Boost Your Credit Card Portfolio With a Metal Card
Boost your card portfolio with metal credit cards. These stylish pieces of metal can bring panache to your wallet while also providing a variety of premium benefits and rewards.
However, you should keep in mind that these luxury cards typically come with high annual fees and minimum income requirements. Hence, the need to evaluate your credit card spending habits and pick the right metal card for you.
Durability
Traditionally seen as status symbols, metal credit cards are now more accessible to those who meet card issuers’ lending criteria. Made of stainless steel or a mix of metal alloys, these cards have a sleek and glossy finish that can be embossed with intricate patterns and logos to enhance their aesthetic appeal. Unlike their plastic counterparts, metal cards tend to be heavier and are more durable.
In addition to a premium look, many metal credit cards offer enhanced security features that make them more difficult to counterfeit or skim. These include embedded chips, anti-fraud technology and zero liability protection for unauthorized charges. Additionally, some cards feature biometric sensors that allow consumers to use them as digital IDs to access loyalty schemes, transport and other services.
Metal credit cards are also less prone to damage than their plastic counterparts, which can be damaged when swiped multiple times or accidentally bent in wallets and pockets. This makes them a more durable and attractive option for some consumers.
As with plastic cards, most metal credit cards are reserved for those with good to excellent credit and charge annual fees. Typically, these cards offer higher rewards rates and lucrative welcome bonuses to offset their higher costs. Some also come with ancillary benefits, such as travel and luggage insurances and annual credits, that can add value to the card.
Security
Aside from their impressive appearance and durability, Metal Card offers a host of additional security features. Many feature a contactless chip that is protected by EMV technology, which helps to prevent fraud by preventing unauthorized transactions. They also have a unique design that makes it more difficult for counterfeiters to copy or clone cards.
Another security feature that comes with Metal Card is biometric fingerprint authorization. This feature allows users to secure their credit limits and connect their card to their person, making it Metal Card impossible for unauthorized users to use the card. It is also a convenient alternative to PINs and passwords.
Although not as common as plastic credit cards, metal payment cards have become a status symbol and are often the preferred card by high-value and trend-driven consumers. They can even be a great way to differentiate yourself at work or in business.
As a result, they are more expensive than traditional plastic credit cards. But they also offer more perks and prestige, such as rewards programs, airport lounge access, and exclusive events. In addition, they are more durable than plastic cards and can withstand accidental damage better. However, if your metal credit card is damaged, it’s best to return it to the issuer. Most will provide you with a prepaid envelope to mail it back for disposal.
Convenience
Aesthetics can be a selling point for some consumers, and metal cards certainly look sleek in the wallet. But they are not without their drawbacks. For one, if you have a metal credit card that doesn’t have an embedded chip, it may not work at older payment terminals that require chip-enabled cards.
Moreover, some metal credit cards have higher annual fees than their plastic counterparts. That means if you’re only planning to use it for occasional purchases, you might be better off with a standard credit card that offers the same benefits.
In addition to high fees, some metal cards have steep spending requirements nxp mifare desfire to qualify for their welcome bonuses. So be sure to carefully review a card’s terms and conditions before applying.
Most of the credit card issuers that offer metal cards are focused on attracting and retaining high-end customers. Consequently, they tend to restrict eligibility for their products to those with good or excellent credit scores and incomes. However, there are a few exceptions such as the Russian bank Tinkoff which launched its first metal credit card to boost brand recognition and attract early-career professionals in the premium segment. The metal card also helps the company reinforce its position as a premium service provider with unique features and perks. The credit card metal material also provides a distinctive, in-hand feel that some prefer.
Style
In addition to their weight, metal cards stand out from the rest of a wallet due to their distinctive look and feel. Many consumers also associate them with status and luxury, which can make them a valuable tool for card issuers seeking to attract high-value customers and reward their loyalty.
For example, the JP Morgan Chase Reserve card, made of brass and plated with palladium, weighs in at 28 grams. Its hefty size and luxurious materials set it apart from other credit cards, as does the fact that it is by invitation only. The American Express Centurion card – often referred to as the black card – is another prestigious option with opulent perks and an impressive price tag.
With exciting design techniques and laser personalization options, metal cards offer card issuers the flexibility to tailor a unique experience that speaks to the brand’s message. The CPI patented Encased Tungsten Card, for instance, features a unique in-hand feel thanks to its substantial 20-gram weight, with the added flexibility of PVC layers front and back for contactless certification and innovative printing capabilities, including colored-edge options.
While the benefits of a metal credit card may appeal to some, it’s important for potential applicants to consider all aspects of the product before deciding whether or not it is right for them. In the end, a credit card’s material shouldn’t overshadow a robust rewards program, low fees and competitive interest rates.