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 Luxury Card™ 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.
Rebranded as the Luxury Card™ Mastercard® Black Card™
Several years ago, the Visa Black Card got a new network, the Luxury Card rebranded it as the Luxury Card™ Mastercard® Black Card™. It offers a patented stainless steel front and carbon back for “durability and distinction.”
- Stainless steel and carbon card. Tailored to be an everyday essential. Rewards and protection benefits that are designed to be used everywhere you go, rather than select categories and purchases. Plus, no foreign transaction fees.
- Simple and flexible rewards without the hoops. 2% value for airfare redemptions with no blackout dates or seat restrictions. 1.5% value for cash back redemptions. Earn one point for every one dollar spent. No minimum threshold requirement for cash back or airfare redemptions.
- 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.
- 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®—available by phone, email, SMS and chat in the app. Around-the-clock service to help you save time and manage tasks big and small. There is no requirement to make a purchase in your requests and no fees are associated with using the concierge’s assistance.
- 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. Plus, peace of mind 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.
- Annual Fee: $495 ($195 for each Authorized User). Terms and conditions apply.
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
0% introductory APR for the first fifteen billing cycles following each balance transfer that posts to your account within 45 days of account opening.
|
21.24%, 25.43% or 28.24%
|
$495 ($195 for each Authorized User added to the account)
|
Excellent
|
Unlike other “Black Cards” on the market, the Luxury Card™ Mastercard® Black Card™ can be applied for online via the Luxury Card website. But while there’s 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.
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:
- Stainless steel and carbon card. Tailored to be an everyday essential. Rewards and protection benefits that are designed to be used everywhere you go, rather than select categories and purchases. Plus, no foreign transaction fees.
- Simple and flexible rewards without the hoops. 2% value for airfare redemptions with no blackout dates or seat restrictions. 1.5% value for cash back redemptions. Earn one point for every one dollar spent. No minimum threshold requirement for cash back or airfare redemptions.
- 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.
- 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®—available by phone, email, SMS and chat in the app. Around-the-clock service to help you save time and manage tasks big and small. There is no requirement to make a purchase in your requests and no fees are associated with using the concierge's assistance.
- 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. Plus, peace of mind 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.
- 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 Luxury Card™ 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 Luxury Card™ 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 have 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.
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice - now with expanded categories, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
- Newly expanded categories based on Bank of America customer feedback! 3% cash back on Gas (to now include Electric Vehicle Charging (EVC) Stations) and Online Shopping (to now include Cable, Streaming, Internet and Phone Services).
- If you're a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
- No annual fee and no expiration on rewards.
- 0% Introductory APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
|
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days
|
18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
|
$0
|
Excellent/Good
|
Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire.
- 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
- Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
- Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
- 0% Introductory APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers.
- If you're a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
|
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days
|
18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
|
$0
|
Excellent/Good
|
Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
- Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
0% for 15 months
|
0% for 15 months
|
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
|
$0
|
Excellent, Good
|
- Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
- No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
0% for 15 months
|
0% for 15 months
|
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
|
$0
|
Excellent, Good
|
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, and 2x on all other travel purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
- Member FDIC
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
21.49%-28.49% Variable
|
$95
|
Good/Excellent
|
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 Luxury Card™ 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, and it may have an annual fee you can feel better about — year after year!
Advertiser Disclosure
CardRates.com is a free online resource that offers valuable content and comparison services to users. To keep this resource 100% free, we receive compensation for referrals for many of the offers listed on the site. Along with key review factors, this compensation may impact how and where products appear across CardRates.com (including, for example, the order in which they appear). CardRates.com does not include the entire universe of available offers. Editorial opinions expressed on the site are strictly our own and are not provided, endorsed, or approved by advertisers.
Editorial Note: Our site content is not provided or commissioned by any credit card issuer(s). Opinions expressed on CardRates.com are the author's alone, not those of any credit card issuer, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by credit card issuers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information; however, all credit card offer details, including information about rewards, signup bonuses, introductory offers, and other terms and conditions, is presented without warranty. Clicking on any offer on CardRates.com will direct you to the issuer's website, where you can review the current terms and conditions of the offer.
Share This Article
About the Author
![9 Best Credit Cards For Rebuilding Credit ([updated_month_year])](https://www.cardrates.com/images/uploads/2017/07/rebuildcredit.png?width=158&height=120&fit=crop "9 Best Credit Cards For Rebuilding Credit ([updated_month_year])")
![15 Cheap Credit Cards: Low Interest & $0 Fees ([updated_month_year])](https://www.cardrates.com/images/uploads/2017/12/cheap.png?width=158&height=120&fit=crop "15 Cheap Credit Cards: Low Interest & $0 Fees ([updated_month_year])")