# Brazil premium-card market tightens rules, adds perks

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/brazilian-banks-broaden-premium-creditcard-lineup-for-highincome-customers
> Updated: 2026-09-08T00:31:25.000Z. Sources: 77. Developments: 50.

The Brazilian premium-card market continues to evolve through stricter eligibility criteria and tiered relationship programs. Banks are increasingly utilizing a “rating bancário” system—evaluating income, assets, and transaction history—to determine credit limits and eligibility for high-end products. This shift has seen annual fees for premium cards rise toward R$4,000, while ultra-high-income cards can exceed R$25,000, offering luxury perks like helicopter transfers. Itaú Unibanco has expanded its tiered “Minhas Vantagens” program, introducing Level 6 to provide access to the World Legend Mastercard and offshore advisory services. The bank is also preparing to launch the Personnalité ‘The Essential’ card as an intermediate tier between the Personnalité Black and high-end ‘The One’ cards. Under a relationship-based model, benefits for ‘The Essential’—including reward points, VIP lounge access, and annual fee structures—are expected to vary based on customer spending and overall bank relationship. Visa is actively targeting the high-income gap by expanding its premium offerings. Rodrigo Cury, President of Visa in Brazil, announced that the company is targeting the intermediate space between standard high-income cards and ultra-exclusive products. As part of this strategy, the Visa Infinite Private card—an evolution of the Visa Infinite Privilege—is designed for an extremely selective audience via bank invitation. Eligibility requires a declared monthly income of at least R$300,000 or assets of R$30 million. Santander has begun a gradual rollout of this card via invitation to distinguish it from products like the Santander Unlimited, which follows more public criteria. In a significant structural shift, Santander and American Express have announced the end of their credit card issuance partnership in Brazil. This transition affects Gold, Platinum, and Centurion cards; Gold and Platinum cards will be blocked for new purchases in September, while the high-income Centurion card is set for cancellation in October.

## Claims

- Brazilian banks use an internal “rating bancário” distinct from public credit scores to evaluate customers. (corroborated by 22 sources)
- Itaú Unibanco launched the Personnalité World Legend Mastercard, described as the most exclusive card in the Personnalité portfolio. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- The World Legend card features a minimalist design with a light‑colored surface and small particles. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- The card is supplied in a premium box with a fabric‑like coating and the phrase “Pra todos os seus feitos.” engraved on it. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- The World Legend Mastercard targets high‑income customers with travel, experience and service benefits. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- The card includes a chip and the Mastercard logo on its front. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- A higher internal rating improves a client’s chances of obtaining premium cards, higher credit limits, lower‑interest loans and other privileged services. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The internal rating takes into account factors such as income, assets, investments, transaction history, payment behavior, and relationship length. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Itaú Unibanco announced a reformulation of its Uniclass credit cards (Mastercard Black and Visa Infinite). (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The new points accrual rate is up to 2.5 points per US dollar for customers spending at least R$ 4,000 per month. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Customers spending less than R$ 4,000 per month earn 2 points per US dollar. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Cardholders receive four annual accesses to airport VIP lounges. (corroborated by 5 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-08: Santander ends American Express partnership in Brazil

Santander is ending its American Express partnership in Brazil, affecting Gold, Platinum, and Centurion cards, while simultaneously launching an invite-only Visa Infinite Private card for ultra-high-income tier

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/santander-ends-american-express-partnership-in-brazil

### 2026-09-02: Itaú to launch Personnalité The Essential premium card

Itaú is set to launch the Personnalité The Essential credit card, a new premium tier positioned between the Personnalité Black and The One cards.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ita-to-launch-personnalit-the-essential-premium-card

### 2026-08-28: Santander launches invitation-only Visa Infinite Private card

Santander has launched the Visa Infinite Private in Brazil, an invitation-only credit card targeting ultra-high-income clients to compete in the premium banking sector.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/santander-launches-invitation-only-visa-infinite-private-card

### 2026-08-25: Visa targets Brazil's high-income gap with new premium card tiers

Visa is targeting the gap between high-income and ultra-wealthy consumers in Brazil by developing new segmented premium card categories, including the invitation-only Visa Infinite Private.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/visa-targets-brazils-high-income-gap-with-new-premium-card-tiers

### 2026-08-16: Itaú changes VIP lounge access rules for premium cardholders

Itaú is changing its VIP lounge access rules for Uniclass cards, requiring higher spending and customer relationship levels, while cooperatives like Unicred and Sicoob compete for premium market share.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ita-changes-vip-lounge-access-rules-for-premium-cardholders

### 2026-08-14: Itaú Personnalité introduces The Essential Mastercard

Itaú has officially listed the Personnalité Mastercard The Essential in its fee schedule, signaling an upcoming launch of this intermediate premium card with an annual fee of R$ 960.

20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/visa-launches-airport-fast-track-service-and-premium-card-comparisons

### 2026-08-13: Brazilian banking sector sees new premium card launches and travel benefits

Itaú introduces the Personnalité Mastercard The Essential, while Visa expands airport Fast Track services. Premium card competition continues between Unicred and Sicoob in Brazil.

22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/card-machine-comparison-focuses-on-total-operational-costs

### 2026-08-04: Itaú Personnalité launches Level 6 of Minhas Vantagens program

Itaú Personnalité adds Level 6 to Minhas Vantagens, offering World Legend Mastercard, Sala Pedra Preta access and other premium perks.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ita-personnalit-launches-level-6-of-minhas-vantagens-program

### 2026-08-03: Sofisa Visa Infinite revamps cashback program, reducing premium appeal

Sofisa Visa Infinite introduces tiered Cashback Gourmet up to 8% based on spend and investment levels, keeping VIP lounge access but adding a R$ 5k spend threshold, which may lower its appeal to premium users.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bradesco-american-express-centurion-tops-brazils-premium-creditcard-ranking

### 2026-07-31: Itaú expands VIP lounge access for premium cards and details Click card benefits in Brazil

Itaú adds two free annual DragonPass lounge accesses for level‑5 Minhas Vantagens members and outlines its fee‑free Click card with flexible limits up to R$10,000.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ita-expands-vip-lounge-access-for-premium-cards-and-details-click-card-benefits-in-brazil

### 2026-07-29: Itaú Personnalité World Legend Mastercard unveiled with premium design

Itaú launched the Personnalité World Legend Mastercard, a minimalist‑design premium card for high‑income clients, presented in a luxe box with the inscription “Pra todos os seus feitos.”

24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ita-uniclass-upgrades-rewards-and-vip-lounge-access-adds-new-invoice-rule-in-brazil

### 2026-07-26: Brazilian banks tighten credit‑card rules, impacting airport lounge access

Brazilian banks’ new internal rating raises fees for high‑income cards, tightens airport lounge access, and prompts BTG Pactual to modify its Mastercard products.

43 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazilian-banks-internal-rating-drives-premium-credit-card-access

### 2026-07-24: BTG Pactual switches Mastercard VIP lounge access to DragonPass

BTG Pactual will move Mastercard card VIP lounge benefits from LoungeKey to DragonPass on 24 July 2026, with a transition period and unchanged access numbers.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/btg-pactual-switches-mastercard-vip-lounge-access-to-dragonpass

### 2026-07-22: Brazil sees surge in everyday credit‑card use and launch of new premium World Legend cards

A March survey shows 77% of Brazilian credit‑card users shop at supermarkets, with strong use in pharmacies and gas stations, while BTG Pactual launches the Ultrablue World Legend card offering higher points &

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-sees-surge-in-everyday-creditcard-use-and-launch-of-new-premium-world-legend-cards

### 2026-07-18: BTG Pactual expands VIP lounge access and launches World Legend Mastercard

BTG Pactual adds DragonPass to Ultra Blue and details its upcoming World Legend Mastercard, offering extensive lounge access, high rewards, IOF‑free overseas purchases and travel insurance.

20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bradesco-launches-dollardenominated-visa-infinite-metal-card-in-brazil

### 2026-07-15: Banco Safra launches premium Visa Infinite Metal Iridium credit card

Banco Safra introduced the Visa Infinite Metal Iridium card for high‑net‑worth clients, offering up to 4 points per dollar, unlimited DragonPass lounge access, up to six free extra cards and a R$4,200 annual ‑

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/banco-safra-launches-visa-infinite-metal-iridium-credit-card-in-brazil

### 2026-07-11: Visa and Mastercard premium cards expand travel perks in 2026

Visa and Mastercard premium cards in Brazil add free eSIM internet, airport VIP lounges, Fast Pass, travel insurance, purchase protection and tax‑refund tools in 2026.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/visa-and-mastercard-premium-card-perks-outlined-for-brazilian-users

### 2026-07-11: Bradesco launches Horizon Visa Infinite card with premium travel benefits

Bradesco unveiled the Horizon Visa Infinite card, featuring accelerated Livelo points, airport lounge access and Visa Infinite travel insurance, amid a wider push for premium Visa and Mastercard benefits in the

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bradesco-launches-horizon-visa-infinite-card-with-premium-travel-benefits

### 2026-07-08: Bradesco launches dollar‑denominated Visa Infinite credit card in Brazil

Bradesco unveiled a dollar‑based Visa Infinite card with no IOF or spread, offering 4 Livelo points per dollar and lounge access, while Brazil’s premium‑card market sees cashback options up to 2% for consumers.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bradesco-launches-dollardenominated-visa-infinite-credit-card-in-brazil

### 2026-07-03: Itaú opens 'Pedra Preta' VIP lounge, ending Taste of Priceless access

Itaú’s new 'Pedra Preta' VIP lounge at Guarulhos replaces access to Taste of Priceless for The One cardholders.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ita-opens-pedra-preta-vip-lounge-at-so-pauloguarulhos-airport

### 2026-07-01: Mastercard rolls out new premium travel fast‑track and Priceless experiences in Brazil and Portugal

Mastercard launched a fast‑track airport service for premium cards in Brazil and introduced the Priceless experience platform in Portugal, offering exclusive travel, cultural and culinary perks.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mastercard-rolls-out-new-premium-travel-fasttrack-and-priceless-experiences-in-brazil-and-portugal

### 2026-06-30: Itaú launches exclusive Sala Pedra Preta VIP lounge at Guarulhos Airport

Itaú opened the two‑storey Sala Pedra Preta VIP lounge at Guarulhos Airport, offering art, Michelin‑starred dining, a premium wine list, wellness services and on‑site banking for Personnalité and Private card‑h

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ita-launches-exclusive-sala-pedra-preta-vip-lounge-at-guarulhos-airport

### 2026-06-30: Nubank launches Ultravioleta premium metal credit card in Brazil

Nubank's Ultravioleta Card, a metal premium credit card in Brazil, combines cashback that earns interest, real‑time app tracking and exclusive benefits, with approval based on a multifactor behavioral model.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nubank-launches-ultravioleta-premium-metal-credit-card-in-brazil

### 2026-06-29: Brazil's premium credit cards: Visa Infinite Privilege benefits and Itaú The One loses unlimited status

Visa Infinite Privilege offers ultra‑premium travel and concierge perks; a study ranks Caixa Ícone as Brazil’s most efficient high‑income card; Itaú’s The One will now show its credit limit, ending its “unlimit

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazils-top-tier-credit-cards-such-as-visa-infinite-privilege-deliver-extensive-travel-lounge-and-co

### 2026-06-28: Itaú launches Pedra Preta VIP lounge at Guarulhos Airport

Itaú opened the Pedra Preta VIP lounge at Guarulhos Airport, offering digital QR‑code access to elite cardholders, while Sisprime announced issuing the ultra‑premium Mastercard World Legend, intensifying Brazil

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bradesco-principal-ramps-up-highincome-client-push-as-brazilian-banks-tighten-premium-card-perks

### 2026-06-26: Bradesco Principal targets 700,000 high‑income clients by 2026

Bradesco Principal aims to grow its high‑income client base from 400 k to 700 k by 2026, targeting rivals Itaú and Santander.

20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nubanks-nucel-reaches-1-million-customers-highlighting-fintechs-telecom-expansion

### 2026-06-24: Azul's Clube Azul and Santander LATAM Pass WorldMember loyalty programs expand in Brazil and Chile

Azul's Clube Azul offers up to 240,000 points yearly with transfer bonuses, while Chile's Santander LATAM Pass WorldMember card earns miles and Qualifying Points, includes lounge access, and highlights the rise

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/azuls-clube-azul-and-santander-latam-pass-worldmember-loyalty-programs-expand-in-brazil-and-chile

### 2026-06-21: Azul raises fees for point‑based ticket issuance, Diamond tier customers hit hardest

Azul has raised point‑redemption fees for domestic tickets to R$ 69.90 across all tiers, adding R$ 10 for Diamond members and sparking criticism from frequent flyers.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/azul-raises-fees-for-pointsbased-ticket-issuance-diamond-members-hit-hardest

### 2026-06-20: Nomad grants up to 50,000 Smiles miles to new account customers

Nomad’s new promotion gives up to 50,000 Smiles miles to customers opening an international account and converting their first real‑to‑dollar transaction, with a 3 GB data bonus.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nomad-offers-up-to-50000-smiles-miles-for-new-international-account

### 2026-06-19: Brazilian banks raise spending thresholds for airport lounge access

Brazilian banks including Santander, Itaú and BRB now require cardholders to spend between R$3,000 and R$30,000 in three months to keep free airport lounge access, a move driven by rising costs and growing prem

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazilian-banks-raise-spending-thresholds-for-airport-lounge-access

### 2026-06-18: Itaú opens Pedra Preta VIP lounge at São Paulo’s Guarulhos airport

Itaú’s new Pedra Preta VIP lounge opens 29 June 2026 at Guarulhos, serving 166 guests with art, gourmet food and exclusive access for premium cardholders, as banks tighten spend rules for lounge benefits.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazilian-banks-raise-premium-creditcard-fees-in-2026

### 2026-06-16: Brazil airport VIP lounges see rebrand, expansionand new competition

Nomad, ADVT VIP, Collinson and Banco do Brasil launch or expand VIP lounges across Brazil’s airports as the market grows.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazils-airport-vip-lounge-market-sees-rebranding-and-foreign-acquisition

### 2026-06-15: Revolut vs Santander Unlimited: Which Brazilian Card Generates More Avios in 2026

In Brazil, Revolut cards earn 2.5‑3 Avios per dollar with 1:1 conversion, while Santander Unlimited’s 2:1 conversion can exceed 3 Avios with 20‑30% bonus promotions; Revolut also scores on debit, and costs vary

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/revolut-vs-santander-unlimited-which-brazilian-card-generates-more-avios-in-2026

### 2026-06-15: Mastercard Raises Spending Threshold for Free Access to VIP Lounges at São Paulo’s Guarulhos Airport

Mastercard now requires a R$15,000 quarterly spend for free access to its VIP lounges at Guarulhos Airport, aiming to reduce overcrowding and affecting Black‑card users across Brazil.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mastercard-raises-spending-threshold-for-free-access-to-vip-lounges-at-so-paulos-guarulhos-airport

### 2026-06-14: BRB DUX credit card annual fee jumps to R$4,800, eligibility and lounge rules tightened

BRB DUX’s annual fee climbs to R$4,800, fee‑waiver and lounge‑access rules tighten, prompting promotion of other premium Brazilian credit cards.

20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/top-brazilian-credit-cards-for-miles-and-cashback-for-earners-up-to-r5000

### 2026-06-14: Credit Card Points Programs and Cashback App Introduce New Savings Options in Brazil and Portugal

Brazilian experts promote credit‑card point strategies, while Portugal’s new Procter & Gamble “Poupar é Ganhar” app offers up to €100 cashback on everyday purchases.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/credit-card-points-programs-and-cashback-app-introduce-new-savings-options-in-brazil-and-portugal

### 2026-06-11: Inter Prime vs Nubank Ultravioleta: 2026 Premium Card Benefits Compared

Inter Prime offers a fee‑free ecosystem with points and Duo Gourmet; Nubank Ultravioleta provides 1.25% cash‑back, travel perks and zero IOF, both as Mastercard Black premium cards for 2026.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/inter-prime-vs-nubank-ultravioleta-brazils-top-premium-credit-cards

### 2026-06-10: BRB DUX Visa Infinite fee rises to R$4,800 with stricter spending and credit limits

BRB DUX Visa Infinite's annual fee jumps to R$4,800; monthly spend for fee waiver rises to R$50,000 and minimum credit limit climbs to R$80,000, affecting all DUX variants in Brazil.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brb-dux-visa-infinite-fee-rises-to-r4800-with-stricter-spending-and-credit-limits

### 2026-06-10: Brazilian loyalty programs Livelo and Azul roll out high‑bonus point promotions

Livelo and Azul/Fidelidade offer Brazilian customers high‑bonus point deals, cutting the cost per thousand points to as low as R$20 and R$13 respectively.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazilian-loyalty-programs-livelo-and-azul-roll-out-highbonus-point-promotions

### 2026-06-08: Brazil's Banco Inter expands Inter Prime benefits, lowers entry bar

Banco Inter revamps its Inter Prime premium tier, lowering the entry threshold to R$150k, adding new eligibility criteria, expanding VIP lounge access (including a new Fortaleza lounge), and offering free 10 GB

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazils-banco-inter-expands-inter-prime-benefits-lowers-entry-bar

### 2026-06-07: Revolut credit‑card approvals in Brazil linked to activity and plan tier

Revolut's Brazil credit‑card offers (R$ 10‑40k) depend on users' credit scores and account activity, not subscription tier; approvals occur in periodic batches and include analysis or guarantee models.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/revolut-creditcard-approvals-in-brazil-linked-to-activity-and-plan-tier

### 2026-06-05: Santander raises spending thresholds for VIP lounge access on Unique and Unlimited cards

Santander Brazil raises monthly spend requirements for its Unique (R$ 5k) and Unlimited (R$ 10k) cards to keep free VIP lounge access, lifts income thresholds, and boosts reward points, effective 1 July.

22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/santander-tightens-requirements-for-unique-and-unlimited-credit-cards-boosts-points

### 2026-06-05: Brazil upgrades premium credit card points and pursues faster international payments

Caixa raises Elo Diners Club points to 3/4 per dollar, boosting its premium status, while Brazil pushes for faster, cheaper cross‑border payments using stablecoins and regulatory support.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-upgrades-premium-credit-card-points-and-pursues-faster-international-payments

### 2026-06-05: 2026 Mileage Points Calendar Highlights Top Promotion Dates in Brazil

A 2026 calendar lists Brazil’s top mileage‑points promotion dates, featuring transfer bonuses up to 165 % and discounts up to 50 %, with key periods in January, March, June, August, September and Black Friday.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazilian-loyalty-programs-publish-2026-mileage-promotion-calendar

### 2026-06-02: Brazil banks unveil top 15 credit cards for unlimited VIP lounge access in 2026

Brazilian banks list 15 credit cards that will provide unlimited airport VIP lounge access in 2026, featuring unlimited entries, guest passes and boosted rewards across major programs.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-banks-unveil-top-15-credit-cards-for-unlimited-vip-lounge-access-in-2026

### 2026-05-29: Santander Brazil to absorb Esfera loyalty program in June

Santander Brazil will merge its Esfera loyalty subsidiary into the bank after board approval, with an extraordinary shareholders meeting set for June 30. The move aims to streamline operations, cut costs and is

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/santander-integrates-esfera-loyalty-program-into-its-operations

### 2026-05-27: Santander revamps Unlimited credit card to target Brazil's high‑income market

Santander has revamped its Unlimited card, adding tiered rewards, aggressive Avios conversion and higher credit limits to target Brazil’s high‑income consumers.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/santander-revamps-unlimited-credit-card-to-target-brazils-highincome-market

### 2026-05-25: American Express Platinum Card Bradesco Review Highlights Benefits and Competition in Brazil

American Express Platinum Card Bradesco offers high‑value lounge access and travel perks, but faces stiff competition from newer premium cards in Brazil, raising questions about its 2026 value.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/american-express-platinum-card-bradesco-review-highlights-benefits-and-competition-in-brazil

### 2026-05-23: Brazil's Santander Unlimited and Bradesco Aeternum cards compared for 2026 travel rewards

Brazil's Santander Unlimited and Bradesco Aeternum cards, both premium, are compared: fees, points per dollar, lounge access and reward platforms differ, with Bradesco offering lower fees and higher points.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazils-santander-unlimited-and-bradesco-aeternum-cards-compared-for-2026-travel-rewards

### 2026-05-06: Bradesco and American Express eye new premium credit card for Brazil's high‑income clients

Bradesco may launch an intermediate AMEX card for affluent Brazilians, filling the gap between Platinum and Centurion tiers.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bradesco-and-american-express-eye-new-premium-credit-card-for-brazils-highincome-clients

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Cite as: Brazil premium-card market tightens rules, adds perks. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/brazilian-banks-broaden-premium-creditcard-lineup-for-highincome-customers