Metal credit cards, typically crafted from stainless steel, titanium, and sometimes even brass, palladium, or gold, are often synonymous with prestige and high-end status.
They are the most prestigious credit cards on offer that can be applied for without requiring an invitation, as is the case with the American Express Centurion Card.
Please note: We advise customers not to choose a credit card solely based on its appearance, feel, or prestige. We highly recommend prioritising the interest rate, fees, and features offered and considering your personal circumstances and needs.
Do metal credit cards actually exist?
Yes, metal credit cards are available in Australia and globally. Their origins can be traced back to 1999, when American Express introduced its exclusive, invite-only Centurion Card, also known as the Amex Black Card. In the following years, many credit card issuers began offering metal cards.
Remarkably, when the Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card was launched in the United States in 2016, demand was so overwhelming that Chase temporarily exhausted its metal supply and had to provide customers with plastic versions of the card in the interim. In 2019, Apple made headlines by releasing its own titanium Apple Card in the US, although it has not yet been introduced in Australia.
Which issuers offer metal credit cards in Australia?
In Australia, a handful of issuers, including American Express, Qantas, and Revolut, offer metal credit cards and other metal cards.
American Express metal cards
The Amex Platinum Card is crafted from metal. As a charge card, it has no pre-set spending limit, but customers must pay the balance in full each month. The card offers benefits such as earning Membership Rewards Points, which can be transferred to airline partner programs like Qantas Frequent Flyer and Velocity Frequent Flyer, as well as access to airport lounges. An annual fee of $1,450 applies.
Amex also offers the Centurion Card, made of anodised titanium. As mentioned earlier, it is an invite-only card and cannot be applied for on Amex's website. The precise eligibility requirements and benefits are not publicly disclosed by Amex, but it is believed to be reserved for high-income individuals who spend a significant amount on their card annually on an invitation-only basis.
Qantas metal cards
Qantas offers the Qantas Premier Titanium Card, allowing cardholders to earn Qantas Points per dollar spent, discounts on eligible Qantas flights, and enjoy Qantas First Lounge invitations. Currently, to apply for a Qantas Premier Titanium Card, you need an annual income of $200,000 or more. The annual fee is presently $1,200.
Revolut metal cards
Revolut, a money transfer and exchange company, offers the Revolut Metal card, a contactless debit card that enables purchases in various currencies at the interbank exchange rate. Other benefits include earning up to 1% cashback in any supported currency. Revolut states that the card is made from a single sheet of reinforced steel and weighs 18 grams. The Revolut Metal card is available to customers in Australia.
Custom metal cards
Some companies specialise in transferring your existing debit or credit card to a metal card. Metal credit cards have gained popularity on TikTok, with Carbon Co Skins, an Australian-based custom metal credit and debit card company, amassing millions of followers and 13 million likes on the platform. While a metal card with a pre-made design currently costs $150, it may be an option if you're simply seeking the look and feel of a metal card while keeping your existing card. However, unlike the other metal cards mentioned, you won't be able to make contactless payments with these custom cards.
Key features and benefits of metal cards
A metal credit card typically offers all the features and benefits of a black credit card but with more generous terms.
- Higher earn rate for status credits. Metal credit cards often provide an elevated earn rate on status credits, allowing you to attain and maintain higher status more easily through card spending. Higher status can significantly enhance your travel experience, offering priority for upgrades, improved lounge access, dedicated check-in desks, express security, and more.
- Increased and uncapped earn rate for points. While black credit cards have earn rates and caps that are sufficient for most, metal cards offer even more generous rewards.
- Airport lounge access. Gain access to business class airport lounges worldwide. Some metal credit cards even grant access to first class airport lounges, although there may be restrictions on the number of times your card can be used for access annually.
- Substantial sign-up bonus. Most metal cards come with a large sign-up bonus, usually requiring higher spending to qualify. While appealing, the status credits and uncapped rewards earn rate is likely more valuable for the typical metal card applicant.
- Travel credit. The amount of credit varies between cards but can reach several hundred dollars per year. This credit typically doesn't roll over if unused is limited to travel redemptions (flights, hotels, etc.), and may have restrictions preventing it from being combined with other offers.
- 24/7 concierge service. Similar to many black credit cards, you can request the concierge to make reservations, book tickets, arrange pickups, and more. This service is especially useful for business travellers making frequent international trips.
How to select a suitable metal credit card
When exploring metal credit card options, you'll find an abundance of perks available. The key is to identify a card that offers perks you genuinely value and will utilise, with a price point that aligns with your budget.
Closely examine the rewards rates and evaluate them based on your typical spending habits in each category. If you consistently pay off your card balance in full each month, these rewards could put you ahead financially, even after accounting for the annual fee. Additionally, consider the rewards you prefer – are you interested in specific frequent flyer points, retail vouchers, or cashback?
Some metal cards may provide benefits such as airport lounge access, complimentary flights, or concierge services. Assess whether you'll actually use these perks.
