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Credit Cards

Best metal credit cards of October 2026

UpdatedSeptember 21, 2026

At The Points Guy, our goal is to help you maximize your travel experiences while minimizing spending. While we do receive compensation through our credit card application links, ads and clearly indicated sponsored content, our editorial content, points valuations and card analyses are entirely our own. Learn more about our advertising policy and product review methodology.

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American Express Platinum Card®

American Express Platinum Card®

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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.

Comparing the best metal credit cards

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“More details on the best metal credit cards”

How we rate

At TPG, our team has spent countless hours compiling and comparing the top metal credit cards for you. We looked at welcome offers, bonus earnings, annual fees and additional benefits in order to choose the best metal credit cards for different types of consumers. To learn about how TPG evaluates and chooses cards for our roundups, check out our methodology here.
  • Welcome bonus

    We included metal cards with varying welcome bonuses for those who want to earn points or miles.

  • Annual fee

    We opted to include several metal cards with a wide range of annual fees for every type of spender and budget.

  • Earning rates

    The best metal cards on this list feature excellent earnings in key categories so there's a good option for everyone.

  • Redemption options

    Whether you want to redeem miles for travel or points for other types of purchases, our picks offer several ways to redeem.

  • Added benefits

    The cards we chose offer several benefits that you can utilize at home and abroad, making them great for everyday spending.

How to choose the best metal credit card

Choosing the best metal credit card means opting for a card that offers the ability to earn a solid sign-up bonus, provides travel insurance and protections — as many metal cards offer premium perks in this area — and is generally a good fit for the type of spending you do. After you sort through those logistics, you get to choose from several beautifully designed picks.

Here are some of the main points to consider when choosing a metal credit card:

  • 1
    Sign-up bonus

    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.

  • 2
    Annual fee

    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.

  • 3
    Bonus categories

    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.

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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

  • How do you get metal credit cards?

    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.

  • Why are some credit cards metal?

    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.

  • How do you destroy a metal credit card?

    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.

  • Are metal credit cards more secure?

    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.