FIRST also get to enjoy the privilege of instant recognition at the most luxurious hotels and resorts worldwide. Priority Pass is also given to card owners for unlimited free access to over 600 VIP airport lounges worldwide. 6 American Express Peninsula Platinum Card, by invitation, annual fee of HKD7,800. Special discounts and privileges at The Peninsula Hotels await cardholders. Cardholders enjoy the Complimentary Priority Pass for unlimited free access to over 600 VIP airport lounges worldwide.
Check out Hong Kong’s most expensive and exclusive credit cards
A
sian Banking and Finance has partnered with MoneyHero, billed as HK’s first financial comparison site, to bring you 10 of the most expensive and exclusive credit cards that may be found in only the wallets of Hong Kong’s wealthiest. Many of these plastics are by invitation only, offered only to high networth individuals and those who spend millions of dollars on credit. 1 American Express Centurion Card, by invitation, annual fee of HKD38,800. This is the near-mythical black credit card that only a rare few are granted the privilege of owning. There’s an air of mystery about the specific benefits of the card as AMEX doesn’t make this information known to the public – but of course, that only adds to its appeal. There’s also an initiation fee of HKD5,000. The Centurion card gives access to some of the most exclusive private clubs in HK and other parts of the world. It has no pre-set limit, in theory. The largest purchase ever made on this card was reportedly USD36 million for a rare, antique porcelain chicken cup. 2 Citibank Ultima Card, by invitation, annual fee of HKD23,800. There are only about 1,000 people in the city who have the privilege of flashing this card, which is offered according to a mysterious annual salary requirement. While invitations are no longer
14 ASIAN BANKING AND FINANCE | DECEMBER 2014
sent out since the beginning of the year, its highlighted features include a dedicated Lifestyle Relationship Manager handling your lifestyle needs, great rates for yacht charter services and airport transfer limousine services. The privileged cardholder also gets 120,000 complimentary Asia Miles each year.
7 Standard Chartered Priority Banking Credit Card. The annual fee is waived perpetually, while the annual salary requirement is around HKD500,000, as reported by current card owners. The card features a unique rewards programme for cardholders. Priority Banking 360° Rewards allows them to earn points not only on card expenditure, but also with all account balances to earn up to 50,000 points every month. Principal cardholders are granted complimentary access to over 600 airport lounges with the Priority Pass.
3 HSBC Premier Card, by invitation. The HSBC Premier card requires an annual income of HKD1.5 million. The Card gives bonus rewards from the MasterCard Traveler Rewards program and advanced booking for luxury cruise and vacation packages. A Premier Relationship Manager is always ready to assist cardholders when they travel around the world.
8 BOC Visa Infinite Card Bank of China’s (BOC) by invitation only Visa Infinite credit card provides a concierge service that assist cardholders with planning trips and restaurant reservations. BOC’s jet-setter customers earn triple reward points when they use their card overseas, and at restaurants here in Hong Kong. By simply presenting BOC Visa Infinite Card, cardholder can enjoy a host of facilities available at specific Plaza Premium Lounges.
4 Citibank Prestige Card. The card has one of the highest minimum annual income requirements at HKD600,000 or above. Cardholders can enjoy complimentary nights at more than 700 luxury hotels in some of the most fabulous cities in the world, as well as complimentary green fees at over 2,400 golf courses around the world.
9 Dah Sing VIP Banking Visa Infinite Card, by invitation, no annual fee. This card provides an extra-high credit limit. Users can earn up to 4x reward points when using the card for select investment and insurance services. Cardholders can also earn up to 1.2 million bonus points quarterly with this card.
5 American Express Platinum Card, by invitation, annual fee of HKD7,800. The card automatically enrols cardholders in the AMEX Membership Rewards Turbo Program, where they can earn 2 points for every HKD1 spent. Cardholders
10 Hang Seng Visa Infinite, by invitation. The lucky shopper who flashes this card doesn’t have to worry about preset spending limits. This card also serves as an all-access ticket to several membersonly private clubs in the city.