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When the iconic American Express Centurion Card (aka the "Black Card") went titanium in 2004, it kicked off a trend of metallic premium credit cards — including the American Express Platinum Card®, the U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees).
Today, there's a wide range of metal credit cards available, and you don't need a $5,000 annual fee or excellent credit to qualify. Often made from stainless steel, titanium or other alloys, these cards tend to be more durable than their plastic counterparts and can weigh more than three times as much. Functionally, however, they work the same way, so their appeal is largely aesthetic and symbolic.
Below, CNBC Select highlights the top picks for upgrading from plastic to metal.
Best metal credit cards
Best for premium perks
Who's this for? The American Express Platinum Card® is one of the heaviest publicly available cards and not only packs a punch in terms of weight but also in benefits. This card is designed for consumers seeking luxury travel and benefits, like airport lounge access and hundreds in hotel credits, as it has a steep $895 annual fee (see rates and fees).
Standout perks: To start, the card comes with a large welcome offer: You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. It's also loaded with statement credits and perks, offering over $3,500 in value each year via companies like Uber, lululemon, Walmart and more. Terms apply.
The American Express Platinum Card® is a premium card loaded with annual statement credits, entertainment benefits, extensive airport lounge access, elite status perks and more. (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you're approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you're approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
- With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 Delta Sky Club visits (subject to visit limitations) when flying on an eligible Delta flight, Priority Pass™ membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. *As of 01/2026
- $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
- $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
- $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights™ by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. As a Platinum Card® Member you have special access to reservations on select nights at participating sought after Resy restaurants in select cities through Platinum Nights™ by Resy. Simply add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile to book your reservation.
- $219 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $219 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
- Start your vacation sooner and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM late check-out.
- $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That's up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Get up to a $12.95* statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Platinum Card®. *Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- $895 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Balance transfer fee
N/A
Foreign transaction fee
None
Best for rewards categories
Who's this for? The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers many bonus categories, including: 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3X points on dining, select streaming services, online groceries, gas, electric vehicle charging and vacation home rentals and 2X points on all other travel purchases.
Standout perks: New cardholders can earn a 100,000-point welcome bonus after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months. Plus, get statement credits toward select hotel stays and expedited airport security.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card packs a punch for a $95 annual fee card, offering annual travel credits, comprehensive travel protections and more.
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase TravelSM, 3x on dining, 3x on vacation homes, 3x on gas & EV charging, 3x on top streaming services and online groceries (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs), 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
- Earn up to $100 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Get a year of complimentary Apple TV when activated by December 31, 2026 - a value of $156.
- Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
- Receive one statement credit of up to $120 every four years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card for a Global Entry, TSA Precheck® or NEXUS application.
- Transfer points to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Member FDIC
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
Best for dining out
Who's this for? The American Express® Gold Card is made from engraved 13g stainless steel metal and is available in your choice of gold or rose gold. It's a great option for foodies looking to earn on their meals, earning 4X Membership Rewards® points at restaurants worldwide on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points.
Standout perks: On top of earning dining rewards, the card comes with up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory and Wonder. It also features statement credits toward Dunkin' purchases and U.S. Resy restaurants (enrollment required).
The American Express Gold Card is great for earning valuable Membership Rewards® points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets. Membership Rewards® points transfer to many of the top airline and hotel loyalty programs, which makes this card one of the best options for earning travel rewards.
- You can earn $400+ in dining and rideshare credits every year (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
- Exceptionally rewarding for eligible restaurant and U.S. supermarket purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
- Large annual fee
- Credits are more complicated, you earn them monthly or semi-annually
- Spending caps on the top bonus categories
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you're approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you're approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You'll know upfront exactly how much you'll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Foreign transaction fee
None
Best for Apple purchases
Who's this for? There was a lot of hype around the Apple Card when it launched in August 2019, partly because it's almost entirely made of titanium. The card could be a good option if you're always looking for the newest tech, as you'll earn 3% cash back on all your Apple purchases, plus a handful of select merchants, including Nike. You'll also earn 2% cash back whenever you use Apple Pay, regardless of what you're buying.
Standout perks: Cardholders can opt to use Apple Card Monthly Installments, which offers interest-free monthly payment plans, when buying a new Mac, iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch. While there is no welcome bonus for this card, the Apple Card is one of the few credit cards on the market that advertises no fees, including no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees and no late payment fees.
Apple Card
Rewards
3% cash back on goods or services purchased directly from Apple (including Apple retail stores, the Apple online store, the App Store, iTunes, Apple Music and other Apple-owned properties) on Uber and UberEats, at Walgreens and Duane Reade stores, on the Walgreens app and on Walgreens.com, in T-Mobile stores, at Nike, at Exxon and Mobil stations and at Panera Bread, 2% cash back on Apple Pay purchases and 1% cash back on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
None
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
None
Regular APR
19.24% to 29.49% variable
Balance transfer fee
None
Foreign transaction fee
None
Credit needed
N/A
Terms apply.
Best for Amazon purchases
Who's this for? The Prime Visa is a great fit for frequent Amazon customers, as you'll earn 5% back at Amazon.com (and Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and Chase Travel purchases) with an eligible Prime membership.
Standout perks: Cardholders also earn unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare), and 1% back on all other purchases. Plus, get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval, exclusively for Prime members.
The Prime Visa is only available to Amazon Prime members ($139 for an annual membership and $14.99 for a monthly membership) but is very rewarding for Amazon purchases.
Rewards
- Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership
- Unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare)
- 10% back or more on a rotating selection of items and categories on Amazon.com with an eligible Prime membership
- Unlimited 1% back on all other purchases
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 4% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
What is a metal credit card?
Metal credit cards are made primarily from stainless steel, titanium, carbon fiber or other materials, rather than the traditional PVC plastic.
They function exactly like standard cards, however, and are valued mainly for their feel, durability and use as status symbols. Because metal cards usually offer premium rewards or perks, they come with higher annual fees.
Are metal credit cards better?
Metal credit cards may be more physically durable, and they make a nice "plunk" when you put them down, but they aren't better than traditional plastic cards. The best strategy is to pick a credit card based on its welcome bonus, spending rewards and other benefits.
If you're set on getting a metal credit card, choose one that matches your spending habits and has a large welcome bonus.
Pros and cons of metal credit cards
Before applying for a metal card, decide if the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
- Typically premium cards with top-tier benefits
- More durable than plastic cards
- Luxury look and feel appeal to status seekers
- Usually have higher annual fees
- Typically require a high credit score to qualify
- Harder to dispose of than plastic cards
FAQs
What are the best metal credit cards?
The best metal credit card is the one that best fits your needs. Whether it's a card that earns travel rewards or cash back, it should complement your spending habits and financial goals.
How do I get a metal credit card?
There are several metal credit cards available for consumers to apply for. Find the one that works best for you and that has credit requirements you can meet.
What's the heaviest metal credit card?
One of the heaviest metal credit cards is the J.P. Morgan Reserve card (aka the "Palladium card"). Constructed from brass with a palladium plating, it allegedly weighs close to one ounce, but is not readily available to consumers. The heaviest cards that are publicly available include the American Express Platinum Card®, weighing approximately 17 to 18.5 grams, and the Mastercard Black Card, which clocks in at a reported 22 grams.
How do you dispose of a metal credit card?
The best way to dispose of a metal credit card is to return it to the issuer, either by mailing it back or taking it to a local branch for secure destruction. If you need to dispose of it at home, use tin snips, which are designed to cut sheet metal. Make sure you cut through the magnetic stripe and EMV chip and that your name and account number are no longer legible. Never put a metal credit card in a paper shredder.
Are metal credit cards more secure than regular credit cards?
No, while metal credit cards may be more durable than plastic cards, they are not more secure. Both use the same security features — including EMV chips, tokenization and CVV codes — and either type can be compromised through identity theft or unauthorized use. Always keep your cards in a safe place and avoid sharing your card information.
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Why trust CNBC Select?
At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every credit card review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best credit cards.
Our methodology
To determine which cards offer the best value for intro-APR offers, CNBC Select analyzed over 250 major credit cards issued by FDIC-insured banks and NCUA-insured credit unions.
We also considered additional perks (e.g., ongoing travel or merchant statement credits), cardholder protections (e.g., purchase protection, $0 liability protection and travel insurance), the application process when available (e.g., is there a credit pull or required credit score) and how easy it is to redeem points (e.g., are rewards are tied to a specific brand; if transferable, to how many/which partners, can you redeem for straight cash back).
When choosing the best metal credit cards, we focused only on credit cards made of the correct type of materials, and ones from reputable financial institutions. We compared each card on a range of features, including rewards (e.g., cash back, points and miles), annual fees, welcome bonuses, introductory and standard APR and balance transfer fees and foreign transaction fees.
We also considered CNBC Select audience data when available, such as general demographics and engagement with our content and tools.
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Information about the American Express Centurion Card, U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card, and Apple Card has been collected independently by CNBC Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.
For rates and fees of the American Express Platinum Card®, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card , click here.
*We may earn commissions from qualifying purchases made through Amazon links.
