Is a Metal Card Right For You?
Metal Card is a credit card that delivers a premium feel with all the bells and whistles that make it a top-tier rewards credit card. But it comes at a cost.
Specifically, the cost of the card’s annual fee. But that’s not the only cost to consider. These cards also carry higher upfront fees, often in exchange for perks like airport lounge access and status with hotel brands.
Durability
Most metal credit cards work the same way as their plastic counterparts. They can be swiped Smart Silicone Bracelet at point-of-sale terminals or used in a digital wallet. In addition, most metal cards have chip and RFID technology to provide additional layers of security when making online transactions.
The main advantage of a metal card is that it’s durable and sturdy. This makes it less likely to bend or break and is more resistant to accidental damage, such as being run through the washing machine. It also holds up well to wear and tear, so it’s not as prone to scratches or dents as a plastic card.
Additionally, most metal cards are premium cards that come with premium benefits and perks, including airport lounge access and elite status with car rental and hotel brands. Some have annual fees, but these are often offset by the premium perks and rewards that you can earn with them.
However, one drawback of a metal card is that it’s much harder to destroy than a plastic card. Unlike standard credit cards, you can’t cut metal cards with scissors or shred them, and many of them carry “don’t shred” warnings because they’re too strong to damage a standard paper shredder. If you decide to cancel a metal card, you’ll need to contact the card issuer and ask them for an envelope to mail it back to them.
Security
When it comes to deciding whether a Metal Card is right for you, it all depends on your specific spending habits and daily needs. The card you choose should offer the best overall benefits, including high bonus rewards rates in your top spending categories and unique travel perks and protections. In addition, if you prefer contactless payments, then a Metal Card with secure biometric sensor built-in can provide a convenient and safe alternative to traditional plastic cards.
The durability of metal credit cards is another important feature that many consumers count as a pro. Plastic cards can easily become damaged by bending or if they get accidentally run through the washing machine, but metal cards are designed to last longer and will resist damage much better than their plastic counterparts.
However, the added durability can also make it difficult to destroy a credit card when it’s no longer needed. This is because metal cards cannot be bended or put through a shredder, so you’ll need to contact your card issuer for an envelope to send your expired metal credit card back to them for disposal.
Reliability
While metal credit cards look beautiful and make a great statement in your wallet, they are not inherently more reliable than plastic cards. They may have a more rugged construction, but they are still susceptible to the same types of damage as Metal Card their plastic counterparts. For example, if you drop your card in water, it will probably bend or break, and the printed information on the front may fade.
However, if you’re careful with your card, it will likely be able to withstand most types of accidental damage. Moreover, some metal credit cards come with built-in security features, such as RFID blocking technology that protects against skimming and identity theft. In addition, many metal credit cards have no annual fee, which can be a big selling point for some consumers.
In order to get a metal credit card, you’ll have to go through the same application process as you would with a traditional plastic card. Since most metal credit cards are premium offerings, you’ll likely need good or excellent credit to qualify for them. In some cases, you may even be able to request a metal card from your bank when your plastic card is due for renewal. In this case, the card issuer will send you a special envelope to mail your old card back. If you don’t want to mail it back, you can store the card in a secure place, such as your home safe.
Convenience
Metal cards aren’t a necessity, but they can add a premium feel to your wallet and give you the “plunk factor” when pulling it out to pay for something. Many of them also come with premium perks and rewards that can help you get more bang for your buck, such as airport lounge access, elevated status with car rental and hotel brands, or annual travel credits.
Most metal credit cards are a little thicker than their plastic counterparts and typically have the same functions as other credit cards. They can still be swiped, tapped and inserted in chips in the same way, although you might need to have a bit more space in your wallet if you want to carry them all together in a billfold.
The majority of the best metal credit cards require good or excellent credit to qualify, according to Experian. This is because the cards typically come with a higher annual fee than most other credit cards, which means they’re a better fit for people with above-average spending habits or who are looking to boost their credit score with a new card.
Regardless of the reasons you’re thinking about getting a Metal Card, it’s important to compare different options before choosing one. Not all metal credit cards have the same introductory bonuses, rewards and fees, so finding the right card for you will take time and research.