Buying Power of the Sotheby’s MasterCard

Your money can only get you so far, but for everything else, there’s Sotheby’s MasterCard®.

By Megan Mollmann

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Cardholders can select a private studio visit with artists such as William Wegman or John Currin, or receive a review of their art frames by notable framing expert Eli Wilner.

The textbook term “buying power” is directly related to the value of an individual’s liquid assets, but can you increase your money’s worth?

If you are a fine art connoisseur and patron, look no further than Sotheby’s MasterCard. Specifically tailored to high-net worth clientele, the Sotheby’s card offers exclusive, gratis benefits, most of which are priceless.

The Sotheby’s MasterCard program is comprised of two cards: the Sotheby’s World MasterCard, which is available for all art enthusiasts to apply, and the Sotheby’s World Elite MasterCard. The World Elite MasterCard offers all of the outstanding benefits and rewards of the World MasterCard, along with exceptional travel benefits, round-the-clock concierge and travel assistance, upgrades to business class on international flights, and global access to more than 500 VIP Airport lounges.

Both cards offer complimentary privileges such as invites to private exhibitions at Sotheby’s, unlimited free access for up to four top museums, and special pricing on Sotheby’s catalogues and partner discounts.

While some cards return a few dollars at the end of the year or provide points towards gasoline, groceries, or airplane miles, the elite Sotheby’s card bestows unique rewards to avid collectors of fine art, antiques, and jewelry.

Sotheby’s cardholders earn one point for every $1 spent, which can be redeemed for exclusive events and experiences. Art and antique enthusiasts can opt for a Sotheby’s auctioneer to preside over their own charity auction, a consultation with a Sotheby’s wine expert for their next celebration, or exclusive Sotheby’s auction seats.

If that is not personal enough, cardholders can select a private studio visit with artists such as William Wegman or John Currin, or receive a review of their art frames by notable framing expert Eli Wilner. For the bejeweled, points can work towards a private lunch in Sotheby’s Diamond Salon (yes, you even get to try on the jewels), or a custom diamond design by the master jewelry designer at Sotheby’s.

Points can also be redeemed for helicopter tours of the California wine country with a Sotheby’s wine specialist, as well as private air safaris through the top game reserves of South Africa.

From VIP access to Fashion Weeks in Paris, New York, and Los Angeles and top music awards ceremonies to court time with a professional basketball player or a walk-on role in a TV show or theatrical production, the buying power of the The World Elite MasterCard is certainly value-added. Although there is one stipulation: it is invite-only.