How much are Mastercard Black Card points worth?

Credit card points are worth an average of 1 cent apiece, though credit card point values usually range from 0.5 cents to 1.5 cents per point, depending on the card and the redemption method. For example, you might spend 2,500 points on a $25 gift card, but the same number of points might only get you $15 when redeemed for merchandise.… read full answer

More credit cards reward users with points than you might think, too. For instance, some so-called “cash back” cards actually give points, which cardholders can redeem at a rate of 1 cent per 1 point.

Average Credit Card Point Values by Issuer:

High Credit Card Point Values:

• U.S. Bank FlexPerks Gold: 1.5 cents per point when redeemed for plane tickets, hotels, and rental cars.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve: 1.5 cents per point when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards; 1 cent per point for other redemption methods.
• J.P. Morgan Reserve: 1.5 cents per point when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards; 1 cent per point for other redemption methods.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred: 1.25 cents per point when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards; 1 cent per point for other redemption methods.
• Citi Premier: 1.25 cents per point when redeemed for travel through Citi ThankYou; 1 cent per point for gift card redemptions; 0.5 cent per point for cash back redemptions.

It’s important to note that credit card points can get devalued at any time by the card issuer. That means the point values listed above can change. Usually, card issuers will reserve the right to change rewards programs - including point values - in the card’s terms and conditions.

For example, a card issuer can decide that a $300 plane ticket should cost 1,000 more points than it does currently, which in turn lowers the redemption value of the reward point. That’s why cash back is usually a better value than points - $1 in cash back will always be worth $1.

The Mastercard Black Card’s credit limit could be $5,000 to $25,000, based on user reports. But the card’s issuer (Barclays) does not disclose an official minimum starting limit. They do say that it’s impossible to request a certain limit though. 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. But even if it does, the high fee means this black card probably won’t be worth it.… read full answer

Mastercard’s Black Card offers few perks. There’s only 1 point per $1 on purchases, a $100 annual air travel credit and a Priority Pass Select lounge membership. That’s really not worth the cost, especially when there are cheaper options available with better rewards.

But there’s a second “Black Card.” The Amex Centurion card is better known by that nickname. It’s an extremely exclusive card available only through invitation to high-income, high-spending Amex clients. The Centurion card has no preset spending limit, which means that the amount you can spend can change each month based on how much you choose to spend, your credit, your income and more.

The Mastercard® Black Card requirements for approval include:

1. At least good credit score (700+).
2. U.S. residency.
3. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
4. Enough income to afford the card’s $495 annual fee and monthly bill payments.

The issuer 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.… read full answer

Things to Consider Before Applying for the Mastercard® Black Card

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 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). The card’s regular APR is 17.24% (V). 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.