Best metal credit cards of December 2025
Metal cards are just as attractive as they are functional, which is why we have compiled a list of the best metal credit cards. Metal credit cards don’t just look and feel great; they also boast incredible rewards and premium perks. Once a status symbol of the wealthy, metal credit cards have now become popular among everyday credit cards.
Metal credit cards offer increased durability and premium perks, so these cards can be so much more than what they’re made of. Here are our top picks for the best metal credit cards from our partners.
- American Express Platinum Card®: Best for premium travel perks and digital entertainment
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best for premium travel
- American Express® Gold Card: Best for dining at restaurants
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for dining and travel insurance
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for mid-tier travel
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Best for SkyClub access
- American Express® Business Gold Card: Best for flexible reward earnings
- United Club℠ Card: Best for United Club access
- Ritz-Carlton Rewards® Credit Card: Best for Ritz-Carlton enthusiasts
Comparing the best metal credit cards
Best for premium travel perks and digital entertainment
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X | 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. |
The American Express Platinum Card® has a high annual fee but remains one of the best cards on the market for those who prioritize premium travel experiences. A combination of updated and new statement credits makes the refreshed Amex Platinum an ideal card for frequent travelers and digital entertainment enthusiasts alike.
Pros
- No foreign transaction fees
- Up to $600 hotel credit (disbursed as up to $300 in statement credits semiannually; enrollment required)
- Up to $300 digital entertainment credit (disbursed as up to $25 in statement credits per month; enrollment required)
- Earns transferable Membership Rewards points
Cons
- $895 annual fee
- You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 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.
- 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.
- More Value! 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 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. * As of 07/2025.
- More Value! $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.
- More Value! $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $25 in statement credits each month after you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at participating partners. Enrollment required.
- More Value! $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.
- New! $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: When you use the Platinum Card® to pay at U.S. Resy restaurants and to make other eligible purchases through Resy, you can get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter with the $400 Resy Credit benefit. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you, enrollment required.
- More Value! $209 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with the 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 upon arrival, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
- New! $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: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®. *Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
- $100 Saks Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com on the Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December. No minimum purchase required. Enrollment required.
- 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
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 10 Miles | 10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 5 Miles | 5 Miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2 Miles | 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day |
The Capital One Venture X is a luxury travel credit card with many premium perks but a fair annual fee of $395. In addition, it earns transferable miles and offers at least 2 miles per dollar on every purchase. Read our full review of the Capital One Venture X.
Pros
- Strong welcome offer
- 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary
Cons
- $395 annual fee
- $300 in credit annually only applicable for bookings made through Capital One Travel portal
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn 100,000 bonus miles once you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 6 months from account opening - equal to $1,000 in travel
- Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
- Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
- Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
- Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
This isn’t just a card that’s nice to look at. It packs a real punch, offering 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants worldwide (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar) and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar). There’s also an up to $120 annual dining credit at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com and Five Guys (enrollment required), plus it offers up to $120 annually ($10 per month) in Uber Cash, which can be used on Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. Card must be added to Uber app to receive this benefit. All this make it a very strong contender for all food purchases, which has become a popular spending category. Enrollment required for select benefits. Read our full review of the American Express Gold Card.
Pros
- 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants worldwide (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar) and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar)
- 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Generous welcome offer
Cons
- Weak on travel and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as effective for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 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.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
at Chase's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 8x | Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠. |
| 4x | Earn 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. |
| 3x | Earn 3x points on dining worldwide. |
| 1x | Earn 1x points on all other purchases. |
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® remains one of the most rewarding travel credit cards thanks to its elevated earning rates on both Chase Travel℠ and direct hotel and airline purchases. Cardholders also gain access to more than $2,700 in potential annual value through premium perks like lounge access, hotel status, lifestyle credits and flexible travel credits.
With its strong earning structure and access to Chase’s airline and hotel partners, it’s a top choice for travelers seeking both luxury and long-term value.
Pros
- Automatic $300 annual travel credit each account anniversary year
- Earn 8 points per dollar spent on Chase Travel purchases and 4 points per dollar spent on flights and hotels booked direct
- Over $2,700 in total annual cardmember value, including credits for StubHub, Apple Music, Apple TV+ and DoorDash
- $300 annual dining credit (split up as two semiannual $150 credits) for Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables restaurants
- Access to Chase’s 14 hotel and airline travel partners
- No foreign transaction fees
- Complimentary IHG Platinum Elite status (through Dec. 31, 2027)
Cons
- Steep $795 annual fee, plus a $195 fee per authorized user
- Some credits are split biannually, requiring careful tracking to maximize value
- Some credits require enrollment or specific platforms, which may make it more difficult to maximize value
- May not be a good fit for those who don’t spend heavily on travel or select lifestyle categories
- Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
- Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
- $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
- Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
- Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $250 annually
- Member FDIC
at Chase's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5x | Earn 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠. |
| 3x | Earn 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries. |
| 2x | Earn 2x on all other travel purchases. |
| 1x | Earn 1x on all other purchases. |
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the most popular metal cards because it offers great value in addition to its appearance. This card packs several perks that can easily justify its $95 annual fee. Besides great reward rates on travel and dining purchases, cardholders can transfer their points to any of Chase’s 14 airline and hotel partners. Read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.
Pros
- Multiple bonus categories
- Annual hotel statement credit when booked through Chase Travel
- Premium travel protection insurance
Cons
- The card comes with a $95 annual fee.
- Earn 75,000 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 Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
- Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel℠
- 10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- 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.
- Member FDIC
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card is the premier choice for Delta loyalists who value an accelerated path to elite status, Delta SkyClubs lounge access, an annual companion certificate and strong earning rates on Delta purchases. Read our review of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card.
Pros
- Statement credit for TSA PreCheck (up to $85 every 4.5 years) or Global Entry fee ($120 every 4 years)
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta. Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 on purchase each calendar year.
Cons
- High annual fee of $650
- Lower fee Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you'll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the top two eligible categories where your business spends the most each month from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.* |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.* |
| 1X | 1X is earned for other purchases. ** |
The Amex Business Gold card is a solid choice for high-spending small businesses with the flexibility to earn 4 points per dollar in the two categories where you spend the most. The card is ideal for businesses who value simplicity above all. Read our full review of the American Express Business Gold Card.
Pros
- You'll earn 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar in the top 2 spending categories each billing cycle (on the first $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year, then 1 point per dollar).
Cons
- Hefty $375 annual fee.
- There may be better options for small businesses who don't spend a lot.
- Welcome Offer: Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the top two eligible categories where your business spends the most each month from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.*
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.*
- Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required.*
- 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 Business Gold Card. **Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.*
- The Business Gold Card comes in three metal designs: Gold, Rose Gold and White Gold. Make your selection when you apply on Americanexpress.com.
- *Terms Apply
at Chase's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4x | 4x miles on United® purchases |
| 2x | 2x miles on dining and all other travel |
| 1x | 1x mile on all other purchases |
Only the United Club Card grants you complimentary United Club lounge membership, worth up to $750 per year. Although this card comes with a steep $695 annual fee, the lounge benefit alone can more than cover this annual cost. Not to mention the other ongoing perks of this card, from two free checked bags and up to $120 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck. For frequent United flyers, this card can provide tons of value each year. Read our full review of the United Club Card.
Pros
- Earn 4 miles per dollar on United purchases; 2 miles per dollar on travel and dining; 1 mile per dollar on everything else
- United Club℠ membership for you and your eligible travel companions at all United Club locations and participating Star Alliance lounges worldwide
- Up to $120 statement credit for Global Entry/TSA Precheck application every four years
- Free first and second checked bags for you and one travel companion on the same reservation
- 25% inflight purchase statement credit
Cons
- High $695 annual fee
- Earn 90,000 bonus miles
- 4x miles on United® purchases
- 2x miles on dining and all other travel
- 1x mile on all other purchases
- United Club℠ card membership - at least a $750 value
- Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply)
- Premier Access® travel services
- Earn up to 20,000-miles in award flight discounts annually
- Member FDIC
Best for Ritz-Carlton enthusiasts
Ritz-Carlton Rewards® Credit Card
Information updated as of 07/29/2024
| 6X | 6X points for every $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. |
| 3X | 3X points for every $1 spent on dining, car rentals and airline purchases. |
| 2X | 2X points for every $1 spent on all other purchases. |
Pros
- Annual free night award
- Offers lounge access
- Features a $300 annual travel credit
Cons
- This card isn’t available to new applicants (though you can still get it)
- No welcome offer is available since you must upgrade from another card to get this one
The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® Credit Card* makes sense for Ritz loyalists who frequent the upscale hotel chain. The myriad perks of card membership — like an annual free night award and complimentary Marriott Bonvoy elite status — help offset the $450 annual fee.
Comparing the best metal credit cards
Credit card | Best for | Intro offer | Earning rate | Annual fee | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
+ New benefits at American Express's secure site | premium travel perks and digital entertainment | As High As 175,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. Open Intro bonus You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. | 5X points Open Rewards rates
| $895 | ||||||||||
Limited-time offer at Capital One's secure site | premium travel | LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn 100,000 bonus miles Open Intro bonus Earn 100,000 bonus miles once you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 6 months from account opening Earn 75,000 miles | 2 - 10X miles Open Rewards rates
| $395 | ||||||||||
at American Express's secure site | dining at restaurants | As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. Open Intro bonus You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. | 1 - 4X points Open Rewards rates
| $325 | ||||||||||
at Chase's secure site | dining and travel insurance | 125,000 bonus points Open Intro bonus Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. | 1 - 8X points Open Rewards rates
| $795 | ||||||||||
New offer at Chase's secure site | mid-tier travel | 75,000 bonus points Open Intro bonus Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. 60,000 bonus points | 1 - 5X points Open Rewards rates
| $95 | ||||||||||
at American Express's secure site | SkyClub access | Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles Open Intro bonus Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. | 1 - 3X miles Open Rewards rates
| $650 | ||||||||||
at American Express's secure site | flexible reward earnings | Earn 100,000 points Open Intro bonus Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.* | 1 - 4X points Open Rewards rates
| $375 | ||||||||||
at Chase's secure site | United Club access | Earn 90,000 bonus miles Open Intro bonus Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. | 1 - 4X miles Open Rewards rates
| $695 | ||||||||||
Ritz-Carlton Rewards® Credit Card * *The information about the Ritz-Carlton Rewards® Credit Card has been collected independently by ThePointsGuy.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer. Information updated as of 07/29/2024 | Ritz-Carlton enthusiasts | no offer | 2 - 6X points Open Rewards rates
| $450 |
More details on the best metal credit cards
The American Express Platinum Card® is a great travel companion thanks to perks like no foreign transaction fees and enhancements like a generous up to $600 hotel credit (disbursed as up to $300 in statement credits biannually). Now, it also features more lifestyle credits that cardmembers can take advantage of to help offset its hefty annual fee. Enrollment required.
Frequent travelers and digital entertainment subscribers will enjoy travel perks like lounge access and an up to $209 Clear Plus statement credit in addition to an up to $300 digital entertainment credit (disbursed as up to $25 per month in statement credits). Enrollment may be required and you may be subject to auto-renewal.
Adding this card to your rotation makes sense if you can use its perks and statement credits to offset its $895 annual fee.
If you want a premium travel and lifestyle card that’s not nearly $900, consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. It features a $795 annual fee — which is still a big figure — but offers several similar perks and credits that offset this fee, and it earns transferable Ultimate Rewards points, one of the most valuable reward currencies on the market.
The Capital One Venture X is a luxury travel credit card with many premium perks but a fair annual fee of $395. In addition, it earns transferable miles and offers at least 2 miles per dollar on every purchase.
Frequent travelers who want a premium travel credit card that is relatively affordable should consider the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.
“With an annual fee that is $500 less than the American Express Platinum Card® (see rates and fees), the Capital One Venture X card is my favorite travel credit card. The card comes with an annual $300 Capital One Travel portal credit, which I use to book flights. That effectively brings the annual fee down to $95 per year. I use my Venture X card to earn 2 miles per dollar in spending categories where most cards would only accrue 1 mile (such as auto maintenance and medical bills).” — Kyle Olsen, former reporter
If you are looking for the most premium travel credit card with maximum perks and benefits, consider the American Express Platinum Card®, which offers a lengthy list of benefits and annual statement credits.
The Amex Gold is the ultimate card for foodies with its high earning rates and premium perks. It earns 4 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in spending each calendar year, then 1 point) and 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 in spending each calendar year, then 1 point). In addition, the card earns up to $10 in monthly Uber Cash that can be used on Uber or Uber Eats purchases in the U.S. Enrollment is required.
Anyone who likes to eat out or cook would find incredible value in the Amex Gold.
“There’s no better card for groceries and dining than the Amex Gold. I earn 4 points per dollar in both of these categories. With additional perks like monthly statement credits and the ability to transfer my Membership Rewards points to valuable airline partners, the card is a mainstay in my wallet.” — Nick Ewen, director of content
If you are looking for a travel card that earns bonus points on dining but can’t justify the Gold’s annual fee, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns 5 points per dollar on purchases through the Chase Travel portal and 3 points per dollar on dining.
The Sapphire Reserve offers exceptional value for frequent travelers through generous rewards on travel spending, flexible point transfers and over $2,700 in potential annual perks.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is best suited for travelers who can take full advantage of its elevated earning rates, statement credits and wide range of luxury benefits.
If you regularly spend on travel and lifestyle purchases, and want a premium reward card that delivers both luxury benefits and long-term value, the Sapphire Reserve is a card you should consider.
If you're looking for similar premium travel benefits but are an Amex loyalist, the American Express Platinum Card® is a strong competitor. It carries a comparable annual fee of $895 (see rates and fees) and offers extensive luxury perks, including access to the Amex Global Lounge Collection for eligible card members, complimentary Hilton and Marriott elite status (enrollment is required for select benefits), and annual statement credits across categories like airfare, hotels, ridesharing services, digital entertainment and more. Its rewards are also flexible to redeem for general travel, but are mostly focused on luxury experiences.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of the best mid-tier travel credit cards available. It features bonus earnings on travel and dining purchases, comprehensive travel protections and a reasonable annual fee.
New travelers should consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred because Chase points are transferable and the card has a fair annual fee.
“The Chase Sapphire Preferred has been in my wallet for more than five years and is the go-to mid-level rewards credit card that I recommend to people. It usually has a pretty solid sign-up bonus, with points that can be transferred to some of my favorite loyalty programs, like British Airways Executive Club and World of Hyatt. The strong earning rates on dining and travel as well as streaming services make it a good choice for a millennial like me. Finally, I like using this card when renting cars, as it provides primary rental car insurance and a little more peace of mind.” — Matt Moffitt, senior credit cards editor
If you are looking for a lower-cost travel credit card but prefer American Express Membership Rewards points, consider the American Express® Green Card, which offers comparable benefits and an annual fee of $150.
The information for the Amex Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. the card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The Delta Reserve Amex is a luxury credit card with premium perks like a free checked bag for you and eight companions, priority boarding, Sky Club access and more.
Many of the Delta Reserve’s premium benefits are specific to Delta Air Lines, so this card would be a good option for frequent Delta flyers.
“As a Delta Diamond Medallion, I spend a lot of time on Delta jets. The Delta Reserve card helps me maintain my status by offering shortcuts to earning (and retaining) status. Plus, the card's annual companion ticket is valid on first-class itineraries and has helped me offset the card's annual fee multiple years in a row.” — Andrew Kunesh, former points and miles editor
If you like the premium perks offered by the Delta Reserve Amex but are not loyal to Delta, consider the American Express Platinum Card® instead. It offers many similar perks (including Sky Club access when flying Delta) but earns Membership Rewards points which can be transferred to Delta SkyMiles or any of Amex's other travel partners.
Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more
The Amex Business Gold helps small businesses automatically earn 4 points per dollar in the two categories they spend the most on each billing cycle (on the first $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year, then 1 point per dollar). The card earns Membership Rewards points, an incredibly valuable transferable currency, and it features a number of added protections as well.
Small-business owners that primarily spend in the bonus-eligible categories of the Amex Business Gold can get incredible value out of the card. In addition, the card’s perks and benefits can help make business travel smoother.
“No other card provides the earning potential and adaptability this card has. Sure, its $375 annual fee isn’t cheap, but I love the fact I don’t need to think about what purchases I put on this card. It will automatically adapt and provide 4 points per dollar in my top two spending categories each billing cycle.” — Ryan Smith, former credit cards writer
If your small business can’t justify the Business Gold’s $375 annual fee but you still want to earn transferable points, consider the Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, which earns 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on all purchases (on up to $50,000 in spending each calendar year, then 1 point).
The United Club Card is the ultimate card for a frequent United Airlines flyer. Cardholders enjoy a United Club membership, including access for one guest and dependent children under the age of 18. You’ll also enjoy two free checked bags for the primary cardholder and a companion on the same United reservation.
Frequent United flyers will find great value in the airline-specific perks offered by the United Club Card.
The United Club Card offers premium United perks like lounge access, travel protections and free checked bags. These benefits make the card a great addition to any loyal United flyer’s wallet.
If you are a loyal United flyer but don’t think you can justify the United Club Card’s annual fee, consider the United℠ Explorer Card instead. The card carries a modest $150 annual fee (with a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year) but still comes with premium perks like two annual lounge passes, a free checked bag and a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® Credit Card comes packed with benefits like automatic elite status, a $300 annual travel credit, 15 elite night credits each calendar year and more!
*The information for the Ritz-Carlton Rewards Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
If you prioritize staying at Ritz-Carlton properties, this card’s benefits and perks may be the best fit for your wallet.
The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® comes packed with perks and benefits for Ritz properties. If you’re a Ritz loyalist, this card’s annual fee can be easily offset by its luxury perks.
If you’re looking for a similarly premium travel card but want more statement credits in various categories, consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.
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What is your favorite metal credit card and why?
How to choose the best metal credit card
- Think about how much you typically spend month-to-month and whether or not your budget will allow you to meet the minimum spend requirement in order to earn the sign-up bonus.1Sign-up bonus
- Most metal cards come with an annual fee. When you're choosing the best one for your specific needs, think about what categories you can earn rewards in and if the earning potential of a card outweighs its annual fee.2Annual fee
- Metal cards offer differing categories in which you can earn points, miles or cash back. Choose the card that offers the highest number of bonus categories you usually spend money in frequently.3Bonus categories
Pros + cons of metal credit cards
Pros
- Metal credit cards can be sturdier than their plastic counterparts.
- Most metal credit cards include premium perks and travel benefits.
- You can add many metal cards to your mobile wallet if you don’t want to carry them around.
Cons
- Metal cards are hardy to dispose of when you cancel them or they expire, since they won’t go in a shredder.
- So many issuers use metal cards these days that it’s no longer as “special” as it once was.
- Some heftier metal cards may not work at automatic card payment terminals — like some train stations or parking garages.
Frequently asked questions
Many credit card issuers have metal credit cards, including some with low annual fees and most premium cards. In order to get a metal credit card, you have to apply for a new card and get approved.
There is no official reason for card issuers to make their credit cards metal, though these cards can be more durable than their plastic counterparts, and some travelers like the heft of them. Metal credit cards are typically designed for consumers with higher spending and include premium perks and benefits, though some have reasonable annual fees.
The best way to dispose of your metal credit card is to mail it back to the card issuer. Most card issuers recommend this method. Don’t use a normal shredder like you would with plastic cards, as this could ruin the machine.
Metal credit cards have the same safety features as plastic credit cards. There is no difference in terms of security between metal and plastic cards.