Metal credit cards are a status symbol — here are 4 that you can qualify for with good credit (2024)

Before there was a metal card at virtually every price point, there was the invitation-only American Express Centurion Card (aka the "Amex Black Card"), the longest-lived metal card since its release in 1999.

The release of the Amex Black Card kicked off a trend amongst the more expensive premium cards, including The Platinum Card® from American Express, the U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. Now, there are plenty of metal credit cards available, and you don't have to pay a $5,000 annual fee nor have an excellent credit score to qualify.

Below, CNBC Select rounds up four of our top picks for those with a good credit score looking to upgrade their plastic to metal.

• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Apple Card
• Prime Visa

The Platinum Card® from American Express is one of the heaviest publicly available cards and is not only heavy in weight — but it also packs a punch in benefits. However, this card is designed for consumers looking for luxury travel and benefits as the card has a steep $695 annual fee. (See rates and fees)

To start off the, card comes with a large welcome offer: you can earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $8,000 within six months of card membership.

With the Platinum Card, you'll have a long list of perks, including:

• Up to $200 annual hotel credit (Hotel Collection requires a minimumtwo-night stay)
• Up to $200 annual airline fee credit
• Up to $300 per calendar year Equinox credit*
• Up to $100 annual Saks Fifth Avenue credit*
• Up to $189 credit to enroll in CLEAR® Plus (subject to auto-renewal)
• Up to $240 annual digital entertainment credit*
• Up to $155 annual Walmart+ credit. (Plus Ups not eligible. Subject to auto renewal)
• Worldwide airport lounge access, including Delta SkyClubs and Amex Centurion Lounges
• Up to $200 annual Uber credit. Benefit renews annually.
• Up to $100 fee credit for Global Entry every 4 years or up to $85 TSA PreCheck every 4.5 years
• Automatic hotel elite status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy
• Comprehensive travel insurance
• Complimentary Amex concierge service
• Terms apply

*Enrollment required

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® are both made out of metal. In fact, when the Reserve made its debut in 2016, it was so popular that the card issuer temporarily ran out of metal to make more.

Though the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a bit lighter than its heavy metal counterpart, it's a more affordable metal card option and ranked as Select's best travel credit card with an annual fee under $100. Its $95 annual fee is on the lower end for a popular rewards travel card, and cardholders earn enough benefits to easily offset this cost.

If you would shamelessly enjoy the feeling of throwing down a metal card while traveling or dining out, this card may be for you.

With the Preferred, you can earn 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3X points on dining and 2X points on all other travel purchases. New cardholders also benefit from 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening — which gives you ample reasoning to bring it out with you.

If you redeem points for travel or for eligible purchases through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal, they're worth 25% more, making that welcome bonus worth up to $750.

There was a lot of hype around the Apple Card when it launched in August 2019, partly because of the fact that it's almost completely made out of titanium. True to Apple's clean branding, the card has some unique design elements as well. It's laser etched with the cardholder's name and doesn't have a printed credit card number, expiration date or security code.

When it comes to rewards, the Apple Card has a competitive "Daily Cash" cash-back program. Cardholders earn 3% cash back on goods or services purchased directly from Apple, on Uber and Uber Eats, at Walgreens and Duane Reade stores, on the Walgreens app and on walgreens.com, in T-Mobile stores and at Nike. It is then 2% cash back on Apple Pay purchases and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

While there is no welcome bonus for this card, the Apple Card is one of the few credit cards on the market that has no fees whatsoever. There are no annual fees, no foreign transaction fees and no late payment fees.

The Prime Visa ranked as Select's best credit card for online grocery shopping for its high 5% back on purchases at Whole Foods Market or Amazon.com — and there's no limit to how much cash back you can earn. While there is no annual fee, a Prime membership is required ($139 for an annual membership and $14.99 for a monthly membership).

Cardholders also earn unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare), and 1% back on all other purchases. Upon approval for the card, you'll get a $100 Amazon Gift Card (or more) instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members.

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CNBC Select analyzed the most commonly asked questions about metal credit cards and found the answers to those questions. With this information, you'll be able to make a decision on which metal credit card is best for you.

What are the best metal credit cards?

The best metal credit card is the one that fits your needs most closely. Whether it's a card that earns travel rewards or cash back, it should complement your spending habits and financial goals.

How do I get a metal credit card?

There are several metal credit cards available for consumers to apply for. Simply find the one that works best for you and apply for it. You'll also need to have a good enough credit score to be approved for the metal credit card that you want.

What's the heaviest metal credit card?

The heaviest metal credit cards are the Mastercard Black Card or the JP Morgan Palladium card (the latter is not easily available to consumers). One of the heaviest cards that's publicly available is The Platinum Card from American Express.

How do you dispose of a metal credit card?

Many issuers offer a service where you can mail it in to be destroyed. You may want to contact your issuer for further guidance.

Are metal credit cards more secure than regular credit cards?

No. The metal material is simply a feature of the card, so be sure to keep your credit cards in a safe place.

What do metal credit cards mean?

Metal credit cards are simply cards made out of a metal material.

Metal credit cards can be fun to show off to friends, but it's a better strategy to pick a credit card based on its welcome bonus, spending rewards and other benefits. If you're set on getting a metal credit card, make sure to pick one that matches your spending habits and has a large welcome bonus.

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Information about theAmerican Express Centurion Card, U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve® Visa Infinite® Card, Prime Visa and Apple Card has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication. If you purchase something through Amazon links, we may earn a commission.

For rates and fees of the Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.