What Is a Metal Card?
Metal cards are typically rewards credit cards that offer premium perks like airport lounge access, annual travel credits and fee credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership. Some also have high credit score requirements.
Before applying, decide how you want to earn rewards and compare the benefits of each card. Do you prefer to rack up airline miles or earn cash back?
Aesthetics
Typically made from stainless steel or aluminum, metal cards have a premium feel. Embossed with intricate patterns and cardholder information, they set themselves apart from their plastic counterparts. Metal cards also tend to be heavier than regular credit cards, adding an element of luxury that some may find appealing.
The metal credit card trend began more than two decades ago with premium offerings geared toward high-spenders. Today, more cards are made of metal than ever before. Some are pure metal plates while others are metal-plastic hybrids, but ultimately function much the same as traditional credit cards. Cardholders can swipe their metal cards at point-of-sale terminals or, if they have a chip-enabled metal card, insert them into their digital wallets for payment.
ARCFAB Metal Specialists wanted a business card that reflects their rugged, professional business. Their Black Metal Card features a jagged surface-etch pattern that captures the light effect of welding, and the metallic background provides an extra pop to their logo and website address. A QR code is a great addition to this design, linking directly to their mobile site and allowing the raw metal to shine. Metal cards can also stand up better to wear and tear than plastic, though they aren’t as durable as a sturdy, thick card. As such, it’s not uncommon to see them a bit dented or bent from use. When it comes time to replace them, most card issuers require you to return the metal card in a pre-paid envelope for safe disposal.
Utility
The hefty feel of metal cards — or the “plunk factor” – makes them an instant status symbol. These premium cards cater to big spenders, typically offering exclusive perks such as concierge services and free airport lounge access. They’re also usually more expensive than plastic credit cards.
But despite their weighty appearance, metal credit cards function similarly to their plastic counterparts and can be swiped at point-of-sale terminals or used as chip-and-RFID-enabled debit cards in digital wallets. They just might need more maintenance due to their sturdiness. For example, if you’re planning on a trip abroad, it’s a good idea to keep your card in its protective case and away from liquids or sharp objects.
Moreover, since they’re much thicker than plastic cards, metal credit cards can be difficult to destroy when you’ve closed or changed your account. You Metal Card can’t cut them with scissors or bend them back and forth until they break, and shredding them can damage shredders. However, many issuers provide prepaid envelopes that you can use to mail expired cards back for secure disposal.
Boost your high-end-to-middle-tier portfolio with a product that offers a fresh new touch. Combining stainless-steel core, PVC layers front and back with innovative printing features, the Compact Metal Card demonstrates that top technologies can coexist with elegant design. Whether it’s for an elite or mass-affluent market, this is one metal card that delivers on every front.
Perks
In recent years, metal cards have gained popularity as a status symbol and rugged addition to wallets. They can be made of brass, copper, brushed stainless steel and titanium. Some are even trimmed in gold or palladium. While the metal factor might draw attention, it’s important to consider a card’s earn rate, fees and other perks.
Metal credit cards are often marketed contactless smart card to travelers, and may come with benefits like airport lounge access or travel statement credits. They may also have high annual fees, but these can be offset by the rewards earned and perks available.
Many of the best metal credit cards require good-to-excellent credit to be approved. This makes them a great choice for consumers who want to build or maintain their credit score, or for those who have been turned down for other cards in the past.
Some metal credit cards offer more travel-related perks than others, such as 4X Membership Rewards points on the first $150,000 spent each year in two select categories, and 1X points on all other eligible spending. Some cards allow you to transfer your points to partner airline and hotel programs for greater value than you’d get with a standard card. Others provide a number of ways to redeem points for travel, such as through the credit card portal or through the card issuer’s travel partners.
Rewards
Despite the aesthetics, metal credit cards typically come with similar rewards programs as plastic credit cards. However, there are some differences when it comes to the amount of rewards earned and how they are applied. For example, some metal credit cards offer bonus points for purchases in specific categories such as dining or travel, while other cards may provide a flat rate of reward for all purchases.
The first metal credit card to spark buzz was the invitation-only American Express Centurion Card, commonly known as the Black Card, in 1999. This card was created to showcase the prestige of the brand and set an impressive bar for premium credit cards moving forward. While the card still exists today, it is now more accessible to those with good to excellent credit scores, and offers a variety of coveted benefits for its cardholders.
Another important difference between metal and plastic credit cards is that metal cards are not meant to be shredded or cut up, as this could lead to damage. Rather, most credit card companies will provide you with postage-paid envelopes for returning your metal credit cards when you are ready to replace them, or you can drop the card off at a local branch. In some cases, your card company might even be able to recycle the card for you.
