The process of how to get a metal credit card typically involves standard application steps, but with stricter eligibility requirements and a focus on premium features. Metal Credit Cards are valued for their premium feel, enhanced rewards, and exclusive perks, but they are primarily targeted at applicants with strong credit profiles and higher income levels.
Who This Card Is For
Consumers seeking a premium credit card experience with luxury benefits and standout physical design.
Applicants with excellent or very good credit scores, typically FICO 720+ in the U.S., or equivalent in other countries.
Individuals who value extra travel perks, higher spending power, and unique cardholder experiences.
Those who can justify annual fees in exchange for richer rewards, airport lounge access, and exclusive offers.
Most suitable for frequent travelers, business professionals, or high-spending individuals.
Key Facts (At-a-Glance)
Item
Details
Annual Fee
Ranges from $95 to $695+ (sample/illustrative; exact fee depends on the card issuer and product)
APR
Typical purchase APR ranges from 20% to 30% variable (sample/illustrative; varies by issuer and applicant profile)
Rewards
Common features include high-value points, miles, or cashback on travel, dining, and select categories; some offer uncapped earning
Eligibility & Application
Requires excellent credit, documented income, valid government ID, and residency status; business cards may ask for EIN/tax data
Credit Limit Policy
Initial approved limits are often higher than standard cards; periodic reviews may increase limits
Foreign Transaction Fees
Many premium metal cards have no foreign transaction fee; some mid-tier options may charge up to 3%
Installment Plans
Some issuers allow purchases to be converted to monthly installments (check specific card terms)
Penalty/Late Fees
Late fees typically range from $38 to $41 (sample/illustrative; check official card terms)
Pros
Premium design and heavier feel, often made of stainless steel or composite alloys
Access to elite travel perks, such as airport lounge membership, hotel elite statuses, and premium rental car benefits
Enhanced rewards rates on travel, dining, and select bonus categories (e.g., up to 5x points on flights – sample/illustrative)
No foreign transaction fees on many metal cards, making them ideal for international travel
Exclusive access to concierge services, luxury event invitations, and special offers
Comprehensive purchase protection, travel insurance, extended warranty, and fraud monitoring
Cons
High annual fees for most metal credit cards, often only justified by heavy usage and full utilization of perks
Some issuers require high minimum income levels or existing client relationships
Offers may be invite-only or require direct application through the issuer
Metal construction can make cards difficult to destroy or dispose of securely
Limited acceptance for some boutique or exclusive metal card brands
Fees, Rates & How Costs Accrue
Metal credit cards usually feature higher annual fees, often ranging from $95 to $695+ (sample/illustrative; always verify with the official issuer page).
APR for purchases is typically variable, often 20%–30% (depending on your credit and economic conditions as of 2025).
If you carry a balance, interest accrues daily and compounds monthly; paying only the minimum can result in significant charges.
Grace periods usually apply if you pay your statement balance in full; otherwise, interest starts on the posting date.
Late payments can trigger penalty interest rates and late fees, typically $38–$41 (sample/illustrative).
Foreign transaction fees are often waived, but some cards still charge up to 3% – confirm with issuer terms.
Rewards: Earning & Redeeming
Most metal cards earn points, miles, or cashback – some with unlimited earning, others with high-value bonus categories like travel or dining.
Look for accelerated earn rates on specific purchases (e.g., 3x points on dining, 5x on airfare; sample/illustrative – check card details).
Redemption options include travel bookings, statement credits, gift cards, and merchandise; premium cards often allow point transfers to airline/hotel partners for higher value.
Some rewards may have expiration windows, annual caps, or require minimum redemptions – check terms for each card.
Special offers, sign-up bonuses, or milestone rewards may be available to new and renewing cardholders.
User Feedback & Real-World Experiences
Many users appreciate the metal card’s physical heft and “wow” factor at checkout.
Premium travel benefits, especially lounge access and insurance, are widely cited as valuable when fully utilized.
Common complaints include the high annual fee and the difficulty of disposing of expired cards due to their material.
Some users report challenges with acceptance at smaller merchants, especially overseas with certain exclusive brands.
Experiences vary depending on spending habits, travel frequency, and how fully each cardholder leverages perks.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Notable Alternatives
Platinum-tier plastic credit cards with similar rewards but lower fees or no metal construction
No-annual-fee travel rewards cards with competitive earn rates
Premium business credit cards, many with metal options and business-focused benefits
Exclusive, invite-only cards (such as “black” or “centurion” cards) for ultra-high-net-worth clients
Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature
How To Get A Metal Credit Card
Plastic Premium Card
No-Annual-Fee Travel Card
Annual Fee
$95–$695 (sample/illustrative)
$99–$250 (sample/illustrative)
$0
APR (Purchase)
20%–30% variable (sample/illustrative)
19%–27% variable (sample/illustrative)
19%–28% variable (sample/illustrative)
Rewards
High-earning points or miles, luxury perks
Mid-level points/cashback, travel offers
Good earn rates on travel, minimal perks
Notable Perks
Lounge access, travel insurance, concierge
Travel credits, elite offers, fewer perks
No-fee simplicity; limited extras
Eligibility & Application Steps
Research metal credit card options from major issuers; review their official eligibility and benefits pages before applying.
Meet typical requirements: excellent credit score (usually 720+ FICO), sufficient annual income, U.S. residency or equivalent for your region, and proper documentation.
Submit an application online, through a bank branch, or by invitation for exclusive cards (documentation includes government-issued ID, income proof, and sometimes existing client relationship status).
Wait for issuer review; additional verification or an interview may be required for ultra-premium or invite-only products.
If approved, the card will be shipped—often with premium packaging, and sometimes a digital card issued instantly for immediate use.
How to Maximize Value
Pay your monthly balances in full to avoid accruing interest at high APRs.
Concentrate your spending in the categories with the highest rewards multipliers (e.g., travel, dining).
Take full advantage of value-added benefits like airport lounges, travel insurance, and statement credits to offset the annual fee.
Set up alerts to ensure timely payments and maintain your credit score for future card upgrades.
Track promotional offers, limited-time benefits, and annual rewards to extract maximum value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone apply for a metal credit card?
Most issuers require an excellent credit score and higher income than standard cards.
Some cards (especially premium or exclusive options) may be issued by invitation only.
What makes a metal credit card different from a plastic one?
Metal credit cards use premium materials for durability and prestige.
They often come with enhanced rewards, benefits, and higher annual fees.
How do I properly dispose of a metal credit card when it expires?
Never attempt to destroy metal cards at home; most issuers provide a secure mail-back option or require return at the branch.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Metal credit cards are best for consumers with excellent credit who value premium rewards and are willing to pay higher fees for top-tier perks.
If you are price-sensitive or won’t fully use luxury travel & lifestyle benefits, consider a lower-fee rewards or travel card instead.
Always review official issuer resources for up-to-date terms and eligibility before applying; check for current offers and benefits that match your needs.
