If you’re looking for information on Visa Black Card requirements, you’ve come to the right place — but the card switched networks a few years ago and is now issued by Mastercard.
Long gone are the days when having a gold card was the sign of elite creditworthiness. Nowadays, black is the new gold, and most major networks have their own version, the most well-known of which may be Amex’s Centurion card, with the Mastercard Black Card a close rival.
With its strict application requirements and most VIP of perks, the Black Card is one of the most elusive cards on the market. In January 2016, the Visa Black Card was rebranded to the Mastercard® Black Card™ with new and enhanced features. We’ll take a look at these features and what it takes to get this card, as well as show you five elite alternatives.
About the Card | Approval Requirements | Credit Card Alternatives (5)
About the Visa® Black Card
Aside from its visual appeal, the card offers perks like 24/7 concierge service and random luxury gifts delivered to your doorstep — needless to say, it’s not the easiest card to get your hands on.
You’ll need sterling credit, a history of high-dollar purchases, and enough funds to afford a steep annual fee. If that describes you, read on to uncover the many other pros and cons of this elusive card.
Rebranded as the Mastercard® Black Card™
Several years ago, the Visa Black Card got a new network, the Luxury Card rebranded it as the Mastercard® Black Card™. It offers a patented Black-PVD-Coated stainless steel front and carbon back for “durability and distinction.” Laser-engraved card details (including your name) put the finishing touches on this card, solidifying it as both a work of art and a status symbol.
- Ideal for those seeking a premium travel card that doubles as an everyday workhorse, paired with elevated service beyond the ordinary. Leave behind the hassle of juggling various cards and monthly statements, while finding peace of mind with protection benefits that exceeds standard credit cards.
- Flat-rate redemption value of 1.5% for cash back or 2% value for airfare redemption with no airline or seat restrictions and no blackout dates. Earn one point for every dollar spent. Straightforward redemption without needing a high-maintenance reward strategy. No foreign transaction fees, no earning caps, no rotating categories, and no need to chase down transfer partners to escape very low point values.
- Annual Airline Credit—up to $100 in statement credits toward flight-related purchases including airline tickets, baggage fees, upgrades and more. Just pay for airline purchases with your Mastercard Black Card and we will automatically apply the credit to your account. That’s it. No need to activate or designate an airline. The credit amount is available in full at the start of the calendar year.
- Up to a $100 application fee credit for the cost of TSA Pre✓® or Global Entry. Also, enjoy automatic enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select with access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide with no guest or lounge limits. Includes credits at select airport restaurants for cardholder and one guest.
- 24/7 Luxury Card Concierge®—Make requests the way you want by phone, email, SMS and chat in the app. Connect directly with a real agent and receive 24/7 assistance for tasks big and small. Requests do not require a purchase, incure no charge for making them, and do not involve department transfers.
- Exclusive Luxury Card Travel® benefits—average value of $500 per stay (e.g., resort credits, room upgrades, free wifi, breakfast for two and more) at over 3,000 properties. Receive protection benefits like trip cancellation and interruption, auto rental car collision waiver, travel accident and baggage delay. Cell phone protection for eligible claims of up to $1,000 each year. Plus additional World Elite Mastercard® benefits.
- Black PVD-Coated Metal Card: Weighing in at an industry-leading 22g. Designed for frequent shoppers, big ticket purchases and everything in between.
- Annual Fee: $495 ($195 for each Authorized User). Terms and conditions apply.
Intro (Purchases)
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Intro (Transfers)
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Regular APR
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Annual Fee
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Credit Needed
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---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
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0% introductory APR for the first fifteen billing cycles following each balance transfer that posts to your account within 45 days of account opening.
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21.24%, 25.43% or 28.24%
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$495 ($195 for each Authorized User added to the account)
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Excellent
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Unlike other “Black Cards” on the market, the Mastercard® Black Card™ can be applied for online via the Luxury Card website. But while it offers no published minimums for approval, it’s safe to assume you’ll need at least good credit and a fairly healthy income.
Receive an Initial Credit Limit of $20,000 to $25,000
Because cardholders generally have a much higher income (or at least the ability to pay back their cards), the card’s customers are usually given a very high initial credit limit.
Spending allowances average between $20,000 and $25,000, with increases given over time for responsible account usage. Applicants cannot request a certain initial credit limit, and the issuer determines the credit line based on your profile — and without taking into account any balance transfer requests.
Like any other card, you can improve the likelihood of getting an increase beyond your initial amount by keeping an on-time payment history, paying a large average monthly payment amount, maintaining your credit bureau information and credit score, and using your card regularly for both everyday and large purchases.
Equipped with a Hefty Annual Fee
Along with the status that comes with this card, however, there’s also a hefty $495 annual fee. It would be expected that the perks of owning this card would be many, and plush. Only personal preference can determine if the fee is worth it, but here are its key features:
- Ideal for those seeking a premium travel card that doubles as an everyday workhorse, paired with elevated service beyond the ordinary. Leave behind the hassle of juggling various cards and monthly statements, while finding peace of mind with protection benefits that exceeds standard credit cards.
- Flat-rate redemption value of 1.5% for cash back or 2% value for airfare redemption with no airline or seat restrictions and no blackout dates. Earn one point for every dollar spent. Straightforward redemption without needing a high-maintenance reward strategy. No foreign transaction fees, no earning caps, no rotating categories, and no need to chase down transfer partners to escape very low point values.
- Annual Airline Credit—up to $100 in statement credits toward flight-related purchases including airline tickets, baggage fees, upgrades and more. Just pay for airline purchases with your Mastercard Black Card and we will automatically apply the credit to your account. That’s it. No need to activate or designate an airline. The credit amount is available in full at the start of the calendar year.
- Up to a $100 application fee credit for the cost of TSA Pre✓® or Global Entry. Also, enjoy automatic enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select with access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide with no guest or lounge limits. Includes credits at select airport restaurants for cardholder and one guest.
- 24/7 Luxury Card Concierge®—Make requests the way you want by phone, email, SMS and chat in the app. Connect directly with a real agent and receive 24/7 assistance for tasks big and small. Requests do not require a purchase, incure no charge for making them, and do not involve department transfers.
- Exclusive Luxury Card Travel® benefits—average value of $500 per stay (e.g., resort credits, room upgrades, free wifi, breakfast for two and more) at over 3,000 properties. Receive protection benefits like trip cancellation and interruption, auto rental car collision waiver, travel accident and baggage delay. Cell phone protection for eligible claims of up to $1,000 each year. Plus additional World Elite Mastercard® benefits.
- Black PVD-Coated Metal Card: Weighing in at an industry-leading 22g. Designed for frequent shoppers, big ticket purchases and everything in between.
- Annual Fee: $495 ($195 for each Authorized User). Terms and conditions apply.
This metal card weighs 22 grams, which is five grams heavier than The Platinum Card®, another premium card with an expensive annual fee.
Approval Requirements
Barclays doesn’t openly publicize its requirements for obtaining the Mastercard® Black Card™, but it’s safe to assume based on what we do know about the card that the following requirements are a must:
1. Excellent FICO Score (720+)
Naturally, the Mastercard® Black Card™ requires an excellent credit score, usually 720 or higher on the FICO index. When being trusted with a high spending limit, you need to have exemplified responsible borrowing behavior in the past, which a strong FICO score will reflect.
2. Big Spending (and Paying) on Your Cards
While the card doesn’t require some of the spending thresholds as other cards (like the AMEX Black Card), you can safely assume that you will need to be an avid user of credit and are very good at paying back thousands in purchases every month to even be considered.
3. High Income Necessary
Of course, to spend big, you have to earn big. To charge and spend as needed for this prestigious card, a solid job history, adequate proof of income, and a record of making on-time payments are a must. It probably also won’t hurt to be a Barclays’ customer.
5 Elite Credit Cards Without a $495 Annual Fee
As “elite” as the card may seem, the 1.5% cash back is a little underwhelming and the $495 annual fee is a little overwhelming. If a higher cash back bonus, lower annual fees, and more widely accepted perks are of interest to you, the following cards may be more appealing.
Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser. Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
Here are some additional high-limit credit cards an excellent credit rating can get you.
So, Is the Black Card Right for You?
The jury is out on whether the Mastercard® Black Card™ is one that you should be carrying around in your pocket, assuming you meet its strict application requirements.
Only you can decide whether the $495 annual cost of carrying one is worth the benefits. But the right card for you is out there (perhaps even one of the five others I highlighted earlier) and it may have an annual fee you can feel better about — year after year!
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