What You Need to Know About a Metal Credit Card
Add a metal credit card to your wallet for a premium look. These cards typically feature aluminum or stainless steel and pricier ones may be made of flashy materials like airplane cladding.
Most metal cards are rewards credit cards that require excellent credit to qualify. However, there are a few no annual fee options available as well.
The History of Metal Credit Cards
As credit cards evolve to meet the demands of a younger generation of consumers, they are becoming more svelte and stylish. Metal cards in particular are the hottest new payment product on the market, attracting high-value and trend-driven consumers. From a luxe aesthetic to premium perks and rewards, here’s what you need to know about these heavyweight additions to your wallet.
The first metal credit card debuted in 1999 with the introduction of the Centurion Card from American Express, also known as the “Amex Black Card.” Although invitation-only, it still exists today and is widely considered to be the ultimate credit card status symbol. In the years since, other premium metal credit cards have hit the market, including the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card. These uber-premium cards often carry high annual fees and typically include a number of premium benefits, including beck-and-call concierge assistance, complimentary luxury hotel-chain accommodation and exclusive closed-door events.
Regardless of their popularity, metal credit cards shouldn’t be the only consideration when shopping for Metal Card a new card. A better strategy is to focus on finding the best credit card for your spending habits and desired perks. In this way, you can maximize the value of your credit card and maximize your rewards and other benefits.
Premium Perks and Benefits
Credit cards made of metal often have premium perks and benefits. They can provide access to luxury lounges, elite status with hotel brands and airline companies and other travel benefits. They can also offer a number of other high-end benefits like concierge services, complimentary memberships and special perks for cardholders like dining reservations or movie tickets.
The first metal credit cards were incredibly exclusive and often by invitation only, but now they can be found as regular rewards credit cards. They tend to have higher credit score and income requirements than traditional plastic cards. However, if you do have good credit and want to get your hands on one of these beauties, all you have to do is apply and be approved for the card.
Just be aware that some metal credit cards come with high annual fees. So, before you decide to shell out for the shiniest of metal credit cards, be sure to assess all of the rewards, perks and other card features and benefits to make sure it’s worth it. Credit card experts recommend evaluating the value of a credit card based on its core features, rather than what it is or isn’t made of. Also, remember that you can’t bend or cut up a metal credit card, so if it’s time to upgrade to a new card, many issuers will send you an envelope for returning your old card and have them safely dispose of it for you.
Difficult to Destroy
If you have a metal credit card, your issuer may send you an envelope to return expired cards for destruction. However, you should note that these cards are harder to destroy than plastic credit cards. You can’t bend them or cut them with a pair of scissors, and even a shredder can’t break them down in the same way that it could plastic. Because of this, you should be more careful when it comes to protecting your card.
Metal credit cards tend to be premium cards that offer a number of luxury perks and benefits. For example, many metal cards come with airport lounge access, elevated status with car rental and hotel brands, and annual travel credits. They also usually have a high cost due to their membership fees and interest rates, and they require good or excellent credit to qualify.
Despite the prestige they carry, metal cards are not the best option for everyone. To decide nxp mifare desfire if a metal credit card is right for you, consider the rewards you earn and your spending habits. It’s also a good idea to check your credit score with free tools like WalletHub to make sure your credit is healthy enough to qualify for a metal card. If not, it might be a good idea to work on your credit before applying for one of these cards.
Annual Fees
Although metal credit cards were originally offered to elite cardholders and by invitation only, today they’re available for most everyday consumers who meet the card issuer’s lending criteria. However, they still tend to require excellent credit and a substantial income for eligibility and they’re usually much more expensive than plastic cards.
They’re also a lot heavier than plastic cards and, in some cases, can be difficult to use in merchants where the terminals aren’t designed for the newer, thicker credit cards. The heavyweight and metallic clunk of the card in your wallet adds to a sense of luxury but it can also feel cumbersome at times, especially for people with busy lifestyles.
When your metal card expires, getting rid of it requires more effort than with a plastic card. Since they’re typically not as flexible as standard plastic cards, you can’t simply cut them with scissors or put them through a shredder. Instead, you’ll likely need to work with your card issuer, who will send you a special envelope and instructions for returning your expired metal card so that it can be destroyed securely.
If you’re considering a metal credit card, be sure to compare the costs and benefits to ensure it fits your spending habits and daily needs. In many cases, the premium perks and benefits that come with metal cards can be offset by their higher annual fees.