What is the first meld requirement in canasta?

In the card game of canasta, the first meld made by a partnership must meet a minimum point requirement based on the side's current score. At the start of play, this minimum requirement is 50 points.1

The specific requirements are as follows:

• Below zero score: 15 points
• 0–1,499 points: 50 points
• 1,500–2,999 points: 90 points
• 3,000 or more points: 120 points

These points are calculated based on the values of the cards in the meld, either alone or in combination with other melds made during the same turn. Note that red 3s do not count toward this minimum requirement.1