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What is a Metal Credit Card?

Last Updated: July 9, 2024

5 min read

Table of contents

History of metal credit cards

What's the difference between metal credit cards and plastic credit cards?

How to destroy a metal credit card

Do metal credit cards offer rewards?

Who should get a metal credit card?

Are metal credit cards or plastic better for you?

Key points about: metal credit cards

Metal credit cards may be perceived as a premium credit card and come with an annual fee.
There’s little difference between the functionality of metal credit cards and plastic credit cards; you still swipe, tap, or insert your chip in the same way.
Some metal cards are pure metal plates and others are metal-plastic hybrids.

Cardmembers may sometimes look for ways to personalize their credit cards with a bit of style. Some plastic credit cards can be customized to include a unique design on the face of the card. Other credit cards take things up a notch: they're made of metal.

History of metal credit cards

Metal credit cards have been issued by some credit card issuers for many years as a premium credit card offering. They are typically specialty credit cards made of metal, like a platinum card, with various perks to cardmembers.

A metal card may be considered a luxury card since it tends to be associated with introductory bonuses and special perks, but it may also carry a high annual fee. While metal cards look exclusive, they don’t always necessarily offer a superior rewards rate.

Aside from any special membership rewards, a metal card usually works the same way as a plastic card. You can use your credit card to make purchases. Then you’ll receive a monthly statement and make payments towards your total balance.

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What's the difference between metal credit cards and plastic credit cards?

There aren't many differences between metal credit cards and plastic credit cards—aside from the extra weight in your wallet.

With metal credit cards, you still swipe, tap, or insert your chip in the same way you would a plastic credit card or plastic debit card.

Some metal credit cards are pure metal plates, and other metal credit cards are metal-plastic hybrids.

Because a metal card is often considered a luxury card, it may come with a higher annual fee than typical plastic cards, but it depends on the card and card issuer’s terms.

How to destroy a metal credit card

One main difference between a metal card and a plastic card is how each type of card is destroyed.

Metal credit cards can’t be cut up or shredded the same way as plastic credit cards. If you put a metal card in a shredder, it could damage the shredder. And a regular pair of kitchen scissors won’t work, either.

There are a few ways to destroy a metal credit card:

Mail the card back. One way to get rid your metal card is to call the credit card company and request a pre-paid return envelope. You can use the envelope to return the metal card to the card issuer. They’ll destroy the card and dispose of it securely.
Bring the card in. If you don’t want to mail the card, you could bring the metal card to one of the card issuers’ branch locations. They may be able to destroy the metal credit card on-site, or securely mail it to the right location for you.
Use snips to cut the card. Another way to destroy a metal card is with metal snips. Snips are large scissors used to cut metal. Be cautious while cutting the card and dispose of the pieces carefully.

Do metal credit cards offer rewards?

Like a plastic credit card, a metal credit card may offer rewards to cardmembers. You can contact the card issuer to find out what kind of rewards are available for each type of credit card.

Did you know?

A rewards credit card, metal or plastic, offers rewards like cash back for eligible purchases. The rewards you earn may be redeemable through a statement credit or as a deposit into your bank account.

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When selecting a rewards card, either metal or plastic, it's important to find out from the card issuer which purchases are considered eligible purchases. Then you can choose a card that rewards you for the things you already purchase.

Who should get a metal credit card?

Because metal credit cards don’t necessarily offer different features or more perks than standard plastic credit cards, the choice often comes down to taste. If you like the sleek, elegant look of metal cards or if you’d like a card that stands out from the others in your wallet, you might consider a metal card (if your card issuer offers one). However, it's a good idea to base your decision on the credit card’s features, like the rewards rate and interest rates, not its appearance.

Are metal credit cards or plastic better for you?

When it comes to functionality, there’s no difference in how to use a metal credit card versus how to use a plastic credit card. Like plastic credit cards, metal credit cards will have their own benefits and perks and may also have drawbacks like a high annual fee. If the rewards you earn won’t make up for the annual fee, a card with a low or no annual fee may be a better fit. For example, Discover has no annual fee on any of our cards.

Regardless of the type of credit card you want, be sure to research the rewards structure, other perks, and the cards’ terms to find the best credit card for your financial needs.

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