The Benefits of a Metal Credit Card

Metal credit cards are a popular option for those looking to add a bit of style and status to their wallets. They’re also great for frequent travelers because they come with perks like lounge access and airport benefits.

While they may look cool and feel more durable than plastic cards, metal credit cards aren’t always worth the extra annual fee. Instead, pick a card based on its welcome bonus, fees, rewards and other perks.

Security

The credit card industry is in a period of intense competition with challenger banks, mobile accounts and digital wallets. As the payments landscape evolves, payment providers need to offer products and services that deliver convenience, control and speed in order to stay top-of-wallet for consumers.

A metal card can help you achieve these goals by offering a premium feel, full certification from global contactless schemes and a cost-effective solution that allows you to deploy large portfolios. But while a metal card may provide consumers with an attractive form factor, it can also create security risks.

As such, it is important to select a card based on all of the features rather than just its look and feel. This way, you can be sure that your card will not only provide a positive experience, but will also offer a variety of valuable rewards and benefits that will benefit you over time.

For instance, many metal cards have a feature that helps you protect your personal information by requiring you to re-enter your PIN every time you use it. These features are designed to prevent someone from accessing your account if you lose your card or it becomes compromised in some way.

Additionally, many cards have a feature that lets you securely destroy them in the event that you no longer want to use them. If you decide to cancel your card or change it, some issuers will provide you with a prepaid envelope that you can use to mail in your old metal card for destruction.

The same goes for when you are ready to replace a card that has expired. If you are unsure what to do with your old card, it is best to talk with your issuer about how to dispose of it properly.

If you choose to discard your card after it has expired, it is important to be aware that metal cards can’t be destroyed as easily as plastic ones. This can make it difficult to get rid of your old metal card, but you should be able to find options that will allow you to safely dispose of your credit card.

Customization

Unlike traditional plastic credit cards that have been the standard for years, metal credit and debit cards offer new opportunities to differentiate from the Metal Card competition. Card issuers can use exciting design techniques, finishes and laser personalization to give cardholders a unique experience that truly reflects their brand.

Many customers around the world are seeking to be different from the crowd and metal cards provide them with an opportunity to do so. This customization can include a variety of features, from the type of metal used to the design.

For example, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank uses a laser to engrave customers’ signatures on their metal cards to create a personalized experience. This gives their customers a card that literally no one else has.

Some issuers also offer metal cards with dual interface EMV technology that enables contactless payments. This allows customers to use their metal card in any environment, ensuring that they always have the option to pay with it.

The popularity of this card category is growing rapidly, with Millennials and Gen Zers showing the most interest. It is important to note that these segments are not the only ones looking for this kind of experience, as consumers of all ages are interested in new ways to pay and make purchases.

A number of challenger banks have taken this approach and are proving that they can deliver an attractive physical card experience in a digital world. They are using this strategy to help elevate their brands and position them as the digital alternative to legacy banking.

Traditionally, metal cards were only offered to the affluent and for exclusive membership programs. But today, innovations in manufacturing have made it possible to create metal cards at a more accessible price point.

This means that many issuers can now offer customized metal credit cards and debit cards at a fraction of the cost of the traditional model. This can allow issuers to target customers who are more likely to be interested in the product and are able to purchase it at an affordable price.

A wide variety of designs can be customized on a metal card, including flags and logos. These can be printed or etched on stainless steel, chrome and a variety of other alloys. These cards can also be colored, so that you can create a unique design to match your brand and personality.

Rewards

When looking for a new credit card, you’ll want to consider the rewards that it offers. These include travel benefits, cash back and more.

There are many metal cards available to choose Metal Card from, so it’s important to understand what type of rewards they offer before applying. In addition, make sure that the card fits your spending habits and financial goals.

The best metal credit cards typically come with premium perks and benefits that add to the value of the card. These include airport lounge access, elevated status with hotel and car rental brands, and annual travel credits.

These benefits are a great way to earn rewards, particularly for travelers who regularly fly. The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card, for example, is a popular metal card that offers up to 20,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) per year. This is enough to earn the annual fee back if you’re a frequent Delta flyer.

While metal credit cards may seem more expensive than their plastic counterparts, they can be a good option for those who travel frequently. Plus, they often offer other perks, such as free airport lounge access and elite status in loyalty programs.

In addition, the hefty weight of metal cards makes them feel more luxurious and premium. For example, the American Express Platinum is a heavy card at seven ounces. It’s also more durable than a plastic card, which makes it less likely to break or become lost during a trip.

Some metal credit cards are made of stainless steel or titanium, which is a strong material that is lightweight and easy to carry. These cards are a good choice for people who travel a lot and want a sturdy card that can hold up to everyday use.

When you’re ready to apply for a metal credit card, you’ll need a good credit score. You’ll also need to meet the minimum spending requirements to qualify for these cards. It’s also important to know that these cards aren’t usually available to everyone.

Annual fee

If you’re looking to get a new credit card, you might consider the option of a metal card. These cards are usually a bit heavier than plastic ones, but they are also more durable.

They’re made from a variety of metals including brass, stainless steel, titanium and gold. Some are made from a blend of different metals, which can also be referred to as mixed metal cards.

The American Express Centurion Card, for instance, is a popular metal credit card and often seen as a status symbol of wealth and class. It’s an invitation-only card and requires a $10,000 initiation fee and $5,000 annual fee to qualify.

Some of the best metal cards for everyday spending don’t have annual fees and are available to anyone with good credit. These cards can be a great option for people who travel frequently and want to earn rewards on their purchases, but don’t necessarily need premium travel perks or credits.

These cards typically have a lower annual fee than premium travel cards, but they still have a number of perks and credits that are hard to beat, like a $100 Global Entry or TSA Precheck credit each year.

Many premium cards, such as the Platinum Card from American Express or Chase Sapphire Reserve, come with annual fees, but they’re worth it if you’re looking for a high-end travel credit card that will help you save on future flights and hotels.

Depending on the card you choose, you may be able to earn more rewards than the annual fee with certain spending levels. But if you don’t spend enough on the card each year to cover its cost, the fee might be a waste of money.

If you’re interested in getting a metal card, make sure to choose the one that will best suit your needs. You should also check out the annual fee, as it can be a big factor in deciding whether or not to keep it.