Approval for any credit card will depend on your status. The APR shown represents 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.
Compare metal credit cards for April 2021
Plastic? That's so 2019. Metal cards have finally reached UK shores, but the selection remains limited.
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.
Compare metal credit cards
What's in this guide?
Revolut's Metal card comes with perks
- Choose from three fully metal contactless cards
- Earn up to 1% cashback in any currency
- One free LoungeKey Pass to use at 1,000 airports
- Delayed baggage and flight insurance
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.
Frequently asked questions
We show offers we can track - that's not every product on the market...yet. Unless we've said otherwise, products are in no particular order. The terms "best", "top", "cheap" (and variations of these) aren't ratings, though we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it. This is subject to our terms of use. When you make major financial decisions, consider getting independent financial advice. Always consider your own circumstances when you compare products so you get what's right for you.
More guides on Finder
-
Compare the best business credit cards of 2021
Saving time on expense reports and streamlining your cash flow are just a couple of the many perks you could enjoy with a business credit card. Compare interest rates and check your eligibility today.
-
How to open a bank account without ID in the UK
While it’s impossible to open a bank account without proving your identity, banks accept a range of documents as ID; so even if you don’t have a passport or a driving licence, you should be able to get one. Here’s how to go about it.
-
Best banks for switching, cashback, interest and overdraft deals UK 2021
We look at switching bonuses, what they are, how they work, and which banks offer the best ones. If you’re fed up with your current bank, there is no good reason not to switch and get a nice little cash bonus as an extra perk.
-
Best credit cards for building credit
All credit cards benefit your credit history when you use them correctly, but these picks aim to support you on your journey to better credit.
-
The Best American Express credit cards of April 2021
Looking for the best American Express Credit credit card? Here’s our guide to Amex’s best in class cards for cashback, rewards and more.
-
The best cashback credit cards of 2021
Cashback credit cards let you earn money back on every purchase you make, but which one has the best cashback offer, as well as the best rate?
-
The best balance transfer credit cards of 2021
Here’s how you can get the best deal on a balance transfer credit card, from finding the longest 0% periods to getting the lowest fees.
-
Compare current accounts
If you don’t feel like you’re getting much from your bank account, switching has never been easier! Banks and building societies offer up cash and vouchers when you switch, and will handle the boring bits for you.
-
Compare international money transfers
Learn how to compare international money transfer services so you can get the best exchange rates and lowest fees.
-
Compare the best business loans and financing of 2021
Secure the finance you need to get your company off the ground or get it to the next stage of its evolution with a small business loan.
Ask an Expert