What’s The Big Deal About Metal Credit Cards?

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I just don’t get the metal credit card trend. Maybe it’s because I’m not out to impress anyone with what credit card I’m using. I use credit cards so I can earn miles or points to use for our travels. I couldn’t care if the cashier is impressed with the weight of the card I handed to him/her to make my purchase.

I’ve worked in retail and I’ve been handed everything from a Walmart Money Card to an AMEX Centurion Card. Deep down inside, I know the person using the Centurion card, which costs $5,000 a year for the annual fee, is only earning one point per dollar on purchases when even the free AMEX Everyday would earn the same number of Membership Rewards points.

So then why is it that every bank seems to be lining up to offer their new metal credit card? I find it humorous that Discover has an article on its website about metal cards. Here’s what they say:

It’s hard to say for sure why metal credit cards are so popular, but one theory is that they’re perceived as a status symbol and cardmembers like their weighty feel versus lighter, plastic alternatives

Is there a difference between metal and plastic credit cards?

Ultimately there’s not much of a difference when it comes to using metal credit cards and plastic ones—aside from the style points and the extra heft in your wallet. With metal credit cards, you still swipe, tap or insert your chip in the same way you would a plastic credit card. Also, some metal credit cards are metal-plastic hybrids; others are pure metal plates.

There must be some truth because there are more banks issuing metal cards than ever before. As explained by U.S. News,

“Metal credit cards seem more attractive to consumers who demand cutting-edge innovations,” says Suresh Kumar, director of payment technology at Valid, a credit card manufacturer. “(They’re) also perceived to elevate a customer’s status. People tend to see metal cards as a sign of luxury.”

Really everyone? A more substantial credit card is going to make you feel better???? #SMH

When the Citi Prestige card went metal, they sent Sharon a brand new card even though her plastic card was still good for another year (Note from Sharon: When the card came in this thick cardboard box, I thought it was something important! The I saw it was just a credit card. Oh well.). Here’s how they bragged about the “metalness” (Note from Sharon: Metalitivity?) of the card in the packing materials.

You now hold a first release Citi Prestige metal card in your hands.

This card was reimagined, recast and reinforced as a recommitment to you. Its sleek design is reflective of your modern lifestyle – its benefits even more so. 

ACTIVATE YOUR NEW METAL CARD IMMEDIATELY TO EXPERIENCE LIFE WITH AN EXTRA EDGE. 

(Note from Sharon: “Experience life with an extra edge?” Really? I think they were trying to make me feel like I should take a cold shower after all that. Guess what? Didn’t work.)

The letter hidden in the packaging did include this disclaimer:

Your new card contains metal, do not shred. Please contact the number on the back of your card for assistance disposing of your card. 

Here’s a list of the currently-issued metal cards. I’ve included links to the ones I’ve reviewed; they may have my referral links included, but please don’t apply for any of these cards JUST because they’re metal. Although if you were the type of person to do that, I doubt you’d be reading a blog that publishes reviews of South of the Border, The Mai-Kai, and hotels in Pigeon Forge.

1. Amazon Prime Rewards
2. Amazon Business Prime Rewards
3. American Express Business Gold Card
4. American Express Gold Card
5. American Express Platinum Card
6. American Express Business Platinum Card
7. American Express Centurion (Black) Card
8. American Express Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card
9. American Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card
10. Apple Card
11. Bilt Rewards Mastercard
12. BlockFi Rewards (currently in limbo with crypto markets in turmoil)
13. Capital One Savor Cash Rewards
14. Capital One Venture Rewards
15. Capital One Venture X
16. Chase Sapphire Preferred
17. Chase Sapphire Reserve
18. Citi AAdvantage Executive
19. Citi Prestige
20. Crystal Visa Infinite
21. HSBC Premier World Elite
22. IHG Premier Card
23. JP Morgan Reserve
24. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
25. MasterCard Black Card
26. MasterCard Titanium Card
27. MasterCard Gold Card
28. Ritz-Carlton Card
29. United Club Card
30. United Club Business Card
31. U.S Bank Altitude Go Card
32. U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve
33. Verizon Visa Card
34. Wells Fargo Propel American Express

FINAL THOUGHTS

I’ve never picked out what card I was going to use based on how heavy it was. Personally, I liked this explanation of the usefulness of metal cards.

You may want one for the practicality: members of our team have used a Chase Sapphire Preferred to scrape ice off a car window in the winter, and to open a door after getting locked out.

While I don’t have much use for an ice scraper in Central Florida, I’ll remember it if I ever rent a car in the northern states in the winter months.

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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary