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

Metal credit cards aren’t just a status symbol — they can also carry their weight in long-term value for your spending and travel.

But like any type of credit card, it’s important to look beyond the aesthetic value of a metal credit card design to the rewards and benefits that work best for you. Here are some of today’s best options and more about metal cards to consider:

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Most metal credit cards come with and travel rewards, and many of the most premium are made of metal. But you can also find metal cards with lower or even as well as some options with .

These are a few of our top-rated credit cards that are also made of metal:

There are plenty of metal cards available today from major credit card issuers. Below, find more options, including premium credit cards and co-branded and cards:

Just like personal cards, many premium business credit cards also come with metal designs.

The only difference between metal credit cards and other cards is the material it’s made from. Metal cards are generally made of stainless steel, titanium, brass, palladium, gold, copper, or another metal alloy. Because of this, they can be more durable than their plastic counterparts.

The first modern-day metal card was introduced around the turn of this century, when American Express launched its invite-only, , also known as the Black Card. Today, there are a lot more metal credit cards from several different issuers, and you don’t need to be wealthy or famous to qualify for one.

Beyond their appearance, metal credit cards . You can find cards made of metal at different price points with a range of added benefits and offering several different rewards categories on spending.

When you use a metal card, you can tap or insert it at retail card readers to make a purchase. You’ll need to pay off your balances each pay period to avoid ; like any other card, metal credit cards come with .

• Durability: Plastic cards often get damaged with regular use, but metal cards are more durable and less likely to fade or break.

• Aesthetics: Those seeking a premium card may appreciate that metal cards are heavier and look more expensive than their plastic counterparts.

• Exclusive benefits: Many metal credit cards have benefits beyond durability and aesthetics. For instance, you can often earn a get airport lounge access, travel credits, , and more with a metal card.

• Annual fees: Metal credit cards may have higher annual fees than plastic credit cards, so adding one to your wallet generally only makes sense if the benefits you get with your card outweigh the cost.

• Hard to destroy: If you need to close your account for any reason, your metal credit card will be more . These cards generally can’t be cut up with scissors or put through a paper shredder. Instead, you might need to mail your card back to the issuer to dispose of it.

• May require a high credit score: Many metal credit cards are among the top rewards cards available today — and often require a to qualify. If you’re working on or have no credit history, you may want to wait and apply for a metal card when you’re more likely to get approved.

Whether a metal credit card is the right option for your wallet depends on a few factors. Since metal cards often come with travel perks and high annual fees, one may make sense if you travel often. That’s because taking advantage of all your card’s travel benefits can make it fairly easy to offset its annual fee.

If you’re looking for a durable card but don’t travel often, the typical annual cost of a metal card may outweigh its benefits. Some metal cards have no annual fee, so make sure to compare those to your spending to see if they can offer long-term value for your spending. Otherwise, a plastic card probably makes more sense, even if you need to replace it with a new card every few years.

The main thing you shouldn’t do is choose a metal credit card for the aesthetics alone. If a card looks great but doesn’t offer you any savings on your regular purchases, it may act more like a very expensive paperweight you keep in your wallet. Always based on the value it can offer you through a great welcome offer, ongoing rewards, annual benefits, and other perks.

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

• Annual fees: Most metal credit card options available today charge annual fees. Compare that cost to the potential value you can gain each year to over the long term.

• APRs: Credit cards charge on debt balances. You should know your card’s APR when you apply, but also have a plan to avoid overspending. When you pay your balances in full and on time each month, you can altogether.

• Welcome offers: Rewards credit cards often come with . Review each new card offer to make sure you can meet the spending threshold within the given time period after account opening. These bonuses can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars in value over your first year as a cardholder.

• Rewards: Rewards categories can vary a lot between cards. Some reward everyday spending like and while others have great bonuses on and . Use your most frequent spending over the past several months and any upcoming travel plans to find the card that best fits your regular purchases.

• Benefits and statement credits: Travel cards (especially those with annual fees) typically offer some great benefits and credits that can help you recoup the cost every year and save on travel. This might include fee credits for , airline incidental credits, general travel credits, with specific hotels or airlines, airport lounge access, , and much more.

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