The 7 most exclusive bank cards in SA and their cost

You often hear the rich and famous talk about "black cards" and other fancy bank cards.

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Not only do these exclusive cards exist, but you have to earn an exceptional amount even to get close to owning one.

Some of these cards require a minimum monthly income of R62,500.

According to BusinessTech, the most appealing part of owning these cards is the exclusive benefits, the status associated with it and, essentially, the bragging rights.

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The cards listed below are designed for high-income earners, VIP customers, and the type of money some of us will never see in our lifetime.

BusinessTech reports that these cards' owners must be within SA's top 7% of income earners. Some require prospective customers to be firmly in the 1%.

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Knight Frank's Wealth Sizing Model says in annual terms you need to earn at least $109,000 (R1,93-million) to be considered in the top 1% in SA.

Here are the most exclusive bank cards in the country and how much you need to earn to be eligible to own one:

*Absa’s most exclusive Wealth (Visa) Infinite credit card terms of eligibility are measured in Net investible assets (NIA) and Net asset value (NAV).

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Discovery Purple is not only the highest annual salary but also the highest monthly fee at R684.

Here are some of the perks connected to these cards:

Discovery Purple

• One monthly fee includes all transactions and flexible credit facility

• Unlimited free savings accounts

• Real-Time Forex Accounts available 24/7 via the app

• Vitality Money rewards programme with personalised incentives

• Flight discounts:

  • Up to 75% off international and local flights

  • Up to 75% off international business class flights

• Travel perks:

  • Free multi-trip international travel insurance

  • Unlimited global airport lounge access

  • Fast-track airport security (OR Tambo, Cape Town)

• Lifestyle & cashback benefits:

  • Up to 75% back on HealthyFood at Pick n Pay, Woolworths

  • Up to 50% back on HealthyCare at Clicks, Dis-Chem

  • Up to 20% back on Uber and fuel at BP/Shell

  • Up to 40% off when spending Discovery Miles

  • Up to 75% off Nike gear and fitness devices

  • Up to 50% off Technogym home equipment rentals

• Service excellence:

  • Dedicated relationship banker

  • Exclusive Purple Servicing channel and Concierge

Nedbank Private Wealth

• Complimentary airport lounge access

• 24/7 concierge service for lifestyle and travel

• Emergency travel assistance

• Discounts on accommodation, car rental, and meet-and-assist services

• High-value travel insurance: Up to $2.5 million

• Greenbacks Rewards:

  • Up to 2 Greenbacks per R10 with Visa Infinite

  • Double Greenbacks with Amex cards

• Dedicated private banker

• Specialist team for wealth management

• Private Wealth App access

FNB Private Wealth

• Comprehensive financial integration (banking, investment, insurance, lending)

• Dedicated Private Advisor and expert support team

• Advanced digital tools via FNB App

• Tailored investment solutions

• eBucks Rewards with extensive travel discounts:

  • Up to R20,000 in travel savings annually

  • Up to 40% off local/international flights, car hire, bus tickets

  • Up to 36 SLOW Lounge visits/year (+24 extra if flights booked via eBucks)

• Access to FNB travel desk for exclusive deals

• Expertise in global investing, succession planning, commercial property

Standard Bank Signature Banking

Travel and Lifestyle Benefits

• Unlimited complimentary access to:

  • OR Tambo Library Lounge (includes one guest + kids under 2)

  • Standard Bank Fluent Lounge at Lanseria International Airport

  • 1,300+ international lounges via the Mastercard TravelPass App

• Flight and travel discounts:

  • Up to 20% off Emirates flights (via Leisure Desk)

  • Up to 35% off Avis international car rentals

  • Up to 10% off local car rentals via Rentalcars.com

• Hotel and accommodation perks:

  • Up to 15% discount on IHG Hotels & Resorts across Europe, Maldives, India, Middle East, and Africa

  • Up to 15% cashback on Booking.com hotel bookings

  • Up to 15% off luxury serviced apartments

• Wine Club offer:

  • 15% off when spending over R500 at Wine-of-the-Month Club

UCount Rewards

• R25/month for UCount membership

• Earn more UCount Points using the World Citizen Credit Card

• Qualify for Tiering Points when opening a Platinum Optimum offshore bank account

Investec Private Banking

• Unlimited Rewards points (no fees, no expiry)

• Airport perks via InTransit App and lounge access

• Prime-linked interest rate

• Up to 45 interest-free days on card purchases

• Unlimited free ATM withdrawals locally/internationally

• Interest earned on positive balances

• Budget facility (up to 60 months)

• Free extra card or discounted spouse account

• Free Youth Account with debit card

• Linked Cash Management Account for higher interest

• Investment options for children and tax-free accounts

• UK sterling account (optional with fee)

• Preferential forex rates

• Emergency cash abroad via Western Union

• Exclusive travel service

• Access to:

  • Investec One Place

  • Investec Digital

  • Investor Rewards

RMB Private Bank

• Metal card with full credit facility

• Single interest rate, 30 days interest-free

• Linked additional/spousal accounts

• Comprehensive financial services (banking, investment, lending, insurance)

• Strong personal advisory relationships

• Specialised focus on:

  • Intergenerational wealth

  • Global investing

  • Sustainable finance

• Access to eBucks Rewards

• SLOW Lounge access

• Cash@Till, exclusive VISA offers

• FNBy accounts for youth

Absa Private Banking

• Wealth Bundle Account: One monthly fee covers most services

• Exclusive Wealth Infinite Credit Card (black metal card)

• Up to 30% cashback via Absa Rewards

• Dedicated team: Wealth Banker, Investment Manager, Fiduciary Specialist

• 50% discount on spouse account

• Up to 57 days interest-free on credit card purchases

• Unlimited access to:

  • Domestic Bidvest Premier Lounges

  • International lounges via Visa LoungeKey (1 free guest/visit)

• Insurance benefits:

  • Travel insurance, Buyers Protection, Extended Warranty, Rental Car Collision Damage Waiver

• Concierge and Global Client Services

• Visa Luxury Hotel Collection access: VIP rates, upgrades, extra perks

• Up to 35% Avis rental discounts

• YQ airport meet-and-assist service

• Stockbroking on 31 global exchanges

• Personalised estate planning & high-value insurance

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