- Our top picks for the best metal credit cards are The Platinum Card® from American Express, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, among others.
- Metal credit cards are made of metals like stainless steel, platinum or gold.
- The best metal credit cards tend to come with high annual fees, but you can find options as low as $95 for travel rewards cards, and some with no annual fee.
- These cards are more durable than traditional plastic credit cards but are harder to dispose of.
- Metal credit cards work like any other credit card.
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On This Page
- KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Our top picks for the best metal credit cards
- Comparing the best metal credit cards
- More info on the best metal credit cards
- What is a metal credit card?
- How to choose the best metal credit card
- Compare the best metal credit cards by weight
- Should I get a metal credit card?
- How to get approved for a metal credit card
- Some things to consider with metal credit cards
- FAQ: Best metal credit cards
On This Page
- KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Our top picks for the best metal credit cards
- Comparing the best metal credit cards
- More info on the best metal credit cards
- What is a metal credit card?
- How to choose the best metal credit card
- Compare the best metal credit cards by weight
- Should I get a metal credit card?
- How to get approved for a metal credit card
- Some things to consider with metal credit cards
- FAQ: Best metal credit cards
Best Metal Credit Cards of September 2024
Sarah Stasik - Personal Finance
+ 1 other
Reviewed By
Blake Esken - Los Angeles Times
Our top picks for the best metal credit cards
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for cardholder credits
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best redemption value
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for a low annual fee
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best for anniversary bonus miles
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for general hotel benefits
- United Club℠ Infinite Card: Best for United loyalists
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Best for Marriott Bonvoy loyalists
- American Express® Gold Card: Best for a large welcome bonus
Our top picks for the best metal credit cards
Advertiser Disclosure
Best for cardholder credits
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Up to 5X Reward Rate
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year), 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, and 1X points on other eligible purchases.
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Annual Fee
$695
Welcome Offer
80,000 points
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
Weighs 18.5 grams. One of the most prestigious cards out there, The Platinum Card® from American Express offers cardholders over $1,500 worth of statement credits and high-end perks.
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- $200 Hotel Credit: Receive up to $200 back in statement credits each year for prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when paying with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Receive up to $20 back in statement credits every month when you make eligible purchases with your Platinum Card®. This offer applies to Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
- Escape the hectic nature of the airport with the American Express Global Lounge Collection®. With complimentary access to over 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries, you can enjoy more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer. As of 03/2023.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Maximize savings on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership using your Platinum Card® and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one eligible airline and then get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when you are charged incidental fees by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
- $200 Uber Cash: Receive Uber VIP status and get up to $200 annually ($15 per month, plus a $20 bonus in December) in Uber Cash on Rides or Eats orders in the U.S. Uber Cash and VIP status are only available to Basic Card Members. To receive this benefit you must have downloaded the latest version of the Uber App and your eligible Card must be a method of payment on your Uber account. This benefit may only be used in the United States. Terms apply.
- $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Get to your gate faster at over 50 airports nationwide with CLEAR® Plus and receive up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership when you use your card. Subject to auto-renewal. CLEARLanes are available at over 100 airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
- Enjoy either a $100 statement credit for a Global Entry application fee every 4 years or a statement credit of up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also get access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
- Shop Saks with Platinum: Use your Platinum Card® to receive up to $100 in statement credits for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com annually (Up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually). Enrollment is required.
- Add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile and enjoy access to exclusive reservations and unique dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy
- Terms Apply.
Pros
- Excellent rewards rate for travel purchases
- Qualify for $1,500+ in statement credits
- Very generous welcome offer
Cons
- High annual fee of $695
- Many statement credit offers are too specific and hard to use
- Non-travel-perks aren’t spectacular
Best redemption value
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Up to 10X Reward Rate
Earn 10X points on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase Travel℠, 10X points on Chase Dining purchases, 5X points on flights booked through Chase Travel, 3X points on non-Chase travel and dining, and 1X points on all non-bonus spending.
Annual Fee
$550
Welcome Offer
60,000 points
Regular APR
22.49% to 29.49% variable
Recommended Credit
Excellent (740 - 850)
Why we like it
Weighs 13 grams. The Chase Sapphire Reserve comes out ahead in terms of redemption value. With a high point-earning capability through Chase Ultimate Rewards, those points can then be redeemed for travel through Chase Travel at 50% more value. This card also has a hefty welcome offer, a $300 annual travel credit, and various partner benefits, making it a valuable premium travel credit card. Fun fact: When the Sapphire Reserve first came out in 2016, people applied for them so quickly that Chase ran out of metal cards and had to send plastic cards temporarily!
Best for a low annual fee
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Up to 5X Reward Rate
Earn 5X points on Chase Travel℠ purchases, 3X points on dining, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services, and 1X points on other purchases.
Annual Fee
$95
Welcome Offer
60,000 points
Regular APR
21.49% to 28.49% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
Weighs 12.4 grams. While most metal credit cards have high annual fees, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card keeps things light (both in weight and cost) with a moderate $95 annual fee. Its perks are still pretty solid, too, with a great reward rate on travel and non-travel expenses, a few partner benefits, and an annual hotel credit. Points are also worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Travel. All in all, if you want a metal credit card but don’t want to break the bank in the process, Sapphire Preferred could be a good option.
Best for anniversary bonus miles
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Up to 10X Reward Rate
Earn 10X miles on hotel and rental car purchases made through Capital One Travel, 5X miles on airfare and vacation rentals purchased through the portal, and 2X miles per dollar spent on all other purchases.
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Annual Fee
$395
Welcome Offer
75,000 miles
Regular APR
19.99% to 29.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Excellent (740 - 850)
Why we like it
Weighs 18 grams. The $300 annual travel credit alone is enough to justify the annual fee of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. Add in perks like airport lounge access, anniversary bonus miles, and credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, and this card is a great option.
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- Get a $300 annual credit for booking trips through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy 10,000 bonus miles every year, which is equivalent to $100 towards travel, starting on your first anniversary
- Unlimited complimentary access to over 1,300 lounges, including Capital One lounges and the partner lounge network, for you and two guests
- Use Venture X miles to cover the cost of travel expenses, such as flights, hotels and rental cars; you can even transfer miles to over 15 travel loyalty programs of your choice
- Enhance every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collection with a range of cardholder benefits, such as experience credit, room upgrades, and more
- Up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Pros
- Miles can be redeemed for travel purchases, transfers to international airlines, and more
- Can qualify for hundreds of dollars in credits each year
- Huge welcome offer
Cons
- $395 annual fee
- Large spending requirement to earn the welcome bonus
- Excellent credit required
Best for general hotel benefits
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Up to 5X Reward Rate
Earn 5X miles per dollar on hotel stays, vacation rentals or rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 2X miles on all other purchases.
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Annual Fee
$95
Welcome Offer
75,000 miles
Regular APR
19.99% to 29.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
Weighs 16.6 grams. The Venture Rewards Card is a solid option, offering simple rewards on travel and everyday purchases, a generous welcome offer, and various perks for a low annual fee.
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- Miles don’t expire for the lifetime of the account plus there’s no limit to how many you can earn
- Up to a $120 credit to use toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use miles for reimbursement on any travel purchase—or use them to book a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enhance every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a range of cardholder benefits, such as $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
- Transfer your miles to over 15 travel loyalty programs of your choice
Pros
- Travel insurance protections incuded
- Earn flexible rewards for travel
- Reasonable $95 annual fee
Cons
- Requires good or excellent credit
- No everyday spending bonus categories
- High APR
Best for United loyalists
United Club℠ Infinite Card
Up to 4X Reward Rate
Earn 4X miles per dollar spent on United® purchases, earn 2X miles per dollar on other travel and dining purchases and earn 1X miles on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$525
Welcome Offer
80,000 miles
Regular APR
21.99% to 28.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Excellent (740 - 850)
Why we like it
Weighs 12 grams. The United Club℠ Infinite Card is packed with United-centric benefits like complimentary United Club access, generous reward-earning potential on United purchases, free checked bags, and more. For the United Airlines loyalist, these perks could easily make the steep annual fee well worth it. United Club access alone is worth $650 per year, so if you travel a lot and are interested in the free food and beverages, comfortable seating, and calm atmosphere of a United lounge, this card could give you that chance.
Best for Marriott Bonvoy loyalists
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Up to 6X Reward Rate
Earn 6X points per dollar spent at participating hotels, 3X points at restaurants worldwide, 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines, and 2X points on other eligible purchases.
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Annual Fee
$650
Welcome Offer
185,000 points
Regular APR
20.99% to 29.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
Weighs 14.6 grams. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is the height of luxury for Marriott loyalists, with insanely good benefits that can easily justify the high annual fee.
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- $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Enjoy up to $300 (up to $25 a month) in statement credits each calendar year for eligible purchases made at restaurants across the world on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.
- Enjoy room upgrades, such as enhanced views or suites, with Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status when available at selected properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
- Free Night Award: Get 1 Free Night Award each year after your Card renewal month. This award can be redeemed for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at participating hotels in the Marriott Bonvoy® program. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- You’ll be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases using your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. Only one Earned Choice Award can be earned per calendar year.
- $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Get up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when using your card to book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Enjoy either a $100 statement credit for a Global Entry application fee every 4 years or a statement credit of up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also get access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
- You can get 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. Certain limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to American Express cards. Terms apply.
- Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which provides unlimited airport lounge visits to more than 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, no matter the carrier or class you are flying. This means you can relax before or between flights. You can also enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a peaceful, comfortable location.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Cell Phone Protection
- Terms Apply.
Pros
- Extensive perks
- Generous rewards rate
- Many eligible properties worldwide
Cons
- High annual fee
- Few redemption options
- Large spending requirement for welcome offer
Best for a large welcome bonus
American Express® Gold Card
Up to 4X Reward Rate
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X. Earn 4 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1 point per dollar), 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, and 1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases
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Annual Fee
$325
Welcome Offer
LTO: 60,000 points + 20% bonus
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
Weighs 15 grams. While the Amex Gold Card’s $325 annual fee isn’t cheap, its huge welcome offer is even more generous than other cards with higher annual fees (and it has some other pretty nifty perks too).
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Card Details
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- Up to $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card as a payment method on your Uber account and automatically receive $10 in Uber Cash each month for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. (Up to $120 annually.) To receive this benefit you must have downloaded the latest version of the Uber App and your eligible American Express Gold Card must be a method of payment on your Uber account. This benefit may only be used in the United States.
- Up to $120 Dining Credit: Enjoy up to $10 in monthly statement credits when you use your American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys locations. Enrollment required.
- $100 experience credit: Receive a $100 experience credit when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit amounts vary by property, and are given only with a minimum two-night stay.
- Up to $100 Resy credit: Receive up to $50 in statement credits every 6 months (up to $100 per year) when you use your Gold Card at U.S. Resy restaurants or other eligible Resy purchases. Enrollment required.
- Up to $84 in annual Dunkin’ credits: Get $7 back per month in credits after you enroll and pay with your Amex Gold card at Dunkin’ locations
- Customize your card to fit your style: Gold, Rose Gold, or White Gold. White Gold is only available as supplies last.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Terms Apply.
Pros
- Generous welcome offer
- High rewards potential
- Many transfer partners available
Cons
- High annual fee
- Complicated statement credits
- Good or excellent credit recommended
Comparing the best metal credit cards
Card name
Best for
Welcome bonus
Reward rate
Learn more
Best for cardholder credits
80,000 points
1X-5X points
Best for anniversary bonus miles
75,000 miles
2X-10X miles
Best for general hotel benefits
75,000 miles
2X-5X miles
Best for Marriott Bonvoy loyalists
185,000 points
2X-6X points
Best for a large welcome bonus
LTO: 60,000 points + 20% bonus
1X-4X points
What is a metal credit card?
A metal credit card is a card made of metal, such as stainless steel, gold, titanium, platinum or other alloys, rather than the traditional plastic used for most credit cards.
They are the same shape and size as traditional credit cards and include the same elements, such as chips and magnetic strips. You can use metal credit cards the same way you use plastic credit cards.
Why choose a metal credit card?
Metal credit cards may be more durable than other types of cards, so if you use your card a lot or are generally hard on the things in your wallet, this can be a benefit.
Typically, metal is reserved for the best credit cards or more luxury cards, so carrying one can create a posh aesthetic. It can also give you access to exclusive perks and rewards for credit cards.
Pros and cons of metal credit cards
Pros
- Durable
- Offer a luxury aesthetic
- Often come with exclusive benefits
Cons
- Luxury cards typically have high annual fees
- You can’t cut it up easily if you need to destroy it
- May cause metal detectors to go off
How to choose the best metal credit card
When considering metallic credit cards, review the same factors you would when applying for any other card.
Some important considerations include:
- Welcome bonus. How much is the welcome bonus, and how easy is it to earn? Some credit cards offer a great sign-up bonus. If you’re down to two metal credit cards, this is a great tie-breaker.
- APR. What is the interest, and is there an introductory APR offer with this card? APR determines how much your debt will cost if you carry over a balance each month, so this is a critical consideration.
- Rewards. Review the reward structure for the card. Is it a cash back credit card? Are there options for earning points or miles that you can realistically leverage?
- Fees. How much is the annual fee? If you don’t think you can get enough value out of the card to cover the annual fee, it might not be the right option for you. These cards may charge a high annual fee, unlike some credit cards with no annual fee.
- Features. Consider other features, such as travel perks and benefits, shopping and account protection and access to your credit score.
Compare the best metal credit cards by weight
The heft and metal of these cards help them stand out and give them their luxury look, but not all metal cards are the same.
Let’s take a look at their differences:
| Card | Weight | Metal Type |
|---|---|---|
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | 18.5 grams | Stainless steel |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | 12.6 grams | Mixed metals |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | 12.4 grams | Mixed metals |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | 18 grams | Stainless steel |
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | 16.6 grams | Stainless steel |
| United Club℠ Infinite Card | 12 grams | Mixed metals |
| Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card | 14.6 grams | Mixed metals |
| American Express® Gold Card | 15 grams | Stainless steel |
Should I get a metal credit card?
Metal credit cards can be a good choice as long as the features, benefits and fees work with your spending habits and budget.
Many metal credit cards are luxury in nature, meaning they are high-end travel rewards cards that come with large annual fees. Typically, these cards do require a good or excellent credit score.
How to get approved for a metal credit card
Start by reviewing your options for a metal credit card and finding one that works for you. Then, complete an online application. You will need a government-issued photo ID and may need to provide some basic information about your income and existing debt.
The lender may also do a hard inquiry credit check as most metal credit cards require at least good credit for approval. You may need to work on building your credit before applying for one of these cards.
Prequalification may be an option with many of these cards. You can check if you’re eligible for an instant approval card without a hit to your credit report, and that can help you narrow down your choices. You might also get a prequalified offer in the mail if your credit score is good or you’ve been working on improving it.
Some things to consider with metal credit cards
Before deciding which is the best metal credit card for you, make sure you take the following into account.
They’re hard to destroy
These cards are harder to destroy than plastic cards. You may not be able to cut them up easily with a pair of scissors, for instance. This can be an inconvenience if you close your account or need to order a new card because you believe yours has been compromised.
Don’t just throw the card away whole, as this can put your account at risk. You may be able to cut it with a garden or garage tool. You can also contact your card issuer for guidance on what to do with an old card.
Don’t choose style over substance
Metal cards are sleek and posh-looking. But if one doesn’t serve your financial needs, the aesthetics don’t matter. Always review fee and rewards structures and other details and choose a card that works well for you.
• • • • •
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, please visit this page.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please visit this page.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, please visit this page.
FAQ: Best metal credit cards
Are metal credit cards better than regular credit cards?
Metal credit cards work exactly like traditional plastic credit cards. The only difference is that they are made of metal and may be more durable in your wallet.
What are the best metal credit cards?
The best metal credit card for you depends on your financial needs and spending habits. Luxury rewards cards tend to offer the best benefits for frequent travelers.
What’s the heaviest metal credit card?
The Platinum Card from American Express is one of the heaviest metal credit cards, weighing 18.5 grams.
Are metal credit cards more secure than regular credit cards?
Metal credit cards are not more secure than regular credit cards. The security of your card depends on other protections offered by your card company and how well you protect your account information.
How do you dispose of a metal credit card?
You cannot simply cut up a metal credit card with scissors. You may be able to destroy it with other tools, but you can also contact your credit card company for options. Many offer an option for mailing the card back to them to dispose of.
About the Author
Sarah Stasik is well versed in personal finance thanks to her previous role as a Revenue Cycle Manager for a Fortune 500 healthcare company. Using her inside knowledge and expertise, Sarah often covers topics ranging from insurance and the economics of private healthcare to personal finance and small business management.
With more than a dozen years of writing experience, Sarah has tackled niches that range from technical advances in fintech to personal budgeting challenges. She has covered topics such as insurance and the economics of private healthcare, small business management and accounting, and credit and savings. Her writing focuses on making complex or seemingly daunting financial topics more accessible and providing helpful and relevant resources for readers.
* Opinions expressed here are those of the LA Times Compare Cards Team and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser or entities included within this content. See our editorial policy for more details.
All products or services are presented in this content without warranty. The information, including card details such as rates and fees, is accurate at the time of publish. Please visit each bank's website directly for the most current information.