The Benefits of a Metal Card
Metal Card is a credit card designed to stand out from the plastic crowd. It offers edge-to-edge metal, contactless certification and more.
Before choosing a metal card, make sure it meets your specific needs and fits your spending habits and financial goals. You should also consider its fees, introductory bonuses and rewards rate compared to similar cards.
Durability
Metal credit cards are incredibly durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. They are also resistant to heat and have enhanced security features, such as embedded chips, that help protect against fraud and identity theft. In addition, many metal credit cards come with zero liability protection, so you won’t be held responsible for unauthorized charges.
Another benefit of a metal card is that it can add a sense of luxury and prestige to your wallet. Many of these credit cards feature a premium feel and offer access to exclusive perks and experiences, such as airport lounge access, elevated status with certain car rental and hotel brands, and annual travel credits.
However, it’s important to remember that a metal credit card isn’t necessarily better than a plastic one. It all comes Metal Card down to the benefits and perks you’re looking for in a credit card.
Also, keep in mind that metal credit cards can be difficult to destroy when they expire or are closed. This is because they can’t be cut with scissors or put through a shredder like plastic cards. In most cases, you’ll have to mail your card back to the issuer for disposal, which can be a hassle. In the end, it’s best to consider your individual needs and budget when choosing a credit card.
Security
Metal credit cards tend to be heavier than plastic ones, and this extra heft can give the card a sense of gravitas. For many, the weight also evokes a feeling of exclusivity and prestige, which can be an appealing characteristic. Additionally, the metal card’s sturdiness makes it less likely to bend or break in your wallet.
While the additional durability can be a benefit, it’s important to remember that metal credit cards can set off metal detectors more easily than plastic ones, which may add a level of inconvenience when going through airport security. As such, you may be required to remove the card from your wallet and place it with other items when navigating security lines.
Additionally, if you cancel or expire your metal card, it can be more difficult to destroy it safely. It’s generally best to return it to the card issuer and have them shred it so that it can’t fall into the wrong hands and be used fraudulently.
As more people embrace the idea of a metal credit card, there’s potential for these cards to become a staple in the modern payment ecosystem. However, consumers need to be confident and comfortable with the added security that these cards offer before they can adopt them as a go-to.
Aesthetics
Metal cards exude luxury and sophistication, making a great first impression. They may be made of stainless steel, 24K gold or a mix of metal alloys with a sleek finish that’s often embossed with intricate patterns, logos or cardholder information. These cards are generally thicker and heavier than their plastic counterparts.
The trend toward metal credit cards started about two decades ago with a handful of premium cards aimed at big spenders. Some metal cards are pure metal plates, while others are metal-plastic hybrids that look and function the same as plastic credit or debit cards. Regardless of their material, however, they typically come with a higher cost and require more annual fees than standard plastic cards.
In recent years, card issuers have realized that a credit or debit card’s design can be just as important as its features. Many have introduced metal cards with design elements to attract millennials. The Centurion Card from American Express*, known colloquially as the Black Card, was one of the first to spark buzz with its exclusivity and perks.
ARCFAB Metal Specialists needed a card that would be professional and rugged, while still capturing their brand with a touch of elegance. Our Gunmetal Business Card combines the best of both worlds with a rich, dark canvas and a stunning, monochromatic color scheme that draws the eye to symmetrical imagery and text. The silver laser etching technique applied to the QR code allows the raw stainless steel underneath to show through for an element of contrast that lets the text and image stand out.
Rewards
The metal credit cards available typically come with premium perks. They might offer high rewards rates, lucrative welcome offers and annual travel credits. They might also provide access to airport lounges, elevated status with car rental and hotel brands or concierge services. These perks can nxp mifare desfire offset the card’s higher than average annual fee, making them a worthwhile consideration for some consumers.
The heavier material of metal cards also provides a certain luxury feel that some cardholders find appealing. These cards are associated with a feeling of prestige, and many cardholders like the way they look in their wallet. The fact that they’re more difficult to damage with physical manipulation is a positive too.
Card issuers keep details of the specific metals used for their cards under lock and key, but a few examples include titanium, steel alloys, 24 karat gold and palladium. Some metal credit cards have hybrid structures, combining a metal exterior with a plastic core.
Metal credit cards often require a higher minimum income than other plastic credit cards, and they’re generally designed for people with excellent to very good credit. Most are only available to U.S. residents, but some Canadian banks offer metal cards to their customers. If you have an existing plastic credit card that you want to convert to a metal version, your card issuer may offer this service for a fee. Getting rid of an old metal card is a little trickier than with plastic cards, as it can’t be destroyed with scissors or put through a shredder. Card issuers typically provide a prepaid envelope for returning expired metal cards for safe disposal.