The Benefits of a Metal Credit Card
A metal credit card is a status symbol, a rugged addition to your wallet and a conversation starter. It can also earn lucrative rewards, offer welcome bonuses and other perks.
American Express was the first card issuer to spark interest in metal cards when it launched its Centurion Card (commonly referred to as the Black Card) in 1999. The premium card is by invitation only and offers a variety of coveted benefits.
What is a Metal Credit Card?
Credit cards made from metals like gold, palladium, copper, brass or brushed stainless steel offer consumers a luxurious and high-end feel. They can be used to make purchases, balance transfers and cash advances just like plastic credit cards. They can be slightly heavier than plastic cards, but metal is an excellent material for preventing dents and scratches.
A metal card can be a status symbol and a conversation starter. It can also provide valuable benefits such as a large welcome bonus or travel rewards. However, it’s important to choose a metal credit card that suits your spending habits and redemption preferences, not just based on its aesthetics or weight.
Many metal credit cards have higher annual fees than similar cards. This is because most are premium Metal Card credit cards that require exceptional credit scores and income to qualify. However, there are some metal credit cards with a more affordable annual fee of $95 or less.
The best metal credit card is one that provides you with the most value for your money. You can do this by comparing the signup and welcome bonus offers, additional card perks and annual fee of each credit card. You should also look at how much the card weighs to ensure it fits your wallet and portability needs.
Are Metal Credit Cards Worth It?
Metal credit cards are designed for premium travelers and can come with a wide range of luxury travel benefits, including lounge access and free services or amenities. These perks can make the card’s annual fee well worth the cost for frequent travelers, but it’s important to weigh the benefits against your personal needs and spending habits before making a decision.
Whether or not a metal card is worth it can also depend on how often you use the card and your comfort level with carrying a heavy credit card in your wallet. Many metal credit cards are heavier than plastic ones and may set off airport metal detectors. Additionally, you’ll likely need to mail the card back to your card issuer when it’s time to cancel or destroy it because metal cards are too difficult to shred or cut with scissors.
Finally, many metal cards require a higher credit score and income to qualify than plastic cards. For example, the X1 Card requires excellent credit and a high income, while the Black Card is only available by invitation. If you’re considering a metal card, it’s best to assess the card’s benefits and annual fee to determine if it fits your spending and travel habits. If not, a plastic cash-back card might be a better fit. To help find the right card, see our Credit Card Spender Type Tool for personalized recommendations based on your unique spending habits.
How Do I Destroy a Metal Credit Card?
While plastic cards can be cut up and tossed away when they are no longer needed, it’s not as easy with metal credit cards. That’s because metal is nxp mifare desfire tougher and may damage blades of regular paper scissors or even standard shredders that are designed for plastic.
Credit card companies typically give users the option to return their old cards for disposal. They will typically include a slip of paper or a prepaid envelope when they send you a new card and ask that you mail the metal credit card back to them for disposal, but the exact procedure varies by issuer.
Alternatively, some people choose to destroy their metal credit card themselves so that no one else can get the card’s information and use it for fraudulent purposes. The best way to do that is to simply bend the card back and forth until it snaps into multiple pieces, then use a pair of pliers or metal snips to cut up the pieces into smaller bits and discard them.
Some people also choose to heat up the metal credit card with a lighter or a flame, then use a knife or a pair of scissors that are designed for cutting metallic objects to slice off the outer layer and discard it. Others simply take a refrigerator magnet and swipe it across the magnetic strip on the back of their card until it is completely destroyed.
Which Metal Credit Card is Right for Me?
If you’re looking to make a statement at the checkout counter, a metal credit card may turn some heads. These cards are heavier and sturdier than plastic cards, and can be difficult to destroy upon expiration or closing. Many issuers provide a return envelope for their metal cards and will recycle them if necessary.
Depending on the card, metal cards can offer premium rewards and perks that make them worth the annual fee. Many metal cards are aimed at frequent travelers and come with top-tier benefits like airline travel perks, premium loyalty program perks, hotel stay credits and airport lounge access.
A few metal cards also offer a concierge service that can help you with booking airfare, finding tickets to events or getting restaurant reservations. Other perks available on metal cards include exclusive memberships, such as gym or delivery service memberships, and useful business credits and perks.
However, it’s important to remember that the metal factor alone shouldn’t be the only reason you choose a particular credit card. The best metal credit cards combine eye-catching looks with solid perks and a fair annual fee. That way, you can be sure that your new metal card is actually providing value for your wallet. If not, you could end up paying a lot of money for something that doesn’t add much to your life.