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The best metal credit cards boast form and function. Once geared towards luxury travelers and wealthy individuals, you can now find many metal credit cards for the everyday consumer. If you still think of metal credit cards as a luxury financial tool, you’ll learn that metal credit cards have both style and substance.
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
5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
3x
3x on dining.
2x
2x on all other travel purchases, plus more.
Intro offer
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.
You’ll get a 25 percent boost in points value when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Solid 60,000-point sign-up bonus worth $750 toward Chase Ultimate Rewards Travel after spending at least $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account ownership.
Cons
No 0 percent introductory APR offer on purchases or balance transfers
This card is lacking some of the premium travel perks, like lounge access and annual travel credits, offered by some of its competitors.
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 benefits such as a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining and 2x 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 03/31/22.
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
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 offer
100,000 points
Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new 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.
The monthly and annual credits associated with the card could provide around up to $1,400 in recurring value.
This card provides top-notch premium lounge access, particularly in comparison to its major competitors.
Cons
Some of the perks, particularly the credits, come with caveats and can be tricky to maximize.
The $695 annual fee is one of the highest on the market.
Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
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. 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 eligible 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 offer
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.
The rate of return on food purchases is best-in-class.
The card touts a number of notable ancillary benefits, including travel and shopping protections.
Cons
You’ll only earn bonus points on travel purchases bookly directed with the airlines or AmexTravel.com
The card’s credits come with caveats and can be tricky to maximize.
Rose Gold is here to stay. Card Members can choose between a Gold or Rose Gold Card.
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.
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 offer
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.
Boost points value by 50 percent when redeeming for travel through the Chase rewards program.
The annual statement credit is one of the easiest to redeem on the market.
Cons
If you’re looking for luxury perks as a traveler, you might find certain benefits of this card, like its lounge network, lacking.
Some premium travel credit cards offer higher sign-up bonuses.
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.
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 PreCheck®
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 offer
75,000 points
Earn 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months. Plus, earn up to $200 in Statement Credits for eligible purchases at U.S. Restaurants within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
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 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.)
The welcome bonus earns cardholders Elite Gold status in the Marriott Bonvoy rewards program.
The card offers premium travel protections like trip interruption, cancellation and delay insurance.
Cons
Gold Elite status is only automatically offered to card holders for the first year.
The $450 annual fee may alienate some potential cardholders.
Earn 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months. Plus, earn up to $200 in Statement Credits for eligible purchases at U.S. Restaurants within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
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 a participating hotel. 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, The Centurion Card from American Express, Wells Fargo Propel American Express, Apple 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 2022
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 taking their first foray into travel rewards credit cards and 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? The value of the sign-up bonus is significant at $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards (receive 60,000 points after $4,000 required spend in the first three months with the card).
Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred worth it? It’s worth it if you’re after a card with a well-balanced rewards program that will certainly go a long way toward helping you recoup the cost of the annual fee.
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 and budget travelers who want to save money.
What makes this card unique? This card offers a bevy of credits for a variety of expenses like TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, eligible Equinox memberships and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Is The Platinum Card from American Express worth it? Not necessarily if your goal for a card is affordability. 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? This card is one of the most affordable in Amex’s portfolio of high end cards and the up to $120 annual dining credit (enrollment required) is great for people who love to go out to eat.
Is the American Express Gold Card worth it? Absolutely, especially if you identify as a foodie. 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: Explorers who want 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 wants points for everyday purchases with a low annual fee.
What makes this card unique? It pairs well with other Chase cards, given you can easily pool points and boost their value by 50 percent 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.
Is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card worth it? Yes, but you need to frequent Marriott hotels to fully reap these benefits. Brand loyalists looking to upgrade their travel experience will also enjoy the suite of popular Amex perks this card grants them.
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? 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 for travel (60,000 bonus miles when you spend $3,000 in the first three 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 and 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.
Is the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card worth it? It can be, since 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: People 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, metal credit cards work in the same way as their plastic counterparts, but 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 reserved for the very wealthy and attainable by invitation only. They had high annual fees, upwards of $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 cardholders.
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.
Common types of metal credit cards
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.
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®.
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 percent cash back at restaurants. Some metal credit cards will also offer extra perks for foodies.
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 percent cash back on all Amazon.com purchases, plus extended warranties and protection for purchases. 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.
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
Metal credit cards have proven to be durable and provide cardholders with access to premium perks and other sought-after features. Many people just like the look and feel of them. Choose a metal card based on how it will impact your overall finances and take time to weigh the benefits versus the drawbacks before applying.
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.
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: The best metal credit cards typically come with premium benefits. Much like other elite cards, metal credit cardholders 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 because you can’t bend them, cut them with scissors or put them through a shredder.
Annual fees: Elite benefits that metal credit cardholders enjoy typically come with a hefty price tag. If you’re not strategic with the use of the card, those higher annual fees can quickly burden your finances.
May be more difficult to use: Having a metal credit card might be considered a statement or conversation piece that’s fun to bring up at parties, but using them can be a real hassle. Merchants may use older credit card terminals that can’t read or even fit the more modern metal credit cards.
Who should get a metal credit card?
If you’re looking for a card that is durable and provides lucrative perks, then a metal card may work well for you. A metal credit card can be the right choice for the following cardholders:
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.
When to skip getting a metal credit card
If you’re looking for the chance to obtain a luxury card but have not looked too deeply at what that card can provide you, then it may be best to skip getting a metal credit card. People in the situations below should avoid getting a metal credit card.
You’re building credit. The high annual fees on metal cards aren’t worth it if you’re working on your credit score and paying off credit card debt. It’s a better financial move to use a starter card, a credit card with no annual fee or a 0 percent intro APR card.
You’re new to credit cards. While the luxury benefits seem enticing, they come with complicated rewards structures and annual fees. Opt for something with straightforward rewards and no annual fees for your first credit card before graduating to high-end, luxury metal credit cards.
Metal credit cards vs. plastic: Which is better?
The difference between most metal and plastic credit cards begins and ends with the material they’re made of. They are typically more durable than their plastic counterparts, but outside of their durability, they function the same way as plastic cards. Generally, metal credit cards fall into the premium credit card category. They tend to carry luxury benefits and, as a result, higher annual fees. However, in recent years more metal cards have hit the market and that’s become less of a hard and fast rule.
Metal credit cards with no annual fee
Most metal cards come with premium features like lucrative rewards and great perks, they also usually come with a hefty annual fee. However, there are metal credit cards that will provide you with the durability of a metal credit card—along with great rewards and a variety of perks—while skipping the annual fee. Below are the best metal credit cards that have the durability, rewards and perks consumers want, without annual fees.
Apple Card: Crafted from titanium, the Apple Card has the durable qualities of a metal card with a unique opportunity to earn rewards. It’s a great cash back card option for consumers who prefer Apple products. Cardholders earn 3 percent cash back on Apple products like iPhones and Mac computers.
Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card: This card is a great option for Amazon Prime members and Whole Foods shoppers. Cardholders are required to have Amazon Prime memberships ($119), but they earn 5 percent cash back on all Amazon purchases—with no cap placed on spending—and 2 percent back at gas stations and restaurants.
Wells Fargo Propel American Express®: Though Wells Fargo hasn’t shared what metal the Propel card is made of, it weighs about 10 grams—twice as much as the average plastic card. Cardholders earn 3X points on everyday categories like dining out and at gas stations.
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 factor 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?
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. Select a card that will align best with how you spend your money and you’ll get rewarded the most where you spend the most.
Can I maximize the perks and benefits?
Beyond the base rewards you earn on your most popular spending categories, many cards offer an array of ancillary perks and benefits. Things like extra travel insurance, car rental coverage, annual credits for gym memberships or bonus dining credits at specific restaurants are just a few of these notable extras. These additions also tend to drive up a card’s annual fee, so you’ll want to be sure to pick a card that offers things you’ll actually use.
Is the card well-rounded?
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.
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. 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.
Weighing in at a substantial 22 grams, the Mastercard® Gold Card™ is the heaviest metal card we’ve reviewed. If you’re searching for a card that screams luxury this is it. The card comes with several luxury perks, and is plated in gold around a stainless steel base. Outside of the obvious luxury appearance of the card, it lacks some perks. If you’re looking for a luxury metal card that provides decent travel perks at a more reasonable price, consider another card.
The Centurion Card from American Express—aka “the black card”—has a whopping $5,000 annual fee for each authorized user in addition to a $10,000 initiation fee. You can only access this card by invitation and it’s considered the most exclusive luxury card in the world.
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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