Compare the Best Metal Card Offers to Match Your Spending Habits
Metal credit cards might add a touch of panache to your wallet, but the most valuable ones are those that match your spending habits and offer generous rewards. That’s why it’s important to compare the best metal credit card offers available to you.
Generally, metal credit cards are geared toward big spenders and require good to excellent credit for approval. Many also come with hefty annual fees and premium perks.
Security
Metal credit cards are fancier and more luxurious than plastic credit cards in terms of appearance, durability and functionality. However, their price tag is a bit higher and they can be harder to get due to the strict card issuer criteria that requires good-to-excellent credit.
The first metal credit card debuted in 1999 with American Express’ Centurion Card—affectionately known as the Black Card—which is still around today and continues to be a status symbol for many consumers. But, while it’s true that metal credit cards have a certain cachet that makes them feel special in the hand, they aren’t necessarily better for security reasons than plastic cards.
Fortunately, more card issuers now offer metal cards to everyday consumers who meet their requirements. And, while these cards are more expensive than plastic credit cards, they can also offer lucrative perks to reward loyal customers.
In addition to a premium look and feel, metal credit cards are often equipped with the latest security features. For instance, CompoSecure’s dynamic CVV technology adds a new layer of security to the metal card by converting the 3-digit card verification value (CVV) from a static number printed on the back of the card to one displayed on an e-ink screen that refreshes periodically. This helps to fight the $32 billion payment fraud crisis facing the industry.
Durability
Metal credit cards are sturdier than plastic ones, meaning they’re less likely to be Metal Card damaged or bent out of shape. However, they may also be more prone to scratches or fading over time, so some users opt for card protectors or sleeves to ensure their new card stays in good condition.
Another drawback is that they’ll set off airport metal detectors and aren’t as easy to destroy as plastic cards. You can usually send a metal credit card back to the issuer to be destroyed after it expires or you close your account, but you’ll probably have to drop it off in person at a bank branch. Trying to cut or shred a metal credit card yourself can cause serious injury, so many card issuers offer prepaid envelopes for this purpose.
If you’re interested in a metal card, make sure to carefully consider the annual fee before you sign up. Most metal credit cards have higher-than-average annual fees and require good to excellent credit, so it’s important to assess the benefits you’ll receive in return for the extra cost. For example, some metal credit cards come with premium travel perks like airport lounge access, annual travel credits, fee credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership, and automatic elite status at hotels. These cards are designed for business travelers and jet-setters, so they’re best for people who frequently travel.
Customization
Metal cards offer a luxurious feel and can be personalized to a cardholder’s unique needs. They can be embossed, etched or laser-cut for unique shapes and designs. These options can add a touch of sophistication to your card portfolio and enhance customer loyalty.
In addition to the style and prestige factor, metal credit cards also deliver enhanced benefits, including a welcome bonus, rewards, and nxp mifare desfire more. They are ideal for high-income individuals or companies in creative industries, luxury, and other industries that value a premium look. They are also a great option for executives and other leadership positions.
Consumer demand for style and status is driving the trend toward metal payment cards. With the ability to create, manufacture and implement an affordable, turnkey metal card program, you can drive incremental revenue and differentiate your brand.
Sign up for the Chime Credit Builder Card and get started on your path to a shiny new metal card. All your online purchases, food delivery and monthly subscriptions count towards earning that shiny new metal card.
Luxury
Metal credit cards typically have a premium feel and come with exclusive perks designed for high-spending customers. Many of them also carry high annual fees and have good-to-excellent credit requirements. However, the benefits of a metal card often make them worth it for some people. WalletHub analyzes both the perks and benefits of metal credit cards as well as their rewards rates, welcome bonuses and APRs to help you find the best one for your unique needs and spending habits.
In addition to their premium look, some metal cards offer a “plunk factor” that makes them more satisfying to hand over when making a purchase. The metal cards are also generally more durable than plastic ones and can withstand the wear and tear of frequent use.
Finally, many metal cards come with premium travel perks like airport lounge access and elevated status with airline and hotel brands. Others include concierge services that can assist you with booking a flight or finding an event to attend. Still others offer exclusive memberships to things like fitness centers and complimentary delivery service memberships.
Ultimately, it’s important to remember that metal cards work just the same as plastic cards and should be chosen for their rewards rates, benefits and competing offers, not for what they’re made from. In fact, there are some metal cards with low rewards rates that may not justify the cost or other fees.