The best metal credit cards of 2024: Luxurious perks and premium designs
Some of the best metal credit cards include the Chase Sapphire Reserve, the American Express Platinum Card, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, and the Apple Card.
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Kevin Payne is a finance and family travel expert. His work has been featured by in Forbes Advisor, USA TODAY Blueprint, Business Insider, The Motley Fool, Yahoo Money, and Fox Business.
Updated July 25, 2024, 10:38 AM EDT
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Editor
Hanna Horvath is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Red Venture's senior editor of content partnerships.
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Metal credit cards make a statement. Forget using a flimsy piece of plastic — metal cards offer extra weight that leaves a satisfying plunk when you throw them down.
Metal credit cards have become increasingly popular in recent years. They offer not just a premium, luxurious design but also an array of high-end perks and rewards. We’ll explore some of the best metal cards on the market, comparing their features, benefits, and fees to help you find the perfect fit for your wallet.
Best metal credit cards
Here are the best metal credit cards, ordered by weight.
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: 18.5 grams
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: 17 grams
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: 16.6 grams
- Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Credit Card: 15 grams
- Apple Card: 15 grams
- American Express® Gold Card: 14.7 grams
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: 14.6 grams
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: 12.6 grams
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: 12.4 grams
- United Club℠ Infinite Card: 12 grams
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Weight: 18 grams
Rewards
- 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel and prepaid hotels (on up to $500,000 per calendar year, then 1%).
- 2X points on prepaid car rentals booked via American Express Travel
- 1X points on other purchases
Annual fee: $695. See rates and fees.
Few cards are as highly esteemed as the Platinum Card® from American Express. This card is one of the heaviest metal cards available — it’s made of stainless steel and has a distinctive platinum finish.
One key benefit of the Amex Platinum is its extensive lounge access. Cardholders get complimentary access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, which includes Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), and more. This is one of the most comprehensive lounge access programs available on any credit card.
The Platinum Card also offers various annual credits to help offset its $695 annual fee. See rates and fees. If you can take advantage of these credits, they can reduce the effective cost of holding the card.
You can use rewards to book travel through American Express or transfer points to travel partners. Other redemption options include statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, and charitable donations.
Pros
- Unparalleled lounge access with the American Express Global Lounge Collection
- Numerous annual credits for travel, shopping, and more
- Complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott
Cons
- Very high annual fee
- Earning rate on non-travel/dining purchases is low
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Weight: 17 grams
Rewards:
- 10X miles on hotel and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 5X miles on flights through Capital One Travel
- 2X miles on all other purchases
Annual fee: $395
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has earned a reputation for its impressive travel rewards and benefits. You’ll earn high bonus rates on select travel booked through Capital One Travel and a flat 2X miles on all other purchases.
One of the Venture X's unique perks is its anniversary bonus. Each year, cardholders receive a bonus of 10,000 miles (equal to $100 towards travel) after paying the annual fee. There’s also a $300 annual travel credit, which effectively lowers the card’s annual fee to $95.
Venture X Rewards also offers a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and access to Capital One, Priority Pass, and Plaza Premium airport lounges.
You can use miles to book travel via Capital One, transfer to partner programs, or redeem for statement credits, cash back, gift cards, or online shopping with Amazon.com or PayPal.
Pros
- Airport lounge benefits
- High flat reward rate on all purchases
- Generous annual travel credit and anniversary bonus miles
- Complimentary cell phone protection
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- $395 annual fee
- No airline or hotel-specific perks
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Weight: 16.6 grams
Rewards:
- 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 2X miles on all other purchases
Annual fee: $95
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a popular metal card that offers a flat reward rate on all purchases. It has a sleek, modern design and is made of sturdy metal.
One of the Venture card's standout features is its flexible redemption options. Cardholders can redeem their miles for travel purchases or transfer their miles to a variety of airline and hotel partners. This flexibility makes this card a great option for travelers who value convenience.
The Venture Rewards card includes perks like a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit, travel accident insurance, and extended warranty protection on eligible purchases.
Pros
- 2X miles on all purchases
- Flexible redemption options
- No foreign transaction fees
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
Cons
- No bonus categories for travel/dining
- Lacks luxury travel perks
- $95 annual fee
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Credit Card
Weight: 15 grams
Rewards:
- 14X points at participating Hilton hotels or resorts
- 7X points on flights booked directly with airlines or via amextravel.com
- 7X points car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies
- 7X points at U.S. restaurants
- 3X points on other purchases
Annual fee: $550. See rates and fees.
The Hilton Honors Aspire Card is geared toward travelers who frequently stay at Hilton properties. Although its annual fee is higher than most other hotel credit cards, it comes with some exclusive Hilton perks and other travel benefits to offset the fee.
This includes up to $500 annual credits for qualifying purchases and automatic Hilton Diamond elite status. The Hilton Honors Aspire Card also features a huge sign-up bonus and bonus reward rates in several categories, including eligible Hilton purchases.
You can redeem points for free or discounted Hilton stays or use points for Hilton Honors Experiences. You can also redeem points for Lyft rides, rental cars, shopping with Amazon.com, or transferring points to airline partners.
Pros
- Complimentary Hilton Diamond elite status
- Valuable annual statement credits
- Several travel insurance protections
Cons
- Very steep annual fee
- Less flexible redemptions than other travel rewards cards
- Potentially high APR
Apple Card
Weight: 15 grams
Rewards:
- 3% back when you shop with Apple and select retailers when you use your Apple Card with Apple Pay
- 2% back on other spending when paying with Apple Pay
- 1% back on all other purchases in-store and online
Annual fee: $0
The Apple Card is unique among metal credit cards because it's made of titanium, giving it a distinctive look and feel. The card has a minimalist design and no card number, CVV, expiration date, or signature printed on it. All of that information is stored in the Wallet app on your iPhone.
One of the key features of the Apple Card is its tight integration with Apple Pay and the iPhone's Wallet app. Cardholders can track their spending, see transaction information, and categorize purchases in the Wallet app. They also receive daily cash back on their purchases, automatically deposited into their Apple Cash card daily.
The Apple Card also has no fees — no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, no late payment fees, and no over-the-limit fees.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Intuitive app interface for tracking spending and managing the card
- 3% cash back on Apple purchases and select partners
Cons
- Sub-par rewards compared to other metal cards
- Requires an iPhone to apply and manage the card
American Express® Gold Card
Weight: 14.7 grams
Rewards:
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on purchases at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points)
- Earn 4X points at US supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points)
- Earn 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X points spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com
- Earn 1X points on all other purchases
Annual fee: $325. See rates and fees.
If your monthly budget includes dining out and several trips to the grocery store, the American Express® Gold Card should be on your radar. The card offers incredible rates on select restaurant and grocery store purchases.
Cardholders also receive dining and Uber Cash credits and robust travel insurance protections. Amex Gold earns flexible points, which can be redeemable for travel and transfers to Amex travel partner programs.
Pros
- High bonus rates on dining and supermarket purchases
- Valuable annual credits
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- High annual fee
- No purchase protection
- Potentially high APR
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Weight: 14.6 grams
Rewards:
- 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for eligible purchases made directly with participating hotels and resorts in the Marriott portfolio
- 3X Marriott Bonvoy points for restaurant purchases worldwide and flights booked directly with airlines
- 2X Marriott Bonvoy points for all other eligible purchases
Annual fee: $650. See rates and fees.
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card is a premium metal card designed for Marriott guests. While it has a very steep annual fee, you may be able to offset the cost with elite night credits and monthly dining credits.
One of the key benefits of the Bonvoy Brilliant card is its annual Free Night Award. Each year after your card renewal month, you receive a Free Night Award valid for a one-night hotel stay at a property with a redemption level of up to 85,000 points. This can be incredibly valuable, especially at a high-end Marriott property.
The card also offers a variety of luxury perks at Marriott hotels, including complimentary Platinum Elite status, Marriott Bonvoy property credit, and guaranteed late checkout. You’ll also get credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck, Priority Pass lounge access, and travel insurance protections.
For frequent guests, these benefits can provide value and enhance the hotel experience.
Pros
- Lucrative rewards for Marriott loyalists
- Annual Free Night Award can be highly valuable
- Automatic Platinum Elite status and luxury perks at Marriott properties
Cons
- $650 annual fee
- Rewards and perks are focused on Marriott, limiting flexibility
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Weight: 12.6 grams
Rewards:
- 10X points on hotel stays, car rentals, and Chase Dining purchases through Chase Travel℠ (after earning your $300 travel credit)
- 10X points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
- 5X points on air travel through Chase Travel℠ (after earning your $300 travel credit)
- 3X points on restaurant and general travel purchases (after earning your $300 travel credit)
- 1X points on all other purchases
Annual fee: $550
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is Chase's premier Ultimate Rewards card. It is made of a mix of brass and copper and has a sleek blue finish. This card features a valuable sign-up bonus and flexible rewards that are even more valuable when used to book travel through Chase.
One of the standout features of the Sapphire Reserve is its $300 annual travel credit, which applies to a wide range of travel purchases, from flights and hotels to ride-shares and parking fees. If fully utilized, the credit effectively reduces the card's $550 annual fee to $250.
The Sapphire Reserve also offers a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership. Cardholders can bring up to two guests with them for free, making this a valuable perk for frequent travelers.
Pros
- High reward rate on travel and dining purchases
- Valuable travel benefits like lounge access and a $300 annual travel credit
- Robust travel and purchase protections
Cons
- $550 annual fee
- Requires excellent credit for approval
- Potentially high APR
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Weight: 12.4 grams
Rewards:
- 5X points on travel through Chase Travel℠
- 5X total points on Lyft rides (through March 31, 2025)
- 3X points on dining (including eligible delivery services), select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs)
- 2X points on other travel
- 1X points on other purchases
Annual fee: $95
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers entry into the versatile Chase Ultimate Rewards program but at a much more manageable price than the Reserve card. It's missing some luxury travel perks but still features several travel and consumer protections and no foreign transaction fees.
You can transfer points to several travel partners or book travel through Chase for a 25% points boost. Other redemption options include gift cards, statement credits, cash back, shopping with Amazon.com and PayPal, Chase Dining, and more.
Other benefits include a 10% anniversary bonus points, up to $50 in annual statement credits toward hotel stays through Chase Travel, and partner benefits with Lyft, DoorDash, Instacart, and Peloton.
Pros
- Flexible rewards
- Generous sign-up bonus
- 1:1 transfers to popular travel partner programs
Cons
- $95 annual fee
- No airport lounge access
- No intro APR offer
United Club℠ Infinite Card
Weight: 12 grams
Rewards:
- 4X miles on United purchases
- 2X miles on all other travel
- 2X miles on dining and eligible delivery services
- 1X miles on all other purchases
Annual fee: $525
The United Club Infinite Card is United Airlines' premium metal credit card offering. Its standout feature is its United Club membership. Cardholders receive a complimentary United Club membership, which grants access to United Club lounges and participating Star Alliance lounges worldwide.
This benefit alone can justify the card's annual fee for frequent United fliers. The card also offers a variety of other travel perks, including a free first and second checked bag for the primary cardholder and one companion, Premier Access travel services, and expanded award availability. Plus, cardholders can earn Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) to help them achieve elite status faster.
Pros
- Complimentary United Club membership
- Accelerated path to United elite status with PQPs
- Free checked bags and Premier Access travel services
Cons
- $525 annual fee
- Rewards and perks are focused on United, limiting flexibility
Comparing the best metal credit cards
What are metal credit cards?
Metal credit cards operate like the standard plastic cards issued by credit card companies. There's nothing inherently different about a metal card, yet they have become increasingly more popular.
Metal cards feature a metal exterior, often made from stainless steel, titanium, or another metal alloy. These cards are often associated with high-end, premium products.
Metal cards are often more durable than plastic cards, which can appeal to those who use their cards frequently or are hard on their wallets. They’re also more noticeable, whether it's the sound made when tapped on a counter or the glance from a cashier after you hand them your card.
Many metal cards have exclusive perks, like lounge access, concierge services, and generous travel credits. These benefits can be very appealing to frequent travelers or big spenders.
Of course, metal credit cards aren't for everyone. They often come with high annual fees, and some people may prefer the lighter weight of a plastic card. But a metal card can be a compelling choice for those who value prestige and premium perks.
How to choose the right metal card for you
Metal credit cards look and feel great — but are they right for you and your spending habits? Here are some factors to consider.
- Consider your spending habits and which categories you spend the most in
- Evaluate the reward structure of each card and see which aligns best with your spending
- Look at the annual fee and see if the rewards and benefits you'll receive will outweigh the cost
- Consider additional perks like lounge access, travel credits, and insurance protections
- Think about the weight and design of the card and which one appeals to you most
Regardless of which card you choose, cards work best when used responsibly. You can achieve this by spending within your means, making on-time payments to avoid late fees, and paying your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
How we picked the best metal credit cards
To find the best metal cards, we evaluated each card's sign-up bonus, rewards earning rates on purchases, added perks and benefits, annual fees, and, of course, its weight.
Our team analyzed numerous credit card offers and selected the top contenders based on these key criteria. The options on this list represent the best value, rewards, and benefits available. Read more about our methodology here.
Frequently asked questions about metal credit cards
Are metal credit cards more secure than plastic cards?
Can metal credit cards be used in regular card readers and ATMs?
What happens if my metal credit card is lost or stolen?
How do I dispose of a metal credit card?
The bottom line
If you're in the market for a new credit card, base your decision on the card's value and your individual needs and goals, not the material used to make the card. Metal cards can be a status symbol, but you'll have a much more rewarding experience focusing on what the card offers, the likelihood you'll take advantage of included benefits, and the card's annual fee.
Editorial disclosure: Opinions expressed are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.