What are the Mastercard Black Card requirements?

The Mastercard® Black Card’s requirements for approval include an at least good credit score (700+), U.S. residency, and enough income to afford the card’s $495 annual fee and monthly bill payments. Barclays (the issuer of the Mastercard® Black Card) doesn’t publish specific income requirements, but the more you earn and the less you owe already, the better your chances for approval. Your credit history and any potential debts you might have will also be taken into account. Lastly, applicants must also be at least 18 years old.

Even if you do meet the requirements for the Mastercard® Black Card, it’s likely not your best option. It has a huge annual fee, and the rewards don’t quite live up to what you can get with other cards. You get a simple 1 point per $1 on all purchases, which is less than the average rate for rewards credit cards. It also offers a $100 annual airline credit and airport-lounge access, with the latter being the only benefit you’ll receive that you can’t get from a card with no annual fee.

While the card offers an introductory balance transfer APR of 0% for 15 months, it has a balance transfer fee of 3% (min $5). So, it may be a cool looking card with its stainless-steel design, but there are better cards that will give you more value for your money.

The Mastercard® Black Card’s requirements are pretty easy to meet. The twist is that you need to travel a lot to make the annual fee worth it. In my opinion, there are better options that may not carry the "luxury" badge, but offer a better value, like Chase Sapphire Reserve® or the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.

700 will give you pretty good chances for approval.