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The best metal credit cards: Cold hard cash cards
Metal credit cards have a lot of advantages.
Most credit cards are standard -- they are not always fun. Even the top credit cards are rather boring pieces of plastic that can bend and break over time. Metal credit cards, instead, are a new way to preserve your finances while adding a little style to your pocket. They have the same thickness as plastic cards, but they are understandably heavier. They are also far more durable than plastic and last longer.
If durability and longevity interest you, these are the best metal credit cards.
- Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership
- Earn unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare)
- Earn unlimited 1% back on all other purchases
- Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership
- Earn unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare)
- Earn unlimited 1% back on all other purchases
The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature card comes with a ton of generous rewards. There is an introductory 17.24% to 25.24% variable APR to get you started. Beyond that, the general rewards include several ways to earn credit card perks, such as 5% back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases when you have an eligible Prime membership.
There is also 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores and 1% back on all other purchases, including utilities and rideshare services. Certain products may also be eligible for discounts of 10% or more as a Prime member exclusive. There is also no annual credit card fee and no foreign transaction fees. Cardholders also get access to other perks, like travel and emergency assistance, reimbursement for lost luggage, travel accident insurance, and baggage delay insurance. For road warriors, there is roadside dispatch, along with auto rental collision damage waiver, purchase protection, and extended warranty protection.
Pros
- No annual or foreign transaction fees
- Exclusive Amazon rewards
- Instant gift card offer
Cons
- Must be an Amazon Prime member
- No cash back on intro APR purchases
- No access to Chase Ultimate Rewards
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature card
- 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.
- 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.
If you are a big spender, the American Express Platinum Card® will reward you with tons of points, cashback, and extra rewards. To start, earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on purchases within the first six months. There is also an up to $200 hotel credit in statement credits (two night minimum stay required) each year that applies to certain prepaid hotel stays, as well as access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection that includes 1,400 airport lounges in 650 cities found in 140 countries.
For your everyday rewards, Amex gives a monthly credit of $15 in Uber Cash that applies to both rides and Eats orders. Shop at Walmart, and receive a free Walmart+ membership when you pay with your Amex, amounting to $155 each year in savings. There is also up to $300 back on Equinox and Equinox+ memberships and $100 in annual Shop Saks statement credits to go toward your retail therapy. The rewards don't stop there. There is also up to $20 back monthly for streaming services like Peacock, Audible, and SiriusXM. In addition to up to a $200 airline fee credit, American Express will add up to $189 annually in CLEAR® Plus Credit.
Pros
- Intro offer
- Bonus categories
- Can choose card style
Cons
- Very high annual fee
- Hard to track rewards
- Good credit required
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
Best for food and dining
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards credit card is a reasonable pick for average spenders looking for extra dining and entertainment rewards. You can receive unlimited 4% cashback on all of your restaurant, entertainment and eligible streaming purchases. There is also 3% cashback on grocery stores purchases with a flat 1% for all other purchases. Upon account opening, you can earn a one-time cash bonus of $300 when you spend $3,000 within the first three months of opening the account.
The APR is kept simple with one of three options: 20.24% - 28.24%. There is an annual fee, but it is cheaper than American Express with a cost of less than $100. There are no transaction fees, nor any transfer fee and Capital One does not charge for foreign transactions, making it a fantastic option for the world traveler. Other perks include complimentary 24/7 concierge and travel services with additional warranty protection on eligible items that are purchased with your credit card. When you are ready to redeem your rewards, PayPal is an option.
Pros
- Fantastic dining and entertainment benefits
- No foreign transaction fees
- Flexible rewards redemption
Cons
- Excellent credit required
- No intro APR
- Annual fee
- Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day.
- Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day.
With the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, you can earn five miles for every dollar spent on hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel, plus unlimited 2 miles for every dollar spent. Upon account opening, Capital One will welcome you with 75,000 bonus miles after $4,000 on purchases spent within your first three months of having the card. Just like the Savor card, there is an annual fee but no foreign transaction fees.
Miles can be redeemed via Capital One Travel with the option for reimbursement on past travel purchases. If you use Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, there is also a credit of up to $100 for your travels.
Pros
- Intro bonus
- Elevated rewards
No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- High annual fee
- Excellent credit required
- Best for globetrotters and not occasional travel
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
- 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries.
- 2x on all other travel purchases.
- 1x on all other purchases.
- 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
- 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries.
- 2x on all other travel purchases.
- 1x on all other purchases.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card brings 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 within the first 3 months of having your account. It is a reward worth $750 you can spend when redeeming through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Booking through Chase Ultimate Rewards also brings 5x the total points on travel, excluding hotel purchases qualifying for the $50 Anniversary Hotel Credit. Dining out will earn you restaurant points with 3x the rewards, whether you are eating out or staying in at home. Travel purchases booked without Chase Ultimate Rewards offer 2x the points while shopping at certain stores or using your card to purchase streaming services could earn you 3x the points. There is also one point for every dollar spent on other purchases.
Chase cardholders have the option to break up payments of $100 or more in fixed monthly payments.
Pros
- Great dining and travel rewards
- Introductory offer for bonus points
- Transfer partners
Cons
- Must book through Chase for best rewards
- No intro APR
- Annual fee
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®
- 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines
- 2X points on all other eligible purchases
- Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®
- 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines
- 2X points on all other eligible purchases
American Express rewards you handsomely with travel perks if you are a Marriott customer. You can earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy Bonus Points when you spend $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months. Plus $300 in annual statement credits on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide. There are 6x the points on Marriott Bonvoy bookings and 3x the points on dining at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery, for those meals on the road. Your flights earn you 3x the points on flights, with 2x the points on all other eligible purchases.
American Express will award a free night annually that you can use to treat yourself to a one-night stay at your favorite Marriott hotel. You can also earn a $100 credit and a special rate for a two-night stay at either The Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis
Pros
- Intro offer
- 2-night hotel credit
- Marriott Elite program
Cons
- Annual fee
- No intro APR
- Limited Elite status
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
How did we choose these metal cards?
With so many metal credit cards out there, there are a few ways to find the best metal credit cards for you.
- Fees: Credit cards often come with certain fees, such as an annual membership fee or foreign transaction fees when you use your card abroad. Be sure to review the fee schedule before committing to a card.
- Intro bonus: Many metal credit cards will offer an introductory offer as an extra incentive for you to sign up. This could include extra points or cashback, in addition to exclusive perks like travel or hotels.
- APR: The APR you receive determines how much interest you will pay for your purchases. It can vary considerably and is heavily based on the health of your credit history.
- Credit Score: Your credit score is a major factor in whether you are approved for a credit card and what APR you receive. Be sure to check your credit score before applying so you can choose the cards most likely to give you approval, as well as the best rates.
ZDNet can help you find the right credit card for your needs.
Which is the right metal card for you?
It can be confusing with so many metal credit cards to choose from. These are our expert recommendations from the ZDNet editorial team to help you find the best metal credit card for you.
Choose this product... | If you... |
Are an Amazon Prime member | |
Want premium travel perks and lounge access | |
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card | Are a social butterfly |
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | Are a road warrior wanting travel benefits |
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card | Want sign-up perks |
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express® Card | Are a frequent Marriott guest |
What is a metal credit card?
Metal credit cards work exactly like plastic credit cards, but they are usually made from stainless steel or titanium.
Are metal credit cards better than plastic credit cards?
Metal credit cards can be better than plastic credit cards because they last longer and are harder to misplace given their heavier weight. Some of the best credit cards of 2022 are made of metal, including some of those included here.
What is the best metal credit card?
The best metal credit card depends on your specific needs. While some are designed to provide fantastic introductory rewards, others may focus on cashback, bonus points, or even travel miles based on your spending.
Are there alternative cards worth considering?
We analysed several options available today from leading institutions in our search for the best metal credit cards.
Some other great options that almost made our list include these metal credit cards:
- Apple Card:Best card for Apple purchases
- American Express® Gold Card: Designed for foodies
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Premium travel rewards
- Mastercard Titanium Card: Heaviest metal credit card
- Savor Rewards Credit Card: A great pick for dining out
- U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card: Solid travel rewards
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: Flexible rewards
For more information on credit cards, check out our expert picks for the best crypto credit cards, the best starter credit cards, and the most exclusive credit cards of 2022!
Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.