Beta

Free during beta. Plus launches at $12/mo or $99/yr on July 1. Annual is locked for 12 months during beta.

Skip to content
RewardZ Travel
All credit cards
Side-by-side

Mastercard Black Card vs US Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Mastercard Black Card comes from Barclays (Luxury Card) at $699/yr; the US Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard from U.S. Bank at $0/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

If you're not sure you'll use premium perks, start with the US Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard, its annual fee is significantly lower and the bonus values are similar. Upgrade later if you find yourself using the higher-tier benefits.

FeatureMastercard Black CardUS Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard
Annual fee$699$0
Sign-up bonusNo public welcome offer
Bonus value (est.)$0-
Min spend to unlock bonus$0 in 0 mo-
IssuerBarclays (Luxury Card)U.S. Bank
Card categorytravelbusiness
Best earning category (Luxury_card_travel)2x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • $200 airline credit
  • $100 dining credit
  • Priority Pass Select
  • 1.5cpp cash back, 2cpp airfare
    Read the full review
    Mastercard Black Card
    $699/yr · No public welcome offer
    Read the full review
    US Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard
    $0/yr ·

    Editorial take: Mastercard Black Card

    The mid tier of the Barclays Luxury Card lineup. The $200 airline + $100 dining credits offset $300 of the $699 AF before lounge value, and the 1.5cpp cash-back rate is the best of the Luxury Card tiers. Still hard to beat Sapphire Reserve or Venture X on transferable-points flexibility, but the all-stainless body and concierge appeal to some.

    Editorial take: US Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Mastercard Black Card or US Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard?
    The Mastercard Black Card has a public bonus (No public welcome offer, worth roughly $0), while the US Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard doesn't advertise one right now.
    Is the Mastercard Black Card's $699 annual fee worth it compared to the US Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard?
    Premium cards like the Mastercard Black Card ($699/yr) earn their fee through credits, travel, dining, lounge access, statement reimbursements. If you'd actively use $699+ of those credits, the math works. The US Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard at $0/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
    Can I have both the Mastercard Black Card and US Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (Barclays (Luxury Card) and U.S. Bank) the application rules don't conflict. Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
    Should I get the Mastercard Black Card or the US Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Mastercard Black Card: $0 spend in 0 months. US Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard: no published min spend. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.

    Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.