Variable, typically starting at $100,000
- Exclusive Benefits: Access to luxury perks and lifestyle rewards programs
- Interest Rates: Variable APR, typically lower for prime customers
- Minimum Income Requirement: $250,000+ per year
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515votes
Citi Chairman Card
CitibankThis card is only offered to Citi Private Bank clients with at least $25 million in investable assets. It comes with a $500 annual fee and offers exclusive travel and lifestyle benefits.The Citi Chairman Card is an exclusive and highly prestigious credit card offered by Citibank. It is designed for high net worth individuals who seek unparalleled luxury and personalized service in their credit card experience. With its exquisite features and benefits, the Citi Chairman Card is considered one of the most difficult credit cards to obtain.- Annual Fee: $5000
- Minimum Credit Limit: $50,000
- Concierge Service: 24/7 dedicated concierge assistance
- Travel Benefits: Complimentary access to airport lounges, travel insurance, and exclusive travel perks
- Rewards Program: Earn generous rewards on purchases, including luxury experiences and unique perks
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69votesThis card is only offered to Coutts clients, a private bank in the UK. It comes with a £350 annual fee and offers exclusive travel and lifestyle benefits.The Coutts Silk Card is an exclusive and highly coveted credit card considered one of the most difficult to obtain. It is designed for individuals who have a high net worth and demand exceptional service and luxury benefits. The card offers a range of privileges and features tailored to meet the needs of affluent customers.
- Elite Status: Cardholders enjoy an elevated status and access to premier services
- Strict Eligibility Criteria: The card is available only to clients with substantial investable assets within Coutts
- Worldwide Acceptance: Accepted at millions of establishments globally, including exclusive retailers and high-end establishments
- Dedicated Relationship Manager: Each cardholder is assigned a dedicated relationship manager to provide personalized assistance
- Premium Concierge Services: 24/7 access to a concierge for personalized travel arrangements, reservations, and other services
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75votes
Dubai First Royale Card
Dubai FirstThis card is only offered to select individuals by Dubai First, a UAE-based bank. It is made of pure gold and has a $2,000 annual fee. It also offers exclusive travel and lifestyle benefits.The Dubai First Royale Card is an exclusive credit card designed for high-net-worth individuals who seek unrivaled luxury and personalized service. With its opulent features and benefits, it offers a truly unparalleled experience in the world of credit cards.- Membership Requirement: Strict invitation-only policy
- Annual Fee: Undisclosed, but rumored to be substantial
- Metal Composition: Solid gold or platinum, depending on variant
- Credit Limit: No predetermined limit
- Concierge Service: 24/7 dedicated concierge for premium assistance
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811votesThis card is only offered to Sberbank's most affluent clients in Russia. It comes with a $2,000 annual fee and offers exclusive travel and lifestyle benefits.The Sberbank Visa Infinite Exclusive Card is a prestigious credit card offered by Sberbank, one of the largest banks in Russia. It is designed for high-net-worth individuals who seek exclusive privileges and benefits.
- Annual fee: Varies based on customer's financial profile
- Credit limit: High credit limit tailored to the individual
- Eligibility: Strict eligibility criteria based on income and credit history
- Rewards program: Offers exclusive rewards, such as access to luxury airport lounges, concierge services, and unique travel experiences
- Travel benefits: Provides travel insurance, priority boarding, and VIP treatment at hotels worldwide
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912votes
Stratus Rewards Visa Card
Stratus RewardsThis card is marketed as an invitation-only card for the ultra-wealthy. It has a $1,500 annual fee and offers exclusive travel and lifestyle benefits, as well as access to a personal assistant.The Stratus Rewards Visa Card is a highly exclusive and prestigious credit card with exceptionally strict eligibility criteria. It is designed for individuals who have a substantial net worth and an excellent credit history. The card offers an array of exclusive benefits and concierge services tailored for high-net-worth individuals.- Annual Fee: $1,500
- Credit Limit: No pre-set spending limit (NPSL)
- Membership: By invitation only
- Rewards Program: Luxury travel and lifestyle rewards
- Concierge Services: 24/7 personalized assistance
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104votes
NatWest Black Card
NatWestThis card is only offered to select individuals by NatWest, a UK-based bank. It comes with a £250 annual fee and offers exclusive travel and lifestyle benefits.The NatWest Black Card is a highly exclusive and prestigious credit card designed for high net worth individuals. It offers a range of luxurious perks and benefits tailored to meet the needs of its elite clientele.- Annual Fee: £250
- Credit Limit: Minimum £10,000, maximum determined by individual's income and creditworthiness
- Exclusive Concierge Service: 24/7 access to dedicated concierge service
- Travel Benefits: Airport lounge access, travel insurance, and enhanced rewards on travel-related expenses
- Hotel Upgrades: Complimentary room upgrades and VIP amenities at select luxury hotels
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Ranking factors for difficult credit card
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Credit score requirementCredit cards that require a high credit score, such as excellent credit (typically 800 or above), are more difficult to get. A higher credit score suggests that the applicant has a strong credit history and is more likely to be approved for the card.
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Income requirementSome credit cards have a minimum income requirement, which may make them more difficult to obtain for those with low or insufficient income.
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Employment statusCertain credit cards may require applicants to have a stable and consistent employment history. This can be challenging for those who are self-employed, have an inconsistent work history, or have recently changed jobs.
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Application processSome credit cards have a more rigorous application process, which may involve providing additional financial documents or even participating in an in-person interview.
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Existing relationship with the bankSome credit card issuers may prioritize applicants who have an existing relationship with the bank, such as having a checking or savings account. This can make it more difficult for those who do not have an existing relationship with the bank to get the credit card.
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Annual feesCredit cards with high annual fees may be more difficult to get, as some people may hesitate to apply due to the cost of maintaining the card.
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Membership requirementsSome credit cards are only available to members of specific organizations or groups, which may make them more difficult to get for those who are not affiliated with the organization.
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Limited availabilitySome credit cards may have a limited number of available slots or may only be offered to select individuals, making it more difficult for the general public to obtain the card.
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Overall demandHigh-demand credit cards may have limited availability, making them more difficult to get due to increased competition.
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Geographic restrictionsSome credit card issuers may only accept applications from residents of specific countries, regions, or states, which could make it more difficult for those not living in the eligible area to get the card.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most difficult credit card to get. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or card is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2668 views
- 171 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each card once every 24 hours. The rank of each card is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most difficult credit card to get
When it comes to credit cards, not all are created equal. Some cards have stricter requirements for approval, making them more difficult to obtain than others. The most difficult credit cards to get typically require higher credit scores, lower debt-to-income ratios, and more extensive credit histories. These cards often come with exclusive perks and rewards, such as travel benefits and cashback options, making them highly coveted by consumers. If you're looking to apply for a credit card, it's important to do your research and determine which cards align with your financial situation and credit score.
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