Metal credit cards are issued by specific card companies, not all issuers

A metal credit card is a physical card made from stainless steel, titanium, or another metal alloy instead of plastic. You get one by opening an account with a card issuer that offers metal cards as standard or by upgrading an existing account. Not every issuer makes them — they are most common among premium and luxury card programs, where the card itself signals membership tier.

The metal card itself costs you nothing extra. The issuer absorbs the manufacturing cost as part of the card program. What you pay for is the card's annual fee, which tends to be higher on cards that come in metal form. A metal card does not change your credit terms, rewards rate, or approval odds — it is a physical feature tied to specific card products.

Key Takeaways

  • Metal cards come from premium card programs at issuers like American Express, Chase, Citi, and Capital One, not from all card companies.
  • You receive a metal card automatically when you open an account with a card product that includes one, with no separate request needed.
  • Metal cards carry higher annual fees than plastic alternatives from the same issuer, sometimes $95 to $550 depending on the program.
  • Your credit score and income requirements are the same as for the plastic version of the same card — the metal material does not change approval standards.
  • If your metal card is lost or damaged, the issuer will replace it at no cost, though replacement can take one to two weeks.

Which card issuers offer metal cards

American Express is the largest issuer of metal cards. Their premium and luxury cards — including the Platinum Card, Gold Card, and Centurion Card — come in metal form. Chase offers metal cards on their Sapphire Reserve and some business premium cards. Citi includes metal cards on their Prestige and other high-tier products. Capital One offers metal cards on their Venture X card. Discover, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo offer metal cards on select premium products as well.

Smaller issuers and regional banks rarely offer metal cards. If you want a metal card, your choice is limited to the specific products these major issuers have chosen to make from metal. You cannot request a metal version of a plastic card that the issuer does not offer in metal form.

How to open an account and receive your metal card

The process is the same as opening any credit card account. You visit the issuer's website, select the specific card product you want, and complete an online process. You provide your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment information. The issuer runs a hard inquiry on your credit report and makes a decision within minutes to a few days.

If you are approved, the issuer mails your metal card to the address on file. Metal cards take longer to arrive than plastic ones — typically seven to ten business days instead of three to five — because they are manufactured differently and often shipped from a separate facility. You will receive a temporary digital card number you can use when ready while you wait for the physical card to arrive.

You do not request a metal card or choose it as an option during the process. The card material is determined by the product you select. If the product comes in metal, you automatically receive metal. If it comes in plastic, you receive plastic.

Annual fees and what they cover

Metal cards are found only on premium and luxury products, which all carry annual fees. The fee ranges from $95 on entry-level premium cards to $550 on luxury cards, with some business cards running higher. American Express's Platinum Card charges $695 annually. Their Gold Card charges $250. Chase's Sapphire Reserve charges $550. These fees are charged to your account once per year, usually on your account anniversary.

The annual fee is not a payment for the metal material itself. It is the cost of the card program, which typically includes higher rewards rates, premium travel benefits, concierge services, and other perks. Some cards offer statement credits that offset part or all of the annual fee if you use specific benefits — for example, a $200 travel credit or a $120 dining credit. Read the card's benefits guide to see which credits explore to your spending.

Credit score and income requirements

The credit score and income thresholds for a metal card are the same as for the plastic version of the same card from the same issuer. If Chase offers the Sapphire Reserve in both metal and plastic (they do not, but as an example), both versions would require the same credit profile. The metal material does not change approval standards.

Most premium cards with metal versions require a credit score of 720 or higher, though some issuers approve applicants with scores in the 700 to 719 range. Income requirements vary by issuer and card, but most expect annual household income of $75,000 or more. These are guidelines, not hard cutoffs — approval depends on your full credit profile, including payment history, credit utilization, and existing accounts.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged metal card

Contact your card issuer's customer service line when ready if your metal card is lost or stolen. You can find the number on your statement or the issuer's website. Report the card as lost or stolen, and the issuer will cancel it and issue a replacement at no cost to you.

Replacement metal cards take seven to ten business days to arrive, the same as new cards. During that time, you can use your digital card number or request a temporary card number for online and phone purchases. If your card is damaged but not lost — for example, the chip is cracked — you can also request a replacement, and the issuer will send it at no charge.

Downgrading from a metal card to plastic

If you want to keep your account but move to a plastic card, contact the issuer and ask to downgrade to a different card product. Not all issuers allow downgrades to a plastic version of the same card, because most premium cards only come in metal. You would typically downgrade to a different card product entirely — for example, downgrading from the American Express Platinum to the American Express Green Card.

Downgrades usually take effect when ready, though the physical card may take a week or two to arrive. Your account number and credit line typically stay the same. Any rewards you have already earned remain in your account. The annual fee for your old card will not be charged again if you downgrade before your next anniversary date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a metal card help you get approved?

No. The metal material is a feature of the card product, not a factor in approval. Your credit score, income, and credit history determine whether you are approved. The issuer decides whether the product comes in metal or plastic — you cannot choose the material during the process.

Can you request a plastic card instead if you are approved for a metal card?

Most issuers do not offer a plastic version of their premium cards. If you want plastic, you would need to open a different card product from the same issuer. Contact the issuer before you explore if you have a strong preference for plastic.

What happens if your metal card is damaged in the mail?

Contact the issuer's customer service line and report the damage. They will send a replacement at no cost. If the card arrived damaged and you have not activated it, the issuer may send a new one before you return the damaged card.

Do metal cards have different fraud protection than plastic cards?

No. Fraud protection and liability limits are the same whether your card is metal or plastic. The material does not affect your legal protections or the issuer's fraud monitoring.

Can you upgrade a plastic card to metal?

If you already have a plastic card from an issuer that offers a metal version of the same product, contact customer service and ask about upgrading. Some issuers allow this at no extra cost; others do not. Your issuer can tell you whether an upgrade is possible for your specific card.