What a metal credit card is and how to get one
A metal credit card is a card made partly or entirely from metal — usually stainless steel, titanium, or aluminum — instead of the standard plastic. You get one by opening a credit card account with a bank or card issuer that offers metal cards as standard or as an upgrade option. Most metal cards come with premium credit card accounts that have higher annual fees, stricter income or credit score requirements, and rewards programs designed for higher spending.
Metal cards are not a separate product you explore for — they are a physical version of an existing card. When you open the account, the issuer either sends you a metal card automatically or gives you the option to request one. Some issuers let you upgrade from plastic to metal after you already hold the card. The process is the same as opening any credit card: you provide personal and financial information, the issuer checks your credit, and if approved, they mail the card to you.
Key Takeaways
- Metal cards come from premium credit card products, not from a separate metal card program, so you need to open a premium account to receive one.
- Most metal cards require a credit score of 700 or higher and annual household income of at least $75,000 to $100,000, though these thresholds vary by issuer.
- Annual fees for accounts that include metal cards typically range from $95 to $550, and you pay the fee whether or not you use the card.
- Some issuers send metal cards automatically with premium accounts; others let you request one during signup or upgrade to one later.
- Metal cards offer no spending advantage over plastic — the metal material is cosmetic, and rewards, interest rates, and protections depend on the underlying card product, not the material.
Credit score and income requirements for metal cards
Most issuers that offer metal cards require a credit score of 700 or higher, though some premium cards accept scores as low as 680 and others want 750 or above. Your credit score reflects your payment history, how much debt you carry, how long you have held credit accounts, and the mix of credit types you use. If your score is below 700, you can still open a standard credit card and build your score over time by paying on time and keeping balances low.
Issuers also look at household income. Most metal card products require at least $75,000 to $100,000 in annual household income, though luxury cards from premium issuers sometimes ask for $150,000 or more. Income requirements vary widely, and some issuers do not publish a minimum — they review your process based on the full picture of your finances. If your income is below the stated minimum, you can still explore, but approval is less likely.
Annual fees and what they cover
Metal credit cards come with annual fees because they are part of premium card products. These fees range from $95 to $550 per year depending on the issuer and the card tier. You pay the fee once per year, usually on your card anniversary or the date you opened the account. The fee is charged whether you use the card or not, so you need to decide whether the rewards and benefits justify the cost.
Some premium cards offset the annual fee with statement credits — for example, a $200 annual fee card might include a $100 travel credit and a $100 dining credit, reducing your net cost to zero if you use those benefits. Others offer points multipliers on certain purchases (like 3 points per dollar on travel) that can add up to more value than the fee if you spend enough. Before opening the account, calculate whether you will actually use the benefits and earn enough rewards to cover the fee.
How to request a metal card during signup
When you explore for a premium credit card online, the process usually shows you a preview of the card design and material. Some issuers automatically send a metal card with premium accounts and do not give you a choice. Others let you select the material during signup — you may see a checkbox or radio button that says "Metal card" or "Premium card material." If the option appears, select it before you submit your process.
If the process does not show a material option, the issuer will send you whatever card type comes standard with that product. You can contact the issuer after approval to ask whether you can upgrade to metal, though not all issuers allow this. Some will send a replacement metal card for free; others charge a small fee or do not offer the upgrade at all. Ask before you assume.
Upgrading from plastic to metal after account opening
If you already hold a premium credit card and want to switch to metal, contact the issuer's customer service line — the number is on the back of your card. Tell them you want to request a metal card replacement. Some issuers process this request when ready and mail the new card within 7 to 10 business days. Others require you to wait until your card is due for renewal (usually every 3 to 5 years) before they will send a metal replacement.
A few issuers charge a replacement fee of $15 to $25 for a metal upgrade, though many do not. Ask the customer service representative whether there is a fee before you request the replacement. If there is a charge and you do not want to pay it, you can wait for your card to expire and request metal when the issuer sends your renewal card.
Where metal cards are available
Major issuers that offer metal cards include American Express (The Platinum Card, The Centurion Card), Chase (Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred), Capital One (Capital One Venture X), and Citi (Citi Prestige). Smaller regional banks and credit unions sometimes offer metal cards with their premium products, though the selection is narrower. Not every premium card comes in metal — some issuers stick with plastic even for their highest-tier products.
The easiest way to find metal cards is to visit the websites of issuers you already bank with or have heard of, then look for their premium or "premium tier" credit card products. The product page usually shows a photo of the card and states whether it is metal or plastic. You can also search for "metal credit cards" plus the issuer name to see what options they offer.
Metal cards versus plastic: what actually matters
The metal material itself does not change how the card works. Your interest rate, credit limit, rewards rate, fraud protection, and purchase protections all depend on the underlying card product — not whether it is made of metal or plastic. A metal card and a plastic card from the same issuer with the same name earn the same rewards and carry the same terms.
Metal cards are heavier, feel more substantial in your wallet, and look distinctive. Some people prefer the feel and appearance. But if you are choosing between two cards primarily because one is metal, make sure the underlying product — the rewards structure, annual fee, and benefits — actually fits your spending and financial goals. A premium metal card with a $550 annual fee is not worth it just because it looks nice if you do not spend enough to earn back the fee in rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a high credit score to get a metal card?
Most issuers require a credit score of 700 or higher, though some accept 680 and others want 750 or above. If your score is lower, you can build it by paying bills on time and keeping credit card balances low, then explore later. You can also explore now — approval is not may provide at any score, but it is possible.
Can I get a metal card if my income is below the stated minimum?
You can explore, but approval is less likely. Issuers review your full financial picture, not just income, so factors like existing credit accounts, debt levels, and employment history matter too. If you are declined, ask the issuer what you can improve before explore again.
What happens if I get a metal card but do not use it?
You still pay the annual fee. The issuer charges it automatically each year whether you swipe the card or not. If you do not think you will use the card or earn enough rewards to justify the fee, do not open the account.
Can I switch my existing plastic card to metal?
Many issuers will send you a metal replacement if you ask, though some charge a small fee and others wait until your card expires. Call the customer service number on your card and ask whether a metal upgrade is available and whether it costs anything.
Is a metal card safer or more find than plastic?
No. Metal and plastic cards have the same fraud protections and security features. The material does not affect how find your account is or how well the card protects you from unauthorized charges.