What Is a Metal Card?
Metal Card is a credit card that offers perks and rewards. It also comes with a high annual fee. It’s important to choose a card that matches your spending habits and budget.
Many metal cards have an annual fee. However, there are some that do not. Be sure to keep the card in a safe place.
Appearance
In recent years, a number of banks have released Metal Card credit cards that are made of metal. These cards look like regular plastic credit cards but are more durable. They are also thicker than most plastic cards and have a more premium appearance. Despite their extra weight, these cards are not as difficult to use as plastic credit cards. They fit into standard wallets and work the same way as plastic cards. They even have the same bank-level security features.
The Capital One Venture Card is a popular metal credit card that offers excellent travel rewards. It offers unlimited 2X points on all purchases and doesn’t limit extra earning to certain categories. It also has a low annual fee and an amazing travel benefits program.
While the card may be expensive, it has many benefits that make it worth it. These include free access to airport lounges and concierge service. It also offers a premium black titanium exterior and an annual travel credit. It is a good choice for frequent travelers who want to earn more rewards.
Unlike the more common department store cards of the 1920s, modern metal credit cards are used as a status symbol. Some are available by invitation only and require excellent credit and a high income. Others are available to everyone who meets the credit requirements.
Durability
Credit cards are usually made of plastic, but they can also be crafted from metals like stainless steel. Compared to traditional cards, metal cards are more durable and can resist the wear and tear that comes from frequent use. They also have a premium look that is often associated with luxury and status. They can be used to make purchases, pay bills, and get cash back. Some metal cards even come with exclusive perks like lounge access, flight upgrades and extended warranty protection.
Unlike plastic cards, metal cards have an added layer of security with embedded microchips that help to prevent fraudulent transactions. Additionally, metal cards are more likely to stand up well to sliding in and out of a wallet or purse. However, they are not inherently more secure than plastic cards, as the security features of a card are largely determined by how it is used and stored.
While metal credit cards can offer an elegant and luxurious appearance and a premium feel, they also tend to carry high annual fees. These cards are often reserved for top-tier travel rewards cards or other premium perks, and you’ll probably need to have good credit to qualify for one. Fortunately, there are some metal cards available with lower annual fees, including the American Express Centurion Card and U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite. When you stop using your metal card, make sure to destroy it or store it properly. Most issuers will provide an envelope in which you can return the card for safe disposal.
Security
Metal Card is the latest security innovation for payments cards, allowing providers to integrate biometric fingerprint authorisation to secure a range of services in one card including payments, transport and loyalty schemes. This will eliminate the need for PINs or payment limits, making the card attractive to a new generation of consumers who value privacy and convenience.
Credit card metal materials vary from issuer to issuer, with some brands choosing to keep their credit card nxp mifare desfire metal materials under wraps. In general, however, a metal credit card typically has the same features as its plastic counterpart, including a chip for secure transactions and a magnetic stripe for traditional purchases.
In addition to offering a premium look, many metal cards offer a number of additional benefits that can enhance the cardholder experience and help offset the steep annual fees they often charge. Some of these perks include airport lounge access, travel credits and enhanced status with hotel and car rental brands, among others.
If you decide to cancel a metal credit card, it’s important to destroy it before disposing of it. This will prevent it from falling into the wrong hands and being used to commit fraud or other types of identity theft. You can usually return the card to your issuer to have it destroyed for you, or you may be able to hire a third party company to do the work for you.
Convenience
Metal credit cards have a heavier feel when held in hand than their plastic counterparts, which can be a positive for some consumers. The weight also suggests that these cards are premium and carry status, a factor that many people enjoy. However, the functionality of a credit card is the same regardless of its material. You can add both metal and plastic credit cards to your digital wallet and use them in the same way to make purchases.
The first metal credit cards were premium cards that required excellent credit and high incomes to qualify for, but now many card issuers offer them to a wider audience. These cards often have high annual fees but come with perks like premium travel benefits and protections.
Depending on the card, you may be able to get a concierge service that can assist with booking events or reservations. Some metal cards also include exclusive memberships such as gym or dining club memberships. If you’re considering a Metal Card, it’s important to consider the full suite of features to ensure it fits your lifestyle and spending habits. NerdWallet evaluates metal cards based on a number of factors to determine which ones provide the best value for Canadian consumers, including annual and other fees, earning structure, redemption options, bonus offers, and introductory and ongoing APRs.