Compare metal credit cards for October 2021

Plastic? That's so 2019. Metal cards have finally reached UK shores, but the selection remains limited.

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Chris Lilly
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Poor old plastic seems to be Public Enemy No.1 right now. Meanwhile, new challenger banks are fighting it out with the incumbent giants and everybody's trying to stand out with the most garish cards, cards with no numbers on them, cards that are portrait not landscape... It's like being back at school, where your pencil case was a crucial part of your identity.

But for the ultimate in style, luxury and durability, surely it has to be metal. Aside from being a head-turner when you use it, chances are a metal credit card will come with generous rewards and travel perks.

It all comes at a cost though: you'll need to make your peace with an annual or monthly account fee, and that means weighing up just how badly you want to look the bee's knees.

Sadly, right now, your options are pretty restricted when it comes to metal credit cards in the UK, but Revolut and others offer perk-laden prepaid cards that are as metal as horseshoes. See the metal prepaid card options below.

Compare metal credit cards

Data updated daily
Data updated daily
Name Product Max. intro bonus Default earn-rate Annual/monthly fees Representative APR Link Incentive Representative example
The Platinum Card
Finder Award
The Platinum Card
60,000 points
1 point per £1 spent
£575 per annum
N/A (this product is a charge card).
Check eligibility
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Limited Time Offer: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points when you spend £6,000 in your first six months of Cardmembership.
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Approval for any credit card will depend on your status. The representative APRs shown represent the interest rate offered to most successful applicants. Depending on your personal circumstances the APR you're offered may be higher, or you may not be offered credit at all. Fees and rates are subject to change without notice. It's always wise to check the terms of any deal before you borrow.

What are metal credit cards?

Metal credit cards are genuinely made of metal – typically stainless steel or another alloy. These cards tend to offer rewards and perks such as loyalty points or airport lounge access.

Is a metal credit card worth it?

Getting serious for a second, the physical make-up of your card shouldn’t be your main concern.

Like almost all credit cards, if you don’t carry a balance from month to month, you’ll generally avoid interest altogether, thanks to the interest-free grace period on purchases. But when you do carry a balance on a rewards card, what you pay in interest almost always outweighs any rewards you earn. If there’s a monthly/annual fee attached, you should try to put a value on the rewards and benefits that you’ll realistically use, to decide if it’s a smart choice.

Metal credit cards gained popularity because they look and feel luxurious. After all, once you put the metal card on the counter it tends to get noticed. However, metal cards are heavier than plastic and they can weigh down your wallet – especially if you have more than one. Also, depending on which metal is used in their production, they could trigger airport metal detectors.

Where can I get me a solid gold credit card?

Well, if you don’t mind shelling out £18,750 for one, then the Royal Mint has teamed up with Mastercard and the payments tech outfit Accomplish Financial to bring you the “Raris” card – an 18-carat debit card. It’s built on a World Elite account and comes with the perk/consolation of fee-free spending abroad. If the price tag on the Raris card puts you off, then you could still consider the not-gold-but-still-exceedingly-premium World Elite Mastercards from HSBC and Santander.

How do you destroy a metal credit card?

If you need to destroy your metal card after you close the account, cutting it with tin snips or melting it could work, but could take more time than necessary or burn your house down.

Mailing it back to the bank is a safe option. If you’re getting a replacement card, some banks will send you a return envelope for your old card. If yours doesn’t, you could call it and ask how to return the card or dispose of it.

What is a charge card?

With a charge card, you won’t be able to carry an outstanding balance from month to month – you’ll need to pay off your spending each statement cycle, and in return won’t be charged interest (although there may be an account fee).

Bottom line

If a particular credit card isn’t a good fit for you, it doesn’t really matter if it’s metal or plastic. If none of the cards here look appealing to you, check out our comparisons and reviews of all UK rewards, frequent flyer and cashback credit cards to find an appealing alternative.

Metal prepaid cards

Data updated regularly
Name Product Account fees UK ATM fees Overseas transaction fees Overseas ATM fees Incentive
Curve Metal
£14.99 per month
Free
£0, currency conversion charge of 0%
Free up to £600 per month, currency conversion charge of 0% on weekdays
Go to site
More Info
Revolut Metal
£12.99 per month
Free up to £800 per month
£0, currency conversion charge of 0%
Free up to £800 per month, currency conversion charge of 0% on weekdays up to £1,000 per month (excl. THB and UAH)
More Info
0.1% cashback, LoungeKey Pass access, unlimited free international transfers plus exclusive discounts on top brands with Perks Plus.
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