JPMorgan Chase's elite Palladium Card is made of, yes, palladium -- a white precious metal currently selling at more than $600 per ounce in commodities markets. It is only available for existing private bank or investment bank customers.

Barclay's Visa Black Card is a patent-pending design made from carbon and feels "heavier and more durable" than a regular credit card, according to a spokesman. Perks include unlimited VIP access to airport lounges and around-the-clock concierge service.

And it may not be quite as classy, but a credit card made from PVC, a plastic often used to make pipes, was even available for a limited period of time. Discover claimed its Biodegradable Card could be fully broken down in conditions like soil, water and compost within five years, but the issuer discontinued the card late last year.