- Huge welcome bonus.
- Earn a minimum of 2x miles one very purchase.
- $300 annual travel credit.
- Comes with airport lounge access.
- Generous rewards on travel booked through Capital One.
- Comes with fee credit for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry.
- No preset spending limit.
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Metal credit cards work just like any other type of card, yet they are considerably more durable and much easier on the eyes than their plastic counterparts. Picking up the bill with a heavy metal card in front of colleagues or friends can let them know you've "made it," or at least help make it appear that way. The thing is, metal credit cards aren't always the easiest to qualify for, mostly because these cards offer some of the best rewards rates and cardholder benefits around. In fact, most metal credit cards are premium travel credit cards or rewards credit cards that require good to excellent credit and a high income to get approved.
If you want a "status symbol" credit card with premium perks that is impressive to look at and feels substantial in your hand, the best metal credit cards are what you're after. Read on to find out which metal credit cards we recommend, the main benefits they offer, and steps you can take to find the right metal card for your needs and goals.
Best metal credit cards: Summary
- Best for Business travel rewards: card_name
- Best for rewards flexibility: card_name
- Best for premium travel perks: card_name
- Best for American AAdvantage enthusiasts: card_name
- Best for United frequent flyers: card_name
- Best for foodies: card_name
- Best for flexible travel rewards: card_name
- Best for point transfers: card_name
- Best for online shopping: card_name
- Best for dining and entertainment: card_name
Why we recommend these metal credit cards
Capital One Venture X Business: card_name
Capital One Venture X Business
Capital One Venture X Business
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Card details: Consider the card_name if you want access to a charge card with no preset spending limit, but keep in mind that you won't have the option to carry a balance from one month to the next. This card will start you off with bonus_miles_full. Other rewards include 10x miles on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One, 5X miles on airfare booked through Capital One and 2x miles on other purchases. A annual_fees annual fee applies each year, but the card comes with a $300 annual travel credit, airport lounge access, a fee credit for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry and other travel perks.
Why we recommend it: The card_name is a pay-in-full charge card with similar rewards to the consumer version of the card. The flexibility of the Capital One Miles program makes this card a good option for businesses that want to earn flexible rewards for travel while enjoying premium perks like airport lounge access and annual travel credits.
Pros:
Cons:
- Exorbitant minimum spending requirement to earn a welcome bonus.
- Annual fee of $395.
- No option to carry a balance.
Best for rewards flexibility: card_name
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Regular APR
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Why we like it:
This card's generous benefits and flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards points make it an excellent deal for those who can use them. Users get a Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership (retail value $469), a $300 annual travel credit that applies to travel purchases each year, 50% more value when redeeming their rewards for travel through Chase, a fee credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership, and a generous suite of travel insurance benefits.
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Card details: The card_name offers cardholders 10x points on hotel and rental car purchases through Chase (after the first $300 in travel spending is met), 10x points on Chase Dining purchases, 5x points on flights booked through Chase (after the first $300 in travel spending is met), 3x points on travel and dining worldwide, and 1x points on other purchases. Cardholders also earn 10x points on Lyft rides through Dec. 31, 2024.
Why we recommend it: The card_name earns flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards points that can be used for gift cards, merchandise, or cash back—or for 50% more value when redeemed for travel through Chase. These points also transfer 1:1 to Chase Ultimate Rewards airline and hotel partners to help you maximize value for travel.
While a annual_fees annual fee applies, cardholders can benefit from a $300 annual travel credit, a Priority Pass Select membership (valued at $469), a fee credit for Global Entry, NEXUS or TSA PreCheck, point transfers to airlines and hotels, and other exclusive benefits.
Pros:
- Points can be used for cash back, statement credits, merchandise, and more.
- Lucrative rewards rate for travel and dining out.
- Get 50% more travel when redeeming with points through Chase.
- 1:1 point transfers to airlines and hotels.
- Comes with $300 annual travel credit.
- Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership.
- Fee credit for Global Entry, NEXUS or TSA PreCheck included.
- foreign_transaction_fee foreign transaction fees.
Cons:
- annual_fees annual fee required.
- High APR for purchases.
- credit_score_needed credit required.
Best for premium travel perks: card_name
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Card details: This card_name lets you earn 5x points on up to $500,000 spent on airfare booked with airlines and AmexTravel.com per calendar year (then 1x points), 5x points on prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel, 2x points on other eligible travel booked through American Express Travel, and 1x points on all other purchases.
Meanwhile, cardholders get a range of exclusive perks and benefits, including more than $1,500 in statement credits for travel and other purchases, a Priority Pass Select membership, access to Amex Centurion lounges, access to Delta Sky Clubs when flying with Delta, a fee credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership and more.
Why we recommend it: The card_name also earns flexible points that transfer to Amex airline and hotel partners, but it comes with more premium benefits and statement credits than other travel credit cards. For example, this card comes with the broadest possible airport lounge membership of all competing cards, plus more than $1,500 in statement credits.
Pros:
- Comes with Global Lounge Collection, the broadest airport lounge membership available.
- Up to $1,500+ in statement credits for airline incidentals, eligible hotel bookings, and more.
- Comes with elite hotel status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy
- Points transfer to Amex airline and hotel partners.
- Other redemptions include travel through AmexTravel.com, gift cards, statement credits, and more.
- Excellent rewards rate for eligible airfare and prepaid hotel bookings.
- foreign_transaction_fee foreign transaction fees (Rates & Fees).
Cons:
- High annual_fees annual fee (Rates & Fees).
- High APR for purchases (Rates & Fees).
- credit_score_needed credit required.
- Some statement credit offers may be difficult to use.
Best for American AAdvantage enthusiasts: card_name
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Card details: The card_name makes it possible to earn a generous sign-up bonus right off the bat. Cardholders also earn 1x Loalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases.
This card also lets you earn Loyalty Points toward elite status, and you get an Admirals Club membership that has a retail value of $650. Other frequent flyer perks can make travel more affordable and comfortable, including priority boarding, priority check-in, free checked bags for the cardholder and up to eight passengers on the same itinerary, and more.
Why we recommend it: The card_name is the only American AAdvantage credit card that comes with access to Admirals Clubs (valued at $650). This card also lets you maximize miles you earn with regular spending, and a range of frequent flyer perks come standard for cardmembers.
Pros:
- Admirals Club access when you fly with American.
- Lounge access when flying with select partner airlines.
- Free checked bags, priority check-in, and priority boarding.
- Earns Loyalty Points toward elite status with American as you spend.
- Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.
- foreign_transaction_fee foreign transaction fees.
Cons:
- High annual fee of annual_fees.
- High APR for purchases.
- Unimpressive rewards rate for flights and other purchases.
Best for United frequent flyers: card_name
United Club℠ Infinite Card
United Club℠ Infinite Card
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Why we like it:
The card_name is geared to United Airlines frequent flyers who want lounge access since it automatically comes with a United Club membership (valued at $650). Cardholders also earn a lucrative rewards rate in several different categories—all while enjoying frequent flyer benefits when they fly with the airline.
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Card details: The card_name lets cardholders earn 4x miles on United purchases, 2x miles on other travel purchases, 2x miles on dining, and 1x miles on other spending. Customers can also get a leg up toward elite status with United with this card since they get the chance to earn up to 8,000 Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) toward elite status through credit card spending alone each calendar year.
Frequent flyer perks include a first and second checked bag free for the cardholder and one travel companion; a fee credit toward Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® membership; United Club membership; upgrades on award tickets; and more.
Why we recommend it: The card_name is geared to United Airlines frequent flyers who want lounge access since it automatically comes with a United Club membership (valued at $650). Cardholders also earn a lucrative rewards rate in several different categories—all while enjoying frequent flyer benefits when they fly with the airline.
Pros:
- United airport lounge access (valued at $650).
- Lounge access when flying with airline alliance partners.
- First and second checked bags free.
- A $100 credit toward Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®.
- Automatic IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status.
- Premier upgrades on award tickets.
- Earn up to 8,000 Premier qualifying points (PQP) per year.
- Comes with a selection of travel insurance benefits.
- Automatic purchase protection, extended warranties and return protection.
- One year of DoorDash DashPass membership.
- foreign_transaction_fee foreign transaction fees.
Cons:
- annual_fees annual fee.
- High APR for purchases.
- credit_score_needed credit required.
Best for foodies: card_name
American Express® Gold Card
American Express® Gold Card
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Card details: The card_name offers the chance to earn 4x points on dining worldwide, 4x points on up to $25,000 spent each year at U.S. supermarkets (then 1x points), 3x points on airfare booked with airlines or through AmexTravel.com, and 1x points on other purchases.
Cardholders qualify for up to $120 in Uber Cash per year (given in monthly increments of $10), which can be used for rideshares or UberEats deliveries. A $120 annual dining credit (given in monthly increments of $10) is also included for purchases at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar, and select Shake Shack locations. Other perks include a Global Assist hotline, a baggage insurance plan, and secondary auto rental coverage.
Why we recommend it: The card_name is best for foodies due to its exceptional rewards rate for several types of food spending. Cardholders also get up to $240 in statement credits per year that work well for food and beverage purchases.
Pros:
- Exceptional rewards rate (4x points) for eligible food spending, plus airfare (3x points).
- Up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (doled out monthly).
- $120 annual dining credit (doled out monthly).
- Points transfer to Amex airline and hotel partners.
- foreign_transaction_fee foreign transaction fees (Rates & Fees).
Cons:
- annual_fees annual fee (Rates & Fees).
- High APR for spending (Rates & Fees).
- Annual statement credits can be difficult to use.
- credit_score_needed credit required.
Best for flexible travel rewards: card_name
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Card details: The card_name makes it possible to earn 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, plus 2x miles on all other purchases. And remember, that's on top of the generous welcome bonus that can be earned within the first three months. These points are incredibly flexible since you can use them for gift cards, merchandise, travel through Capital One, or point transfers to an array of airline and hotel loyalty programs.
While there are fewer travel perks included, the annual_fees annual fee on this metal credit card makes it a solid option for people who don't want to pay $400 or more for a credit card each year. There are a handful of travel benefits available, including two Capital One airport lounge visits per year, a $100 credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® membership, and access to both the Capital One Entertainment and Capital One Dining programs.
Why we recommend it: The card_name is a solid choice for travel since you can use miles to book airfare, hotels, and more through Capital One Travel, or you can transfer miles to Capital One airline and hotel partners. This card also offers a lower annual fee than other metal credit cards that made our ranking.
Pros:
- Earns flexible rewards for travel.
- Lucrative rewards rate for all purchases.
- Reasonable $95 annual fee.
- Comes with two Capital One airport lounge visits per year.
- A $100 credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®.
- foreign_transaction_fee foreign transaction fees.
Cons:
- High APR for purchases.
- No premium travel benefits.
Best for point transfers: card_name
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Card details: The card_name offers 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One, 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One, and 2x miles on all other purchases. Rewards earned offer supreme flexibility as well, with the option to use them directly for travel through Capital One, redeem for non-travel options like statement credits or gift cards, or transfer rewards to Capital One airline and hotel partners.
This travel credit card also comes with a lower annual fee (annual_fees) than many other premium cards, although you still get serious perks like a $300 travel credit each year, a Priority Pass Select membership (valued at $469), and access to Capital One airport lounges. Other perks that help make up for the annual fee include 10,000 miles on your cardmember anniversary, and a fee credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® membership.
Why we recommend it: The card_name is ideal for frequent travelers who want to earn flexible rewards that can be used in more than one way. Miles earned with this card come with the same redemption options as the card_name, which include merchandise, gift cards, travel through Capital One, and point transfers to partners such as Air Canada Aeroplan, Air France (Flying Blue), Emirates, and Wyndham Rewards.
Pros:
- Earn flexible rewards that transfer to partners.
- Exceptional rewards rate for travel purchases.
- Comes with Priority Pass Select membership (valued at $469).
- Access to Capital One airport lounges.
- $300 annual travel credit
- Get 10,000 miles back on your cardmember anniversary.
- A $100 credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® membership.
- Includes cell phone protection.
- foreign_transaction_fee foreign transaction fees.
Cons:
- Annual fee of annual_fees.
- High APR for purchases.
Best for online shopping: card_name
Prime Visa
Prime Visa
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Regular APR
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Why we like it:
The Prime Visa is one of the most versatile cash back credit cards you can open because of its monster return rate at Amazon and Whole Foods. Between those two brands, you can get just about anything you’d possibly need.
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Card details: The card_name offers cardholders 5% back on purchases at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and the Chase travel portal. Customers also earn 2% cash back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting, as well as 1% back on regular spending.
This cash back credit card also comes with a surprising number of included perks, such as auto rental coverage, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, roadside dispatch, and travel accident insurance. Other standard benefits include extended warranties and purchase protection against damage or theft.
Why we recommend it: The card_name helps frequent online shoppers get the most in rewards for their spending, and with a annual_fees annual fee for Amazon Prime members. There are no foreign transaction fees, either.
Pros:
- 5% back for Amazon purchases, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and Chase travel purchases.
- 2% cash back at gas stations, restaurants, local transit and commuting, and 1% back on regular spending.
- No annual fee with Amazon Prime membership.
- Flexible redemptions for rewards.
- Comes with generous travel insurance benefits.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons:
- Only for Amazon Prime members.
- Disappointing welcome offer.
- High APR for purchases.
Best for dining and entertainment: card_name
Capital One® SavorOne® Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One® SavorOne® Cash Rewards Credit Card
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Card details: card_name customers can earn 4% cash back on dining, entertainment, and select streaming services, 3% back on grocery purchases, and 1% cash back on other spending. Hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel also earn a generous rate of 5% cash back.
With a annual_fees annual fee and foreign_transaction_fee foreign transaction fees, the card_name is one of the more affordable metal credit cards in our ranking. This card also comes with a handful of other benefits including an Uber One membership, extended warranties, travel accident insurance, 24-hour travel assistance services, complimentary concierge services, and more.
Why we recommend it: The card_name offers an incredibly broad and lucrative rewards rate of 4% cash back for dining and entertainment purchases, plus select streaming services. The annual_fees annual fee is reasonable, and there are no foreign transaction fees.
Pros:
- Exceptional rewards rate on dining and entertainment, grocery purchases, and select streaming services.
- Flexible redemptions for rewards
- Comes with a handful of insurance benefits.
- Reasonable annual_fees annual fee.
- Comes with Uber One membership.
- foreign_transaction_fee foreign transaction fees.
Cons:
- High APR for purchases.
Best metal credit cards comparison chart
| Card | Annual fee | Minimum credit score | Intro APR | Bonus rewards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
annual_fees | credit_score_needed | intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration | bonus_miles | |
annual_fees | credit_score_needed | intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration | bonus_miles | |
annual_fees | credit_score_needed | intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration | bonus_miles | |
annual_fees | credit_score_needed | intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration | bonus_miles | |
annual_fees | credit_score_needed | intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration | bonus_miles | |
annual_fees | credit_score_needed | intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration | bonus_miles | |
annual_fees | credit_score_needed | intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration | bonus_miles | |
annual_fees | credit_score_needed | intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration | bonus_miles | |
annual_fees | credit_score_needed | intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration | bonus_miles | |
annual_fees | credit_score_needed | intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration | bonus_miles |
Our Methodology
While there are other metal credit cards available beyond the ones that made our ranking, we focused on finding cards with superior perks and features in exchange for their annual fees. Benefits we looked for include exceptional rewards rates, premium travel perks such as airport lounge access, and travel insurance benefits. We also looked for cards that offer rewards flexibility, a leg up toward elite status with airlines or hotels, and no foreign transaction fees.
Ultimately, the rewards credit cards that made our list are supreme when you compare them to the competition based on welcome bonuses, ongoing rewards rates, and cardholder perks.
Who should get a metal credit card?
- Big spenders who can earn a lot in rewards: Most metal credit cards offer lavish rewards rates and plenty of perks, so they're best for big spenders who use a credit card for a majority of their purchases each year.
- Anyone who wants to (or needs to) impress others: Metal credit cards can make you look fancy and well-established, which may be important if you need to impress your peers, colleagues, or even your boss.
- People with good or excellent credit: All the metal credit cards that made our ranking require good or excellent credit. This means you may need to work your way up to a metal credit card if you're still trying to build your credit and improve your score.
- Consumers who can pay their balance in full each month: None of the cards in our ranking are 0% balance transfer credit cards or low interest credit cards. The fact is, most metal cards charge a high variable APR for purchases, which makes them a poor option if you need to carry a balance from time to time.
How to select the right metal credit card for you
While most metal credit cards come with plenty of perks, you'll need to look at them carefully to decide which one might work best for your goals and the way you spend. Here's a rundown of the factors to compare across metal credit cards.
Consider rewards rates and your regular spending habits. Look at each of the metal credit cards in our ranking to see which ones offer more points or miles in the categories in which you spend most. Ideally, you'll find a card that can help you maximize your spending and bills with a larger rewards haul over time.
Decide on the types of rewards you want to earn. Also note the differences in rewards programs, and that some cards offer flexible rewards while others offer airline miles or cash back. Some metal credit cards dole out flexible rewards points that can be used for several redemption options, including travel and point transfers.
Decide which benefits you can actually use. Most metal credit cards offer premium perks in exchange for a higher- than-average annual fee. Such perks may include airport lounge access, annual travel credits, fee credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® membership, automatic elite status with hotels, and more.
Compare annual fees. Finally, make sure the annual fee on metal credit cards you're considering is commensurate with the benefits you're getting (and will use) in return. Because most metal credit cards are travel credit cards, they tend to work best for business travelers and jet-setters.
Benefits of metal cards vs. plastic credit cards
The term "metal credit card" describes cards made from a range of hard materials including brushed stainless steel, brass, titanium, palladium, copper, or gold. These cards tend to offer exceptional perks and benefits, and they are often seen as "status symbol" cards since they are much more difficult to qualify for.
The chart below shows how metal credit cards stack up to run-of-the-mill credit cards, most of which are made of hard plastic.
| Metal credit cards | Other credit cards | |
|---|---|---|
Construction | Made of hard metals such as brushed stainless steel, brass, titanium, palladium, copper, or gold | Made of plastic |
Credit required | Good to excellent credit | Can be available to all credit profiles, including poor credit and no credit |
Card types | Mostly travel credit cards, but can also include cash back credit cards and general rewards credit cards | Secured and unsecured credit cards, including cash back credit cards, travel credit cards, and general rewards credit cards |
Come with introductory APR offers | Typically not | Yes, in some cases |
Annual fees | $395 and up in most cases | $0 and up |
How to get a metal credit card
If you want a metal credit card, you should start by browsing all the card options available on this page. Once you settle on a card, all you have to do is apply and get approved to have a metal credit card sent to you in the mail.
If you don't quite meet the qualification requirements yet, consider these tips that can help.
- Make all bill payments on time. No matter what else you do, strive to pay all your monthly bills early or on time. Since your payment history is the most important factor that makes up your FICO credit score, this step can help you increase your credit score with the goal of getting a metal credit card down the line.
- Pay down revolving debt. The second most important factor that makes up FICO scores is how much debt you owe in relation to your credit limits. Paying down revolving debt can help give your credit score a much-needed boost.
- Monitor your credit score. Use free credit tracking tools, including options like Chase Credit Journey or Capital One CreditWise. Keeping an eye on your progress can help you know when your score has improved enough to qualify for a metal credit card.
- List household income on your application. When you're ready to apply for a metal credit card, you can list household income on your application (not just your own) as long as you're at least 21 years old. This can help you qualify for a metal credit card if you're a stay-at-home spouse or have a low personal income but a partner who earns plenty.
TIME Stamp: Compare rewards and features before you apply for metal
The best metal credit cards tend to be travel cards, but there are also flexible rewards cards and cash back cards to choose from. With that in mind, you'll want to consider the type of rewards you want to earn before you apply.
For example, you may want to rack up airline miles with a metal credit card, or perhaps you want flexible points that transfer to both airlines and hotels. Or maybe you just want to earn cash back or rewards you can redeem for gift cards. Once you compare metal credit cards based on their features and rewards, it's possible that one will stand out as the obvious pick for your wallet.
For rates and fees of the card_name, please visit this URL.
For rates and fees of the card_name, please visit this URL.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What’s the heaviest credit card?
The card_name is the heaviest metal credit card available today at 18.5 grams.
How do I destroy a metal credit card?
You may not be able to destroy a metal credit card on your own, although some consumers claim to have cut their metal cards into pieces with tin snips. In most cases, you can mail your credit card back to the card issuer and the company will destroy it on your behalf.
Can I upgrade to a metal credit card?
You may be able to upgrade to a metal credit card if your card issuer offers one. However, upgrading to a metal credit card from a lower-tier card often means missing out on the card's sign-up bonus.
The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.