The Best Metal Credit Cards of 2024

Comparing the best metal credit cards

A closer look at the best metal credit cards

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Rewards rate: 1x – 5x points

Annual fee: $95

Intro APR: N/A

Regular APR: 21.24% – 28.24% variable

Signup bonus: 60,000 bonus points

Our verdict: With a reasonable sign-up bonus and valuable rewards program for travel and dining, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a top-rated option. Its low annual fee and additional benefits, such as access to DashPass and travel protections, make it a compelling choice for avid travelers seeking flexibility and rewards.

Pros:

• Big sign-up bonus, Travel rewards, Dining rewards, Flexible travel points, Consumer, and travel protections.

Cons:

• Has an annual fee.

• The card weighs 12.5 grams and provides 3x points on dining.

• The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is our top choice and one of the best rewards card offerings on the market. The annual fee for this 13-gram card is low relative to the perks it provides.

• With a big sign-up bonus, the sky’s the limit for this top-rated travel rewards card. Plus, the premium points program for travel and dining makes it an easy decision for travel enthusiasts everywhere.

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That is $750 if you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, and 2x on all other travel purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals, and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Apply now: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Rewards rate: Unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

Annual fee: $95

Intro APR: N/A

Regular APR: 20.74% – 28.74% variable

Signup bonus: One-time bonus of 75,000 miles

Our verdict: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a solid choice for frequent travelers looking for flexible rewards. With a reasonable welcome bonus, unlimited rewards miles, and the ability to use miles to cover travel expenses, it offers excellent value. The card also provides benefits like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit and complimentary lounge access. While there is an annual fee, the card’s overall benefits outweigh the cost, making it a worthwhile option for those seeking travel rewards with simplicity and flexibility.

Pros:

• Reasonable welcome bonus, Unlimited rewards miles, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit, Complimentary lounge access, Capital One Travel benefits.

Cons:

• Has annual fee.

• The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card weighs 16 grams and comes with a low annual fee and great travel rewards possibilities.

• Cardholders earn unlimited rewards miles that they can use to erase all or part of recent travel-related expenses. With additional perks like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit and complimentary lounge access, this card is an excellent choice for frequent travelers seeking flexible rewards.

Apply now: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

American Express Gold Card

Rewards rate: 4X points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year), 4X points at restaurants (including takeout and delivery), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com, 1X point on all other eligible purchases.

Annual fee: $250

Intro APR: N/A

Regular APR: 20.49% – 28.49% pay overtime

Signup bonus: Earn 60,000 membership rewards points

Our verdict: The American Express Gold Card is a top choice for food enthusiasts and frequent travelers. With reasonable rewards rates on dining, U.S. supermarkets, and flights, it offers many opportunities to earn points. The monthly dining credits and absence of foreign transaction fees add further value. However, the $250 annual fee and limited ability to carry a balance should be considered.

Pros:

• Reasonable welcome bonus, High rewards rate on dining, supermarkets, and flights, Monthly dining credits, No foreign transaction fees.

Cons:

• $250 annual fee, Points value may vary, Limited ability to carry a balance.

• The 15-gram American Express Gold Card offers a unique focus on food-based rewards in the credit card sector. With bonus points on dining, U.S. supermarkets, and flights, this card caters to food lovers and frequent travelers alike.

• Cardholders also benefit from monthly dining credits and no foreign transaction fees. However, the annual fee and limited ability to carry a balance should be considered.

Apply now: American Express Gold Card

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

Rewards rate: Earn 6X points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 3X points at worldwide restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines, and 2X points on all other eligible purchases.

Annual fee: $650

Intro APR: N/A

Regular APR: 20.74%-29.74% variable

Signup bonus: Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months.

Our verdict: The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card stands with its impressive rewards program, offering reasonable points on hotel stays, dining, and flights. With perks like a valuable Free Night Award, added Platinum Elite status, and good credits, it caters well to Marriott Bonvoy loyalists. The card’s high annual fee may deter some, but for frequent travelers who seek advantage of the extensive benefits, it is a worthwhile investment. If you enjoy luxury hotel experiences and desire elite privileges, this card is a top contender.

Pros:

• Free Night Award worth up to 85,000 points, Complimentary Platinum Elite status, $25 monthly statement credits for dining purchases, Elite night credits, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® fee credit, Priority Pass Select membership, Cell phone protection.

Cons:

• High yearly fee, No introductory APR offer.

• The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card is a heavyweight in terms of benefits and rewards. With a substantial welcome bonus, ongoing rewards on hotel stays, dining, and flights, as well as a Free Night Award, it offers exceptional value to Marriott Bonvoy enthusiasts.

• Complimentary Platinum Elite status, statement credits, and other perks further elevate the card’s appeal. While the $650 annual fee may seem steep, the extensive advantages make it worthwhile for frequent travelers seeking luxurious experiences and elite privileges.

Apply now: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® Card

Rewards rate: Earn 5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center, 3X points on eligible travel and mobile wallet purchases, and 1X points for all other eligible purchases.

Annual fee: $400

Intro APR: N/A

Regular APR: 21.49% – 28.49% variable

Signup bonus: Earn 50,000 bonus points worth $750 on travel when you spend $4,500 in the first 90 days (about three months).

Our verdict: The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® Card is a top choice for frequent travelers seeking luxury perks. With a high rewards rate, 50,000-point signup bonus, and no foreign transaction fees, it offers excellent value. However, the $400 annual fee and absence of introductory APRs may deter some. It is recommended for big spenders who can maximize its rewards and benefits, but others may find better options with lower fees and introductory rates.

Pros:

• High rewards rate.

• 50,000 points initial rewards bonus.

• No foreign fee.

Cons:

• High membership fees.

• No intro APR on purchases.

• No intro APR on balance transfers.

The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® Card is an appealing choice for frequent travelers who can maximize the rewards and benefits. It offers a high rewards rate and an attractive sign-up bonus. However, the $400 annual fee and the lack of introductory APRs on purchases and balance transfers may deter some potential cardholders. Overall, this card is recommended for big spenders who can take advantage of its luxury travel perks and rewards.

Apply now: The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

Rewards rate: 10x points on hotels and car rentals through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 5x points on flights through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on other travel and dining, 1x point per $1 on all other purchases.

Annual fee: $550

Intro APR: N/A

Regular APR: 21.74% – 28.74% variable

Signup bonus: 60,000 points

Our verdict: The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a top-tier travel credit card with a high rewards rate on hotels, car rentals, flights, and dining. It offers a reasonable signup bonus, valuable travel credits, and access to airport lounges worldwide. While the $550 annual fee is steep, the card’s benefits and rewards justify the cost for frequent travelers and big spenders. However, individuals seeking luxury perks or higher signup bonuses may find other premium travel credit cards more suitable. Overall, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is a solid choice for those looking for exceptional rewards and travel benefits.

Pros:

• High rewards rate on travel and dining.

• 50% boost in points value when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
• $300 annual travel credit.
• Access to airport lounges worldwide.
• Trip protections and travel-related benefits.

Cons:

• Steep $550 annual fee.

• Some luxury rewards may be lacking compared to other premium travel credit cards.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is an excellent choice for big spenders who can take advantage of its reasonable rewards rate and travel benefits. However, the high annual fee may not be suitable for everyone, and those seeking specific luxury perks may find alternatives more appealing.

Apply now: Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

How to pick a metal credit card?

When choosing a metal credit card, consider factors such as rewards rate, annual fee, additional benefits, and card issuer reputation. Look for a card that aligns with your spending habits and offers valuable rewards. Compare the rewards rates, welcome offers, and annual fees of different metal credit cards to find the best fit for your needs. Additionally, read reviews and consider the card issuer’s customer service and perks associated with the card.

What credit score is needed for a metal credit card?

Metal credit cards often require good to excellent credit scores, typically ranging from 670 to 850. The exact credit score requirement may vary depending on the specific card and issuer. To increase your chances of qualifying for a metal credit card, aim for a credit score of 700 or above. It is important to maintain a good credit history, make timely payments, and keep your credit utilization low to improve your credit score and become eligible for metal credit cards.

Are metal credit cards worth it?

Whether metal credit cards are worth the hype entirely depends on your personal preferences and financial goals. While metal cards offer a luxurious and prestigious feel, their value extends beyond aesthetics. Metal credit cards often come with enhanced rewards, premium benefits, and excellent customer service. If you frequently travel, dine out, or acknowledge the added benefits, a metal credit card could be worth the higher annual fee. However, if you do not maximize the rewards and benefits, a non-metal credit card with similar benefits might be a more cost-effective choice.

Methodology

The methodology used to determine the best metal credit cards majorly involves considering factors like rewards programs, annual fees, APRs, customer reviews, additional benefits, and industry expertise. Card features and offers are analyzed, and expert opinions are considered to evaluate each card’s overall value and suitability. It aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the top metal credit cards available in the market based on a variety of relevant criteria.