What Is a Metal Credit Card and How Do You Get One?

A metal credit card is a payment tool crafted from various metals or metal alloys, rather than traditional plastic. While functioning identically to their plastic counterparts for transactions, their material difference provides a unique user experience. These cards are often associated with distinction and durability.

Physical Attributes

Metal credit cards are produced using materials such as stainless steel, titanium, brass, or other metal alloys, sometimes incorporating recycled aircraft aluminum or palladium. This material choice results in a noticeably heavier card compared to a standard plastic credit card, which typically weighs around 5 grams, while metal cards often range from 12 to 18 grams. The increased weight contributes to a distinct tactile feel and can produce a characteristic “thud” sound when placed on a surface. Beyond weight, these cards often feature sophisticated design elements like brushed finishes, intricate laser-engraved patterns, and precise etching of cardholder details, enhancing their aesthetic appeal. The material offers enhanced resistance to bending, breaking, and general wear and tear compared to plastic.

Associated Card Features

Metal credit cards are frequently linked with premium credit card products, offering a suite of services and benefits beyond their physical construction, such as elevated rewards programs with higher points or cash back rates on specific spending categories like travel and dining. Many metal cards provide extensive travel advantages, including complimentary access to airport lounges worldwide, travel credits, and no foreign transaction fees. Cardholders may also receive access to dedicated concierge services, which can assist with bookings, reservations, and other personal requests. Additional protections like purchase protection, extended warranties on eligible items, and travel insurance are commonly bundled with these premium offerings. These features are not inherent to the metal material itself but are part of the overall value proposition.

Acquiring a Metal Card

Obtaining a metal credit card typically involves meeting specific eligibility criteria, with a strong credit history and good to excellent credit scores generally being a prerequisite. These cards are usually offered as part of a financial institution’s premium product lineup, rather than being a standalone material option for any card. Consumers can apply for these specific premium credit card products directly through the issuer’s online platforms, or existing cardholders may receive an upgrade offer to a metal version of their current card. The application process includes a credit check. Most premium metal credit cards are associated with annual fees, which can range from under one hundred dollars to several hundred dollars or more, reflecting the value of their bundled features and services.

Ownership Considerations

Owning a metal credit card presents several practical aspects for cardholders to consider. Due to their robust construction, these cards exhibit superior durability and resistance to everyday wear, fading, and scratches when compared to traditional plastic cards. However, their increased weight might be a minor consideration for some, adding noticeable heft to a wallet or purse. While modern chip readers and contactless payment systems generally work seamlessly, some older or less sensitive swipe machines may encounter difficulty with the card’s rigidity or thickness. When a metal card expires or needs to be disposed of, traditional shredding methods are ineffective and can damage shredders; the most secure method is often returning the card to the issuing bank for secure destruction.