Metal credit cards are no better than their plastic cousins, though they could be considered more eye-catching. They can be made of stainless steel, aluminum, titanium or a mix.
Metal cards are usually marketed as a high-end option, but in truth, they don’t provide any additional features over plastic cards. You should choose a credit card based on its rewards, benefits and costs, rather than the material that it’s made from. That said, here are some good choices for a metal credit card.
Read more: The History of Credit Cards
No, it’s not made of gold. But it’s still metal, and you can choose between the classic gold or the rose gold designs when you’re approved for the American Express Gold Card*. This card sits at an unusual price point -- the annual fee is $250 -- but it also offers the value of a combined restaurant card, grocery card and travel card. While most cards at the $95-$99 price point specialize in one flagship rewards type at the expense of other spending categories, the Gold Card offers top rewards rates on multiple major categories.
For more information about the rewards and credits this card offers, check out our full review of the Amex Gold Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- See Pay Over Time APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
No, it’s not made of gold. But it’s still metal, and you can choose between the classic gold or the rose gold designs when you’re approved for the American Express Gold Card*. This card sits at an unusual price point -- the annual fee is $250 -- but it also offers the value of a combined restaurant card, grocery card and travel card. While most cards at the $95-$99 price point specialize in one flagship rewards type at the expense of other spending categories, the Gold Card offers top rewards rates on multiple major categories.
For more information about the rewards and credits this card offers, check out our full review of the Amex Gold Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- See Pay Over Time APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is another premium metal travel credit card, but with a lower annual fee at $550. When compared to the Platinum Card from American Express, the Sapphire Reserve has a more robust rewards program, offering competitive rewards rates beyond just travel bookings through the credit card issuer’s portal. But when it comes to extra travel perks and credits, the Sapphire Reserve has a lot less to offer. Still, you’ll be able to take advantage of a credit for TSA Precheck or Global Entry, and Priority Pass lounge access that allows you and a guest to access more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide.
For more information, see our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 22.49% – 29.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is another premium metal travel credit card, but with a lower annual fee at $550. When compared to the Platinum Card from American Express, the Sapphire Reserve has a more robust rewards program, offering competitive rewards rates beyond just travel bookings through the credit card issuer’s portal. But when it comes to extra travel perks and credits, the Sapphire Reserve has a lot less to offer. Still, you’ll be able to take advantage of a credit for TSA Precheck or Global Entry, and Priority Pass lounge access that allows you and a guest to access more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide.
For more information, see our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 22.49% – 29.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater
Premium travel cards are designed for frequent travelers. Besides the usual rewards and welcome bonuses, they typically offer additional comforts like upgrades at the airport and annual flight credits. They are some of the most expensive cards available, and The Platinum Card from American Express* is no exception with a $695 annual fee.
Besides the metal composition, some applicants will have the option to choose among the classic silver design and two avant-garde renditions. Despite The Platinum Card’s price, its rewards program is surprisingly lackluster compared to less expensive travel credit cards -- so it’s only worth the cost if you can take advantage of the many travel, retail and entertainment credits it offers.
To learn more about the credits and rewards program, see our full review of The Platinum Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- See Pay Over Time APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
Premium travel cards are designed for frequent travelers. Besides the usual rewards and welcome bonuses, they typically offer additional comforts like upgrades at the airport and annual flight credits. They are some of the most expensive cards available, and The Platinum Card from American Express* is no exception with a $695 annual fee.
Besides the metal composition, some applicants will have the option to choose among the classic silver design and two avant-garde renditions. Despite The Platinum Card’s price, its rewards program is surprisingly lackluster compared to less expensive travel credit cards -- so it’s only worth the cost if you can take advantage of the many travel, retail and entertainment credits it offers.
To learn more about the credits and rewards program, see our full review of The Platinum Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- See Pay Over Time APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
X1 Card
The X1 Card is a new rewards credit card made of 17 grams of stainless steel and offers the best combination of benefits among metal credit cards. With no annual fee, it is one of the least expensive metal credit cards available, and the rewards program allows you to earn up to 2x to 10x points back. With a top redemption rate of 1 cent per point, that means you can earn up to 10% back on your purchases (4x, 5x or 10x points earned for 30 days for each friend you invite who gets the card).
To find out more about how to maximize rewards with this card and use its innovative virtual credit card tools, check out our full review of the X1 Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 15.50% – 27.75% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 2% of the amount of each transfer.
The X1 Card is a new rewards credit card made of 17 grams of stainless steel and offers the best combination of benefits among metal credit cards. With no annual fee, it is one of the least expensive metal credit cards available, and the rewards program allows you to earn up to 2x to 10x points back. With a top redemption rate of 1 cent per point, that means you can earn up to 10% back on your purchases (4x, 5x or 10x points earned for 30 days for each friend you invite who gets the card).
To find out more about how to maximize rewards with this card and use its innovative virtual credit card tools, check out our full review of the X1 Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 15.50% – 27.75% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 2% of the amount of each transfer.
While the Prime Visa doesn’t technically have an annual fee, you’ll need to be a Prime member ($139 annually) to get this card. This metal credit card is best for frequent Amazon.com and Whole Foods shoppers, offering 5% cash back at both. That’s one of the best rewards rates on best rewards rates on groceries, or frankly anything -- and Amazon’s e-commerce site envelops plenty of merchandise that other credit card reward categories don’t typically cover, like clothing, electronics, household appliances, toys, books, office supplies and more.
The additional rewards categories outside of the Amazon ecosystem also make this credit card good for everyday spending, which can’t be said of many retailer co-branded credit cards.
For more information, see our full review of the Prime Visa.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 19.49% – 27.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 4% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
While the Prime Visa doesn’t technically have an annual fee, you’ll need to be a Prime member ($139 annually) to get this card. This metal credit card is best for frequent Amazon.com and Whole Foods shoppers, offering 5% cash back at both. That’s one of the best rewards rates on best rewards rates on groceries, or frankly anything -- and Amazon’s e-commerce site envelops plenty of merchandise that other credit card reward categories don’t typically cover, like clothing, electronics, household appliances, toys, books, office supplies and more.
The additional rewards categories outside of the Amazon ecosystem also make this credit card good for everyday spending, which can’t be said of many retailer co-branded credit cards.
For more information, see our full review of the Prime Visa.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 19.49% – 27.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 4% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Who qualifies for metal credit cards?
Most of the cards listed here are designed for people with good to excellent credit: That means a FICO score of 670 or higher or a VantageScore of 661 or higher. The X1 card takes your income into account when determining your eligibility, however, which could make it more accessible for people with lower scores.
How to choose the best metal credit card
The most important factors to consider are the same as any other rewards card: Will you be able to earn enough to offset any annual fee without contorting your regular spending habits. Here’s an overview of the specifics:
Annual fee
Most metal cards charge an annual fee, which is the general price of admission for many credit cards when it comes to accessing higher reward rates, larger welcome bonuses and better perks.
The metal cards listed here (with the exception of the X1 card and the Prime Visa) all charge relatively high annual fees but provide lucrative welcome offers and perks such as annual credits.
Take note: If you can’t use the annual credits each year -- or earn enough rewards to offset the fee -- this may not be the card for you.
Rewards
As with most rewards cards, the most important factor to consider is whether the potential rewards -- including the applicable categories and earning rates -- outweigh the annual fee. It’s important that you not contort your spending to trigger the rewards; choose a card that complements your current habits.
Reward types generally determine redemption value and options. Cash back rewards are simpler with fewer redemption options, with 1% equating to 1 cent. Points may be more versatile, offering a wider array of redemption options and higher values depending on how they’re redeemed.
Travel cards may offer point transfer options to the credit card issuer’s travel partners where they could be worth more than if you chose to redeem them through traditional methods.
Spend requirements to earn a new account bonus
Metal credit cards typically have higher fees and higher spending thresholds to qualify for a welcome bonus. Match your budget with the card, and don’t spend on purchases you otherwise wouldn’t have just to qualify for a welcome offer.
Additional benefits
Cards with higher annual fees typically offer higher-end perks such as spending or travel credits, or airport lounge access. If you don’t anticipate taking advantage of all of the perks, it may make sense to find a card with a lower fee.
Are metal credit cards worth it?
If you’re choosing the credit card for more than what it’s made of -- and it matches your budget -- then it being metal is a nice bonus. However, choosing a credit card just for the sake of adding a metal card to your wallet is not advised.
How to apply for a metal credit card
Follow these steps to apply for a metal credit card:
1. Choose a card that matches your needs and budget
2. Follow one of the links above to be taken to a secure application
3. Supply all the required financial and personal information.
4. Pay your bill on time and in full each month
FAQs
Metal credit cards are heavier than typical plastic credit cards. Whereas plastic credit cards weigh roughly 5 grams, metal credit cards are often three times that, weighing in at 17 or 18 grams.
Metal credit cards can be made from a variety of materials. Most of these materials are durable -- like stainless steel, aluminum and titanium -- and some use a mix of materials.
Most plastic credit cards should be put through a shredder when you close the account, but you don’t want to do that with a metal credit card. You can mail your metal card back to the issuer, or you can use a tool called tin snips to cut up your credit card. Either route will ensure your private information does not get into the wrong hands.
Our methodology
CNET reviews credit cards by exhaustively comparing them across set criteria developed for each major category, including cash back, welcome bonus, travel rewards and balance transfer. We take into consideration the typical spending behavior of a range of consumer profiles -- with the understanding that everyone’s financial situation is different -- and the designated function of a card.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express Gold Card, click here.
*All information about the American Express Gold Card and the Platinum Card from American Express has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
Recommended Articles
The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.
