Items that have a bit of weight behind them can appeal to many, as weight is often a sign of quality and durability. You may have heard about metal credit cards, and wondered how they compare to other cards.
Perhaps you’re a consumer that likes something that will last, or an eco-minded shopper that’s sick of all the plastic. You may just be someone that wants the prestige of a card that makes an impact!
In this article, we’ll break down the metal credit cards so that you can decide which is the right choice for you!
Best Metal Credit Cards You Can Apply for Today
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: 120,000 bonus points
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: 60,000 bonus points
- Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: 100,000 bonus points
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: 60,000 bonus points
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: 80,000 bonus points
- American Express® Gold Card: 60,000 bonus points
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®: 50,000 bonus miles
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: 75,000 bonus miles
1. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express comes with a new cardmember offer that can see you earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $15,000 within the first three months.
You also get a whole host of other annual perks including up to $400 back per year toward U.S. purchases with Dell Technologies, up to $150 back per year for select business subscription purchases with Adobe, a $200 airline fee credit and more! Enrollment required.
This is in addition to the lounge access and 5x points on airline and hotel purchases through amextravel.com. Terms Apply. Keep in mind, these perks come at a price, as there's a $695 annual fee.
Plus, use your Membership Rewards to Pay with Points for a first class or business class flight with any airline available through American Express Travel and you receive 35% of the points back. Or get 35% of the points back when you book a flight in any class with your pre-selected qualifying airline. *up to 1 million points back per calendar year.
The American Express Business Platinum Card comes with a hefty annual fee, but the luxury card is well worth it for businesses that travel frequently and spend big, with high rewards, credits, and elite hotel and lounge benefits.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express - 120,000 bonus points
The The Business Platinum Card® from American Express offer requires you to make purchases using the account's card in order to earn the 120,000 bonus points. Full requirements to receive this bonus are:
- Apply for The Business Platinum Card® from American Express using the link below.
- Within 3 months, spend $15,000 using your new card.
- Bonus will be credited within 8-12 weeks of meeting the requirements in the form of Membership Rewards points.
Learn more about the The Business Platinum Card® from American Express 120,000 bonus points offer
2. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase is offering 60,000 bonus points to new Chase Sapphire Preferred® cardholders. This is down, unfortunately, from the 80,000 points reward they were offering just recently.
Those points can be redeemed for $600 cash, or they can be stretched to $750 if put towards travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
This is in addition to the revamped points structure that now offers higher rewards in several categories and the new $50 annual hotel statement credit.
In the world of travel cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is hard to beat. Its low annual fee, perks, and travel rewards make it a perfect fit for travelers looking to rack up rewards for their next trip or for seasoned pros looking to combine forces with multiple Chase cards.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card - 60,000 bonus points
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offer requires you to make purchases using the account's card in order to earn the 60,000 bonus points. Full requirements to receive this bonus are:
- Apply for a new Chase Sapphire Preferred® credit card using the link below.
- Within 3 months, spend $4,000 using your new card.
- Bonus will be credited within 6 to 8 weeks in the form of 60,000 points, which can be redeemed for $600 cash or $750 in travel rewards.
Learn more about the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card 60,000 bonus points offer
3. Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Chase is offering 100,000 bonus points to new Ink Business Preferred® cardholders. Those points can be redeemed for $1,000 cash, or they can be stretched to $1,250 if put them toward travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
To get the points, you will need to make $15,000 worth of purchases in the first three months.
Offering high rewards on bonus categories that can be redeemed via the Ultimate Rewards Program, a sweet welcome bonus, and a handful of premier perks, the Chase Ink Business Preferred Card is an excellent choice for the average business owner who doesn’t mind a small annual fee.
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card - 100,000 bonus points
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card offer requires you to make purchases using the account's card in order to earn the 100,000 bonus points. Full requirements to receive this bonus are:
- Apply for a new Ink Business Preferred® credit card using the link below.
- Within 3 months, spend $15,000 using your new card.
- Bonus will be credited within 6 to 8 weeks in the form of 100,000 points, which can be redeemed for $1,000 cash or $1,250 in travel rewards.
Learn more about the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card 100,000 bonus points offer
4. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase is offering 60,000 bonus points to new Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders. Those points can be redeemed for $600 cash, or they can be stretched to $900 if you put them toward travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
The Chase Saphire Reserve card is one of the best travel cards on the market, with a ton of premiere perks like lounge access, excellent rewards, and account credits. If you’re a frequent traveler and take advantage of all the card has to offer, you can easily offset the annual fee.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® - 60,000 bonus points
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offer requires you to make purchases using the account's card in order to earn the 60,000 bonus points. Full requirements to receive this bonus are:
- Apply for a new Chase Sapphire Reserve ® credit card using the link below.
- Within 3 months, spend $4,000 using your new card.
- Bonus will be credited within 6 to 8 weeks in the form of 60,000 points, which can be redeemed for $600 cash or $900 in travel rewards.
Learn more about the Chase Sapphire Reserve® 60,000 bonus points offer
5. The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with a new cardmember offer that can see you earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 within the first six months.
You also get a whole host of other annual perks including a $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings, (requires a minimum two-night stay), a $240 digital entertainment credit, a $200 Uber Eats credit, a $200 airline fee credit and more! Enrollment required.
This is in addition to the lounge access and 5x points on airline purchase (up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year) and hotel purchases through amextravel.com. Terms Apply.
The Platinum Card from American Express is the original luxury card. While its annual fee is high at $695, so are its luxurious rewards, including Amex Membership Rewards, extensive travel points, and annual statement credits.
The Platinum Card® from American Express - 80,000 bonus points
The The Platinum Card® from American Express offer requires you to make purchases using the account's card in order to earn the 80,000 bonus points. Full requirements to receive this bonus are:
- Apply for The Platinum Card® from American Express using the link below.
- Within 6 months, spend $6,000 using your new card.
- Bonus will be credited within 8-12 weeks of meeting the requirements in the form of Membership Rewards points.
Learn more about the The Platinum Card® from American Express 80,000 bonus points offer
6. American Express® Gold Card
The American Express® Gold Card comes with a new cardmember offer that can see you earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $4,000 within the first six months on eligible purchases.
You also get $10 in Uber Cash each month, and up to $120 in annual statement credits at participating restaurants, enrollment required. (*terms apply)
The American Express Gold Card is a solid choice for foodies and travelers, offering competitive rewards on restaurant and supermarket buys. The annual fee is well worth it for diners who spend a lot on takeout, restaurants, and groceries; just note the rewards can get a bit complicated.
American Express® Gold Card - 60,000 bonus points
The American Express® Gold Card offer requires you to make purchases using the account's card in order to earn the 60,000 bonus points. Full requirements to receive this bonus are:
- Apply for a new American Express® Gold Card using the link below.
- Within 6 months, spend $4,000 using your new card.
- Bonus will be credited within 8-12 weeks of meeting the requirements in the form of Membership Rewards® Points.
Learn more about the American Express® Gold Card 60,000 bonus points offer
7. Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, for a limited time, offers new cardholders 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $5,000 in the first three months. This card come with free Admirals Club® membership and access for up to 2 guests or immediate family members traveling with you. You'll also get your first checked bag free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to 8 companions on the same reservation.
Bonus Tip: You also get 10,000 AAdvantage® Elite Qualifying miles if you spend $40,000 in a single year.
Whether you’re a true blue American Airlines loyalist or you fly with a number of airlines, this card is worth having in your wallet and can make your AA flights more pleasant, in addition to earning solid rewards. Cardholders get travel benefits and partner benefits that can offset the moderately low annual fee.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® - 50,000 bonus miles
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® offer requires you to make purchases using the account's card in order to earn the 50,000 bonus miles. Full requirements to receive this bonus are:
- Apply for a new Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® credit card using the link below.
- Within 3 months, spend $5,000 using your new card.
- Bonus miles will be credited in your AAdvantage® account in 8-10 weeks.
Learn more about the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® 50,000 bonus miles offer
8. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card comes with a 75,000 mile welcome bonus. All you need to do to qualify is make $4,000 worth of purchases within three months of opening the account.
The card has a somewhat high annual fee; however, lower compared to other similar premium cards. Cardholders also enjoy perks such as a up to $300 in statement credits for bookings through Capital One Travel, up to a $100 credit on Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® and access to select airport lounges.
If you’re looking for a travel card with generous bonus category rewards, travel credits, and bonuses, take a look at the Capital One Venture X Rewards Card. It's a happy medium for road warriors who spend enough to offset an annual fee but don't quite want to commit to an elite card.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card - 75,000 bonus miles
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offer requires you to make purchases using the account's card in order to earn the 75,000 bonus miles. Full requirements to receive this bonus are:
- Apply for a new Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card using the link below.
- Within 3 months, spend $4,000 using your new card.
- Bonus will be credited to your rewards balance within 2 billing cycles.
Learn more about the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card 75,000 bonus miles offer
A Brief History of Metal Credit Cards
Long before the Diners Club Card was introduced in the 1950s, a system of offering customers credit using a metal card or coins was developed. This approach was initially devised in the 1920s by large department stores.
While very different from the credit cards of the modern day, these were the humble beginnings of a credit system that developed over time.
When general-use credit cards were introduced in 1958, they were plastic. For a while, it seemed that the days of metal cards were over.
The First Modern Day Metal Credit Card
The American Express Centurion card was the first modern credit card to be made of metal. It was introduced in 1999 and used titanium, a material known for being nearly indestructible.
For a while, when only The American Express Centurion or Mastercard Black were available, there was something very exclusive about having a metal card.
These cards had high annual fees and significant credit limits and therefore were mainly used by only the most successful clients.
Metal cards gradually became more popular, with over a dozen options becoming available in various metals. With the increase in options, most people with decent credit can now own a metal card as well.
Pros & Cons of Metal Credit Cards
So, what’s the appeal of metal credit cards, anyway?
The vast majority of credit cards are still plastic nowadays, as this is a cheaper method to produce something that only lasts a few years. This likely contributes to the modern-day appeal of a metal credit card — their uniqueness.
Pros:
- Weight: A metal card is significantly heavier than its plastic equivalent, weighing around three times as much as a plastic card on average. Many people prefer an item with a bit of weight to it; the texture and weight also make it easier to find in your wallet by touch amongst a sea of plastic cards.
- Durability: Metal cards are also more durable. If you feel that your credit card is getting so much use that it wears out before it expires, then you might have better luck with a metal version!
- Reduce Use of Disposable Plastics: Metal cards are also an appealing option for someone looking to reduce their use of disposable plastics. All those credit cards that are cut up and thrown in the trash sit in landfills for hundreds of years. Metal credit cards may have an initially higher carbon footprint due to the refining and extraction of the metal, but they can be recycled– making them a more eco-friendly choice in the long run.
Cons:
There are, however, a couple of drawbacks to owning a metal card.
- Harder to Discard Of: The fact that it’s harder to destroy can be a hassle.
- Can Set Off Metal Detectors: The other drawback is that they can set off metal detectors! While you can usually get through a metal detector with your wallet, having a metal card means handing it over while you pass through. For people who regularly pass through metal detectors for work or are frequent travelers, parting from their wallets so often may feel too risky.
What Type of Metal is Used to Make Metal Credit Cards?
The main options in metals now include:
- Titanium
- Gold
- Palladium
- Brushed Stainless Steel
- Brass
- Copper
There are also other options available, such as cards made from alloys, or a mixture of plastic with some metal.
How to Choose the Best Metal Credit Card
Choosing the best metal credit card follows much of the same criteria as picking the best credit card in general.
- Features & Fees: It’s very individual, and all of the features and fees need to be compared. However, while there is a varied selection of metal cards available now, you will still be limiting your options versus considering any card regardless of its material.
- Type of Metal: Another thing you may want to think about is the type of metal. If getting a metal credit card is about prestige, you may be more drawn to cards made from gold, pallidum, or titanium.
- Weight: If it’s the weight that you like, then something like the Mastercard Titanium (a hefty option at 22 grams) with a brushed stainless steel frontside and a carbon backside may suit. To put this in perspective, the average plastic credit card weighs about 5 grams.
- Rewards & Fees: However, it’s important to consider more than the feel and material of the card, as it’s also vital to think about what the card can do for you! For example, people who spend large amounts on their cards may find that it’s better to have the best reward program— even if it means having a higher annual fee.
- APR: Those looking to consolidate debt may want a card with 0% APR on balance transfer, while someone just starting out may look for cards without annual fees and the lowest interest rate available.
Compare all of these features before making your decision!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there metal credit cards with no annual fee?
There are now a variety of options for metal credit cards with no annual fees. One example is the X1 Card by VISA Signature. This is a new card on the market, made of stainless steel and weighing 17 grams. It’s one of the least expensive options in terms of metal cards, and even offers rewards as well!
What is the heaviest metal credit card?
The J.P. Morgan Reserve is currently the heaviest metal credit card at a whopping 27 grams. Made from a mix of palladium and brass, this is over 5x the weight of a standard credit card.
Unfortunately for those after weight, this card is very exclusive and available by invite only. While the card offers some nice rewards, it comes with a price tag as hefty as its mass– an annual fee of almost $600 per year.
Are metal credit cards better?
It depends on how you define “better”. Physically, metal credit cards are more durable. If you have an issue with your plastic credit card wearing down, bending, or breaking before it expires, you may have better luck with a metal card. They are also heavier, which some users love.
Additionally, metal cards are a more eco-friendly option if you recycle the card once you’re done with it. However, they do have their limitations as well. Metal cards take more work to get rid of when your account closes or the card expires and will set off metal detectors.
In terms of what a credit card actually does, it’s impossible to say if metal credit cards are superior to plastic ones. There are many options of metal cards, and countless more of plastic! What is better for one person is not necessarily the best option for everyone.
Can a metal credit card be destroyed when it expires or I close my account?
Grabbing the kitchen scissors won’t be an option now. While you can manage it with the right tools and brute force, the bank will usually take care of the disposal for you. Simply send unused cards to them in the mail, or drop them off at your nearest branch.
While it’s possible to destroy a metal card yourself through various means, we recommend giving it back to the bank for your own safety, and so that the metal can be reused.
What credit score is needed for a metal card?
This depends entirely on the card. Many credit cards use metal for their more premium cards to make them stand out— and at the beginning, all the metal cards available were pretty exclusive.
Now that more metal cards have entered the market, there is greater variance in how difficult it is to get a card. The majority do still require a good-to-excellent credit score (as do most cards on the market). There does not currently appear to be a metal starter card, though this could change as new cards are constantly being introduced.
Are Metal Credit Cards Worth It?
While they look and feel prestigious, there’s no hidden magic behind metal credit cards.
The material of the card is different, but its function of it isn’t changed in any way (though it may last you longer). You can find excellent credit cards to meet your needs in either plastic or metal.
When thinking through the pros and cons of each card, consider the material to be one factor in your decision– not the deciding force. It’s always best to pick the card that will work best for you and your finances!
