The best metal credit cards that look great and help you save

Metal credit cards are more than just chic items—they can provide significant long-term value for your spending and travel needs.

However, much like for any other credit card, it’s essential to evaluate the perks and rewards that align with your preferences before getting a metal credit card. Here’s a look at some of the finest options available today and additional insights into metal cards:

Discover more: The best credit cards for 2025

Many metal credit cards feature annual fees and various travel rewards, and numerous premium luxury cards are crafted from metal. However, metal cards with lower or even no annual fees are also available, along with choices that offer everyday cash-back rewards.

Here are a few of our top-rated metal credit card selections:

Read our complete review of the American Express Gold Card.

Read our complete review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.

Read our complete review of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.

Read our complete review of the Prime Visa.

There are numerous metal credit cards offered by major issuers today. Below, you’ll find additional options, encompassing premium credit cards and co-branded airline and hotel cards:

• American Express Platinum Card®

• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

• Chase Sapphire Reserve®

• Apple Card

• Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

• The New United Club℠ Card

• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

Similar to personal cards, numerous premium business credit cards also feature metal designs. Explore the best business cards for 2025.

The primary distinction between metal and traditional credit cards lies in their materials. Metal cards are typically fabricated from stainless steel, titanium, brass, palladium, gold, copper, or various metal alloys, offering enhanced durability compared to plastic counterparts.

Metal credit cards first emerged in the early 2000s, notably with American Express’s invite-only, prestigious metal Centurion Card, also termed the Black Card. Today, a wide variety of metal credit cards are offered by numerous issuers, allowing access to more individuals without the need for celebrity status or immense wealth.

In terms of functionality, metal credit cards function similarly to traditional credit cards. They are available at various price points and can offer a range of unique benefits and reward categories based on your spending habits.

When using a metal card, you can either swipe or insert it at point-of-sale terminals for purchases. To avert interest charges, it’s crucial to settle your balances consistently; like any card, metal credit cards can carry high APRs.

• Durability: In regular use, plastic cards are prone to wear and tear, while metal cards tend to last longer without fading or breaking.

• Aesthetics: Those seeking a premium experience may value the heft and refined look of metal cards over plastic variations.

• Exclusive benefits: Many metal credit cards offer benefits beyond their sturdiness and luxurious appearance. For example, you might gain access to a substantial welcome bonus, utilize airport lounges, receive travel credits, obtain trip insurance, and more with a metal card.

• Annual fees: Compared to plastic cards, metal credit cards might carry steeper annual fees, making it wise to ensure the associated benefits outweigh the costs.

• Hard to destroy: If you need to cancel your card, a metal card is more challenging to dispose of. Typically, you cannot simply cut it or shred it; you’ll need to return it to the issuer for proper disposal.

• High credit score requirement: Several metal credit cards are among the elite rewards options on the market today—often requiring a strong credit score for approval. If you’re in the process of establishing your credit or have limited history, you may want to wait and apply when your chances of approval are better.

Choosing whether a metal credit card suits your needs hinges on various factors. Given that metal cards often come with travel-related perks and elevated annual fees, they are ideal for frequent travelers. Maximizing the card’s advantages can help counterbalance the annual fee.

If you seek a robust card yet lack frequent travel habits, the annual cost associated with a metal card may surpass its benefits. Some metal cards come with no annual fees—consider reviewing these against your expenditures to evaluate their long-term value. In many cases, a traditional plastic card may be the more sensible choice, especially if you require replacements every few years.

Above all, avoid selecting a metal credit card solely for its visual appeal. A card that looks stunning but lacks savings on daily expenses can become an expensive relic in your wallet. Always prioritize a credit card selection based on the tangible value it provides, such as a strong welcome bonus, ongoing rewards, annual advantages, and other perks.

Review these details to find the best metal card option suited for you:

• Annual fees: The majority of metal credit card options impose annual fees. Assess that expense against the potential rewards to ensure it justifies the investment in the long run.

• APRs: Credit cards impose significant APRs on outstanding balances. Familiarize yourself with your card’s APR during the application process and develop a strategy to avoid overspending. Paying off your balance in full and promptly each month allows you to circumvent interest charges entirely.

• Welcome offers: Many rewards credit cards feature significant sign-up bonuses. Carefully evaluate each new card’s offer to ensure you can meet the spending criteria within the designated timeframe. These bonuses can accumulate substantial value within your initial year as a cardholder.

• Rewards: The reward categories significantly differ from one card to another. Some cards yield rewards for everyday purchases such as groceries and fuel, while others excel in rewarding air travel and hotel stays. Evaluate your past spending habits alongside any forthcoming travel plans to find the card that complements your purchasing needs.

• Benefits and statement credits: Travel-oriented cards (especially those with annual fees) typically provide outstanding benefits and credits that can offset costs annually and save you money on travel. This might consist of fee reimbursements for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, airline incidentals, overall travel credits, automatic elite status with certain hotels or airlines, airport lounge access, travel insurance, and various other benefits.

Discover more: Explore our choices for the best Amex credit cards

Editorial Disclosure: The details provided in this article have not been evaluated or endorsed by any sponsor. All views expressed are solely those of Yahoo Finance and do not represent any other entity. The information on financial products, including rates and fees, is accurate as of the publication date. All products and services are presented without any guarantee. Check the bank’s official website for the most up-to-date information. This site may not cover all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not ensure or imply approval for any financial product.