The Best Metal Credit Cards

No longer just a status symbol for the elite shopper, metal credit cards are available to anyone who wants one, and are a sleek and durable alternative to their plastic counterparts.

Finding the best metal credit card for your spending needs means reading reviews, studying card features, and diving into the ins and outs of available styles and interest rates. With the right metal credit card, making your purchases without worrying about breaking a card can become a quick, over-and-done with task.

We reviewed dozens of metal credit cards to identify the best of the best, based on CreditCards.com reviews, how easy they were to apply for and use, cost, and other considerations. We narrowed our search down to 5 of the top-rated metal credit cards people can apply for and use to ensure a smooth credit experience.

Top Pick
Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel points and no annual fee for the first year.

Check Price

We’ve identified the Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card as the best metal credit card out there. With no annual fee for the first year and travel reward points, this metal credit card is one that will allow you to keep shopping with ease. These benefits allow you to continue making important purchases, while giving peace of mind that your card can withstand whatever you throw at it.

The 5 Top-Rated Metal Credit Cards

Editor's PicksBrandRating
Best OverallCapital One Venture Rewards Credit Card 4.2
Runner UpCapital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card4.7
Best for BudgetWells Fargo Propel American Express Card3.9
Best Metal Credit Card with RewardsAmerican Express Gold Card4.2
Best Travel Metal Credit CardChase Sapphire Preferred Card 4.5

*Ratings are from CreditCards.com at the time of publication and can change

Our Top Pick: Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card took the top spot on our list of the best metal credit cards, and is an excellent choice for those who enjoy travel. It offers 2X the reward miles on daily purchases, and 10X miles on thousands of eligible hotels. There’s also a bonus offer of 50,000 miles once you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months for added value. There is a $95 annual fee for this card, which is waived during the first year of use. Card holders get up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, and don’t have to worry about any foreign transaction fees when using this card.

Those who applied for and reviewed this metal credit card appreciated that it was very easy to redeem rewards, and said they accumulated points quickly. They liked that their miles never expire, although some people found the annual fee a bit steep.

With a price tag of about $95/year, it doesn’t come cheap, but the quality customer service associated with the brand, as well as the valuable travel rewards more than justifies that price. It has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on CreditCards.com with more than 10,000 people reviewing it, which we think goes a long way in convincing people to make an application.

Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card Key Features: 

  • Regular APR of 17.99-25.24% variable
  • 24-hour travel assistance services
  • Virtual card numbers

Our Runner Up Pick: Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card

Runner Up
Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card

Cash back rewards on everyday purchases for added value.

Check Price

The Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card took the runner-up spot on our list of the best metal credit cards, and is ideal for those with good to excellent credit. Card holders can earn unlimited 4% cash back on dining and entertainment, 2% at grocery stores, and 1% on all other purchases. There is an introductory offer of a $300 bonus credit after you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months of opening the account.

Those who applied for and reviewed this metal credit card appreciated that they could earn rewards on their everyday purchases. Some people felt the annual fee was a bit steep, but it’s waived for the first year to give users an idea of if it will work for their situation. People commented that rewards redemption was hassle-free, and found customer service to be very responsive.

At a cost of around $95/year, it doesn’t come cheap, but the quality service associated with the brand, as well as the ease of application and use more than justifies that price. It has a rating of 4.7 on CreditCards.com with nearly 1,000 people reviewing it, which we think goes a long way in convincing people to make an application.

Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card Key Features: 

  • Annual APR 16.74-25.74%, variable
  • Complimentary concierge service
  • Extended warranty and purchase protection

Best Budget Pick: Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card

Best for Budget
Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card

Bonus points can be redeemed for cash, with a 0% balance transfer and introductory purchase APR.

Check Price

The Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card is an excellent choice for those looking for a metal credit card that won’t break the bank. It offers card holders 3 points per dollar spent on restaurants, gas stations, travel, and eligible streaming services. Points redeem at a rate of 1¢ each, which works out to approximately 3% cash back in most categories. It offers a 0% balance transfer introductory APR for 12 months, with a regular APR of 16.24-28.24% variable after that.

Those who applied for and reviewed this metal credit card appreciated that the application process was pretty smooth, and found that even without excellent credit they could still get approval. People appreciated the rewards program, although some found the card wasn’t accepted widely while travelling.

With an annual fee of $0, this metal credit card is a solid choice for those looking for a metal credit card option on a budget. It has an editor’s rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars on CreditCards.com, which we think goes a long way in convincing people that this budget-friendly pick is just as good at meeting their spending needs as its more expensive counterparts.

Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card Key Features: 

  • Weighs just 10 grams
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Travel accident insurance and assistance program

Best Metal Credit Card with Rewards: American Express® Gold Card

Best Metal Credit Card with Rewards
American Express® Gold Card

Great rewards on travel, restaurant, and supermarket purchases, with plenty of luxury travel and dining perks.

Check Price

The American Express® Gold Card is an excellent option for those who want a metal credit card that offers valuable rewards. Cardholders can earn 4X Membership Rewards® points when dining at restaurants worldwide, 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X), and 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. It does come with a steep $250 annual fee, but those who make plenty of purchases will find the card can easily pay for itself.

Those who applied for and reviewed this metal credit card appreciated that it offered a variety of travel perks, including rental car insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, travel accident insurance, roadside assistance, and an annual travel credit. While the annual fee is pricey, many felt the rewards helped offset the cost.

With a price tag of $250/year, it doesn’t come cheap, but the quality service associated with the brand, as well as the generous rewards program more than justifies that price. It has an editor’s rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on CreditCards.com, which we think goes a long way in convincing people to make an application.

American Express® Gold Card Key Features: 

  • Weighs just 15 grams
  • Extended warranty program
  • No foreign transaction fees

Best Travel Metal Credit Card: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Best Travel Metal Credit Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Points take on 25% more value for Sapphire Preferred cardholders when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Check Price

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is another great card for those looking for travel specific rewards. Points take on 25% more value for Sapphire Preferred cardholders when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, and accumulate at a rate of 2X points on travel and dining at restaurants worldwide, and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. Card holders earn a 60,000 point bonus after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, which works out to a $750 travel credit when redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® program.

Those who applied for and reviewed this metal credit card appreciated that they were able to accumulate rewards quickly, and found the redemption process to be quite easy. People said customer service was excellent, and liked that they could check their credit rating at any time.

At a cost of $95/year, it doesn’t come cheap, but the quality of service associated with the brand, as well as the ease of application and the generous rewards structure more than justifies that price. It has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on CreditCards.com with more than 7,800 people reviewing it, which we think goes a long way in convincing people to make an application.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Key Features:

  • Annual APR 18.24-25.24% variable
  • Includes trip cancellation and travel accident insurance
  • No foreign transaction fees

Who Should Use a Metal Credit Card

A metal credit card is an ideal choice for those looking for a status symbol. Because of their increased weight, they are often sought out by millennials and those looking to display their wealth and status in a subtle and unique manner. Many metal credit cards boast a stainless steel front and carbon back that helps them to stand out from the competition. There are even metal credit cards that are gold-plated on the front for a real statement piece.

Metal credit cards are also a good option for those who are rough on their credit cards. Credit cards that are made of metal tend to be more durable than their plastic counterparts, making them an excellent option for those whose wallet takes a beating. Functionality-wise, there is no difference between a plastic credit card and a metal credit card.

Finally, keep in mind that if you are a frequent air traveler, your metal credit card could trip off the metal detectors. They can also be more difficult to destroy than their plastic counterparts, something to keep in mind should you wish to cancel the account.

Top Pick
Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel points and no annual fee for the first year.

Check Price

Important Features to Consider

Not all metal credit cards are created equal. A metal credit card should be easy to apply for, and feel sturdy during use. Here’s what to consider when evaluating the options in search of the best metal credit card for your spending needs:

  • Annual fee. The first thing to consider when searching for the best metal credit card is the annual fee. Cards with annual fees tend to have lower APRs, which make borrowing more affordable. Cards with low or no annual fees often carry higher APRs, but as long as you are making payments in full and on time, they can still be a good option if you don’t want the hassle of annual fees. Metal credit cards vary in price from $0-$200 or more annually, although some cards with cash back can easily pay for themselves depending on your spending habits.
  • Card type. Once you’ve decided if you want a card with or without an annual fee, you’ll need to decide if you want a Visa, MasterCard, Discover card, or AmEx. Not all merchants accept all cards, so if there’s somewhere you plan to use your card regularly, check to ensure you can make purchases without hassle.
  • Weight. Arguably one of the biggest draws of metal credit cards are their weight and the heft they deliver when plunked down for a purchase. Compare the weights of metal credit cards if you’re keen on having a heavy status symbol.
  • Introductory APR. Some metal credit cards offer an introductory APR (annual purchase rate) that is much lower than the regular APR. If you have a number of upcoming purchases and want to keep the cost of borrowing low, a card with an introductory APR offer might be a good option. Some cards also offer a promotional balance transfer APR, which can make transferring a balance from another card to the new card a smart choice, as long as you’re able to make payments responsibly.
  • Regular APR. A card’s regular APR will determine how much interest you are charged each month. Cards with lower APRs make borrowing more affordable, but they sometimes come with annual fees. Cards with low or no annual fees often carry higher APRs, but as long as you are making payments in full and on time, they can still be a good option.
  • Bonus features. Many metal credit cards include bonus features that make them more appealing to users, such as cash back, travel points, free spending tracking apps, extended warranties, travel insurance, or fraud protection. Review a card’s additional features to see if there are any that would be applicable to your personal situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a metal credit card and how does it work?

A metal credit card is simply a credit card made out of metal. It functions exactly the same as a plastic credit card. Many metal credit cards boast a stainless steel front and carbon back that helps them to stand out from the competition. There are even metal credit cards that are gold-plated on the front for a real statement piece.

Why are some credit cards made of metal?

Some credit cards are made of metal as a status symbol for the cardholder. Other credits cards are made of metal for their improved durability. Some people simply like the look and feel of a metal credit card, which has led many lenders to start issuing metal credit cards.

What was the first metal credit card?

Metal credit cards might be growing in popularity, but they’ve actually been around for some time. The first metal credit cards were issued by major department stores in the 1920s, and were fashioned similarly to military dog tags. Because they were embossed, it was easier for clerks to imprint the numbers with a Charga-Plate, instead of the tedious and sometimes error-prone hand copying that was common with the paper credit cards of the time. It wasn’t until the 1960s, after the development of plastic, that creditors made the switch from metal to plastic credit cards. The first metal credit card in recent times was the Platinum Card from American Express.

How much does a metal credit card cost?

There are metal credit cards that carry no annual fee, and others that cost upwards of $2,500 per year. By shopping around, you can find the best metal credit card for your budget.

Other Metal Credit Cards We Reviewed

Top Pick
Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel points and no annual fee for the first year.

Check Price

We looked at 20 other metal credit cards. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best metal credit cards list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your spending needs. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.

Metal Credit Cards with Rewards

American Express® Business Gold Card

American Express® Business Gold Card

This metal credit card with rewards offers 4X Membership Rewards® points on the two select categories where your business spent the most each month, with 1X points on all other purchases.

Key Features: 

  • Variable APR 16.49-24.49%
  • Introductory bonus of 35,000 Membership Rewards® points
  • Zero fraud liability

Cost: $295/year

U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® Card

U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® Card

This metal credit card with rewards offers 3X the rewards on travel-related purchases, with 1X the points on all other purchases.

Key Features: 

  • Variable APR 17.99%
  • Points worth 50% more when spent on travel
  • Introductory bonus of 50,000 points

Cost: $400/year

Luxury Card Mastercard® Gold Card

Luxury Card Mastercard® Gold Card

This metal credit card with rewards is best suited for elite travelers with a taste for luxury, as it offers several unique discounts and services such as travel credits, airport lounge access, and invitation-only experiences.

Key Features: 

  • Variable APR 17.24%
  • Points never expire, with no blackout dates
  • 24-gold-plated stainless steel front and carbon back

Cost: $995/year

Travel Metal Credit Cards

Business Platinum Card from American Express

Business Platinum Card from American Express

This travel metal credit card offers 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com, as well as 1.5 points per dollar on eligible purchases of $5,000 or more.

Key Features: 

  • Introductory bonus of 75,000 Membership Rewards® points
  • Includes one year of Platinum Global Access from WeWork
  • Airport lounge access and annual travel credit

Cost: $595/year

J.P. Morgan Reserve

J.P. Morgan Reserve

This travel metal credit card is an invitation-only credit card, making it one of the most exclusive on our list. It offers 3X points on travel worldwide immediately after earning your $300 annual travel credit.

Key Features: 

  • Includes trip cancellation and interruption insurance
  • Complimentary airport lounge access
  • No foreign transaction fees

Cost: $595/year

Centurion® Card from American Express

Centurion® Card from American Express

Another ultra-exclusive travel metal credit card, this card boasts a sleek black appearance, and hefty weight. There is no credit limit on this card, but you’ll need to commit to a minimum of $250,000 in charges annually.

Key Features: 

  • Personalized concierge service
  • One-time, $5,000 initiation fee
  • Complimentary airline and hotel upgrades

Cost: $2,500/year

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express® Card

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express® Card

This travel metal credit card offers a very generous introductory bonus of 75,000 points if you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months, and 2 points per dollar on other purchases.

Key Features: 

  • Variable APR 17.99-26.99%
  • Points don’t expire, with no blackout dates
  • No limit on how many points you can earn

Cost: $450/year

The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® Credit Card

The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® Credit Card

This travel metal credit card provides 5X the points on Marriott and Ritz-Carlton hotel stays, 2X the points on car rental, restaurants, directly purchased airfare, and 1X points on all other purchases.

Key Features:  

  • Includes a complimentary 2-night stay at a tier 1-4 Ritz-Carlton hotel
  • Variable APR 16.99-23.99%
  • Transfer points to other Chase cards

Cost: $450/year

Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card

This travel metal credit card offers a generous introductory bonus of 75,000 bonus points if you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months, with 6 points per dollar at Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases.

Key Features: 

  • Includes an annual free night stay in a hotel, up to 35,000 points
  • Variable APR 18.24-25.24%
  • Transfer points to more than 40 airline partners at 3:1 ratio

Cost: $95/year

United MileagePlus® Club Card

United MileagePlus® Club Card

This travel metal credit card is perfect for those who fly United Airlines frequently, and provides 2X the points for directly purchased United airfare, with 1.5X the points on all other purchases.

Key Features: 

  • Introductory bonus of 50,000 miles if you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months
  • Includes United Club membership
  • Variable APR 18.24-25.24%

Cost: $450/year

IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card

IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card

This travel metal credit card offers 10 points for every dollar spent on IHG hotel stays, 2 points per dollar on gas station, grocery store and restaurant purchases, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

Key Features: 

  • Includes a free hotel night each year
  • Introductory bonus of 80,000 points if you spend $2,000 in first 3 months
  • Up to $100 credit for Global Entry/TSA Precheck every 4 years

Cost: $89/year

Mastercard® Black Card™

Mastercard® Black Card™

This travel metal credit card boasts a 0% introductory APR for the first 15 billing cycles on balance transfers made within the first 45 days, and includes a $100 annual airline credit toward qualifying purchases.

Key Features: 

  • Variable APR 17.24%
  • Access to 24/7 Luxury Card Concierge™
  • Trip cancellation insurance

Cost: $495/year

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

This travel metal credit card offers 3X points on travel immediately after earning your $300 travel credit, 3X points on dining at restaurants, and 1 point for every dollar spent on all other purchases.

Key Features: 

  • Variable APR 19.24-26.24%
  • Introductory bonus of 50,000 points if you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
  • Access to 1,000+ Priority Pass airport lounges

Cost: $450/year

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express

This travel metal credit card offers 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, as well as 5X Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com.

Key Features: 

  • Introductory bonus of 60,000 points if you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
  • Access to Centurion lounges
  • Uber VIP status and free rides in the U.S., up to $15 monthly

Cost: $550/year

Citi® AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard®

Citi® AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard®

This travel metal credit card offers 2X AAdvantage® miles on eligible American Airlines purchases, for every $1 spent at gas stations, and every $1 spent at restaurants.

Key Features: 

  • Introductory bonus of 50,000 points if you spend $2,500 on purchases in the first 3 months
  • First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines flights
  • Variable APR 18.24-26.24%

Cost: $99/year

Citi Prestige card

Citi Prestige card

This travel metal credit card offers 5 points per dollar on air travel and restaurants, 3 points per dollar on hotels and cruise lines, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

Key Features: 

  • Introductory bonus of 50,000 points if you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
  • Includes a $250 annual travel credit
  • Priority Pass membership

Cost: $495/year

HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard

HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard

This travel metal credit card includes a $100 annual travel enhancement credit, and offers 24/7 worldwide assistance with an Emergency Cash Transfer to a maximum of $5,000 if your card is lost or stolen.

Key Features: 

  • Introductory bonus of 50,000 points if you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Earn 3% on all eligible travel purchases, and 1.5% on all other purchases

Cost: $149/year

Metal Credit Cards with No Annual Fee

Amazon Business Prime American Express Card

Amazon Business Prime American Express Card

This metal credit card with no annual fee is only available to Amazon Business Prime account holders, and offers 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and on wireless telephone services in the U.S.

Key Features: 

  • Includes a $125 Amazon.com gift card upon approval
  • Bonus cash back categories
  • No foreign transaction fees

Cost: $0

Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature

Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature

This metal credit card with no annual fee is only available to Amazon Prime members, and offers a 5% points on Amazon and Whole Food purchases, 2% on restaurant, gas station, and drugstore purchases, and 1% on all other purchases.

Key Features: 

  • Includes a $70 Amazon.com gift card upon approval
  • No limit on how much cash back you can earn
  • Variable APR 16.49-24.49%

Cost: $0

Custom Metal Credit Cards

Lion Credit Card

Lion Credit Card

If you can’t bear the thought of parting with your favorite credit card, but still want the look and feel of metal, Lion Credit Card company will make you a custom card, for a fee.

Key Features: 

  • Can transplant the original EMV chip
  • Available in six finishes
  • Works nearly anywhere a plastic credit card works

Cost: From $159