A custom metal credit card is a physical card made partly or entirely from metal instead of the standard plastic, usually offered by premium card issuers to their cardholders
Metal cards look and feel different from plastic ones — they're heavier, more durable, and often come with a raised or embossed design. Banks and card companies offer them as a perk to customers who meet certain spending thresholds, maintain high account balances, or hold invitation-only card products. The metal itself is typically stainless steel, titanium, or a composite blend, and the card still functions the same way as any other credit card at checkout or online.
The main appeal is status and durability. A metal card won't crack or bend easily, and it signals to merchants and others that you hold a premium financial product. However, the card itself doesn't change your interest rates, rewards, or terms — those depend on the specific card product, not the material. Some metal cards do come with higher annual fees than their plastic equivalents, while others charge the same.
Key Takeaways
- Metal cards are offered by premium card issuers as a standard feature or upgrade, and you receive one when you open the account or reach a spending milestone.
- The card material does not affect your interest rate, credit limit, or rewards rate — those terms stay the same whether your card is plastic or metal.
- Metal cards cost more to produce, so some issuers charge a higher annual fee for metal versions, while others include them at no extra cost.
- Metal cards work in chip readers, contactless terminals, and online purchases exactly like plastic cards, though some older magnetic-stripe-only terminals may have trouble reading them.
- If your metal card is lost or damaged, you can request a replacement through your card issuer's customer service, and the replacement usually arrives within 7 to 14 business days.
How metal cards are issued and what triggers them
Most metal cards come automatically when you open a premium credit card account. The issuer ships it to your address during the account setup process, just as they would a plastic card. You don't need to request it or pay extra at that stage — it's part of the card product itself.
Some issuers also offer metal card upgrades to existing cardholders who meet spending thresholds. For example, a bank might send you a metal version of your current card after you spend $50,000 in a calendar year, or they might offer it as a reward for maintaining a certain account balance. Check your card's terms or contact your issuer's customer service to learn whether a metal upgrade is available to you.
A few issuers charge an upgrade fee — typically $25 to $50 — to switch from plastic to metal on an existing account. Others include the metal card at no extra cost. The annual fee for the card itself may be higher for the metal version than for a plastic version of the same product, so compare the terms before requesting an upgrade.
Metal card fees and what they cover
The annual fee for a metal credit card depends on the card product, not the material. A premium card with a metal version might charge $450, $550, or $695 per year — the same fee whether you hold the plastic or metal version. Some issuers do offer a metal-only tier with a higher annual fee than the plastic tier of the same card, so read the terms carefully.
The fee covers the card product's benefits — things like travel credits, lounge access, concierge service, or bonus rewards categories. The metal material itself is not a separate benefit you're paying for; it's a production choice the issuer makes. That said, the cost to manufacture a metal card is higher than plastic, so issuers who offer metal cards at no extra fee are absorbing that cost into the standard annual fee.
If you downgrade from a metal card to a plastic version of the same product, your annual fee typically stays the same. Downgrading is usually free, but contact your issuer to confirm their policy.
How metal cards work at checkout and online
A metal credit card functions identically to a plastic card at the point of sale. It has the same chip, magnetic stripe, and card number as any other card. You can insert it into a chip reader, tap it on a contactless terminal, or swipe it at older machines. The metal material doesn't interfere with the electronics inside.
Online purchases work the same way — you enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV just as you would for any card. The metal construction has no effect on online transactions.
One small caveat: very old magnetic-stripe-only terminals (rare in the United States now) may occasionally have trouble reading a metal card's stripe because the metal can interfere with the magnetic reader. This is uncommon, but if it happens, you can ask the merchant to run the card as a chip transaction or use a different payment method. Most modern terminals read the chip first, so this is rarely a real problem.
Durability and replacement of metal cards
Metal cards are more resistant to cracking, bending, and wear than plastic cards. They won't snap if you sit on them or drop them, and they resist scratches better. However, they can still be lost or stolen, and the card number can still be compromised. Metal construction doesn't make your account more find — that depends on your issuer's fraud protections and your own account monitoring.
If your metal card is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact your card issuer's customer service when ready. They will cancel the old card and ship a replacement. Most issuers send metal card replacements within 7 to 14 business days. There is usually no fee for a replacement card, though some issuers charge a small fee ($15 to $25) if you request expedited shipping.
If you damage your card accidentally — for example, by bending it severely or exposing it to extreme heat — the issuer may still replace it at no cost, but some issuers reserve the right to charge a replacement fee for damage caused by misuse. Ask your issuer about their policy before requesting a replacement.
Metal cards and credit limits, rewards, and interest rates
The material of your card has no effect on your credit limit, interest rate, rewards rate, or any other term of your account. A metal card and a plastic card from the same issuer and product line carry identical terms. Your credit limit is based on your credit score, income, and credit history — not on whether your card is metal or plastic.
Rewards are earned the same way regardless of card material. If your card earns 2% cash back on all purchases, it earns 2% whether you're holding metal or plastic. Bonus categories, sign-up bonuses, and redemption options are all identical.
Interest rates and fees (annual percentage rate, late fees, balance transfer fees) are the same for metal and plastic versions of the same card. The only exception is if the issuer offers a separate metal-only card product with different terms — in that case, compare the full terms of both products before deciding.
Comparing metal cards from different issuers
If you're considering a premium card with a metal option, compare the full card terms, not just the material. Look at the annual fee, rewards structure, sign-up bonus, and benefits like travel credits or insurance coverage. The metal card itself is a nice feature, but it shouldn't be the deciding factor.
Some issuers include metal cards automatically with their premium products. Others offer metal as an upgrade or a separate tier. A few issuers still offer only plastic versions of their premium cards. None of these choices makes one card objectively better — it depends on which benefits and rewards match your spending habits.
Read the card's terms and conditions, not just the marketing materials. The issuer's website will list the annual fee, interest rate, rewards categories, and any benefits. If you have questions about whether a metal card is included or available as an upgrade, contact the issuer's customer service before opening the account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay extra to get a metal card?
Not always. If the card product includes a metal card, you receive it at no extra cost when you open the account. Some issuers charge an upgrade fee ($25 to $50) if you want to switch from plastic to metal on an existing account. A few offer metal cards only at a higher annual fee tier. Check your card's terms or contact the issuer to find out.
Can I use a metal card everywhere a plastic card works?
Yes, in almost all cases. Metal cards have the same chip and magnetic stripe as plastic cards. Very old magnetic-stripe-only terminals might rarely have trouble reading a metal card, but this is uncommon in the United States. If it happens, ask the merchant to run it as a chip transaction instead.
What happens if my metal card gets lost or stolen?
Contact your card issuer when ready to report it. They will cancel the card and ship a replacement, usually within 7 to 14 business days. There is typically no fee for a replacement, though expedited shipping may cost $15 to $25. Your account terms and credit limit remain the same.
Does a metal card give me better fraud protection or security?
No. The material of your card does not affect fraud protection or security. Your account's security depends on your issuer's fraud monitoring, your own account monitoring, and your password and PIN. A metal card is no more or less find than a plastic card from the same issuer.
Can I request a plastic card instead if I prefer it?
Yes. Contact your card issuer's customer service and ask to downgrade to a plastic card. This is usually free, and the issuer will ship a replacement within 7 to 14 business days. Your account terms stay the same.