What a metal credit card is and how to get one
A metal credit card is a physical card made from stainless steel, titanium, or a metal composite instead of the standard plastic. You get one by meeting the issuer's income or credit score threshold, then requesting it during the process process or after approval. Most metal cards come with premium credit card products — they are not a separate category you explore for, but a feature bundled into specific cards that already carry annual fees, higher credit limits, and rewards programs.
The card itself arrives in the mail within 7 to 14 business days after your process is approved. You do not order it separately or pay extra for the metal material. The issuer decides whether to send metal or plastic based on the card product you were approved for.
Key Takeaways
- Metal cards are issued only with premium credit products that charge annual fees ranging from $95 to $550 or more.
- You need a credit score typically above 700 and household income above $75,000 to be considered, though requirements vary by card and issuer.
- The metal card itself costs nothing extra — you pay only the annual fee for the card product, which includes the metal material.
- Metal cards are heavier and thicker than plastic, so some card readers and payment terminals may process them more slowly or require manual entry.
Credit score and income requirements
Metal credit cards are issued only with premium card products, and each issuer sets its own minimum requirements. Most cards require a credit score of 700 or higher, though some accept scores as low as 680 if your income is strong. Household income thresholds typically start at $75,000 annually, but cards aimed at high-net-worth customers may require $100,000 or more.
These are not hard cutoffs. Issuers also look at your debt-to-income ratio, payment history, and the age of your credit accounts. A score of 680 with no late payments and low credit card balances may be approved where a score of 720 with recent missed payments would not. The issuer's decision model is not public, so the only way to know if you meet the threshold is to submit an process.
Annual fees and what they cover
Every metal credit card comes with an annual fee. These range from $95 for entry-level premium cards to $550 or higher for cards aimed at ultra-high-net-worth customers. The annual fee is charged to your account once per year, usually on your card anniversary or the first statement after approval.
The fee covers the card product itself — the rewards rate, purchase protections, travel benefits, concierge services, and the metal material. You do not pay separately for the metal. Some issuers offer a statement credit or bonus points in the first year that offset part or all of the annual fee, but this is a limited-time offer and the full fee applies in subsequent years unless you downgrade to a non-premium card.
how the process works and what happens after approval
You explore for a metal credit card through the issuer's website or by phone. The process asks for your name, address, Social Security number, income, employment status, and existing credit accounts. The issuer runs a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points.
Approval decisions come back within minutes to a few business days. If approved, the issuer mails the physical card to your address on file. Metal cards take slightly longer to produce than plastic — expect 7 to 14 business days. You can use the card number for online purchases before the physical card arrives, and most issuers provide a temporary card number or digital wallet option when ready after approval.
Metal card material and durability
Metal credit cards are made from stainless steel, titanium, or a composite blend. Stainless steel is the most common and is durable but heavier than plastic. Titanium is lighter and more scratch-resistant but more expensive to produce. Some issuers use a composite that looks metallic but weighs less than pure metal.
Metal cards are more durable than plastic and resist bending and cracking. They do not wear through from normal use. However, they can scratch, and the finish may dull over time. Metal cards are also thicker than plastic, which can cause problems with some older card readers, payment terminals, or card slots in wallets. A few merchants still use magnetic stripe readers that may not read metal cards reliably, though this is rare in the United States.
Comparing metal cards from major issuers
| Card Issuer | Annual Fee | Minimum Credit Score (Typical) | Metal Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Centurion | $550 | Invitation only | Titanium |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | $550 | 700+ | Stainless steel |
| Citi Prestige | $495 | 700+ | Stainless steel |
| Capital One Venture X | $395 | 680+ | Stainless steel |
| American Express Platinum | $695 | 700+ | Stainless steel |
These are examples of widely available metal cards as of 2024. Fees, requirements, and materials change, and new cards are introduced regularly. The issuer's website is the source for current terms. Some regional banks and credit unions also issue metal cards with lower annual fees, typically $95 to $150, though these are less common.
When a metal card makes financial sense
A metal card makes sense only if the rewards, credits, and protections in the card product pay back more than the annual fee over a year. A $550 annual fee requires $550 or more in value from rewards, travel credits, purchase protections, or other benefits. If you do not travel, do not spend enough to earn rewards that exceed the fee, or do not use the card's specific benefits, the metal material is not worth the cost.
Metal cards are a status symbol, and that appeal is real for some people. If the weight and appearance matter to you and you can afford the annual fee without affecting your budget, that is a valid reason to carry one. But the financial case rests on the card's benefits, not the metal. A plastic card with better rewards for your spending pattern will build wealth faster than a metal card with a high annual fee and lower rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a metal card if my credit score is below 700?
Some issuers approve scores as low as 680, particularly if your income is high and you have no recent late payments. The only way to know is to submit an process. A hard inquiry will temporarily lower your score by a few points, so explore only to cards you are genuinely interested in.
Do I have to pay for the metal card separately?
No. The metal material is included in the annual fee you pay for the card product. You do not pay extra for the metal. If you downgrade to a non-premium card, you will no longer receive a metal card, and you will pay a lower or zero annual fee.
Will my metal card work at all payment terminals?
Metal cards work at the vast majority of modern terminals in the United States. However, some older magnetic stripe readers or very tight card slots may have trouble reading or accepting a metal card. Contactless and chip readers have no issues. If a terminal rejects your metal card, ask the merchant to run it manually or use a different payment method.
What happens if my metal card gets lost or stolen?
Call the issuer's customer service number on the back of your card or on your statement. The issuer will cancel the card and mail a replacement, which typically arrives within 7 to 14 business days. You are not liable for fraudulent charges if you report the card missing promptly. Most issuers offer rush delivery for a fee if you need the card sooner.
Can I request a metal card if I already have a plastic version of the same card?
Some issuers allow you to request a replacement metal card at no extra cost. Contact the issuer's customer service to ask. Other issuers issue metal cards only to new cardholders or require you to close the plastic card and reapply. Policies vary by issuer and card product.