More impressive than platinum

Posted by Michael Hainsworth on November 5, 2008

The credit crisis is apparently relative.
 
In less than two weeks, credit card giant MasterCard is launching a new piece of plastic. But it's made with more than just petroleum byproducts -- although the petroleum industry gets a lot of credit for the card's existence in the first place.

The card will be called the "Diamond." It has a 0.02-carat diamond embedded in the centre and it's laced with gold. It has a $1,000-a-year fee.

Despite the raised diamond, MasterCard says it's done all the testing it needs to ensure it fits in bank machines and point of sale slots.

MasterCard says the diamond is designed to show your status. It's all about the prestige. Only 1,000 cards will be issued, and only 30 per month starting Nov. 13.

The card has a $50,000 limit -- about 30 grand more than the plastic pusher's platinum card. It even comes with a personal card manager who is available around the clock.

Before you rush out with your hedge fund profits to sign up, it's only available at the second-largest bank -- in Kazakhstan.

Borat would be proud.

 

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