The Benefits of a Metal Credit Card
In a world of plastic credit cards, metal is a welcome alternative. Its hefty construction makes it stand out and is durable enough to endure a long-term use.
Many card issuers help you dispose of an old or expired metal credit card. They typically provide an envelope that you can mail to them for safe disposal.
1. Aesthetics
Credit card metal is a trend Smart Silicone Bracelet that started with American Express. In 1999, the company launched its exclusive Centurion Card — colloquially known as the Black Card — made from anodized titanium. Its exclusivity and coveted perks created a buzz that led to other card issuers offering metal credit cards to their top-tier rewards members.
Compared to plastic cards, credit card metal tends to have a heavier feel. This can be due to the material used or because of other design features. The extra weight also adds to the premium feel of a Metal Card and can convey a sense of luxury to the user.
Metal credit cards can be made from brushed stainless steel, brass, copper, aluminum, or titanium or may include a mix of metals. They work just like plastic credit cards in terms of making purchases, transferring balances, and taking cash advances. They’re primarily geared toward high-spenders with good to excellent credit who want to stand out from the plastic masses.
While metal credit cards can be a status symbol, it’s important to choose a card that fits your needs and budget. Keep in mind that the best metal credit cards often come with a hefty annual fee, so be sure to choose one that offers worthwhile perks to offset the cost. In addition, the heaviness of a Metal Card can be a drawback for some users, especially those with thin wallets.
2. Durability
In addition to their beauty, metal credit cards are often designed to be sturdier and more resilient than plastic cards. They tend to be made of a hard and sturdy material like aluminum or stainless steel, although some pricier cards use flashy materials such as titanium and gold. Additionally, metal cards are not as flexible as plastic cards, so they have a lower risk of damage from bending or breaking.
This durability also means that metal cards can endure more frequent swipes without becoming damaged than their plastic counterparts, which can be a benefit for consumers who make many purchases with their card each month. In some cases, metal credit cards may even be able to hold more than one magnetic stripe, which can help them to be used at more locations.
Another advantage of metal cards is that they are typically heavier and more robust than plastic credit cards, which can add a sense of luxury to your wallet. This added heft gives metal credit cards what’s known as the “plunk factor” that can get people noticed when they take their card out to pay for something.
However, the added heft of metal credit cards also can make them more difficult to destroy upon expiration or closing the account. If you’re planning on a metal credit card, be sure to work with your issuer to find the best way to destroy it.
3. Convenience
In many ways, metal credit cards work exactly like the plastic card options that populate most consumers’ wallets. They offer contactless payment capabilities, EMV chip technology and standard credit card perks like rewards programs and purchase protections.
The difference is that metal cards typically come with premium perks and benefits that can add significant value to your credit card portfolio. These include lounge access, travel credits and elevated status with airline and car rental brands. Metal Card These advantages may help offset the hefty annual fees that often accompany metal cards.
While many people find that the premium feel of a metal credit card is worth the heftier fee, it’s important to remember that not every metal credit card is right for everyone. It’s also important to select a metal card that supports your financial goals and that you can afford. Before applying, make sure you conduct informed research and select a credit card that offers you the best welcome bonuses, fees, perks and rewards.
Many credit card issuers offer special destruction envelopes that you can use to send in your old or expired metal credit cards. Alternatively, you can bring your metal credit card in to one of the card issuer’s branches, which may be able to destroy it on-site for you. However you dispose of your metal card, it’s essential to store it securely.
4. Security
Whether they’re made of brass, stainless steel, gold, palladium or another metal alloy, many cards offer superior durability to plastic credit cards. This enhanced security can help protect cardholders from identity theft and other fraud, giving them more peace of mind while they spend.
In addition to a premium look, most metal credit cards also feature advanced functionality. These include EMV chips and contactless payment technology that provide a more secure alternative to traditional swipe-and-go plastic cards. Some metal credit cards also offer premium benefits like airport lounge access, travel credits and elevated status with car rental and hotel brands.
Metal credit cards are typically seen as a status symbol by some consumers, and they’re often designed for high-spenders with good or excellent credit. Some metal credit cards also have steep annual fees, making them less accessible to some people.
The durability of metal credit cards can also be a drawback, as they’re more difficult to destroy than plastic cards. If you have a metal credit card that’s reaching its expiration date, it might be best to return it to your card issuer for safe destruction. Alternatively, you can store it safely in a locked safe or vault. Card issuers may even provide an envelope for expired cards so you can send them back.