The Pros and Cons of a Metal Credit Card
While metal cards do add panache to the credit card rotation, their opulent perks and hefty annual fee might not always be worth it. It’s best to weigh the pros and cons before applying for one.
Payment providers need to keep consumers’ top of wallet by delivering new and improved features that add value. A fingerprint sensor is the ideal solution to do just that.
Durability
Metal credit cards offer a unique design that makes them stand out from traditional plastic cards. Many of them are also engraved, which can add a personalized touch to the card. While these cards are more expensive than their plastic counterparts, they typically come with higher rewards rates and other perks.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, metal credit cards are extremely durable and can withstand the wear and tear that comes with daily use. They are also less likely to be declined by merchants than plastic cards. However, if you’re not careful, your metal credit card could become damaged over time.
Many of the metal credit cards available today have hefty annual fees, which can offset the benefits they offer. In order to qualify for most of these cards, you must have a high credit score and a solid financial history. However, there are a few metal credit cards that don’t charge an annual fee, such as the Centurion Card from American Express.
If you decide to cancel your metal credit card, it is important to destroy it properly. This can prevent identity theft and other security concerns. It’s also a good idea to store the card in a safe place, such as your home safe. Most credit card issuers will send you an envelope to mail back your old credit card, as metal credit cards are too strong to destroy with scissors or a paper shredder.
Security
Metal cards offer a fascinating look and feel, as well as a sense of prestige and exclusivity. They are often reserved for high-net worth customers and privileged members of exclusive clubs and organizations. They can also come with generous rewards and perks, such as cashback, travel, airport lounge access, and more. These perks can help offset the annual fee that many metal cards charge.
A key benefit of metal cards is that they are sturdier than traditional plastic credit card alternatives. This makes them difficult to bend, cut, or slit, making them Metal Card more secure against fraud and theft. In addition, some metal cards are embedded with a contactless chip that can be used for fingerprint authorisation. This technology removes the need for PINs or payment limits on a metal card and ensures the correct owner is using it.
However, a downside of metal cards is that they can be more difficult to destroy when you no longer use them. Getting rid of a plastic credit card typically involves reaching for the scissors or home shredder. With a metal card, this becomes much more complicated as most have a warning on the back to not shred them. Some metal cards even have a note that says “do not cut” to warn people against trying to destroy them with tin snips or other tools.
Convenience
Whether you want to add a sleek touch to your wallet or stand out at the checkout, metal cards are an attention-grabbing option. They’re sturdier and heavier than plastic cards but also offer enhanced security and unique perks.
The most popular metal card on the market is Revolut Metal, a debit card designed to attract millennials with its luxurious design. With a fingerprint sensor, this card offers a secure and convenient way to tap and go while allowing users to manage multiple services on one card. Its contactless certification, innovative printing features, edge-to-edge metal, and elegant metallic feel combine to offer a unique customer experience while fostering the future of personal finance.
While most metal cards are made from stainless steel, some are crafted with more flashy materials such as titanium and even airplane cladding. As a result, they tend to be pricier than their plastic counterparts.
To qualify for most metal cards, you’ll need to have a high credit score and income. However, some metal cards — like the X1 card and the Platinum American Express Card— offer premium air travel benefits such as priority boarding and lounge access, making them a worthwhile option for frequent flyers. Ultimately, it’s best to compare the benefits and cost of both metal and plastic cards before choosing your next payment method.
Symbolism
For many consumers, getting a metal credit card can feel like a status symbol, even though the cards are similar to their plastic counterparts. They’re more expensive and have a rugged appearance, but whether they make you look richer is subjective. “Status is a very important driver for many people,” said Sarah Kocianski, head of research at UK-based financial services consultancy 11:FS.
Among the most famous metal credit cards is American Express’s Centurion Card, also known nxp mifare desfire as the Black Card, which made its debut in 1999. It quickly became a symbol of prestige thanks to its by-invite-only clientele and luxury perks such as beck-and-call concierge assistance, complimentary stays at luxury hotel chains and exclusive closed-door events.
More recently, a number of credit card issuers have introduced metal cards to appeal to millennials and other consumers who want to appear wealthy and sophisticated. Some of these cards feature sleek, minimalist designs that have a premium feel and have a heavier weight than plastic cards. The heft can create a sense of sophistication and membership in a club, such as an elite military unit or a high-end shopping club, while the appearance of a metal card adds a feeling of security to a wallet.
Some cardholders, however, have found that the extra weight and aesthetic of a metal card is not worth the extra cost. Brian Stucki, a VP at a technology company who has a metal Amazon Prime card, said the extra heft caused him to carry a heavier wallet than he preferred and ended up switching back to his plastic Amazon Prime Card.