Best Metal Credit Cards for 2024

There are many things that set the best credit cards apart from the rest. Perks, rewards -- and even sheer heft. Yes, these days, many of the most premium rewards credit cards have traded their plebeian plastic for the extravagance of metal.

Many of our favorite metal credit cards also happen to be our favorite travel rewards cards. We like cards with lots of purchase rewards, as well as useful perks like statement credits and airport lounge access. The downside is that these cards tend to have high annual fees, but we find the value is often worth the cost.

Are you ready to upgrade your card experience by applying for a credit card made of metal? Read our full guide to the best metal credit cards.

Which issuers offer metal credit cards?

Most major credit card issuers in the U.S. offer at least one metal credit card, though many are older cards that are no longer open to new applicants. However, Amex, Capital One, and Chase all offer multiple metal cards.

Does American Express have metal credit cards?

American Express offers several metal credit cards:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• American Express® Gold Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
• Centurion® Card from American Express
• American Express Business Centurion Card

Does Bank of America have metal credit cards?

Bank of America does not currently have any metal credit cards that we've seen.

Does Capital One have metal credit cards?

Capital One currently offers a several metal credit cards:

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Does Chase have metal credit cards?

Chase offers several metal credit cards:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
• Prime Visa
• United Club℠ Infinite Card
• J.P. Morgan Reserve
• Ritz-Carlton Rewards Card (not open to new applicants)

Does Citi have metal credit cards?

Citi has a limited number of metal credit cards:

• Citi Prestige® Card (not open to new applicants)

Does Discover have metal credit cards?

Discover does not currently offer any metal credit cards that we've seen.

Does U.S. Bank have metal credit cards?

U.S. Bank has a limited number of metal credit cards:

• U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card

Does Wells Fargo have metal credit cards?

Wells Fargo has a limited number of metal credit cards:

• Wells Fargo Propel American Express® card (not open to new applicants)

Other metal credit cards

A few metal credit cards are available from less well-known issuers, including:

• Apple Card (issued by Goldman Sachs)
• Luxury Card Mastercard® Black Card™ (issued by Barclays)
• Luxury Card Mastercard® Gold Card™ (issued by Barclays)
• HSBC Elite Credit Card (issued by HSBC)

Want to learn more? See The Ascent's Mastercard® Black Card™ review.

What is a metal credit card?

Where most credit cards are made of plastic, metal credit cards are just that: made of metal. Materials can range from stainless steel to titanium, and some even sport gold plating.

LEARN MORE: The Most Exclusive Credit Cards

The exact composition of a metal credit card will vary by card. Some metal credit cards will have a metal core surrounded by plastic. Other cards are crafted entirely out of a single metal. We found that metal credit cards are most commonly made of a mix of metals called a metal alloy.

The weight and strength of a metal credit card will depend on its composition. Our research found metal credit cards can weigh anywhere from 10 grams up to 27 grams.

Are metal credit cards better?

Just like plastic cards, metal credit cards come in a range of types, so it's hard to classify them all one way or another. Some of the best credit cards are metal -- just as many of them are not. The one thing we found is that all of them offer some sort of credit card rewards.

Most metal cards have annual fees, though we did find one or two that have no annual fee. Many of the best travel rewards credit cards also happen to be made of metal. However, we also found some metal cash back rewards cards.

When it comes down to it, the only difference between plastic and metal cards is the material. As such, whether a metal credit card is better than a plastic card is entirely subjective. Here are a few practical pros and cons to consider.

Pros of metal cards:

• They're more durable and harder to break by accident
• They look and feel more impressive than plastic
• They can double as a paper weight in a pinch

Cons of metal cards:

• They're difficult to destroy when expired
• They're thicker than plastic cards so they take up more wallet space
• We read stories about metal cards setting off metal detectors
• They can add extra weight to your wallet
• We found some reports of metal cards getting stuck in card readers

Bottom line: We think it's simply a matter of personal preference. If you like the look and feel of metal, great. If you're more of a minimalist, you may prefer plastic.

Are metal credit cards secure?

Metal credit cards offer all of the same security features as plastic credit cards.

Modern metal credit cards will come with EMV chips for secure purchasing and contactless payments. And metal credit cards come with the same security and fraud protection as plastic cards from the same issuer.

LEARN MORE: How to Avoid Credit Card Fraud and Scams

The only time a metal credit card may be less safe than a plastic one is when it comes to destroying your old or expired card. It's a bad idea to stick a metal credit card into a typical household shredder -- unless you need an excuse to buy a new shredder.

LEARN MORE: What to Do With Expired Cards

Melting or setting fire to your metal credit card can also be dangerous. If the card has any plastic in it, the fumes can be hazardous to your health. (This is why you should avoid melting plastic cards, too.) And depending on the metal type, it probably won't actually do much to the card itself. Most metals have higher melting points than you'll get with your fireplace or a lighter.

Will a metal credit card set off a metal detector?

An unfortunate side effect of all that metal is that yes, some cards may set off metal detectors. We've read a number of stories from cardholders who have had their metal credit cards set off metal detectors in airport security and other buildings.

Whether your card will be an issue at security will often depend on its composition. Stainless steel is typically the least likely to react to a metal detector. Titanium, gold, and other metals may be more likely to be a problem.

How do you destroy a metal credit card?

As we mentioned above, metal cards are super hard to destroy if your card has expired or you've closed your account. Definitely do NOT put a metal card into a household shredder!

LEARN MORE: How to Close Your Credit Card Account

Issuers who offer metal credit cards will happily destroy your unused credit card for you. Amex and Chase, for instance, will send you an envelope so you can mail your card to them for destruction.

If you're intent on destroying your own metal card, be thorough! Most metal cards store information in the magnetic stripe, the EMV chip, and on the card itself. When in doubt, contact your issuer for their suggestions.