Metal credit cards are less prevalent than plastic, but they've been around for over 100 years. Mostly used as a marketing gimmick, metal credit cards may be made of stainless steel, aluminum, titanium or a mix of materials. Meanwhile, most credit cards on the market today are made of a type of plastic called polyvinyl chloride, commonly referred to as PVC -- the same material used in many modern plumbing systems.
While they are often advertised as a luxury credit card alternative, metal credit cards don't operate any differently than other credit cards. The only functional difference is that you may be able to find a metal card more easily if you're sifting through your wallet or purse, as these cards are typically heavier than average and easier to identify by touch. Below are the best metal credit cards in terms of rewards, fees and perks.
Read more: The History of Credit Cards
Best metal credit card with no annual fee
X1 Card
Intro OfferN/A
APR16.50% - 27.00% Variable
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Recommended Credit Excellent/Good Credit
Reward Rates
- 2X points on every purchase regardless of category
- 3X points for the entire year if you spend $15,000
- 4X, 5X and even 10X points for every friend who gets a card
- Up to 10X points at leading online stores such as Apple, Nike and Sephora when you shop in the X1 App
Annual FeeNone
Balance Transfer APR16.50% - 27.00% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee 2% of the amount of each transfer.
Penalty APR NONE
- 2X points on every purchase regardless of category
- 3X points for the entire year if you spend $15,000
- 4X, 5X and even 10X points for every friend who gets a card
- Up to 10X points at leading online stores such as Apple, Nike and Sephora when you shop in the X1 App
Our Take
The X1 Card is a new rewards credit card made of 17 grams of stainless steel and offers the best combination of benefits among metal credit cards. With no annual fee, it is one of the least expensive metal credit cards available, and the rewards program allows you to earn up to 2x to 10x points back. With a top redemption rate of 1 cent per point, that means you can earn up to 10% back on your purchases (4x, 5x or 10x points earned for 30 days for each friend you invite who gets the card).
To find out more about how to maximize rewards with this card and use its innovative virtual credit card tools, check out our full review of the X1 Card.
Intro OfferUp to a $150 Amazon gift card instantly upon approval
APR17.24% - 25.24% Variable
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Recommended Credit Excellent/Good
Reward Rates
- 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with eligible Prime membership*
- 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores*
- 1% back on all other purchases*
Annual Fee$0
Balance Transfer APR17.24% - 25.24% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Late Payment Fee Up to $39
Foreign Transaction Fees None
- 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with eligible Prime membership*
- 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores*
- 1% back on all other purchases*
Our Take
While the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card* doesn't technically have an annual fee, you'll need to be a Prime member ($139 annually) to get this card. This metal credit card is best for frequent Amazon.com and Whole Foods shoppers, offering 5% cash back at both. That's one of the best rewards rates on best rewards rates on groceries, or frankly anything -- and Amazon's e-commerce site envelops plenty of merchandise that other credit card reward categories don't typically cover, like clothing, electronics, household appliances, toys, books, office supplies and more.
The additional rewards categories outside of the Amazon ecosystem also make this credit card good for everyday spending, which can't be said of many retailer co-branded credit cards.
For more information, see our full review of the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card.
Intro OfferEarn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
APR19.74%-26.74% Variable
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Recommended Credit Excellent/Good
Reward Rates
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
Annual Fee$250
Balance Transfer Fee N/A
Late Payment Fee Up to $40
Foreign Transaction Fees None
Penalty APR See Rates & Fees
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
Our Take
No, it's not made of gold. But it's still metal, and you can choose between the classic gold or the rose gold designs when you're approved for the American Express Gold Card. This card sits at an unusual price point -- the annual fee is $250 -- but it also offers the value of a combined restaurant card, grocery card and travel card. While most cards at the $95-$99 price point specialize in one flagship rewards type at the expense of other spending categories, the Gold Card offers top rewards rates on multiple major categories.
For more information about the rewards and credits this card offers, check out our full review of the Amex Gold Card.
Intro OfferEarn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
APRSee Pay Over Time APR
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Recommended Credit Excellent/Good
Reward Rates
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
Annual Fee$695
Balance Transfer Fee N/A
Late Payment Fee Up to $40
Foreign Transaction Fees None
Penalty APR See Rates & Fees
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
Our Take
Premium travel cards are designed for frequent travelers. Besides the usual rewards and welcome bonuses, they typically offer additional comforts like upgrades at the airport and annual flight credits. They are some of the most expensive cards available, and The Platinum Card from American Express is no exception with a $695 annual fee.
Besides the metal composition, some applicants will have the option to choose among the classic silver design and two avant-garde renditions. Despite The Platinum Card's price, its rewards program is surprisingly lackluster compared to less expensive travel credit cards -- so it's only worth the cost if you can take advantage of the many travel, retail and entertainment credits it offers.
To learn more about the credits and rewards program, see our full review of The Platinum Card.
Intro OfferEarn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,200 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
APR19.99% - 26.99% Variable
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Recommended Credit Excellent
Reward Rates
- Earn 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Earn 5x total points on flights through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Earn 3x points on other travel and dining.
- Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Annual Fee$550
Balance Transfer APR19.99% - 26.99% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater
Foreign Transaction Fees $0
Penalty APR Up to 29.99%
- Earn 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Earn 5x total points on flights through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Earn 3x points on other travel and dining.
- Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Our Take
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is another premium metal travel credit card, but with a lower annual fee at $550. When compared to the Platinum Card from American Express, the Sapphire Reserve has a more robust rewards program, offering competitive rewards rates beyond just travel bookings through the credit card issuer's portal. But when it comes to extra travel perks and credits, the Sapphire Reserve has a lot less to offer. Still, you'll be able to take advantage of a credit for TSA Precheck or Global Entry, and Priority Pass lounge access that allows you and a guest to access more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide.
For more information, see our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
FAQs
How much do metal credit cards weigh?
Metal credit cards are heavier than typical plastic credit cards. Whereas plastic credit cards weigh roughly 5 grams, metal credit cards are often three times that, weighing in at 17 or 18 grams.
What are metal credit cards made out of?
Metal credit cards can be made from a variety of materials. Most of these materials are durable -- like stainless steel, aluminum and titanium -- and some use a mix of materials.
How do I get rid of a metal credit card?
Most plastic credit cards should be put through a shredder when you close the account, but you don't want to do that with a metal credit card. You can mail your metal card back to the issuer, or you can use a tool called tin snips to cut up your credit card. Either route will ensure your private information does not get into the wrong hands.
Our methodology
CNET reviews credit cards by exhaustively comparing them across set criteria developed for each major category, including cash back, welcome bonus, travel rewards and balance transfer. We take into consideration the typical spending behavior of a range of consumer profiles -- with the understanding that everyone's financial situation is different -- and the designated function of a card.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express Gold Card, click here.
*All information about the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.