The care and keeping of your beloved credit cards
Editor's Note
When it comes to caring for your credit card, the first things that come to mind are probably paying your bills on time, managing your budget and monitoring your credit score.
What you might not think about is taking care of your cards' physical condition. Should we wipe our cards with a microfiber towel? Supposedly. Does it sound a bit ridiculous? Slightly.
We're not likely to be that nit-picky with our cards, but we still want to show them some love for all the points and miles they earn us. Here's how you can take care of your cards without going overboard.
Get a metal credit card
For a long time, metal credit cards were considered more of a status symbol than a convenience. American Express introduced the first metal credit card, the Centurion Card from American Express (also known as the Black card), in 1999. It was and still is an invite-only card; only elite users have it. It's so exclusive that Amex won't publicly release the card's requirements, except for the hefty $10,000 initiation fee — once you've been invited.
Fast-forward more than 20 years, and lots of people are clanking down a metal card when the bill comes. From The Platinum Card® from American Express to the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees), there are so many options.
Keep in mind that metal cards are more durable than plastic cards, which can peel and split.
The information for the Centurion 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.
Use a mobile wallet
Use a mobile wallet to spare your cards with all the scratches from swiping and inserting your chip. This will keep your card looking pristine and alleviate the annoyance of pulling your card out of those tough-to-grab slots in your wallet.
Most banks have their own mobile wallet tied to their apps. Or, you can opt for Apple Pay and Samsung Pay, which you can set up on your phone without downloading any other apps.
Related: Will my rewards change if I pay by mobile wallet?
Tap to pay
Tap to pay is similar to using a mobile wallet but requires you to use your physical card. You can tell if your card is contactless if it has the Wi-Fi symbol on the front or back. If a merchant accepts contactless payments, you can tap away.
You can tell if a store is ready for tap-to-pay if the card reader has the Wi-Fi symbol on it or a sign indicating that it's an accepted form of payment. You can also use the tap-to-pay feature with mobile wallets.
Buy a quality wallet
Plain and simple, buy a good, clean and secure wallet. If your wallet is tattered and falling apart, and things are constantly falling out of it, then it's time to invest in a new one to keep your cards safe.
Yes, credit cards are replaceable, but you can easily avoid losing your credit card in the first place.
Store your cards
If you have several credit cards, you might not carry all of them at once. Some of us at TPG have more than 15 credit cards, and it would be difficult to carry them all. If there are cards you aren't using regularly, ensure you've stashed them safely away from heat, potential water damage, kids and even pets. The last thing we want is for our cards to be melted if left in the car or chewed up by our furry friends.
Bottom line
If this post is too little, too late, and your credit cards are already peeling, splitting and unreadable, then you should probably call the number on the back of your cards (if you can still read them) and order replacements ASAP. Once you get your pretty new cards, treat them a little nicer this time. After all, they fund your vacations. (But we're still not sold on cleaning them with a microfiber towel.)
Related: The best rewards cards
TPG featured card
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. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- 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 in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- 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