Top metal credit cards of July 2024
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“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.
BLUEPRINT
Updated 9:10 a.m. UTC July 12, 2024
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From the distinctive look and feel, to the sound it makes when it hits the table, a metal credit card gets noticed. Your choice of credit card should include more than the material it’s created from, including whether it meets your intended goals. Metal or plastic, all credit cards are not created equal.
We analyzed a range of cards from a variety of issuers to extract a list of the very best heavy hitters. Here are our selections for the best metal credit cards of 2024.
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American Express® Gold Card
Best metal credit cards
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card*: Best metal credit card.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for luxury travel benefits.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best mid-range metal travel card.
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card*: Best for simple rewards.
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for extensive lounge access.
Why trust our credit card experts
Our team of experts evaluates hundreds of credit cards and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best card for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.
- 35+ cards analyzed.
- 5+ data points considered.
- 5-step fact-checking process.
Best metal credit card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
*The information for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Best for luxury travel benefits
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Best mid-range metal travel card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Best for dining
American Express® Gold Card
Best for simple rewards
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
*The information for the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Best for extensive lounge access
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Compare the top metal credit cards
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.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
The information for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Why it’s the best
Good looks aside, the Capital One Venture X Rewards card offers an exceptional suite of travel benefits and high rewards rates on travel booked through Capital One Travel. This card offers nearly the same, if not more, perks than its premium card peers, but at a $395 annual fee, it’s hundreds of dollars lower than the competition.
Pros:
- Strong rewards rate.
- Multiple statement credits useful for travelers.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons:
- No hotel or airline-specific benefits.
- Excellent credit required.
- Annual fee is on the high end.
Card details:
- Card weight: 16g.
- Type of metal: Stainless steel metal veneer.
- Annual fee: $395.
- Rewards: 2 miles per $1 on purchases, 5 miles per $1 on flights booked through Capital One Travel and on purchases through Capital One Entertainment and 10 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel.
- Welcome bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Why it’s the best
Even if it were made of paper, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® would remain one of the best travel credit cards on the market. The card offers a lengthy list of travel benefits and protections, an up to $300 annual travel credit, a top-notch list of travel transfer partners you can transfer points to, a Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership upon enrollment and a long list of travel benefits and protections.
Pros:
- Up to $300 annual travel credit and Priority Pass Select lounge access (enrollment required).
- Points are worth 50% when used to book travel through Chase.
- Can transfer points 1:1 to travel loyalty partners like United Airlines and World of Hyatt.
Cons:
- High annual fee.
- Best transferring points.
- May not qualify if you’ve applied for 5 or more credit cards in the last 24 months.
Card details:
- Card weight: 16g.
- Type of metal: Stainless steel with polymer back layer.
- Annual fee: $550.
- Rewards: 5 points per $1 on flights and 10 points per $1 on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Travel℠ after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3 points per $1 on other travel and dining and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
- Welcome bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Why it’s the best
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card comes packed with enough benefits to stand tall when it comes to travel credit cards, especially for its price point. It earns elevated rewards on travel purchased through Chase and on dining, and offers the same travel transfer partners as the pricier Chase Sapphire Reserve®, plus a premium selection of travel protections.
Pros:
- Premium benefits for an under $100 annual fee.
- Rewards can be transferred to multiple travel partners or redeemed through Chase Travel℠ at 25% more value.
- Valuable travel protections including primary auto rental coverage.
Cons:
- Other cards earn higher rewards on travel and dining.
- There’s no airport lounge access.
- It doesn’t come with an intro APR offer.
Card details:
- Card weight: 16g.
- Type of metal: Stainless steel with polymer back layer.
- Annual fee: $95.
- Rewards: 5 points per $1 on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3 points per $1 on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs), 2 points per $1 on all other travel purchases and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
- Welcome bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Why it’s the best
If eating and travel are your priorities, the American Express® Gold Card (terms apply, rates & fees) could be ideal for you for its generous rewards on spending in those areas. Plus, it comes with valuable perks that could offset the annual fee, if fully maximized.
Pros:
- Some of the highest rewards rates you’ll find on restaurants and U.S. supermarkets.
- Valuable statement credits for eligible dining and Uber Cash (for purchases in the U.S.; card must be added in Uber account to receive this benefit).
- Comes in traditional gold or rose gold versions.
Cons:
- Dining statement credits can be hard to use.
- Minimal travel perks.
- Complex rewards structure.
Card details:
- Card weight: 16g.
- Type of metal: Stainless steel with polymer back layer.
- Annual fee: $250.
- Rewards: 4 Membership Rewards points per $1 at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., 4 points per $1 at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1 point), 3 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express travel and 1 point per $1 on other eligible purchases.
- Welcome bonus: 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months of card membership.
The information for the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Why it’s the best
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is about simplicity: You’ll get ultra-high rewards on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and everything else earns rewards at the same flat rate. Adding to the appeal is that you can use your earnings to book travel or take a statement credit against travel you already booked.
Pros:
- Relatively low annual fee compared to other metal cards.
- Generous rewards on some types of travel booked through the issuer.
- Redemptions are simple.
Cons:
- Redemptions for cash are worth less than for travel.
- Excellent credit required for approval.
- The best rewards rate requires booking through the issuer.
Card details:
- Card weight: 16g.
- Type of metal: Stainless steel metal veneer.
- Annual fee: $95.
- Rewards: 5 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and purchases through Capital One Entertainment and 2 miles per $1 on other purchases.
- Welcome bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Why it’s the best
The Platinum Card® from American Express (terms apply, rates & fees) has more widespread airport lounge access than any other consumer card on the market, offering complimentary access to over 1,400 airport lounges in 140 countries through the American Express Global Lounge Collection®. Plus, it offers over $1,500 worth of potential annual statement credits, as well as other perks. Enrollment is required for select benefits.
Pros:
- Valuable perks including lounge access and elite hotel and car rental status (enrollment required).
- Potential statement credits worth hundreds including airline incidental fee credits, hotel credits, digital entertainment credits and trusted traveler application fee credits.
- High rewards on flights and travel booked through Amex.
Cons:
- High annual fee.
- Lackluster rewards rate outside of flights and Amex Travel spending.
- Potential statement credits can be hard to fully maximize.
Card details:
- Card weight: 16g.
- Type of metal: Stainless steel with polymer back layer.
- Annual fee: $695.
- Rewards: 5 Membership Rewards® points per $1 for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year, 5 points per $1 on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
- Welcome bonus: 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months of card membership.
Methodology
Our credit cards team has spent hours analyzing hundreds of credit cards. We took a deep dive into the details of each product and that analysis, combined with our years of experience covering credit cards, informed us as we developed these credit card rankings. Since you should never apply for a credit card just because it’s made of metal, we chose cards that ranked high when it came to rewards and other perks.
What is a metal credit card?
A metal card is made from stainless steel, titanium or other materials, which means they are more durable than traditional plastic credit cards. If you want a card that will last a long time, metal cards fit the bill, but that should only be one reason, if at all, to get a particular card.
“Metal cards are often associated with luxury and exclusivity. The weight, material, and sleek design contribute to a premium feel, making cardholders feel they are part of an elite group. The use of metal can be seen as a status symbol, appealing to affluent cardholders and those who appreciate the finer things in life.”
Josh Hatcher, senior graphic designer at Vericast Card Solutions, a manufacturer of credit cards.
How to get a metal credit card
Generally, you shouldn’t choose a credit card based on the material it’s made from. Instead, you should choose a card based on your unique needs and how it will benefit you. Once you’ve narrowed down the card that’s right for you, whether it’s made of metal or something else, you can apply for it like any other credit card.
Choosing the best metal credit card
A metal credit card may get attention when you hand it over for payment, but its material should never be a primary factor when choosing a card. Several of the top rewards credit cards are still made from plastic.
Here the main things to look for when identifying the best card for your needs:
- Fees: Many rewards credit cards charge a yearly fee for access to card benefits and rewards. Weigh the fee versus the card’s value based on your likelihood to use its benefits.
- Rewards: What type of rewards do you want to earn and redeem? There are several types of credit cards, many of which earn points, miles or cash back. Also, consider whether you want to earn rewards with a particular brand or more flexible rewards.
- Features: Since many metal credit cards fall under the category of premium cards, consider what additional features or perks you want in a card.
- Welcome bonus: Earning a welcome bonus is the quickest way to boost your rewards balance. Also, consider whether you can meet the spending criteria needed to earn the bonus.
- APR: Decide if you want a card with an introductory 0% APR offer on new purchases or balance transfers. Credit cards have higher APRs than many lending products, so consider the card’s variable APR range beyond any introductory period.
Ultimately, the best card for you is one that can meet your goals through its benefits and rewards.
Is a metal credit card worth it?
A metal credit card is worth it if the card’s important attributes are a fit for your spending patterns. Otherwise, it’s not worth getting a metal card just because of its composition.
Need help picking the right credit card? Our guide will help you choose the best one for your needs
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
There are dozens of credit cards available that are made of metal. Our list of the top metal cards includes some of the most rewarding.
Metal credit cards are more difficult to destroy if you close your account or receive an updated card. Usually, you must mail the card back to the card issuer to dispose of it. Also, metal cards have been known to occasionally set off metal detectors during security screenings at airports and other facilities.
Many major issuers, like Chase, Citi and American Express offer a metal card among their premium card offerings. Smaller issuers may also offer metal cards too, it simply depends on how a bank wants to market their card and if they choose a metal option to appeal to potential customers.
Whether or not metal cards are a status symbol will depend on your own personal definition and opinions. Metal credit cards may be better looking aesthetically than plastic cards, but they work the same as other credit cards. They tend to be more durable than plastic cards because of the material used to make them.
Many luxury credit cards now come with a metal design, but not all metal cards are considered luxury credit cards. Some examples of metal cards that aren’t considered premium cards include the Amazon Prime Visa * The information for the Prime Visa has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , Verizon Visa® Card * The information for the Verizon Visa® Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. and the Apple Card * The information for the Apple Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. .
For rates and fees for the American Express® Gold Card please visit this page.
For rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page.
*The information for the Apple Card, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, Prime Visa and Verizon Visa® Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
