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Let’s face it, metal credit cards are pretty awesome. They’re not only stylish and feel great in your hand, but they also come with some of the best perks around. Metal cards are built for the on-the-go lifestyle, providing durability and reliability. All the credit cards I hold in my wallet are metal, but the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is my favorite metal card.
Here are just a few of the benefits of using a metal credit card:
- Durability: Metal cards are made from sturdy materials that can withstand wear and tear. This means you don’t have to worry about them bending or breaking, even if you’re rough on your cards.
- Reliability: Metal cards are less likely to get declined than plastic cards. This is because they’re seen as being more secure and reliable by merchants.
- Perks: Many metal credit cards come with exclusive perks, such as travel rewards, airport lounge access, and purchase protection.
If you’re looking for a credit card that is both stylish and functional, a metal card is a great option. They offer a number of benefits that can make your life easier and more rewarding. On top of that, they are often also contactless credit cards, providing more protection.
In the past, banks reserved “metal credit card status” for their rarest products. But today, the best metal credit cards are perfect for earning travel rewards since they are reserved for some of the best products card issuers offer. If you want to travel with a strong card, this post is for you.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
Is a Metal Credit Card Better?
Some years ago, I had the unfortunate experience of traveling abroad with a plastic card that stopped working (the machines couldn’t read it). It was a bit of a nightmare trying to pay for anything, and I, unfortunately, learned my lesson the hard way.
Having a durable card that works no matter what you’re buying or where you’re buying it can be a relief that you don’t want to have to worry about.
An increasing number of personal and business credit cards are becoming metal credit cards. It’s possible to get a heavy metal credit card with no annual fee and, of course, earn those valuable rewards. It’s also possible to enjoy cash rewards with metal credit cards too.
But, in most cases, you will need a good or excellent credit score of at least 720 to qualify for these durable metal credit cards.
Related: Best Places To Get a Free Credit Score Report
Best Metal Credit Cards Table
| Credit Card | Category | Annual Fee | Suggested Credit Score | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Best Chase Metal Credit Card | $95 | 700+ | More Info |
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | Heaviest Metal Credit Card | $695 (See rates & fees) | 700+ | More Info |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | Best Capital One Metal Credit Card | $395 | 700+ | More Info |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Thickest Metal Credit Card | $550 | 780+ | More Info |
| The Business Platinum Card® from American Express | Best Metal Business Credit Card | $695 | 740 | More Info |
Which Credit Cards Are Made Out of Metal?
Travel credit cards are the most common card to be made of metal. They also happen to have some of the best benefits and award travel redemption options as well. Here are the heaviest and thickest metal cards in 2024, which makes them strong and durable for travel and everyday wear and tear.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card – The Best Chase Metal Credit Card for 2024
One of the best cards you can have in your wallet is the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.
New Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns unlimited:
- 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠ (excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 Anniversary Hotel Credit)
- 3x points on dining (including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out)
- 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target®, Walmart®, and wholesale clubs)
- Also 3x points on select streaming services
- 2x points on all other travel purchases
- 1x point per $1 spent on all non-bonus purchases
There is a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit. It comes in the form of a statement credit that will automatically be applied to your account when your card is used for hotel accommodation purchases made through the Ultimate Rewards program, up to an annual maximum accumulation of $50.
Related: Here’s How to Check Your Chase Credit Card Application Status
Additional Sapphire Preferred Benefits
Plus, on each account anniversary, you’ll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
When you want access to the Ultimate Rewards 1:1 transfer partners but don’t need premium travel benefits, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card can be a better fit. You can enjoy a 25% travel redemption booking travel on Chase or you might get more value by transferring your points to the 1:1 Chase travel partners. It’s also possible to redeem your points for cash and gift card rewards, though you won’t get a redemption bonus with this Chase Metal credit card.
You will pay a $95 annual fee, but the sign-up bonus and perks make it worth it.
Related: Chase Sapphire Preferred Review
The Platinum Card from American Express – The Heaviest Metal Credit Card
One of the most benefit-rich metal credit cards that have recently added new premium perks is The Platinum Card® from American Express. Some of the best benefits include earning 5x Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
Cardholders get access to several leading airport lounge networks. This is the best American Express card. The Amex Platinum metal card is also definitely one of the heaviest metal credit cards available.
Your Membership Rewards points can be most valuable when you transfer them to the 1:1 airline partners. Some of the partners include Delta, Aer Lingus, Emirates, and Singapore Airlines.
New The Platinum Card® from American Express cardmembers can earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $8,000 on purchases on their new Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Note that The Platinum Card from American Express is hard to get but can be worth it for frequent travelers.
The annual fee is $695 (See Rates & Fees) but can be offset with the perks, which are valued at over $1,400.
Chase Sapphire Reserve – The Thickest Chase Metal Card
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is the flagship premium Chase metal credit card.
It’s a premium travel rewards card that lets you enjoy free Priority Pass Select lounge access, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, and a $300 travel credit.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® purchases earn up to 10x Ultimate Rewards. Cardholders can earn unlimited:
- 10x total points on hotels and car rental purchases through Chase Travel℠ (after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually)
- 10x total points on Chase Dining purchases through Chase Travel℠
- 5x total points on flights when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ (after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually)
- 3x points on other travel worldwide (after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually)
- 3x points on other dining at restaurants, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out
- 1x points for all remaining purchases
You will not receive rewards points on your first $300 in annual travel purchases as the annual travel statement credit reimburses these purchases.
You receive a 50% travel redemption bonus, or you can transfer your points on a 1:1 basis to airlines and hotels, including Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Marriott Bonvoy, and World of Hyatt.
Additional Chase Sapphire Reserve Perks
New Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $900 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.
The annual fee is $550.
Before trying for the Sapphire Reserve, make sure you haven’t opened at least 5 new credit card accounts in the last 24 months. The Sapphire Reserve is also one of the thickest metal credit cards available. Compare the Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Chase Sapphire Preferred if you’re unsure which would be best for you.
Related: Chase Sapphire Reserve Review
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card – Best Capital One Metal Credit Card
You prefer the value and simplicity that comes from a flat-rate rewards card like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. Its rewards program is straightforward. You can earn unlimited:
- 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
- 2x miles on all other purchases
Reward miles are redeemable for travel statement credits, award flights, and mile transfers to leading travel programs. Capital One also has new travel perks like 1:1 transfer ratios and airport lounges.
Cardholders can also enjoy a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit of up to $100. Additionally, enjoy complimentary access to Priority Pass Select and the Capital One Lounge network.
The annual fee is $395. However, you also get $300 in annual travel credits on Capital One Travel purchases. So, this can effectively make the annual fee only $95.
This is one of the best Capital One credit cards available, and it’s the best Capital One metal credit card thanks to its flexibility and earning potential on every purchase.
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel, with the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.
Best Metal Credit Cards 2024
- 60,000 Point Bonus Offer Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- At least 2x Miles on Every Purchase Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Up to 10x points, $300 annual travel credit Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- 80,000 Point Bonus Offer The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Best metal business card The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Best Metal Credit Cards Without an Annual Fee
Wells Fargo Autograph Card
Okay, so this one isn’t entirely made out of metal, but rather it has a metal core which is then covered in plastic. Plus, we like that The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card has no annual fee and comes with great reward-earning possibilities. There’s a good chance that you can earn a number of rewards on monthly purchases. Cardholders can earn 3x points on purchases including:
- Restaurants
- Gas stations
- Transit
- Travel
- Popular streaming services
- Phone plans
All other purchases earn an unlimited 1 point per $1 spent. Paying your cell phone bill with Autograph can help you qualify for $600 in free cell phone protection (subject to a $25 deductible).
Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, statement credits, or by redeeming rewards at PayPal checkout when shopping online.
Learn more: Rewards Credit Cards
Best Metal Credit Cards for Dining Rewards
The Sapphire Preferred and Capital One Venture cards both earn at least 2x rewards per $1 on dining purchases. You can earn more cashback with a non-metal credit card, but I prefer to earn transferrable travel rewards points.
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
The information for the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Johnny Jet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
For dining and entertainment rewards, look no further than the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card. You can earn unlimited:
- 4% back on dining, entertainment, and select popular streaming services
- 3% back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target)
- 1% back on all non-bonus purchases
The signup bonus is the ability to earn a one-time $300 bonus cash after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months of account opening. The annual fee is $95.
Related: Best Capital One Credit Cards
Best Heaviest & Thickest Metal Credit Cards
While heavy metal credit cards were once reserved for exclusive new members by invitation only, it’s becoming more common. You can now take your pick between getting a premium travel rewards card that’s full of benefits or a consumer credit card that may or may not charge an annual fee but still offers robust rewards.
- 60,000 point bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- 75,000 Mile Bonus: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Thickest Metal Credit Card: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- 80,000 Point Bonus: The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Best metal business card: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
The Best Business Metal Credit Cards for 2024
Maybe you’re looking for a new conversation topic for your next business conference or client meeting. Showcasing one of the best metal business credit cards might be the icebreaker you are looking for.
There are several personal credit cards made of metal that come with plenty of rewards. For instance, the Chase Sapphire Preferred benefits include earning points for travel, the ability to transfer points to major travel partners, travel insurance, and more.
Only a few business credit cards come in metal. Owning one of these cards puts you in an exclusive group. And because these cards are metal, you can likely earn more rewards than your current cards.
If you are still waiting to receive your invitation to the invite-only Business Centurion® Card from American Express, you can try one of these options instead, including some of the best premium credit cards.
The Business Platinum Card from American Express
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is the most lavish metal card open to the general public. You earn 5x Membership Rewards® points per $1 spent on flights and prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1x points for each dollar spent on eligible purchases.
Cardholders earn 1.5x points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on eligible purchases at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
For both plane ticket purchases and large purchases, this card earns almost double the points as most rewards credit cards.
However, the real value of The Business Platinum Card from American Express can be in the many travel benefits.
Travel Perks
Additionally, unlock over $1,000 in annual statement credits on the curation of business purchases, including select purchases made with Dell Technologies, Indeed, Adobe, and U.S. wireless service providers.
Plus, get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees charged by your one selected, qualifying airline to your Card.
Cardholders can get up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when they use their Business Platinum Card®.
With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, with The American Express Global Lounge Collection®. You have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023. Enrollment is required for some lounges.
Related: The Best Credit Cards for Purchasing Flight Tickets
Other benefits include:
- Fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
- Hilton Honors Gold status
- Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
Your award points are most valuable when redeemed for award flights. If you use Membership Rewards® Pay with Points for all or part of a flight with your selected qualifying airline, you can get 35% of the points back, up to 500,000 bonus points per calendar year on amextravel.com.
Additional Business Platinum Perks
Also, cardholders can take advantage of the Pay Over Time Option, a flexible payment option to help manage cash for purchases of $100 or more.
Another option is the numerous 1:1 airline transfer partners including Delta, British Airways, and Asia Miles. Point transfers can help you find more value from each redeemed point.
The annual fee is $695 (See Rates & Fees).
If you’re a big spender who wants travel rewards, you will like The Business Platinum Card® from American Express.
New The Business Platinum Card® from American Express cardholders can earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $20,000 in eligible purchases on their Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
Related: American Express Business Platinum vs Ink Business Preferred
Ink Business Premier Credit Card
If you prefer a Chase business card, check out the Ink Business Premier® Credit Card, the latest to join the Ink Card family. The Ink Business Premier is great if you want to earn double rewards on every purchase, regardless of category. There are no limits to how much cash back you can earn either. If your business makes a couple of large purchases throughout the year, this card might be perfect for you.
Cardholders earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase and 2.5% cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more. They also earn unlimited 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
Cardholders can redeem their rewards in several ways:
- Cashback
- Travel through Chase Travel℠
- Shopping at Amazon.com or with PayPal
- Gift cards at over 175+ brands, including Apple
Ink Business Premier® Credit Card cardholders can earn a $1,000 bonus cash back after spending $10,000 on purchases in the first 3 months after account opening.
This card has an annual fee of $195 but $0 foreign transaction fees.
You can read more in our Ink Business Premier review.
Member FDIC.
American Express Business Gold Card
You can earn up to 4 Membership Rewards points per $1 spent on eligible purchases with the American Express® Business Gold Card. This card is the best alternative to Business Platinum when you want to maximize your largest business and travel purchases but don’t need travel benefits like airport lounge access or airline fee credits. The annual fee is $375 (See Rates & Fees) versus the Business Platinum’s $695 annual fee.
You earn 4x points on the 2 categories where your business spent the most each billing cycle from the list below. Only the top two categories in each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap. Categories include:
- U.S. purchases at electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers
- Monthly wireless telephone service charges that are made directly from a wireless telephone service provider in the U.S.
- Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshares, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
- Purchases at U.S. media providers for advertising in select media (online, TV, and radio)
- U.S. purchases at gas stations
- U.S. purchases at restaurants, including takeout and delivery
Additionally, American Express Travel purchases through amextravel.com will now earn 3x points per $1.
All annual spending above $150,000 for the bonus categories and all non-bonus spending earns an unlimited 1x point per $1.
The 4x points apply to the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these 2 categories annually. All non-bonus purchases earn an unlimited 1 point per $1 spent with the American Express Business Gold Card.
Additional Business Gold Card Perks
New American Express® Business Gold Card cardholders can earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. The card comes in three metal designs: Gold, Rose Gold, and Limited Edition White Gold. White Gold design is only available while supplies last. New cardholders can make their selection when they apply. Terms apply.
American Express Business Gold cardholders also have access to a Pay Over Time Option that lets cardholders decide whether they want to pay for their eligible purchases in full each month or pay over time with interest (terms apply).
Custom Metal Credit Cards
Another way to turn plastic into metal is by making customized metal credit cards. Several online businesses will transfer your magnetic stripe and EMV chip to a metal card. You will need to either mail a frozen or unactivated card to get a metal version of your card.
There is a one-time fee for this service. For example, Metal-CreditCard.com custom designs start at $169. Each time you receive a replacement card, you need to pay the fee again to continue owning a metal card. If you lose your card, you still need to report your card as lost or stolen to the issuing bank.
Are Metal Business Credit Cards Worth It?
Most of these cards require a high annual fee. But if you don’t travel often or can’t maximize the bonus categories or point redemption options, you might consider sticking with a plastic business credit card. Likewise, some of the best small business credit cards may not come with a metal option, but they still pack plenty of rewards.
Some of the best travel credit cards with no annual fees might be helpful if you don’t mind paying an annual fee for a business card but want to stay away from fees in your personal accounts.
Regardless of what you choose, the best rewards credit cards are the ones that make it easy to earn or redeem reward points. Plus, they usually have additional benefits you can use.
Summary of Best Metal Credit Cards
In summary, most metal business credit cards are reserved for some of the most exclusive programs. If these cards can maximize your business spending or travel habits, you have the perfect excuse to add a hunk of metal to your wallet. Plus, it can be aesthetically pleasing to own.
Related Articles:
- What Are The Best Chase Business Credit Cards?
- 7 Best Business Credit Cards for Office Supplies
- Best Business Credit Cards With No Annual Fees, Advertising Perks, & More
- 7 Best Business Credit Cards for Cell Phones
- Best Credit Cards for Domestic Travel
FAQs
What is the best metal credit card with no annual fee?
The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is the best metal credit card without an annual fee. Plus, the Autograph doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee.
What is the best Chase metal credit card?
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is the best Chase-issued metal credit card. It is also one of the best travel rewards credit cards.
Its best card benefits include:
- Priority Pass airport lounge access
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
- $300 annual travel credit
Points are worth 50% more when booking award travel through Chase. Cardholders also can take advantage of the 1:1 point transfers to airline and hotel loyalty programs. There are no foreign transaction fees to worry about.
How do I destroy/dispose of a metal credit card?
How to dispose of a metal credit card:
- Most credit card issuers will send you a pre-paid envelope that you can mail back to them since metal credit cards can be too strong to destroy with the usual scissors or paper shredder. Call or email your card provider to request an envelope to mail it back. Many card issuers also have sections on their websites to walk you through the process.
- You can use a power drill to put holes in a metal credit card. Be sure to put a hole through the chip.
- You can use a hammer and nail to put a hole through the chip as well. Just make sure you have a piece of wood or a surface you don’t mind damaging beneath it.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.
And for rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Business Gold Card, please click here.
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
Johnny Jet has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Johnny Jet and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
No love for the Amex Gold? 4X on restaurants and supermarkets, 3X on airfare, $100/year airline fee credit, $10/month credit at Grubhub/Seamless and a few others, and free roadside assistance.
Damn near tore a hole in my new wallet, too.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless are no longer metal. Just got my replacement and was very disappointed. :(
That’s a bummer!
What about having one custom made? I read somewhere that is an option.
I haven’t heard of that. Do you know what bank?
What about Chase Amazon?
The Chase Amazon is a metal credit card, but there are much better Chase card options, imho.
Personally, I don’t like metal cards; they’re heavier, stiffer, sharper, and more difficult to destroy. And no credit or charge card should be considered a status symbol.
Venture Card is no longer metal. I have one and called to ask why I got a plastic card and they said they no longer have metal cards available.
I’ve felt a few of these cards in my hand. I love that their hefty. I would think they’d be harder to lose. Is their a card that’s made of 100% stainless steel? all the cards on this list are made “with metal” but not 100%. Just curious. Can a custom Metal Credit card be requested from an issuer??
I don’t know of any credit cards that you can customize to be 100% metal.
The capital one venture is not a metal card they market that it is and when I called to sign up they told me it was but when I received the card it was plastic. I tried call after I received the plastic card and I was informed that they don’t give metal card anymore.