Do billionaires use credit cards?
What Credit Card Do the Super Rich Use? The super rich use a variety of different credit cards, many of which have strict requirements to obtain, such as invitation only or a high minimum net worth. Such cards include the American Express Centurion (Black Card) and the JP Morgan Chase Reserve.
The credit card billionaires are most likely to use is the Centurion® Card from American Express, also known as the Amex Black Card, which has unique benefits and is reserved for high-net-worth individuals. Some of the rich and famous people rumored to have the card include Jerry Seinfeld and Halle Berry.
Since income is not one of the five factors that determine a credit score, the wealthy are just as likely to have a low credit score as the people with lower income. The rich can miss payments, rely too heavily on credit, and open too many new accounts, all of which may lower their credit score.
And when consulting firm Capgemini surveyed over 3,000 high-net-worth individuals, wealth management executives and wealth managers, it found high-net-worth investors have 34% of their portfolios in cash or cash equivalents like CDs and money markets.
Although black cards do represent wealth, it's not clear if they truly show someone's financial situation. Just having a black card doesn't mean a person is rich. Some people who have black cards might be wealthy, but others who don't have a lot of money can also get them.
American Express has neither confirmed nor denied the rumor. Other rich and famous people known to use an American Express Business Centurion Card include: Beyonce.
What is the most prestigious credit card? One of the world's most prestigious credit cards is the Centurion® Card from American Express*. Though there may be other cards with more elaborate benefits, those cards are kept well under wraps.
The best credit card overall is the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card because it gives 2% cash rewards on all purchases and has a $0 annual fee. For comparison purposes, the average cash rewards card in 2024 gives about 1% back.
For a score with a range between 300 and 850, a credit score of 700 or above is generally considered good. A score of 800 or above on the same range is considered to be excellent. Most consumers have credit scores that fall between 600 and 750. In 2022, the average FICO® Score☉ in the U.S. reached 714.
1. JP Morgan Private Bank. “J.P. Morgan Private Bank is known for its investment services, which makes them a great option for those with millionaire status,” Kullberg said. “With J.P. Morgan, each client is given access to a panel of experts, including experienced strategists, economists and advisors.”
What card does Warren Buffet use?
So why do Buffett and Berkshire prefer American Express over much larger rivals Visa and Mastercard? It has to do with the fundamental makeup of the business.
Most billionaires lead very business days with full schedules meeting with executives, investors, charities, and interviews. They wake up early in the morning and get started before most other people.
The American Express Business Centurion Card, better known as the "black card," has no pre-set spending limit and is typically offered only to high-net-worth individuals.
A black credit card is a premium credit card with special benefits, such as comprehensive insurance packages and access to airport lounges or concierge services. The card design is always black and plain – exuding luxury.
Fifty percent of Americans with a net worth over $1 million have a Bank of America credit card. American Express (38%), Capital One (35%), and Chase (34%) are other popular credit card issuers among America's wealthy. From which of the following issuers do you currently hold a card?
Reportedly Used By: Oprah Winfrey, Kim Kardashian, Jay Z
The “black card” reportedly doesn't have a spending limit, but only the world's wealthiest are invited to join this elite club.
Still, you've probably never heard anyone advocate for having quite as many credit cards as Walter Cavanagh. Cavanagh was recently recognized by Guinness World Records as having the most open, active credit card accounts in the world. How many cards does Cavanagh have in his name? Try 1,497.
On our list, the card with the highest reported limit is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, which some say offers a $100,000 limit. We've also seen an advertised maximum credit limit of $100,000 on the First Tech Odyssey Rewards™ World Elite Mastercard®, a credit union rewards card.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
A rating of 5 is the best a card can receive. Why it's one of the hardest credit cards to get: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is hard to get because it requires excellent credit for approval and charges an annual fee of $395. You get a lot in return, though.
The highest credit card limit you can get is over $100,000 according to reports from credit card holders. But like most credit cards in general, even the highest-limit credit cards will only list minimum spending limits in their terms. The best high limit credit cards offer spending limits of $10,000 or more.
What are the three top credit cards?
- Best overall: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card.
- Best cash back on everyday spending: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express.
- Best for long intro APR: Wells Fargo Reflect® Card.
- Best for balance transfers with excellent credit: Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card.
| Average FICO 8 Score by Generation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Generation | 2022 | 2023 |
| Generation Z (ages 18-26) | 679 - Good | 680 - Good |
| Millennials (27-42) | 687 - Good | 690 - Good |
| Generation X (43-58) | 707 - Good | 709 - Good |
The best credit card for a 800 credit score is the Chase Sapphire Preferred because it offers an initial rewards bonus of 60,000 bonus points for spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, as well as 1 - 5 points per $1 spent on purchases. The card charges a $95 annual fee.
The different fees often make or break a deal for a merchant. This is why many merchants, especially small businesses, don't accept American Express. American Express' interchange fee is just too high. Providers like Visa and Mastercard charge between 1.15% and 2.5%, while Amex charges merchants between 1.43% and 3.3%.
Using an American Express card, or Amex card, can imply a certain level of prestige and exclusivity. Amex cards often earn big rewards and, in some cases, come with ultra-high annual fees.
