Best Metal Credit Cards
This article was last updated Sep 20, 2018. Terms and conditions may have changed. For the most accurate information, please consult the issuer website.
Metal credit cards have turned into the latest credit card status symbol because they’re considered exclusive — although not entirely restricted — to high spenders. Most metal credit cards require good or excellent credit, so you won’t see a card for bad credit made of metal. The fact that you need stellar credit to nab a metal card likely adds to the allure of qualifying for one.
American Express launched the first metal card in 1999. In the past, metal cards were scarce and reserved for luxury cards, but in recent years, there has been an increase in the number of banks issuing metal cards. And, metal cards are no longer just for people who can afford high annual fees. There are now metal cards with low annual fees — and even a few cards with no annual fees.
So, what exactly is your metal card made of? It depends. The materials used vary by issuer and may include titanium, stainless steel, and other metals. Regardless of the material, metal cards are much sturdier than plastic cards and have a heavier weight.
While you shouldn’t open a credit card just because it’s made of metal, it is a nice perk if the card’s terms and benefits suit your needs. We’ve rounded up the best metal credit cards below so you can find the best metal credit card for you.
- Best $0 annual fee metal card: Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
- Best travel metal card: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Best luxury travel metal card: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Best business metal card: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
- Other metal cards to consider: here.
Best $0 annual fee metal card: Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
This card has a $0 annual fee — though you’ll need an active Prime membership to receive the card (currently $119 a year, or $12.99 a month). If you’re a current Prime member, this card is a no-brainer since you can benefit from 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market, 2% back at restaurants, gas stations and drugstores, 1% back on all other purchases. Plus, cardholders can take advantage of Visa Signature® benefits including lost luggage reimbursement, travel accident insurance, the Visa Signature® Luxury Hotel Collection and more.
What the card is made of: All Chase metal credit cards consist of a “proprietary mix of embedded metals” according to a Chase spokesperson.
Read our review of the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card.
Best travel metal card: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card cardholders earn 2X points on travel and dining at restaurants & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases worldwide. This card has a standout perk where points are worth 25% more value when redeemed for travel (airfare, hotels, car rentals, etc.) through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® website. Redeeming via the Chase Ultimate Rewards® website is a great way to maximize the value of your points. Other perks include travel and purchase insurances, auto rental damage collision waiver, travel, and emergency assistance services and more. There is an annual fee of $95, but it’s much lower compared with luxury travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve®’s $550 annual fee.
Read our review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.
Best luxury travel metal card: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a luxury travel card that really shines with its rewards program, specifically the extra value for travel redemptions. You earn 3X points on travel immediately after earning your $300 travel credit. 3X points on dining at restaurants & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. Points are worth 50% more value when you redeem for travel (airfare, hotels, car rentals, etc.) via Chase Ultimate Rewards®. That’s double the amount of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card mentioned earlier. Added perks include an annual $300 travel credit, travel, and purchase insurances, up to $100 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and more. This card does have a $550 annual fee, but taking advantage of the annual $300 travel credit reduces it to an effective $150 annual fee.
Read our review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.
Best business metal card: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express does come with a high $595 annual fee, but if you take full advantage of all the card’s perks, the fee can be worth it. Some of the perks include an annual $200 airline fee credit, up to $100 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, 35% airline bonus on eligible fares and numerous others. This card is especially helpful if your business travels often since the rewards are ideal for travelers: 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com. Get 50% more Membership Rewards® points. That's an extra half point per dollar, on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more.
To see rates & fees for The Business Platinum Card® from American Express please click here.
What the card is made of: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is made of stainless steel, according to an Amex spokesperson.
Read our review of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express.
Other metal cards to consider
The information related to the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card has been independently collected by CompareCards and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication.
