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Metal credit cards evoke feelings of luxury. Of course, there’s more to a metal credit card than the sleek look and feel. They come with a variety of perks like generous rewards and premium travel benefits. Plus, they’re incredibly durable. Check out the best metal credit cards from our partners and start reaping the rewards from these cards today.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
5X
Earn 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
3X
Earn 3X points on dining.
2X
Earn 2X points on all other travel purchases, plus more.
Intro bonus
60,000 points
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
15.99%-22.99% Variable
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is an excellent choice for cardholders who want a lucrative (and metal!) travel credit card without shouldering an exorbitant annual fee. It boasts a simple rewards structure, top-notch ancillary travel protections and one of the highest sign-up bonuses on the market.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Enjoy new benefits such as a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3X points on dining and 2X points on all other travel purchases, plus more.
Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
With Pay Yourself Back℠, your points are worth 25% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories.
Get unlimited deliveries with a $0 delivery fee and reduced service fees on eligible orders over $12 for a minimum of one year with DashPass, DoorDash's subscription service. Activate by 12/31/21.
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
Get up to $60 back on an eligible Peloton Digital or All-Access Membership through 12/31/2021, and get full access to their workout library through the Peloton app, including cardio, running, strength, yoga, and more. Take classes using a phone, tablet, or TV. No fitness equipment is required.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
10X
Earn 10x points on eligible purchases on the Card at restaurants worldwide and when you Shop Small in the U.S., on up to $25,000 in combined purchases, during your first 6 months of Card Membership.
5X
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
5X
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
Intro bonus
100,000 points
Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Annual fee
$695
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Luxury travelers will appreciate the premium perks associated with this popular (but pricey) American Express card. Benefits include a lucrative return on eligible travel-related purchases, monthly and annual credits, and the most extensive lounge access touted by any card (metal or not) on the market.
Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Plus, earn 10x points on eligible purchases on the Card at restaurants worldwide and when you Shop Small in the U.S., on up to $25,000 in combined purchases, during your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
$200 Hotel Credit: Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®.
$240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 in statement credits each month when you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at your choice of one or more of the following providers: Peacock, Audible, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Enrollment required.
$155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax.
American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. Now there are even more places your Platinum Card® can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline.
$200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
$300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $25 back each month on select Equinox memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required.
$179 CLEAR® Credit: Use your Card and get up to $179 back per year on your CLEAR® membership.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
4X
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, including takeout and delivery.
4X
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
3X
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
Intro bonus
60,000 points
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months.
Annual fee
$250
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
This popular American Express card stands out as the most rewarding card for food purchases on the market. The $250 annual fee is pricey, though not quite as steep as some of the other cards in American Express’ line-up, and can potentially be recouped if you properly leverage your annual credits.
Rose Gold is back. You can now choose between Gold or Rose Gold.
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, including takeout and delivery, and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub, Seamless, The Cheesecake Factory, Ruth's Chris Steak House, Boxed, and participating Shake Shack locations. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
Get up to 12 complimentary months of an Uber Eats Pass subscription when you enroll with your Gold Card by 12/31/21.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
10X
Earn 10X total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
5X
Earn 5X total points on air travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
3X
Earn 3X points on other travel and dining.
1X
Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Intro bonus
50,000 points
Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
Annual fee
$550
Regular APR
16.99%-23.99% Variable
Recommended credit
Excellent (740 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Big spenders can reap ample rewards with this premium Chase credit card that offers a generous return on dining and travel-related purchases, decent sign-up bonus, ancillary travel protections and an annual $300 travel statement credit. Just be sure you can afford the steep $550 annual fee.
Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
$300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year. Through December 31, 2021, gas station & grocery store purchases will also count towards earning your Travel Credit
Earn 5X total points on air travel and 10X total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3X points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. For example, 50,000 points are worth $750 toward travel
With Pay Yourself Back℠, your points are worth 50% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories
1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
6X
Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program.
3X
3 points at U.S. restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines.
2X
2 points on all other eligible purchases.
Intro bonus
150,000 points
Limited Time Offer: Earn 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points and a bonus Free Night Award after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Resort fees may apply. Terms apply. Offer expires 11/3/2021.
Annual fee
$450
Regular APR
15.74%-24.74% Variable
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Frequent travelers and full-time Marriott patrons can get the VIP treatment with this high-end hotel credit card from American Express. Perks include a welcome and anniversary bonus, annual statement credits and standout travel insurance. Of course, you’ll pay for these benefits in the form of a $450 annual fee. (Non-Marriott loyalists need not apply.)
Limited Time Offer: Earn 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points and a bonus Free Night Award after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Resort fees may apply. Terms apply. Offer expires 11/3/2021.
Enjoy up to $300 in statement credits each year of Card Membership for eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program.
Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program. 3 points at U.S. restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2 points on all other eligible purchases.
Receive 1 free Night Award every year after your Card account anniversary. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points) at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program. Certain hotels have resort fees.
Enjoy unlimited airport lounge visits when you enroll in Priority Pass™ Select membership.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
$450 Annual Fee.
Terms Apply.
additional features
Purchase intro APR
N/A
Balance transfer intro APR
N/A
All information about the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card and Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com and has not been reviewed or approved by the issuer.
Compare the best metal credit cards of 2021
Card name
Best for
Rewards rate
Bankrate review score
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Sign-up bonus
5X points on travel purchases made through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3X points on dining and 2X points on all other travel purchases
4X Membership Rewards® points at restaurants including takeout and delivery, and at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 in purchases per year. then earn 1X points)
10X points on hotels and car rentals and 5X points on air travel when purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® program (after earning your $300 travel credit), 3X points on all other travel and dining purchases, and at least 1X points spent on all general purchases.
6X Marriott Bonvoy points on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, and 3X points on flights booked directly with an airline and at U.S. restaurants
4% cash back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services, 3% cash back at grocery store (except for superstores like Walmart and Target), and 1% cash back on all other purchases
N/A
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
Online shopping
5% cash back on all purchases made at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Markets, 2% cash back at restaurants, gas stations and drugstore, and 1% cash back on all other purchases
A closer look at Bankrate’s top metal credit cards
Chase Sapphire Preferred® card
Best for sign-up bonus
This card is best for: Travelers looking to take their first foray into travel rewards credit cards who spend enough to justify the card’s (relatively) reasonable $95 annual fee.
This card is not a great choice for: Travelers looking for premium level perks, like free checked bags or access to airport lounges.
What makes this card unique? If you’re looking for a travel card with a well-rounded rewards program and a relatively low annual fee, this card fits the bill. At 12.4 grams, this metal card may not weigh as much as some of its competitors, but it’s certainly durable and a worthy addition to a frequent traveler’s wallet.
Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred worth it? The well-balanced rewards program will certainly go a long way toward helping cardholders recoup the cost of the annual fee. The 60,000 point sign-up bonus is one of the most lucrative on the market. You’ll get $750 value toward Chase Ultimate Rewards travel-related purchases after spending $4,000 in the first three months from account opening.
This card is best for: Travelers who want luxury perks, like access to high-end airport lounges.
This card is not a great choice for: Infrequent travelers and people looking to save money on travel versus elevating their travel experience
What makes this card unique? At 18.5 grams, the Platinum is one of the heavier metal credit cards on the market. That weight reflects its value as this card comes fully-loaded, featuring a bevy of luxury travel perks, including lounge access, annual credits, elite hotel deals and robust travel protections.
Is The Platinum Card® from American Express worth it? The annual fee is one of the highest on the market. However, if you travel frequently, are looking for a laundry list of luxury perks, and can strategically maximize the annual credits, you can reap a lot of value out of this premium American Express card.
This card is best for: Foodies who love eating out and saving on their gourmet ingredient purchases as this card offers an industry-leading return on food purchases.
This card is not a great choice for: A cardholder looking for luxury travel benefits or someone who doesn’t spend enough (on food or otherwise) to justify the pricey annual fee.
What makes this card unique? If you’re in the market for a premium credit card, but consider yourself more of a foodie than globetrotter, this card will appeal to you. At 14.7 grams, this sturdy metal card offers a host of benefits for the culinary lover, including annual dining credits and a top-notch rewards rate on food purchase.
Is the American Express Gold Card worth it? The high $250 annual fee will give some people pause, but big food spenders can find a way to strategically recoup that cost and come out ahead.
This card is best for: Travelers looking to save some cash on their next adventure. This card, among other perks, offers a boost on the value of your points if you make travel purchases through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.
This card is not a great choice for: The infrequent traveler who’s looking to get points for everyday purchases and pay a low annual fee.
What makes this card unique? Weighing in at 12.6 grams, this card offers an exhaustive list of travel protections in addition to a bevy of premium perks, including an uber-flexible annual travel credit and a lucrative sign-up bonus. It also pairs well with other Chase cards, given you can easily pool points and boost their value by 50% when booking travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve worth it? If you’re a frequent traveler looking for a premium credit card that offers a lot of flexibility, you’ll likely find the Chase Sapphire Reserve’s steep $550 annual fee worth shouldering.
This card is best for: Marriott devotees who travel frequently and are looking for a fast track to Elite status.
This card is not a great choice for: Budget-conscious, infrequent or non-brand loyal travelers as the $450 annual fee is likely to send them into sticker shock.
What makes this card unique? Weighing in at 14.6 grams, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card is one of the rare metal hotel credit cards on the market — and, with annual hotel credits, an impressive sign-up bonus and a clear path to Elite status, it certainly comes fully-loaded.
Is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card worth it?You’ll need to frequent Marriott hotels to fully reap these benefits, but brand loyalists looking to upgrade their travel experience will enjoy the suite of popular Amex perks this card entitles them to.
This card is best for: Travelers who value savings and want a variety of options for redeeming points.
This card is not a great choice for: People looking to get loyalty status with a hotel brand. Capital One has a number of airline partners, but you’ll find hotel options are slim.
What makes this card unique? At 16.6 grams, this card is one of the heavier options on this list, and while it’s less premium than some of its counterparts, the Venture Rewards credit card holds its weight in a number of ways. Notably, the card is decidedly flexible; you can redeem miles as a statement credit for eligible travel purchases. Plus, its current sign-up bonus is worth as much as $600 (60,000 bonus miles when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months).
Is the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card worth it? If you’re in the market for a straightforward, general purpose travel rewards credit card, you can’t go wrong with the Venture Rewards. It offers all the hallmarks of a solid travel card (decent rewards, lucrative sign-up bonus, no foreign transaction fees) while skipping the steep annual fee associated with more premium products.
This card is best for: Cardholders with good credit scores who want to earn rewards for dining at their favorite restaurant.
This card is not a great choice for: Anyone who doesn’t spend on the card’s main bonus categories (dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and grocery store purchases) will likely earn more with a different cash back credit card.
What makes this card unique? While many cards on this list are travel-focused, this card will earn you rewards on dining and entertainment. At 17.42 grams, it feels substantial. Plus, you can redeem your cash back for a wide variety of options.
Is the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card worth it? It’s a well-rounded card with a solid rewards structure. Just be sure you spend enough on the card’s bonus categories.
This card is best for: Shoppers who frequent Whole Foods Markets and Amazon Prime members who make frequent purchases on Amazon.com
This card is not a great choice for: hose without an Amazon Prime account. You’ll get the most benefits from this card with a Prime membership.
What makes this card unique? Unlike most retail cards, this card offers a decent sign-up bonus: New cardholders receive a $100 Amazon gift card at account opening. You’ll also receive extra purchase protections and an extended warranty when making purchases on Amazon.
Is the Amazon Prime Rewards Signature Visa card worth it? If you have an Amazon Prime membership, you’ll definitely find value in this card. In fact, it’s an easy way to recoup the cost of your Prime membership and get extra protections for your purchases.
A metal credit card is typically a premium card made from materials like stainless steel, brass or copper. Generally, they work in the same way as their plastic counterparts. Metal cards are heavier and typically more durable. They can sometimes come with luxury perks, depending on the card itself.
Historically, metal credit cards were a luxury item and reserved for the very wealthy. These metal credit cards were obtained by invitation only. They had high annual fees, some as high as $10,000, and hefty initiation fees. While there are still very exclusive metal credit cards in existence, today most consumers with good-to-excellent credit scores can count themselves among metal credit card holders.
How are metal cards different from plastic
Fundamentally, metal credit cards are made of heavier materials than plastic credit cards. They’re generally premium credit cards, meaning they tend to carry luxury benefits and, as a result, higher annual fees, though, in recent years, more metal cards have hit the market and that’s become less of a hard and fast rule.
Bankrate Insight
The American Express Centurion card, the first metal credit card on the market launched in 1999, is made of anodized titanium. Referred to unofficially as the black card, it can only be obtained by invitation from American Express.
Most metal credit cards aren’t inherently better than plastic credit cards. While metal credit cards tend to be premium cards, standout features don’t have much to do with the material the cards are made of. While the best metal credit cards can be stylish, that feature alone shouldn’t influence how you make decisions about acquiring a metal credit card.
One factor that should influence your decision to acquire a metal card is how you can benefit from the card. A metal credit card may not be inherently better for travel or dining, but there are metal cards that offer great rewards and perks in these areas. To single out which type of metal credit card might be best for you, consider the various categories.
Travel
Cardholders may think the best travel benefit a metal card can offer is its sturdiness, but many of these cards earn high-level rewards for travel purchases and allow you to redeem points earned for travel. Whether you’re searching for luxury travel perks like access to airport lounges, looking to earn free nights at your favorite hotel or hoping to earn bonus rewards on travel purchases, there’s a metal credit card for you. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card will earn you 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Dining out
It’s satisfying to plunk down your metal card when you pay your tab at dinner, and, when you’re earning cash back rewards and getting access to exclusive dining experiences with your card, that can feel even better. Some metal credit cards focusing on dining rewards can offer as much as 4% cash back at restaurants. Some metal credit cards will also offer extra perks for foodies. For instance, the American Express® Gold Card offers up to 12 months of a complimentary Uber Eats Pass membership (worth up to $119 annually, based on an estimated $9.99 monthly price for 12 months), as long as users are enrolled by Dec. 31, 2021 (Terms Apply).
Online shopping
A metal credit card won’t offer additional security while shopping online when compared to traditional credit cards, but some can earn you extra benefits for online purchases. For example, the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature, one of the best cards for online shopping, offers 5% cash back on all Amazon.com purchases, plus extended warranties and protection for purchases. (Learn more about other cards that offer excellent online shopping benefits.) Cardholders will also get a $100 Amazon gift card at account opening, which could help offset some of the $119 annual cost of an Amazon Prime membership.
Bankrate Insight
One of the signature features of metal credit cards is their strength and durability. Some metal cards are, however, stronger than others. According to a test done by ThePointsGuy.com, the strongest metal credit card on the market is the Mastercard Black Card.
Pros and cons of metal credit cards
Pros
More durable — One of the best features of a metal credit card is its durability. Plastic cards have a tendency to bend and will likely need to be replaced periodically throughout the life of the card due to accidental damage. Metal credit cards, on the other hand, are very sturdy.
Luxury feel — There’s a sense of luxury (and a certain “plunk” factor) associated with metal credit cards that some consumers might count as a pro.
Premium perks and benefits — Metal credit cards typically come with premium benefits. Much like other elite cards, metal credit card holders will gain access to perks like airport lounge access, elevated status with car rental and hotel brands, and annual travel credits.
Cons
Difficult to destroy — The card’s durability can become a headache at the end of the life of your credit card account. Metal credit cards are notoriously difficult to destroy. You can’t bend them, cut them with scissors, or put them through a shredder. Oftentimes, your only option for destroying your metal credit card is to send it back to the issuer, which can be a pain point.
Sizeable price tag — Those elite benefits enjoyed by metal credit card holders typically come with a hefty price tag. If you’re not strategic with the use of the card, those higher annual fees can quickly become a burden on your finances.
Who should get a metal credit card?
Almost all metal credit cards carry an annual fee, and many of those fees are on the high side (think hundreds of dollars), given that issuers often reserve metal materials for premium products. You generally need to spend significantly to justify these annual fees.
Most (though not all) metal credit cards offer travel perks, like airport lounge access, room upgrades at hotels and resorts (when available) and certain travel insurance. If you travel frequently and upgrading your experience is important to you, then you should certainly consider a metal credit card.
Most metal credit cards, even ones we don’t consider premium cards, require good-to-excellent credit. Many of these cards offer some pretty impressive perks. If you’ve been diligently building your credit score and are ready to take advantage of some elite benefits, consider a metal credit card.
Who should skip a metal credit card?
If your monthly financial goals are more inline with managing debt and increasing your credit score, it’s probably best to skip a metal credit card. The higher fees may not be worth it. Plus, the zero percent financing offers on metal cards are few and far between. If you’re still working on paying off debt, increasing your financial literacy and building or rebuilding your credit score, consider a starter credit card .
If you’re shopping around for your first credit card, the premium perks offered by many metal credit cards might be enticing, but with those benefits often comes more complicated rewards structures and pricey annual fees. If you’ve never had a credit card, learning how to navigate a credit card rewards program might be better done with cards offering more straightforward structures.
How to choose a metal credit card
While a metal credit card may evoke feelings of luxury, the best metal credit card for you will come with benefits that fit into your overall financial goals. When choosing a metal credit card, take into account everything from annual fees to offered protections and rewards programs. It’s important to ask yourself certain questions when considering any credit card, including a metal one:
Can I afford the annual fee?
Metal cards usually fall into the premium card category; as such, they’ll typically be associated with higher annual fees. This is why it’s crucial to spend some time analyzing the level of value you’ll get from the card. Will the rewards program help you recoup the cost of the annual fee? Will you be able to make good use of the perks that come with the card? Be sure the answers to these questions line up with your financial goals before signing on for a metal credit card.
Does the rewards program fit in with my spending habits?
If you spend the bulk of your discretionary income on dining out and entertainment, a card whose reward’s program offers the largest redemption value in travel categories probably isn’t the right card for you.
Does this card suit my needs?
If you want to better manage your debt or finance new purchases, there are important factors to consider in a credit card, metal or not. Does it offer a satisfactory introductory APR? Are there significant balance transfer fees? To protect your financial health you should always choose a credit card based on a well-rounded criteria. While you may enjoy the look and feel of a metal credit card, it will only serve you well if you are able to use it responsibly and it fits into your overall financial goals.
How we choose our best metal credit cards
Our team of writers, editors and industry experts evaluate cards based on a 5-point system that assesses the value of a card. We award points based on a number of factors including:
Base rewards value
The best metal credit card for you will offer value on an ongoing basis. We considered a card’s average rewards rate, along with the value of its sign-up bonus relative to its annual fee and APR.
Rewards restrictions/ flexibility
When considering the best metal card for your financial needs remember, the rewards structure and perks should fit neatly in with your spending habits and financial goals. Most metal credit cards will be flexible in terms of rewards redemption. When determining the rating for this category, we consider whether or not rewards earned will expire or have any limits or minimums for redemption.
Perks and features
Premium credit cards tend to feature more than just base rewards. They also often tout ancillary benefits that can significantly increase their value. These benefits include anything from travel insurance to lounge access to free services or amenities. We considered a card’s full suite of benefits, relative to its annual fee, to identify the most valuable metal credit cards on the market.
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Frequently asked questions about metal credit cards
There are stories all over the internet of people trying to destroy metal cards with blowtorches and by tossing them into firepits. While it might be fun, it’s hardly a safe and easy solution.
Safely disposing of a metal credit card is a bit more complicated than with a traditional plastic card. You can cut them with standard scissors or put them through a shredder. When your metal credit card expires or you close your account the safest way to dispose of your card is to return it to the issuer.
You’ll find metal credit cards to be more durable than plastic, but they aren’t typically more, or less, secure. The level of safety of your account won’t be impacted by the material your card is made of.
To be approved for most metal credit cards, you’ll need to go through the application process, just like you would with a traditional plastic credit card. Metal credit cards are typically premium cards, so having a higher credit score will help you to secure one. There are some metal credit cards that are invite-only and largely reserved for (very) big spenders.
Traditionally, metal credit cards offer lucrative rewards and top-tier benefits, like complimentary elite status, statement travel credits and luxury airport lounge access. A higher price tag is typically associated with all those premium perks. You’ll need to decide for yourself if you can make good use of them.
It depends. The best metal credit card for you will be one you can make full and strategic use of. Each metal credit card comes with a different set of benefits and drawbacks. It's important to research cards diligently to determine which is best for you.
Look at a card holistically before deciding to add it to your wallet. Ask yourself:
Will I be able to use the perks offered to cardholders?
Does the rewards structure fit in with my existing spending habits?
Does this card, with all its benefits and fees, make financial sense for me?
As a staff writer for Bankrate.com, Sarah offers sound advice that will improve your financial life and help simplify topics like travel hacking and credit card rewards.
Jeanine Skowronski is a credit card expert, analyst, and multimedia journalist with over 10 years of experience covering business and personal finance.
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