How to Choose a Metal Credit Card
If you’re interested in getting a metal credit card, it’s important to choose one that fits your spending habits. It’s also a good idea to consider the annual fee as well.
Challenger banks such as Monzo have already released visually striking cards. These metal contactless cards come with a host of benefits, including biometric security features.
Edge Metal Card
Designed to stand out with a premium feel and unique metal sound. This is the most exclusive offering in our metal card portfolio. Cool exposed metal, a choice of metallized colors and textures and mechanically engraved elements make this card stand out in your customer’s wallet.
Unlike plastic cards, metal ones are perceived as symbols of prestige and status. As a result, they are often top-of-wallet and are used more frequently than typical cards. Metal cards offer a strong differentiation from competitors and are an excellent marketing tool to attract new customers.
In addition to boosting brand awareness, metal cards increase customer satisfaction and loyalty. This is especially true in the case of high-net worth individuals who tend to have a strong preference for premium credit cards with elite benefits, such as free airport lounge access and status at leading hotels.
In fact, a recent survey showed that more than half of surveyed wealthy consumers would be willing to switch their bank to one that offers metal payment cards. That’s a great opportunity for financial institutions to target this segment and boost their customer base.
Compact Metal Card
Unlike plastic cards, metal credit cards can’t be cut up or destroyed by shredders. Instead, they must be returned to the card issuer for disposal. This is usually easy, as most cards will provide a return envelope for the Metal Card card. Metal credit cards can also be less secure than their plastic counterparts, especially if they have a magnetic stripe, which could be vulnerable to data breaches.
Metal cards are often expensive, but premium rewards and top-of-wallet status make them a worthy investment for some people. In fact, some cards even offer benefits like travel and luggage protections, annual travel credits, and airport lounge access.
If you’re considering a metal credit card, be sure to check your credit score with WalletHub to get the best chance of approval. Many metal cards require excellent credit for approval and some are invite-only products that cater to high net worth clients.
The metal credit card market is relatively small, but it is growing. For issuers, it’s a way to stand out and attract new customers with a premium design that is both eye-catching and tactile. It also offers an opportunity to differentiate with superior rewards and perks, though many issuers don’t take full advantage of the prestige that comes with the material.
Edge Plus Metal Card
A metal credit card is a card made of a material such as stainless steel, brass or gold. It is often coated with plastic to protect it and allow it to work in credit card machines. Metal credit cards are usually more expensive than standard plastic cards, but they can be worth the price for travellers who value the look and feel of a metal card.
Our flagship metal card, the Thales Gemalto Full Metal Card, is a striking showcase for your brand values and a new experience that your ultra-high-net-worth customers will cherish. Its discerning weight, mechanically engraved features and metal surface create a unique sensory experience that conveys esteem and prestige.
The heaviest metal card is the American Express Centurion Card, which is unofficially known as the black card. It is a premium travel rewards credit card with excellent perks such as airport lounge access, airline upgrades and free hotel benefits. However, the annual fee for this card is steep and it can be difficult to pay off the balance.
For consumers who want to get a metal card, it is important to choose one that suits their spending habits and budget. Ideally, a metal credit card should earn high-value travel rewards and offer other perks that are worth the annual fee. In addition, it is important to keep in mind that some merchants may not be able to accept metal credit cards.
Edge XL Metal Card
The 17-gram X1 Card is not your average credit card, made of brushed stainless steel instead of plastic. This durable design makes it more difficult to wear down or lose the card. It also features a laser-etched security feature that prevents anyone from seeing your card number or other personal information, whether you’re at home or abroad.
The X1 Card also offers exclusive benefits like trip smart card interruption insurance, auto rental coverage and mobile device protection. It is a premium credit card that requires excellent income and credit to qualify. While its annual fee is high, it is lower than other metal cards and comes with a large welcome bonus.
While a metal credit card is an attractive choice, it’s best to choose a card that matches your spending habits and financial goals. Aside from its appearance, the most important factor in selecting a credit card is its welcome bonus and rewards program. Select has analyzed the top metal credit cards and found several options that offer lucrative bonuses and valuable spending rewards. Moreover, most of these cards also have low or no annual fees. To determine which metal card is right for you, take a look at the comparison table below.