Premium Credit Cards
Kamis, 07 Februari 2008
Premium Credit Cards - Special Products for Special People
World Wealth Report of 2004 maintains that one in every 125 Americans is a millionaire. And the general tendency for the nearest decade is triple increase of this number. Rich people are used to spending much to get much, so they are supposed to choose the best credit card deals - exclusive ones, to be more exact.
In the credit card market high-end consumers can find cards that will not only accentuate their status, but also provide them with the most advantageous and first-class services.
What Do They Give?
Marketing research specialists explain introducing of premium credit card deals by the fact that this consumer group is more loyal to earning points for purchases. Premium credit cards are all rewards credit cards. The well-off spend huge sums, so why not reward them exquisitely for it. A standard reward program includes exclusive upgrades and discounts for travel (airline rewards) and hotel accommodations, membership in a number of prestigious clubs, concierge or personal shopper services.
Points can be redeemed for the most luxurious things - a watch, fancy car rent, fashion show invitation and what not. And in most cases it is the cardholder that chooses how to redeem his points. But they are not just gifts or freebies - they are means to let the customer have an exceptional experience.
You may ask why banks design such limited edition credit card and how they profit by them. High-heeled consumers usually pay their bills in full each month, so banks don't profit from finance charges and fees. But as they receive payments for each credit card transaction, exclusive cards are quite will repaid for the issuers.
Plus, rewards stimulate people to spend more and stick to one card which also plays into the bank's hands. The array of rewards is usually expanded for holiday shopping season or some special cases.
Can You Get Them?
Such authoritative magazines as the Forbes periodically unveil the top premium credit cards and if you look through it, you will find such familiar names as American Express, Visa and MasterCard.
One of the most exclusive credit cards arising a lot of interest and guesswork, is American Express Centurion Card, more widely known as Black AmEx.
Probably, it is so special because you can become the holder of it only by invitation and the whole list of features and rewards of Black card are kept secret (for the most part due to the fact that each customer gets an exclusive, personal offer and is rewarded in a special way).
It is said to be issued for 10,000 people who are sure to be leading a high-luxury life. To get the invitation, you should spend at least $250,000 annually with another AmEx card. But AmEx is not the only one provider of premium credit cards.
MasterCard World credit card and Visa Signature card are also products targeted for well-off customers. They also provide concierge service and invitations to extra high class events. A shower of gifts, special VIP services and unique offers will make you feel what money can buy in this world.
For instance, with Visa Signature dining program you can always be aware that a table in one of the fancy restaurants is held exceptionally for you. MasterCard offers the customers to choose the category within which his basic interests lie and according to this, you will be provided with amenities and services.
These credit cards and a number of other exclusive credit products have a lot of advantages and are very attractive, but there's one detail: you should earn no less than 250,000 annually and spend a number of thousands monthly to be eligible for one of these cards. In other words, you have to be able to afford to live the lifestyle of the upper-class.
