There is a newcomer in the credit card industry and they are the metal cards, so let’s find out all about metal credit cards and the banks that offer them. Besides, digital money made possible by the use of credit cards and debit cards is known as “plastic money”. But what if the plastic cards are made out of metal? Is that better or worse? Find out here.

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The history behind metal credit cards

Metal credit cards trace their roots to the 1920s when department store shoppers could run tabs using metal charge plates or coins. Banks began to issue the plastic cards most people know in the 1950s. The first modern metal card was 1999’s titanium Centurion Card from American Express, aka the Black Card.

Other exclusive credit cards, such as the Dubai First Royale Mastercard and the J.P. Morgan Reserve Card, also have attention-grabbing metal designs. The Royale card is even trimmed in real gold and has a diamond in the center.

In recent years, interest in metal credit cards has grown, and more than 20 metal cards are available to the public. Cards can be made of brass, copper, brushed stainless steel, titanium, gold, or palladium. Some are even designed with a mix of plastic and metal.

The current developments around metal credit cards

In the last few years, we have had more and more card issuers who have started making cards out of metal. These cards work just like regular plastic cards but are made of tougher materials. Banks and credit card companies have been ramping up the production of these cards. This is mainly because these metal cards are heavier to hold and use, making them more suitable for daily, rough use. These cards also hold the admirations of the new generation because, in some circles, they are also seen as something of a status symbol. Mostly, these cards are made for customers who have to be valued. 

But metal credit cards aren’t just for their attractive looks and feel. Most of the time, these cards are given to customers who have excellent credit scores, credit histories, and payment patterns. They are also given to customers who have high incomes, high credit utilization histories, and are highly rated in terms of the payments they make and the rewards they redeem. It is a symbol of luxury for the cardholder and a matter of immense respect from the bank or credit card company the individual has procured the card from. 

However, there is absolutely no difference in the working of a metal credit card. They work under the same principles as that of a plastic one. However, owing to the higher status of the usual metal cardholders, the amount and quality of rewards that are offered on the card may vary drastically. 

If you think you have what it takes to get yourself a metal credit card, make sure you check out these deals.

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Best metal credit cards to have Globally

  • Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card: Comes with no annual fee, and a 5% cashback on Amazon purchases
  • American Express Gold Card: Used by frequent travelers and people who like to spend a lot of money on dining and restaurants.
  • The Platinum Card from American Express: High-end charge card designed for frequent travelers. Benefits like airport lounge access, Uber credits, and other travel-related rewards
  • Apple Card: Designed primarily through Apple Pay. Cardholders get a titanium card that they can use for in-person transactions and a flat 1% cashback rewards policy
  • Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card: Annual fee waived the first year, designed for dining and frequent trips to the grocery store
  • Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Designed for travelers, but does not have the same rewards that other premium cards offered by other companies have. Low-key, low spending pattern suitable.
  • Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: Comes with a blue metal finish, earns x2 points on travel and dining purchases. Points can be exchanged for discounts and other rewards
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve: Airport lounge access, dark blue, and black design. High annual fee but all benefits can be extracted from Chase points that you earn on every purchase. 
  • Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite MasterCard: Travellers’ card offers x2 miles for every dollar spent on its co-branded airlines. Better airport lounge offers, but at a relatively high annual fee.
  • Citi Prestige Card: Long hotel stays, travel benefits, relatively low annual fee compared to other cards of the same variety
  • Crystal Visa Infinite Credit Card: Rewarding luxury card, annual airline, and lounge credits, Priority Pass Select membership

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Our overview of metal credit cards

Consider metal as just a bonus rather than a card’s main attraction. Never make the mistake of choosing a credit card based on its looks alone. Assess all aspects to make sure it’s right for you. Compare extra benefits and travel protections too. 

Drawbacks that comes along with metal credit cards:

  • For example, you’ll likely set off airport metal detectors, which means you will need to place your wallet on the conveyor belt to be scanned.
  • When you’re done with them, metal cards can’t be destroyed as easily as plastic ones. Trying to cut or shred a metal card could result in injury, so you’ll need to return it to the issuer.

However, the above-stated drawbacks aren’t an issue for you then you may consider depending on the usage and the offers it offers. But remember, metal credit cards work the same as plastic credit cards.