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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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Diamond-Inlaid Mastercard? 'I Like!'

Company readies lavish gold card for rich Kazakhstanis

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(Newser) – MasterCard hopes that a worldwide recession won't stop shoppers from toting around a gold-encrusted, diamond-inlaid credit card, the Financial Times reports. Later this month, the company will issue VIP customers in Kazakhstan the "Diamond" card—which comes with a personal manager, is trimmed with gold, has a 0.02-carat gem in its center, and a credit limit of $50,000.

The bling is “only a design element” meant to “show status,” said the bank issuer, who will distribute just 1,000 pieces of the glittering plastic. Kazakhstan is flush with wealth from a boom in oil and minerals.

Asked about the timing of the launch, a bank official said: %u201CThe [financial] crisis is also affecting us but we are talking about rich people, they can afford to have such cards.
Asked about the timing of the launch, a bank official said: %u201CThe [financial] crisis is also affecting us but we are talking about rich people, they can afford to have such cards."   (Shutter Stock)
Sasha Baron Cohen goes driving in
Sasha Baron Cohen goes driving in "Borat - Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan."   (MovieWeb)
MasterCard launched a similar card in Dubai last year, saying such cards were proof of its
MasterCard launched a similar card in Dubai last year, saying such cards were proof of its "ability to support our customers in meeting the lifestyle needs of these premium customers."   (AP Photo/Bill Sikes, file)
A bank in Kazakhstan, home of the fictional though obnoxious journalist Borat Sagdiyev, played by actor Saha Baron Cohen, will begin issuing gold encrusted credit cards from MasterCard.
A bank in Kazakhstan, home of the fictional though obnoxious journalist Borat Sagdiyev, played by actor Saha Baron Cohen, will begin issuing gold encrusted credit cards from MasterCard.   (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, file)
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