Where most credit cards are made of plastic, metal credit cards are just that: made of metal. Materials can range from stainless steel to titanium, and some even sport gold plating.
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The exact composition of a metal credit card will vary by card. Some metal credit cards will have a metal core surrounded by plastic. Other cards are crafted entirely out of a single metal. We found that metal credit cards are most commonly made of a mix of metals called a metal alloy.
The weight and strength of a metal credit card will depend on its composition. Our research found metal credit cards can weigh anywhere from 10 grams up to 27 grams.
Just like plastic cards, metal credit cards come in a range of types, so it's hard to classify them all one way or another. Some of the best credit cards are metal -- just as many of them are not. The one thing we found is that all of them offer some sort of credit card rewards.
Most metal cards have annual fees, though we did find one or two that have no annual fee. Many of the best travel rewards credit cards also happen to be made of metal. However, we also found some metal cash back rewards cards.
When it comes down to it, the only difference between plastic and metal cards is the material. As such, whether a metal credit card is better than a plastic card is entirely subjective. Here are a few practical pros and cons to consider.
Pros of metal cards:
- They're more durable and harder to break by accident
- They look and feel more impressive than plastic
- They can double as a paper weight in a pinch
Cons of metal cards:
- They're difficult to destroy when expired
- They're thicker than plastic cards so they take up more wallet space
- We read stories about metal cards setting off metal detectors
- They can add extra weight to your wallet
- We found some reports of metal cards getting stuck in card readers
Bottom line: We think it's simply a matter of personal preference. If you like the look and feel of metal, great. If you're more of a minimalist, you may prefer plastic.
Metal credit cards offer all of the same security features as plastic credit cards.
Modern metal credit cards will come with EMV chips for secure purchasing and contactless payments. And metal credit cards come with the same security and fraud protection as plastic cards from the same issuer.
LEARN MORE: How to Avoid Credit Card Fraud and Scams
The only time a metal credit card may be less safe than a plastic one is when it comes to destroying your old or expired card. It's a bad idea to stick a metal credit card into a typical household shredder -- unless you need an excuse to buy a new shredder.
LEARN MORE: What to Do With Expired Cards
Melting or setting fire to your metal credit card can also be dangerous. If the card has any plastic in it, the fumes can be hazardous to your health. (This is why you should avoid melting plastic cards, too.) And depending on the metal type, it probably won't actually do much to the card itself. Most metals have higher melting points than you'll get with your fireplace or a lighter.
An unfortunate side effect of all that metal is that yes, some cards may set off metal detectors. We've read a number of stories from cardholders who have had their metal credit cards set off metal detectors in airport security and other buildings.
Whether your card will be an issue at security will often depend on its composition. Stainless steel is typically the least likely to react to a metal detector. Titanium, gold, and other metals may be more likely to be a problem.
As we mentioned above, metal cards are super hard to destroy if your card has expired or you've closed your account. Definitely do NOT put a metal card into a household shredder!
LEARN MORE: How to Close Your Credit Card Account
Issuers who offer metal credit cards will happily destroy your unused credit card for you. Amex and Chase, for instance, will send you an envelope so you can mail your card to them for destruction.
If you're intent on destroying your own metal card, be thorough! Most metal cards store information in the magnetic stripe, the EMV chip, and on the card itself. When in doubt, contact your issuer for their suggestions.
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