Coutts has launched a duo of updated charge and credit cards which carry enhanced travel and international benefits.

The “Silk” charge card and “Black” credit card replace their “World” and “Gold” predecessors and have also been given a design makeover. Although a relatively small part of firms’ offerings, credit cards are actually an area of significant activity with institutions vying to provide the best privileges or the most sumptuous design. Russia’s Sberbank, for example, has launched a diamond-encrusted Visa credit card for its clients in Kazakhstan.

Among the benefits of the Coutts Silk card is access to the bank’s concierge service and to 600 executive airport lounges globally. Members will also be part of a client reward programme and receive exclusive events and offers.  The Silk card has a £30,000 ($46,000) monthly spending limit, while the Black card has a monthly credit limit of £5,000.

As well issuing cards carrying these kinds of benefits, wealth management firms are also cognisant of the fact that such accoutrements can be something of a status symbol for some clients, and seen as a sign that they have "arrived". Last year Coutts is believed to have considered phasing out its iconic chequebook but then later reconsidered when it became clear that clients were actually very attached to them despite the increasingly rare use of cheques today.