WalletHub Rating
1.6/5
Mastercard® Black Card has a rating of 1.6/5 according to our proprietary credit card rating system. This rating reflects how appealing Mastercard® Black Card's terms are compared to a pool of more than 1,500 credit card offers tracked by WalletHub. We evaluated this card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need with the highest score, which is 'Lower Cost of Existing Debt'. To break it down further, Mastercard® Black Card earned a score of 0.0/5 for Fees, 0.8/5 for Cost, 2.6/5 for APR, and 2.7/5 for User Reviews.Info about the Mastercard® Black Card has been collected by WalletHub to help consumers better compare cards. The financial institution did not provide the details.
WalletHub Rating Breakdown
User Reviews
2.7/5
925 reviewsRead and write reviews
Editor’s Review
1.5/5
John Kiernan, Credit Card EditorRead full review
Market Comparison
Market Comparison
1.5
The Market Comparison is a key component of the WalletHub Rating, as it measures how appealing the terms of a card are compared to a pool of over 1,500 credit card offers monitored by WalletHub. To ensure cards are evaluated for their most relevant purpose, we score each card across various cardholder needs and select the rating for the need with the highest score, which is “Lower Cost of Existing Debt” for this card.
Fees
0.0
Cost
0.8
APR
2.6
1.5/5
Compared against 1,500+ credit cards
KEY TERMS
Accepted Credit Scores
Accepted Credit Scores
Excellent Credit, Good Credit
Annual Fee
$495
APR on Purchases
21.24% - 28.24% (V)
Balance Transfer
0% intro APR for 15 months, 21.24% - 28.24% (V) APR after that
Balance Transfer Fee
Rewards
Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on this card. Receive 1.5% Value for Cash Back direct deposit into a US bank account or as a statement credit.
2% Value for Airfare Redemption. 50,000 Points will get you a $1,000 ticket on any airline with no blackout dates or seat restriction
Receive an annual $100 air travel credit toward flight-related purchases including airline tickets, baggage fees, upgrades and more.
Plus, $100 automatic statement credit for the cost of the Global Entry Application Fee.
Enjoy $500 value per stay through Luxury Card Travel program at 3,000+ global properties. Benefits include room upgrade at check-in (when available), daily breakfast for two, complimentary Wi-Fi, and unique amenity.
Unlock $5 Lyft App credit monthly after 3 rides, plus enjoy complimentary ShopRunner membership for free two-day shipping and easy returns.
Get two months of Instacart+ complimentary and $10 off your second order each month with your Mastercard® Black Card.
Get a discounted 13-month subscription to McAfee Total Protection covering up to 5 devices. Plus, a complimentary TechMate subscription.
Get a $3 statement credit each month with Peaco*ck, when you use your Mastercard® Black Card.
Airport Lounge Access with Priority Pass™ Select.
Mastercard® Black Card's Additional Info
•
0% Introductory APR on balance transfers that post to your account within 45 days of account opening.
•
$195 Annual Fee for each Authorized User added to the account.
•
Stainless Steel/Carbon Card – Patented Design.
•
Luxury Card Concierge, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
•
Privileged access to exclusive events and insider opportunities.
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Learn More
at Barclays Bank US' secure site
Editor's ReviewFact checked
Fact checked
John Kiernan, Managing Editor
April 2nd, 2024
Fact Checked by Alina Comoreanu
Senior Researcher
Mastercard® Black Card Pros & Cons
0% intro APR on balance transfers
No foreign fee
High membership fees
No initial rewards bonus
No intro APR on purchases
Balance transfer fee
Mastercard® Black Card Review
1.5 / 5
- Don’t be fooled. This isn’t the Black Card you’ve seen celebrities flash. That’s actually the American Express Centurion Card, which is available by invitation only to people who spend hundreds of thousands of dollars per year. So don’t apply for the Mastercard Black Card thinking you’re getting a status symbol.
- Sky-high annual fee. Confusing the Mastercard Black Card with the Black Card of pop culture fame would be an expensive mistake, given the former’s $495 annual fee. That’s tied for the third-highest annual fee among all credit cards, according to WalletHub data.
- Decent rewards, but not worth the cost. You will earn 1 point / $1 charged to your Black Mastercard, which is actually a bit below the average for a rewards card. Fortunately, you get a pretty good deal on redemption, with some methods proving more lucrative than others. Each point is worth $0.02 when redeemed for airfare, $0.015 when redeemed for a statement credit and $0.01 when redeemed for hotel or car rental reservations. Still, you can get at least as much rewards value from cards that are hundreds of dollars per year cheaper.
- $100 annual airline credit isn’t enough. If you fly at least once per year, you can consider Mastercard Black’s annual fee to be just $395, thanks to its $100 annual airfare credit. That’s still pretty expensive, though, so this particular perk isn’t enough to really move the needle.
- 0% balance transfers marred by a 5% (min $5) fee. If you transfer a balance to the Mastercard Black Card, you’ll have 15 months to pay it off before interest begins to accrue, provided that you make on-time minimum monthly payments in the meantime. Unfortunately, your balance will also be inflated by a 5% (min $5) transfer fee. You’d think Mastercard Black could afford to waive this fee, as others do, but sadly you’d be wrong.
- Good credit required. The same good or excellent credit needed to get the Mastercard Black Card also qualifies you for the market’s best travel rewards cards. So if you check your credit score and discover that it fits the bill, make sure to check out those other offers.
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Compare The Mastercard® Black Card vs. Popular Alternatives
 Mastercard® Black Card |  The Platinum Card® from American Express |  Chase Sapphire Reserve® |
|---|---|---|
1.6WalletHub Rating WalletHub Rating 1.6 This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated this card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need with the highest score, which is "Lower Cost of Existing Debt." A score of 5 is the best a card can receive, and the rating for the card may vary on different pages where it is compared to other cards for different needs. Editor’s Rating 1.5 User Reviews 2.7 Market Comparison 1.5 fees: 0.0 cost: 0.8 APR: 2.6 | 3.3WalletHub Rating WalletHub Rating 3.3 This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated this card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need with the highest score, which is "Earn Rewards." A score of 5 is the best a card can receive, and the rating for the card may vary on different pages where it is compared to other cards for different needs. Editor’s Rating 3.0 User Reviews 3.9 Market Comparison 3.2 fees: 1.3 rewards: 4.8 cost: 2.7 Other Features: 5.0 | 4.1WalletHub Rating WalletHub Rating 4.1 This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated this card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need with the highest score, which is "Earn Rewards." A score of 5 is the best a card can receive, and the rating for the card may vary on different pages where it is compared to other cards for different needs. Editor’s Rating 4.4 User Reviews 3.3 Market Comparison 4.1 fees: 1.3 rewards: 4.8 cost: 4.8 Other Features: 0.0 |
annual fee$495 | annual fee$695 | annual fee$550 |
Purchase Intro APRNot Offered | Purchase Intro APRNot Offered | Purchase Intro APRNot Offered |
transfer intro apr0% for 15 months|Transfer Fee: 5% (min $5) | transfer intro aprNot Offered | transfer intro aprNot Offered |
Regular APR21.24% - 28.24% (V) | Regular APRSee Pay Over Time APR | Regular APR22.49% - 29.49% (V) |
rewards rate | rewards rate | rewards rate |
bonus offer | bonus offer | bonus offer |
Apply Now Terms Apply | Apply Now |
Questions & Answers
Can't find what you are looking for? Submit your question about Mastercard® Black Card to our community. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by the issuer of this card. In addition, WalletHub independently collected information for some of the cards on this page.
Most Popular
25
Upvotes
What are the Mastercard Black Card requirements?
Reply
25
9
Maria Adams, Credit Cards Moderator
@m_adams
The main Mastercard® Black Card requirements are that an applicant must be at least 18 years old with a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification number. Applicants must also have a physical U.S. address, enough income to make monthly minimum payments, and at least good credit.
Mastercard® Black Card Requirements
- At least 18 years old
- Physical U.S. address (no P.O. boxes)
- Proof of enough income to make the monthly minimum payment
- Social Security number or ITIN
- Good credit or better
If you apply for the Mastercard® Black Card, it's important that you enter all required information completely and accurately. Knowingly reporting false or misleading information on a credit card application is a federal crime.
5
View more answers
5
Upvotes
How high is the Mastercard Black Card's credit limit?
Reply
5
Frieda Reiss, WalletHub Credit Card Analyst
@freiss
The Mastercard® Black Card's minimum credit limit is $5,000. Given that the Mastercard Black Card is advertised as a “luxury” card and charges an annual fee of $495, applicants may assume it will have a high limit. That may or may not prove true, depending on the applicant's credit history, income and potential debt. But even if it does, the high fee means this black card probably won't be worth it.
The Mastercard® Black Card offers few perks....
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2
Upvotes
How do I get pre-approved for the Mastercard Black card?
Reply
Maria Adams, Credit Cards Moderator
@m_adams
Unfortunately, you cannot get pre-approved for the Mastercard® Black Card, as the issuer doesn't have an online pre-approval tool. So, you cannot check if you're eligible for this credit card before applying.
You can, however, use WalletHub's CardAdvisor tool instead and learn how easy it is to find the right credit card for you. Just answer a few general questions, and based on your responses, CardAdvisor will provide you with some recommended credit card offers.
4
Upvotes
What is the usual Mastercard Black card delivery time?
Reply
4
William Cartler
@cartler_bill
The Mastercard Black Card should arrive by mail in 10 business days at most.
If it takes longer than 10 business days, you may contact them at 877-523-0478 from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
That being said, you can also request an express delivery. In that case, your card will be sent to you via FedEx, the next day after your account is opened.
More specifically, if your request for express delivery is made...
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2
View more answers
3
Upvotes
How can I get a Mastercard Black Card cash advance without the physical card?
Reply
3
Suzan Ritchie
@suzan_ritchie
You cannot get a Mastercard Black Card cash advance without the physiscal card.
1
2
Upvotes
What credit bureau does the Mastercard Black card use for approval?
Reply
2
Evelyn Boros, Credit Cards Moderator
@evelyn_boros
The Mastercard® Black Card mainly uses TransUnion for approval, but it might use Experian or Equifax as well. And when it comes to reporting your activity, it will use all three of the major bureaus.
2
How much are Mastercard Black Card points worth?
Reply
1
WalletHub
@WalletHub
Mastercard Black Card points are worth 1.21 cents per point, on average. The value of Mastercard Black Card points depends on how they are redeemed. For example, points from Mastercard Black Card are worth up to 1.5 cents each when redeemed for cash back.
Mastercard Black Card Point Values
Redemption Method | Average Point Value | Value of 1,000 Points |
| ... | 1.33 cents | $13.3 |
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1
Upvote
Do I need an invitation letter to get approved for the Mastercard Black credit card?
Reply
1
1
Patrick Murphy, WalletHub Analyst
@stpatrick1982
No, you don't need an invitation to apply or get approved for the Mastercard® Black Card. Pre-approval offers do drastically improve your odds, but approval is never 100% guaranteed. As long as you meet their requirements you should be able to get approved.
Mastercard® Black Card Requirements for Approval
- At least good credit (700+ credit score recommended)
- U.S. residency
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Enough income to afford the card's...
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1
1
Upvote
How can I get cash from this card?
Reply
1
3
Upvotes
How do I apply for the Mastercard Black Card?
Reply
John Miller, Credit Cards Moderator
@john_miller
You can apply for the Mastercard® Black Card by visiting the card's online page. Once you're there, select "APPLY NOW." After that, fill in the required info and then click "Apply" at the bottom of the page.
You can also call (844) 589-2273 to apply over the phone with a customer service agent.
Just keep in mind that the Mastercard® Black Card requires good credit or better for approval. If you get approved, you should expect your card to...
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Mastercard® Black Card Reviews
Share your insights and review for the Mastercard® Black Card
5
13%
4
15%
3
30%
2
17%
1
26%
2.7
925 reviews
925 reviews
What's Your Rating?
Most Recent
sbanovic
@sbanovic
1 Star Rating
A worthless credit card with very little to offer and sky high annual subscription costs. Their customer service is abysmal and in spite of assurances made to resolve anomalous credit card activities, nothing actually gets done. There are serious language barrier with their customer service people (offshore) and most of the time I’m forced to escalate to the MOD because they’re the only fluent speaking people… avoid even applying for this card. Not worth it.
Comment
junk1
@junk1
1 Star Rating
I originally got this credit card for the benefits when traveling to member businesses like hotels and resorts. Also, there are no foreign transaction fees (these are typically 3%) and it came recommended by one of my friends.
I only had the card for 2 months when I sent in a check for $46.05. Only problem? They deposited it for $6.05. Now I can understand this happening on a handwritten check, but I print my checks and I have never seen one of my printed checks deposited for an incorrect amount.
Now fortunately, I caught their mistake while balancing my accounts and called them to ask what we needed to do to resolve the mistake. I offered to send another check and told them to contact me with whether or not I needed to do so. I also added a travel alert that I would be going to Mexico on vacation.
Now I get to Mexico and find out the card is getting declined everywhere! Turns out they put a hold on the account for a past due balance. Only problem was that I was counting on being able to use this card to get extra cash if I needed it while on the trip. I needed the extra cash but couldn't get it. Really messed up what I could do on the vacation. Thank goodness I took a backup credit card with me (I left my debit cards at home to ensure they wouldn't get stolen or compromised).
I called back when I got to the USA and called them asking what they were going to do to resolve their series of mistakes. They said I needed to pay the past due balance immediately on the phone and that they'd look into the mistake with the previous check.
WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER. After making so many mistakes, they should have offered something - anything. But to come right back and say they were going to do absolutely nothing was the final mistake I was willing to endure. So I closed the account having had it for only 3 months.
DO NOT GET THIS CARD. They can't even deposit a check payment correctly. And you'll pay the price for their mistakes.
I wish I could give them zero stars. Too bad I have to give one.
Comment
wkostiuk
@wkostiuk
1 Star Rating
Terrible card member service! Never use this card to make online purchases. Good luck if you need to dispute a charge, they arbitrarily side with online merchants who fail to ship your merchandise and then tell you to go sue the merchant to get your money back. Stay away,
Comment
2
jbburnett
@jbburnett
1 Star Rating
Absolutely worst credit card ever! Nothing on this card is worth talking about. Terrible customer service, horrible rewards and ridiculously negative credit score hits with minimal purchasing's. Trust me don't relive my nightmare!!
Comment
3
ronabukrat
@ronabukrat
1 Star Rating
Please people beware !! Terrible company. Cheater . Worst customer service 0 I will give them if I can
Barclaycard should go bankrupt be better they stole interest. 495$ fees no warranty on fraud transactions and zero customer service level stay away !!
Comment
1
Stephanie Patel
@steph415_patel
1 Star Rating
I had been Customer with Master card black card since last 3 years. $495 fee is outrageous. I still paid since I travel so much, I couldn’t use benefits of lounge card because they are normally on different terminals and it won’t work out. They say they cover $100 per day cost of your essential interns in case your bag is delayed. Well, when I called them when my airline had lost bag, they direct me with their insurance agency. It’s vey difficult to get hold of anyone. I had called them about 20 times and left at least 15 times. When I finally got call from them, I was told you were back in Texas and Texas is your home. We will not pay for anything. Do they know Texas is state of USA? I end up canceling my card with them. It’s not with my time not spending $495 fees.
Comment
1
1
gizzmo41
@gizzmo41
4 Star Rating
Since it was revamped into a MasterCard it has improved. I like the Prioritypass lounge benefits, a $300 dollar value and my wife gets in free, I would like to see them increase the airline credit to $200. Otherwise I get double points for airfare, and 1.5 % cash back. I think it's a pretty straight forward point system and really not confusing at all. If you don't travel more than 2x year probably better to look elsewhere as the annual fee is steep.
Comment
BreeandJon Jbjkl
@breeandjonj
1 Star Rating
This card is not for someone who wants to use it, they hold your money after it clears your bank for 7-10 days before they release money back on the card! If you want a great card go with American Express !! They will give you outstanding service!!! Barclay card does very bad business, & poor service!
Comment
2
Joshua Rowlett
@joshua.rowlett.7
1 Star Rating
I really despise even having this card because of it's annual fee. I have an chase sapphire card that offers much more points when used and does not drain money out of my wallet unlike the Visa Black credit card. I cannot stand how difficult this card is to use and the insanely complicated point system just make this card much more difficult and loathsome to have.
Comment
7
7
Allie Blessing
@allieb
2 Star Rating
My first impression of the Visa Black Credit Card is that the annual fee is outrageous at $495 a year. I currently have the Visa Gold Delta SkyMiles card, which offers similar points benefits at a mere $95 a year fee. The initial reward looks amazing until you realize that in order to receive you must spend $1500 in the first 90 days. My Visa Gold Delta SkyMiles card only required me to spend $1000 in the first 90 days for a higher benefit (30,000 points). Both of these cards have similar maximum late fees ($35 for the black card, $38 for the gold delta card), but overall, I would prefer a credit card that costs less on a yearly basis and offers the same point rewards.
Comment
8
4
Review Mastercard® Black Card
Mastercard® Black Card
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Important Disclosures
* WalletHub is committed to transparency and editorial independence. The information about the following cards has been independently collected by WalletHub: Centurion® Card from American Express, U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® Card, and Mastercard® Black Card
WalletHub is an independent comparison service.
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