Mastercard^® Black Card^® Review: Is It Worth the $699 Annual Fee?

The Mastercard^® Black Card^® is a premium travel rewards credit card issued by Barclays Bank Delaware through LuxuryCard.com. It offers 75,000 bonus points after qualifying purchases, 2X points on eligible airfare and hotel reservations booked through LuxuryCardTravel.com, airport lounge access, and up to $300 in annual airline and dining credits. However, with a $699 annual fee, this card is best suited for people who can take advantage of its travel benefits and rewards.

Affiliate Disclosure: We are a professional review site that receives compensation from the companies whose products we review and recommend. If you click on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened, we may earn a commission. We are independently owned, and the opinions expressed here are our own.

Mastercard Black Card Overview

The Mastercard Black Card is designed for consumers who want premium travel benefits, rewards, and additional cardholder services. It features a stainless steel card design and provides access to Luxury Card's travel program, concierge services, and Mastercard World Elite benefits.

Here are some of the card's main features:

• Issuer: Barclays Bank Delaware
• Welcome Bonus: 75,000 points after qualifying purchases and payment of the annual fee within the first 90 days
• Rewards: 2X points on eligible airfare and hotel reservations booked through LuxuryCardTravel.com and 1 point per dollar on other purchases
• Airline Credit: Up to $200 annually
• Dining Credit: Up to $100 annually
• Airport Lounge Access: Complimentary access to more than 1,800 participating airport lounges
• Annual Fee: $699
• Authorized User Fee: $249 per additional cardholder
• Credit Recommended: Excellent

Mastercard Black Card Rewards Program

The Mastercard Black Card earns points on purchases, with additional rewards for certain travel bookings.

• 2X points: Earn 2 points per dollar on airfare and hotel reservations booked through LuxuryCardTravel.com.
• 1X points: Earn 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
• Airfare Redemption: Points can be redeemed at a value of 2% toward airfare.
• Cash Back Redemption: Points can be redeemed at a value of 1.5% for cash back.

For example, 50,000 points can be worth $1,000 toward airfare or $750 in cash back. Cash back can be deposited into a U.S. bank account or applied as a statement credit.

Points do not expire, and the program advertises blackout-free airfare bookings without seat restrictions.

75,000-Point Welcome Bonus

The Mastercard Black Card currently advertises a welcome bonus of 75,000 points. To qualify, new cardholders must:

• Spend $6,000 on purchases within the first 90 days after opening the account, less credits, returns, and adjustments.
• Pay the annual fee in full within the first 90 days.

The annual fee is not necessarily considered paid in full if you make only the minimum payment shown on your monthly statement. Payments must equal or exceed the annual fee during the qualifying period. Bonus points are credited to the billing statement after you qualify.

At the advertised redemption values, 75,000 points could be worth $1,500 toward airfare or $1,125 in cash back.

$200 Annual Airline Credit

One of the Mastercard Black Card's major benefits is its annual airline credit of up to $200.

Eligible flight-related purchases can include:

• Airline tickets
• Checked baggage fees
• Flight upgrades
• Other eligible airline-related purchases

The benefit does not require enrollment or selecting a specific airline. Eligible purchases receive statement credits according to the program terms.

$100 Annual Dining Credit

Cardholders can also receive up to $100 in annual statement credits for eligible restaurant purchases.

Unlike some dining credit programs, the advertised benefit does not require enrollment, a designated restaurant network, or the use of a third-party dining application.

Together, the airline and dining credits provide up to $300 in annual value when fully used.

Airport Lounge Access

The Mastercard Black Card includes complimentary access to more than 1,800 participating airport lounges, including eligible airport restaurants and other participating facilities.

The lounge program offers unlimited visits for the cardholder and guests, subject to the applicable lounge access rules and program terms.

For frequent travelers, airport lounge access can be one of the more attractive benefits of this card, particularly when used regularly throughout the year.

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Credit

The Mastercard Black Card offers up to $120 in reimbursement toward an eligible Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee.

Global Entry also includes TSA PreCheck access without requiring a separate application or additional fee for that benefit.

Luxury Card Travel Benefits

Luxury Card Travel offers additional benefits when cardholders book qualifying hotel stays through its travel program.

The program advertises an average total value of $750 in complimentary benefits per stay at more than 3,000 participating hotels and resorts. Depending on the property, benefits may include:

• Daily breakfast for two
• Room upgrades when available
• Resort credits
• Early check-in and late checkout
• Welcome amenities
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

The actual benefits vary by property and reservation. The advertised average should not be considered a guaranteed savings amount for every hotel stay.

Additional Mastercard Black Card Benefits

Beyond its rewards and travel credits, the card includes several additional benefits and services.

• 24/7 Concierge: Luxury Card Concierge can assist with travel arrangements, restaurant reservations, sending flowers, and researching products and services.
• Cell Phone Protection: Eligible damage and theft claims may be covered when you pay your monthly wireless phone bill with the card.
• Trip Cancellation and Interruption: Eligible covered expenses may be reimbursed up to $5,000 per insured person for qualifying events.
• Rental Car Coverage: Secondary coverage for eligible rental vehicle damage when the entire rental transaction is charged to the card and the rental company's coverage is declined.
• Travel Accident Insurance: Up to $250,000 in eligible common-carrier accidental death and dismemberment coverage.
• Baggage Delay: Eligible delayed baggage expenses may be reimbursed up to $100 per day for a maximum of three qualifying days.
• Fraud Protection: Zero-liability protection for unauthorized purchases.
• Mastercard Global Service: Around-the-clock assistance with lost or stolen cards and emergency card replacement.
• Lyft Benefit: Earn a $5 Lyft credit after completing three qualifying rides in a calendar month and paying with the card.
• Peacock Benefit: Receive $3 off an eligible Peacock Premium or Premium Plus subscription each month.

Insurance, protection, and partner benefits are subject to eligibility requirements, exclusions, and applicable terms.

Mastercard Black Card Interest Rates and Fees

The Mastercard Black Card has a substantial annual fee, and prospective applicants should understand its other costs before applying.

• Annual Fee: $699
• Authorized User Fee: $249 per additional user
• Regular Purchase APR: 19.74% to 27.74% variable, based on creditworthiness and other factors
• Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable
• Foreign Transaction Fee: 0%
• Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount transferred, whichever is greater
• Cash Advance Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount advanced, whichever is greater

The card also offers a 0% introductory APR on qualifying balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles following each transfer that posts within 45 days of account opening. After the promotional period, the regular variable APR applies.

There is no introductory 0% APR on purchases.

Pros and Cons of the Mastercard Black Card

Advantages:

• 75,000-point introductory welcome bonus.
• Up to $300 in annual airline and dining credits.
• 2X points on eligible airfare and hotel reservations booked through LuxuryCardTravel.com.
• Complimentary airport lounge access.
• 2% redemption value toward airfare.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• Premium travel protections and concierge services.
• Stainless steel card design.

Disadvantages:

• The $699 annual fee is considerably higher than most rewards credit cards.
• Authorized users cost an additional $249 each.
• Everyday purchases earn only 1 point per dollar.
• The best travel earning rate requires booking through LuxuryCardTravel.com.
• The cash-back redemption value is 1.5%, not 2%.
• The card is intended for applicants with excellent credit.

Is the Mastercard Black Card Worth It?

The Mastercard Black Card can be worth considering if you travel frequently and can take advantage of its airport lounge access, airline credit, dining credit, and hotel benefits.

The up to $300 in annual airline and dining credits can help offset part of the $699 annual fee. The additional lounge access, hotel benefits, and travel protections may provide further value to people who regularly travel.

However, this is not a card that makes sense for everyone. If you rarely travel, do not use airport lounges, or primarily want a straightforward cash-back card, there are less expensive alternatives.

Our view is that the Mastercard Black Card is best suited for people who will actively use its premium travel benefits rather than simply carrying it for its metal construction or prestige.

How to Apply for the Mastercard Black Card

The Mastercard Black Card is issued by Barclays Bank Delaware and is intended for applicants with excellent credit. Approval is not guaranteed, and applications are subject to credit review.

Interested in the Mastercard Black Card?

➤ Check for the Mastercard Black Card

Review the current rates, fees, rewards, and complete terms and conditions before submitting an application. All offers are subject to credit approval.