There’s something very satisfying about the weight and feel of owning a metal credit card. Metal credit cards evoke the feeling of luxury and yes that is literally what comes into most people’s mind when they hear about metal credit cards.
Nevertheless, there’s a whole lot more to a metal credit card than the sleek look and feel. The best metal credit card comes with lots of rewards and travel benefits.
Follow me to know the best metal credit cards along with their rewards and benefits that are best for you.
Table of contents
- Are Metal Credit Cards for Everyone?
- How to Pick a Metal Credit Card
- What Are the Best Metal Credit Cards in 2022?
- 15. APPLE CARD
- 14. BlockFi Rewards Visa Signature Credit Card
- 13. Mastercard Black Card
- 12. Mastercard Gold Card
- 11. Verizon Visa Card
- 10. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- 9. AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
- 8. IHG Rewards from Capital One
- 7. Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature card
- 6. Wells Fargo Propel American Express Card
- 5. Marriot Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card
- 4. Chase Sapphire Reserve Card
- 3. Chase Sapphire preferred Card
- 2. American Express Gold Card
- 1. The Platinum Card from American Express
- FAQs
- Conclusion
- References
- Recommendations
Are Metal Credit Cards for Everyone?
Metal credit cards are not for everyone. Before you go ahead and apply for one, you should first make sure you know the pros and cons that comes with owning a metal credit card.
Pros
One of the best advantages of a metal credit card is its durability. Plastic credit cards have more tendency of bending and that might require getting a new one faster than a metal credit card. Also, there are benefits, rewards and bonuses that come with every metal credit cards; depending on the specific type of card users get points on travel bonuses, dining, and cashback percentages.
Cons
The card’s durability can become a disadvantage by the time you want to get rid of your metal credit card account because it can be difficult to destroy.
And this is the big one, if you don’t know how to choose which is best for you the heavy annual fees can be disturbing on your finances.
Which is why at the end of this article we made some recommendations on which card you should own based on your activities.
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How to Pick a Metal Credit Card
If after going through the pros and cons of a metal credit card you are still keen on applying for one then your next question will be how to pick a metal credit card with so many options available.
Here are some answers to the questions you might be asking yourself right now.
Will the rewards be worth the annual fee?
Actually, it only makes sense if you pay an annual fee for a rewards card if you’re going to earn enough and worthy to offset the carrying cost.
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Is it realistic to meet the minimum spend requirement for the welcome bonus?
Typically, the larger the welcome bonus, the higher the requirement minimum spending amount to earn it. I will advise that you don’t chase that bounty if it means that you are spending more than you normally do over that period of time.
No matter how tempting it looks, if you end up carrying a balance as a result of extra spending, it will eat away at the value of any rewards earned.
Will you be able to use the benefits or rewards offered by the card you are applying for?
There’s no point in paying big amount for a card laden with perks if you aren’t going to use them. So, make sure you look for a card in the category that may benefit you.
For example, if you are a luxury traveler, you should look for a card that offers travel bonuses that fit you and your activities.
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Does the card’s earning structure match up with where you spend the most?
If you rarely eat out, then a card that pays elevated rewards on restaurants or dining probably isn’t the best choice for you.
How are any rewards redeemed?
A point isn’t necessarily worth the same no matter how you redeem it or with every credit card’s type of points earned.
Every rewards card comes with its own unique redemption plan and sometimes a point can take on more or less value depending on how you use it.
What Are the Best Metal Credit Cards in 2022?
Here is a list of 15 best credit cards in 2022;
15. APPLE CARD
The newly-launched Apple Card is designed to be used primarily through Apple Pay. However, cardholders also get a minimalist titanium card that they can use for in-person transactions at the lowest 1% cash back rewards rate.
There’s no annual fee for this card. You can’t apply directly online, but you can through the Wallet app on iPhone.
Rewards:
- 1% cash back on everything else
- 2% cash back every time you use Apple Pay
- 3% cash back at Apple in store or online, iTunes, App Store, and Uber/Uber Eats (when using Apple Pay)
Annual fee: $0
14. BlockFi Rewards Visa Signature Credit Card
A new breed of reward credit card, provides rewards in bitcoin, rather than cash back or points. The bitcoin you earn is automatically added to your BlockFi account, making it easy to add to your investments or start investing in crypto.
Rewards:
- 1.5% back in bitcoin on every purchase
- 2% back in bitcoin on every purchase over $50,000 of annual spend
Annual fee: $0
13. Mastercard Black Card
It has a $495 annual fee, and comes with a set of high-end benefits, like valuable hotel discounts, but its rewards value doesn’t stack up well compared to other premium cards in this price range. Also, unlike the Centurion card, this is a credit card and anyone can apply for it.
Rewards:
- 1X point per dollar for all purchases
- Cash back redemption value: 1.5% cash back
- Airfare redemption value: 2% cash back
12. Mastercard Gold Card
If you want a heavy, thick, metal credit card plated in actual 24k-gold, this may be the card for you. It has high-end travel benefits, but only earns the equivalent of 2% cash back on all purchases.
Rewards:
- 1X point per dollar for all purchases
- Cash back redemption value: 2% cash back
- Airfare redemption value: 2% cash back
Annual fee: $995
11. Verizon Visa Card
The Verizon credit card is a relatively new addition to the credit card market. It has strong rewards and decent benefits, but is designed exclusively for Verizon Wireless customers.
You’ll earn cash back at a nice variety of retailers, including 2% at Verizon. But your rewards can only be redeemed for Verizon products and services, like phone plans, as well as cell phone devices. All these without having to annual fee.
Rewards:
- 4% back in Verizon Dollars at: Grocery stores, Gas stations.
- 2% back in Verizon Dollars on Verizon purchases
- 3% back in Verizon Dollars on Dining
10. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
This card is designed for travelers, but it doesn’t have the same benefits as some of the other premium travel cards listed on this page. If you’re in the market for a straightforward, general purpose travel rewards credit card, you can’t go wrong with the Venture Rewards.
It offers all the hallmarks of a solid travel card (decent rewards, lucrative sign-up bonus, no foreign transaction fees) while skipping the steep annual fee associated with more premium products.
Rewards: 2X miles per dollar on all purchases
Annual fee: $95
9. AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
The high-end Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard provides strong rewards and benefits for American Airlines flyers.
You’ll enjoy Admirals Club airport lounge access, priority check-in and boarding, and 2X miles per dollar at American Airlines (along with any miles you’d typically earn).
Rewards:
- 1X AAdvantage mile per dollar spent on all other purchases
- 2X AAdvantage miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchase
Annual fee: $450
8. IHG Rewards from Capital One
The Savor card is designed for foodies, with bonus categories that include dining and grocery stores. Capital One began issuing metal versions of this card in January of 2019; current cardholders will receive metal versions when their cards expire, or when they request replacements.
Rewards:
This card has a $95 annual fee, making it one of the less expensive metal cards you can get.
- 8% cash back on tickets at Vivid Seats
- 3% cash back at Grocery Stores
- 4% cash back on: Dining, Entertainment, and Streaming Services
- 1% cash back on all other purchase
7. Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature card
Probably the cheapest compared to the rewards you can get; if you’re a Prime subscriber, there’s pretty much no reason not to get this card. You’ll get 5% back on Amazon purchases and there’s no annual fee for the card and left to me this is the biggest bargain out there as long as you are subscribed to prime.
Rewards:
- 2% cash back at: Gas Stations, Restaurants, and Drugstores
- 5% cash back at: Amazon.com and Whole Foods Mar
6. Wells Fargo Propel American Express Card
Provided by the famous Wels Fargo a prominent provider of banking, investment and other financial services. This card offers 3 points per dollar spent on restaurants, gas stations, travel, and eligible streaming services. Points can be redeemed for 1¢ each, so that’s basically like 3% cash back in those categories and all at $0 annual fee.
Rewards:
- 3X points per dollar at: Restaurants, Gas stations, Travel, and Eligible streaming services.
- 1X point per dollar on all other purchases.
5. Marriot Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card
The Marriot Bonvoy being one of the best metal credit cards currently is a premium hotel card designed for anyone who’ll stay with Marriott Bonvoy a few times per year.
It offers plenty of hotel and travel perks, including a free night every year, airport lounge access, and complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status. At the annual rate of $450 annually isn’t high compared to the rewards that comes with the card.
Rewards:
- 6X Marriott Bonvoy Bonus points per dollar for eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with participating in the Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
- 3X Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar on: U.S. restaurants, and Flights booked directly with airlines.
- 2X Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
4. Chase Sapphire Reserve Card
This card is loaded with benefits like airport lounge access and travel credits. It’s made of metal and has a dark blue and black design. When you look at benefits and cost at an annual rate of $450, but you can easily make up for that if you use all the benefits, credits, and rewards.
Rewards:
- 10X Ultimate Rewards points per dollar: Chase Dining through Ultimate Rewards, hotel stays and car rentals through Ultimate Rewards, and Lyft rides.
- 5X Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on air travel through Ultimate Rewards.
- 3X Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on travel and dining
3. Chase Sapphire preferred Card
Just like the Chase Reserved the Sapphire Preferred is a metal card with a blue finish. It earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, with 2X points on travel and dining purchases but comes at a lower rate of $95 and that makes it better in terms of rating.
Rewards:
- 2X Ultimate Rewards points per dollar for non-chase travel purchases
- 5X Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on Chase travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 3X Ultimate Rewards points per dollar: on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs)
2. American Express Gold Card
The Gold Card is designed for frequent travelers and people who spend a lot of money at restaurants. In 2018, this card replaced the plastic Premier Rewards Gold Card with the new metal design available in gold or rose gold, although the rose gold version is no longer available for new applicants. The Amex Gold have an annual rate of $250.
Rewards:
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards Points at Restaurants, including takeout and delivery
- Or earn 4X Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
1. The Platinum Card from American Express
With 100,000 intro bonus points The American Express Platinum Card tops the list. The Amex Platinum is the best metal credit card any luxury traveler can bargain for. It comes at an annual rate of $695.
Rewards:
- Earn 10x points on eligible purchases on the Card at restaurants worldwide and when you Shop Small in the U.S., on up to $25,000 in combined purchases, during your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Or you can earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
FAQs
There’s no single card that can claim the title of “best” metal credit card for everyone. What’s best for you ultimately depends on what you’re looking for. For Example, the platinum card from American Express can be said to be best for luxury travelers while the gold card from same American Express be said to be best for foodies.
To get your own metal credit card, you’ll need to go through the application process, just like for a plastic credit card. Metal credit cards are typically premium cards, so having a higher credit score will help you to secure one. There are some metal credit cards that are only acquired by invitation and largely reserved for lavishly big spenders.
Definitely. Provided that the rewards structure of the specific card you pock fits perfectly into your spending habit then, yes, the metal credit card will definitely be better for but if not then don’t go them. If not used strategically they can wreck your finances for beginners.
Conclusion
If you are considering a premium travel or dining reward these days, it’s recommended that you look for options that best serve you.
If we are to put the cards into a particular category, we can say that Apple, Chase Amazon prime, and Wells Fargo Credit Cards are in the starter category while the Platinum and Gold American Express cards are best in the Travel category.
References
Recommendations
