Metal credit cards are more than just a status symbol. They can also offer long-term value for your spending and travel. However, it's important to look beyond the aesthetic value of a metal card design and consider the rewards and benefits that work best for you. Here are some of the best metal credit card options and more to consider:
Most metal credit cards come with annual fees and travel rewards, and many of the most premium luxury cards are made of metal. But you can also find metal cards with lower or even no annual fees, as well as some options with everyday cash-back rewards. Here are a few of our top-rated metal credit cards:
- American Express® Gold Card: Annual fee $325, welcome offer Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first 6 months.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Annual fee $95, welcome offer Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months.
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Annual fee $95, welcome offer Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months – that’s equal to $750 in travel.
- Prime Visa: Annual fee $0, welcome offer Get a $200 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval (exclusively for Prime members).
What is a metal credit card?
Metal credit cards are made of stainless steel, titanium, brass, palladium, gold, copper, or another metal alloy. They are more durable than plastic cards and can be less likely to fade or break. The first modern-day metal card was introduced by American Express in the early 2000s with its invite-only Centurion Card, also known as the Black Card. Today, there are many more metal credit cards from different issuers available, and you don't need to be wealthy or famous to qualify for one.
Perks of metal credit cards
- Durability: Metal cards are more durable and less likely to fade or break compared to plastic cards.
- Aesthetics: Metal cards look more expensive and premium than plastic cards.
- Exclusive benefits: Many metal credit cards have benefits beyond durability and aesthetics. For instance, you can often earn a lucrative welcome offer, get airport lounge access, travel credits, trip insurance, and more with a metal card.
Potential drawbacks of metal credit cards
- Annual fees: Metal credit cards may have higher annual fees than plastic credit cards. Adding one to your wallet generally only makes sense if the benefits you get with your card outweigh the cost.
- Hard to destroy: If you need to close your account for any reason, your metal credit card will be more difficult to destroy. These cards generally can’t be cut up with scissors or put through a paper shredder. Instead, you might need to mail your card back to the issuer to dispose of it.
- May require a high credit score: Many metal credit cards are among the top rewards cards available today and often require a good credit score to qualify. If you’re working on building your credit or have no credit history, you may want to wait and apply for a metal card when you’re more likely to get approved.
Is a metal credit card right for you?
Whether a metal credit card is the right option for your wallet depends on a few factors. Since metal cards often come with travel perks and high annual fees, one may make sense if you travel often. That’s because taking advantage of all your card’s travel benefits can make it fairly easy to offset its annual fee. If you’re looking for a durable card but don’t travel often
