I don't think Visa or Mastercard created their Signature and World line of credit cards strictly to target affluent lifestyles. More or less, they were created to blend a wide variety of benefits that would be useful for the frequent traveller. Signature and World cards run rampant in the credit card industry these days, and those who work in the travel industry probably see more of those cards than regular Classic, Gold, or Platinum cards. Some individuals who make less than $20K a year hold these so called "Elite" cards. It is more of who is willing to pay the annual fee in some cases, while others are given gratis.