15 Hardest Credit Cards to Get and Qualify

Getting a credit card can be a challenge, especially if you're after the most exclusive and lucrative ones. To qualify for these top-tier cards, you'll typically need a spotless credit history and a significant income.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve, for instance, requires a $10,000 minimum income and excellent credit to qualify.

A perfect credit score, which is 850, is also a must-have for many of these cards.

The American Express Centurion Card, also known as the Black Card, is one of the most exclusive credit cards out there. Introduced in 1999, it targets high-net-worth individuals, like multi-millionaires and celebrities.

To qualify for a Black Card invitation, you must be an existing AMEX client and meet spending requirements anywhere from $100,000 – $250,000 annually. In most cases, American Express only invites the ultra-wealthy and celebrities to carry this card. The card has a super high annual fee of $5,000 and an initiation fee of $10,000.

Some credit cards are notoriously difficult to get, and they can be grouped into three main categories: Premium Rewards Cards, Luxury and Invitation-Only Cards, and Co-Branded Cards with Prestigious Brands. These cards often have stricter approval standards, making them a tough nut to crack.

Here are some examples of the hardest credit cards to get:

Premium Rewards Cards are usually a real pain to get, offering killer rewards and travel perks but requiring high credit score and income standards.

These cards often have strict requirements, making it tough for those who don't meet the mark.

Luxury and Invitation-Only Cards are super exclusive, aimed at the wealthy elite and only available to those who receive an invite.

Co-Branded Cards with Prestigious Brands have stricter approval standards, making them a tough nut to crack.

Here are some examples of cards that fit into these categories:

The highest level of credit cards is known as ultra-exclusive cards, which are invite-only and typically only available to the ultra-rich and famous. These cards are reserved for a select few who meet certain criteria.

Ultra-exclusive cards are often characterized by their range of features and perks, which can include luxury travel benefits, high-end rewards, and exclusive access to events. They also come with high fees, making them a costly option for those who can afford them.

To give you an idea of the level of exclusivity, ultra-exclusive cards are often only available to a select few, and even then, they may require a high income or net worth to qualify.

To qualify for the hardest credit cards, you'll need to meet some strict requirements. Having a credit score of 750 or higher is a good starting point, as it shows lenders you're a responsible spender.

Your income will also be taken into account, but it's not the only factor. In fact, some credit card issuers don't even verify income, as mentioned by Emily in her comment. The American Express Black card, for example, is reserved for high-net-worth individuals who spend over $25,000 per month.

Having a strong financial portfolio is also crucial, as most credit card issuers look beyond just income and credit score. This includes your assets, investments, and other indicators of your financial stability.

To give you a better idea of the requirements, here's a breakdown of some of the hardest credit cards to get:

Building a strong credit history is essential to increasing your chances of getting approved for a top-tier credit card. This includes paying your bills on time, keeping your credit utilization low, and maintaining a solid credit score.

Improving your income and employment stability will also make you a more attractive candidate for high-end credit cards. And, as Wendy mentioned, sometimes it's not about applying for the most exclusive card right away, but rather starting with similar but more accessible cards to build up your credit history before shooting for the big leagues.

Getting approved for the hardest credit cards to get requires a good understanding of what these issuers are looking for. You need a high income, but they do not verify it.

The American Express Platinum Card is one such example. According to Emily, you need to spend over $25k per month to be eligible for the Amex Black card, which is a subset of this card. This is a clear indication of the card's exclusivity.

To get approved for the City World Elite card, you'll need an income of $80k and a credit score of 750. This is a more attainable goal than some of the other cards on this list.

On the other hand, the JP Reserve card is extremely hard to get, requiring a net worth of over $10 million. This is a staggering amount, and it's clear that this card is only for the ultra-wealthy.

Here are some of the hardest credit cards to get, along with their requirements:

It's worth noting that even if you meet these requirements, there are no guarantees of approval. The approval process for these cards is often subjective and based on a variety of factors.

The exclusive world of credit cards is a fascinating one, where a select few get to experience the ultimate in luxury and prestige. The American Express Centurion Card, also known as the "Black Card", is invitation-only, and only high-income individuals with high annual spending and strong financials are considered.

To get an invitation, you typically need to have a long-term relationship with AMEX and be considered a high-net-worth individual. The Centurion Card comes with a hefty annual fee, and the eligibility requirements are strict. I recently applied for the card and was disappointed to find out that my application was not approved, despite having a high credit score and substantial income.

The Dubai First Royale Mastercard is another exclusive card that's rumored to be offered only to royalty and extremely high-net-worth individuals, with less than 200 cardholders in total. It's studded with a .235-carat diamond and trimmed with gold, making it a true status symbol.

Billionaires use a range of exclusive credit cards, but many require pre-existing banking relationships. The Coutts World Silk Card, for example, is only available to Coutts clients.

The Dubai First Royale Mastercard is rumored to be the rarest credit card, with less than 200 cardholders. It's studded with a .235-carat diamond and trimmed with gold, making it a truly exclusive card.

The American Express Centurion Card, also known as the Black Card, is one of the most exclusive credit cards out there, targeting high-net-worth individuals and celebrities. It has a super high annual fee of $5,000 and an initiation fee of $10,000.

The Mastercard Black Card is one of the few premium credit cards that regular people can apply for, but it comes with a hefty annual fee of $495. It offers excellent balance transfer promotions and travel perks like annual airline statement credits.

The J.P. Morgan Reserve Card, also known as the Palladium Card, is an invite-only credit card available to J.P. Morgan clients with at least $10 million in investments under management. It's plated in palladium and offers 3:1 points on travel and dining globally.

The Merrill Lynch Octave Black Card is exclusive, elite, and offers a range of perks, but its entry requirements are as high as the rewards.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a premium credit card that's perfect for frequent travelers and foodies. With a $450 annual fee, you might wonder if it's worth it, but trust me, it's a game-changer.

The card offers a 50,000-point bonus after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, which can be redeemed for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. This is a great way to offset the annual fee and start earning rewards right away.

You'll also earn 3X points on travel and dining purchases, making it easy to rack up points on your everyday expenses. Plus, the card has no foreign transaction fees, so you can use it abroad without incurring extra charges.

One of the standout features of the Chase Sapphire Reserve is its airport lounge access. You'll get complimentary access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, making it easy to relax and unwind before your flight.

The Stratus Rewards Visa, also known as the "White Card", is an ultra-exclusive credit card.

It's invitation-only, catering to the wealthy and influential, making it a subtle signal of success in the world of finance.

This card has a tailored rewards program for tech entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals, offering benefits like private jet access and luxury hotel upgrades.

For those who have reached the pinnacle of success, the Stratus Rewards Visa is a luxury travel benefit that'll make you feel like a rockstar.

The card's concierge service answers your every whim, providing a high level of service that's hard to find elsewhere.

With its ultra-exclusive nature and prestige, the Stratus Rewards Visa is a status symbol for those who can afford it.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of the hardest credit cards to get, with a minimum credit score requirement of 700 and an annual fee of $450.

The American Express Centurion Card requires a minimum income of $250,000 and a long waiting list, making it nearly impossible to get.

The Citi Prestige Card has a minimum credit score requirement of 700 and an annual fee of $495, making it a challenging card to obtain.

If you're looking to build or rebuild your credit, the Capital One Platinum card is a solid option. It's designed for individuals who need to establish or improve their credit history.

To increase your chances of getting approved, check for pre-approval offers on Capital One's website. This can give you a better idea of whether you'll be accepted.

Having a solid payment history on your other accounts is crucial before applying for the Capital One Platinum card. This shows lenders that you're responsible with your finances.

By following these steps, you can improve your chances of getting approved for the Capital One Platinum card.

If you're new to credit or rebuilding your credit history, the Petal 2 Card is a great option to consider.

This card uses alternative data for approval, so a credit history isn't necessary. It looks at your banking history instead.

For example, Petal looks at your banking history to make approval decisions, not just your credit score.

To increase your chances of approval, maintaining a good banking history with consistent deposits is key.

Here are some benefits of the Petal 2 Card:

If you're having trouble getting approved for one of these hard-to-get credit cards, it's likely due to a poor credit score. A credit score of 700 or higher is often required for approval.

The American Express Centurion Card, for example, requires a minimum credit score of 750 and a minimum income of $200,000 to be considered. If you don't meet these requirements, you may want to consider rebuilding your credit before applying.

Even with a good credit score, being declined for a credit card can be frustrating. It's essential to review your application carefully and make sure you meet all the requirements.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve Card, for instance, requires a minimum credit score of 720 and a minimum income of $150,000 to be approved.