Metal credit cards are issued by specific card companies, not all issuers, and you request one after your account is open

A metal credit card is a physical card made from stainless steel, titanium, or another metal alloy instead of plastic. You do not request it at the time you open an account. Instead, you open a card first, then contact the issuer to request a metal version if one exists for that card.

Not every card offers a metal option. Premium cards from American Express, Chase, Citi, and Capital One do, but most standard cards do not. The metal card is typically the same card with the same rewards and terms — the metal material is a cosmetic upgrade. Some issuers charge a one-time fee for the upgrade, usually $50 to $100, while others provide it at no cost.

The process is straightforward: open the card you want, wait for the plastic version to arrive, then call the issuer's customer service line or log into your online account to request the metal version. Delivery takes one to three weeks after you request it.

Key Takeaways

  • Metal cards are available only on select premium cards from major issuers like American Express, Chase, and Citi, not on all cards.
  • You must open the card account first and receive the plastic version before you can request a metal upgrade.
  • Some issuers charge a one-time fee ($50 to $100) for the metal card, while others offer it free to cardholders.
  • The metal card has identical rewards, benefits, and terms as the plastic version — the upgrade is appearance only.
  • Requesting the upgrade takes one phone call or a few clicks in your online account, and the new card arrives in one to three weeks.

Which cards offer metal versions

American Express offers metal cards on its premium Platinum and Centurion cards. The Platinum card comes with a metal option at no additional cost. The Centurion card (the black card) is metal by default.

Chase provides metal versions for its Sapphire Reserve and some business cards. The Sapphire Reserve includes a metal card automatically. Other Chase premium cards may offer metal as an upgrade option, but not all do.

Citi offers metal cards on select Prestige and business cards, though availability varies by card and account status. Capital One includes metal cards on some of its premium offerings, but these are less common than options from American Express or Chase.

Before you open a card, check the issuer's website or call customer service to confirm whether a metal version exists and whether there is a fee. Card details change, and not every premium card gets a metal option.

How to request a metal card upgrade

Call the customer service number on the back of your plastic card. Tell the representative you want to request a metal version. They will confirm whether your specific card offers this upgrade, explain any fees, and process the request on the call.

Alternatively, log into your online account or mobile app. Many issuers have a "Card Services" or "Account Settings" section where you can request a metal card without calling. The option may be labeled "Upgrade Card" or "Request Metal Card." Follow the prompts and confirm your mailing address.

You do not need to close your plastic card or wait for it to expire. The issuer will send the metal version to your address on file, and you can use either card until you decide to stop using the plastic one. Some cardholders keep both for backup.

Fees and timing for metal card upgrades

American Express charges no fee for metal card upgrades on the Platinum card. Chase charges no fee for the Sapphire Reserve metal card. Citi and Capital One vary by card — some charge $50 to $100, while others do not. Always ask the representative or check your account before requesting, because the fee will be charged to your account when ready after approval.

Once you request the upgrade, the new card ships within one to three weeks. You will receive a tracking number by email or text if the issuer provides one. Metal cards are heavier and thicker than plastic, so they may take slightly longer to process and ship than a standard replacement card.

If you do not receive your metal card within four weeks, contact customer service. Occasionally cards are lost in transit, and the issuer can reissue or investigate the shipment.

What happens to your plastic card

Your plastic card remains active after you request the metal version. You can use both cards at the same time — they share the same account number and credit line. There is no need to deactivate the plastic card unless you want to.

Many cardholders keep the plastic card as a backup in case the metal card is damaged or lost. Since both cards draw from the same account, you can use whichever one is convenient. If you lose the metal card, you can continue using the plastic version while a replacement is shipped.

If you want to deactivate the plastic card after the metal card arrives, call customer service and ask them to disable it. This is optional — leaving it active does not cost anything or affect your account.

Metal card benefits and drawbacks

The main benefit of a metal card is appearance and durability. Metal cards are less likely to crack or bend than plastic, and they feel substantial in a wallet. Some cardholders prefer the look and weight for premium cards.

Drawbacks are minor but real. Metal cards do not work in all card readers, particularly older chip readers or some international terminals. You may encounter a machine that cannot read the metal card, though this is uncommon in the United States. Plastic backup cards solve this problem.

Metal cards are also heavier, which matters if you carry multiple cards. They can trigger metal detectors in some security settings, though this is rare. None of these issues are deal-breakers, but they are worth knowing before you request one.

The rewards, interest rates, annual fees, and all other card terms are identical between the plastic and metal versions. The metal upgrade is purely a physical change to the card itself.

Alternatives if your card does not offer metal

If your card does not have a metal option, you have two choices: switch to a card that does, or keep your current card. Switching makes sense only if the new card offers rewards or benefits you value beyond the metal material.

Some third-party companies sell metal card sleeves or holders that make a plastic card feel more premium. These are inexpensive ($10 to $30) and let you keep your current card without switching. They do not change the card itself, but they change how it feels in your wallet.

If you want a metal card and your current issuer does not offer one, compare cards from American Express, Chase, and Citi that match your spending patterns and rewards goals. A metal card is a bonus feature, not a reason to choose a card with worse rewards or higher fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay an annual fee to keep the metal card?

No. The metal card upgrade fee (if any) is one-time only. Your annual card fee remains the same whether you use the plastic or metal version. The metal card does not add to your annual cost.

Can I request a metal card when ready after opening my account?

Most issuers require you to receive the plastic card first, which takes five to ten business days. After it arrives, you can request the metal version. Some issuers may allow you to request it before the plastic card arrives, but this is uncommon. Call customer service to ask.

What if the metal card does not work at a store or ATM?

Use your plastic backup card instead. Keep both cards active so you have a fallback. Metal card readers issues are rare in the United States, but they happen occasionally with older machines. Having the plastic card solves the problem when ready.

Can I get a metal card if I have a low credit limit?

Yes. The metal card upgrade is not based on your credit limit or account status. As long as your account is in good standing, you can request a metal version regardless of how much credit you have available.

Do metal cards have different card numbers than plastic cards?

No. The metal and plastic versions of the same card share the same account number and card number. They are the same card, just different materials. Your rewards, balance, and payments are identical on both.