Add Some Bling to Your Wallet With a Metal Credit Card
Add some bling to your wallet with a metal credit card. These cards typically have high annual fees and require good-to-excellent credit, but they also offer premium perks like lounge access and priority boarding.
With challenger banks like N26, Revolut and Monzo experimenting with metal cards, will incumbent players follow suit?
Aesthetics
Metal credit cards feel sleek and premium in the hand, and often garner attention when used to make a purchase. Their weightiness also feels more substantial than their plastic counterparts. But are these cards worth the hefty annual fees they typically carry?
Credit card issuers have figured out that the design of a credit card is important, Metal Card especially with millennials. In recent years, several have introduced credit cards with a more minimal, minimalist style and even made them out of metal instead of plastic.
Generally, metal cards are seen as status symbols since they are typically reserved for high-spending consumers and require good to excellent credit. In addition, many of them offer premium benefits and perks. The Points Guy reports that the Centurion Card from American Express was one of the first metal credit cards to spark interest. With its exclusivity and coveted perks, it has set a high bar for luxury credit cards moving forward.
While a metal credit card may boost your ego, it is important to remember that it won’t necessarily save or cost you money. The best credit cards for your needs are those that provide the most value based on welcome bonuses, earn rates, benefits and other factors. Besides, a metal credit card isn’t as hard to destroy as you might think. You can easily mail it back to the card issuer or cut it up with a pair of tin snips.
Durability
Metal Credit Cards are a lot more durable than their plastic counterparts, and can endure repeated use. A good example is the Bilt Mastercard which features a titanium plate, and an embedded EMV chip that provides enhanced security. These cards can be used for purchases and balance transfers just like any other credit card, but they are more resistant to accidental damage such as being dropped or run through a washing machine. Additionally, most metal credit cards come with a warranty that protects against loss or theft.
Another benefit of a Metal Card is that it is more eco-friendly than plastic cards. It takes hundreds of years for a plastic card to break down, while a metal card can be recycled and reused again. In addition, metal credit cards are also much more difficult to falsify than their plastic cousins, making them a safer option for those with a fear of identity theft.
However, despite their durability, metal credit cards tend to have a higher annual fee than their plastic counterparts. This is because they are often premium offerings that offer affluent customers exclusive rewards programs, higher cashback rates, and ancillary benefits such as airport lounge access and concierge services. If you are looking for a metal credit card with top-tier benefits, be sure to weigh these costs against the other benefits of a particular card before applying.
Security
Despite their premium look and feel, metal credit cards don’t offer much more security than plastic ones. The only exception is the Centurion Card from American Express, more commonly known as the Black Card. But, this exclusive card is mainly used as a status symbol and doesn’t come with many benefits or perks beyond the card itself.
The majority of metal cards available on the market today, from companies like Revolut and WalletHub, are only accessible to people who meet their lender’s lending criteria. They also don’t offer any extra security features other than their durability.
But, if you do have a metal card, your card issuer can help you get rid of it when it expires or is closed. You’ll need to return it by mail. Since metal cards don’t usually go through nxp mifare desfire a shredder, the card issuer will send you an envelope that allows you to send it back for destruction.
However, some card issuers are looking to add more security by linking cards with passwordless authentication technology. For example, the latest Metal Card from Revolut offers fingerprint authorisation linked to FIDO standards. This could bring metal cards into the future, removing the need for PINs and payment limits and turning them into tokens that connect your account with your identity. It would also make it much harder for unauthorized users to use your card.
Value
Metal credit cards are eye-catching and can make a statement at the cash register. But they don’t necessarily offer better value than plastic cards in terms of rewards and perks. You should always compare credit card offers to find the best card for your needs. And if you have a metal card, it’s important to understand how to protect it from theft. If you lose your metal card, contact the issuer immediately to report it missing. They can send you a replacement, which is often more secure than your original. They may also provide a return envelope, so you can safely dispose of your old card.
Many metal credit cards come with premium perks that can be worth the cost for certain consumers. For example, the invitation-only American Express Centurion Card offers a premium experience and top-notch benefits for luxury travelers. Other premium metal cards include the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card. These cards offer high rewards rates and perks for travel, dining, and streaming services.
While metal credit cards are becoming more popular, they’re not for everyone. While they can add a touch of panache to your wallet, you should always consider the cost and features of the card before you decide whether it’s right for you. If you’re looking for a metal credit card, look for a product that fits your spending habits and financial goals.