9 Best Metal Credit Cards in Canada for 2024
Jun 4, 2024Metal credit cards — typically made of titanium or stainless steel — blend functionality and sophistication to offer an elevated cardholder experience for those who qualify.
Metal credit cards blend functionality and sophistication to offer an elevated cardholder experience for those who qualify.
To choose the best metal credit card, consider eligibility criteria, fees and card rewards before you apply.
Best metal credit cards in Canada
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NerdWallet's take
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BACK TO TOPNerdWallet Canada selects the best metal credit cards based on overall consumer value and their suitability for specific kinds of consumers.
Factors in our evaluation include annual and other fees, rewards rates, the earning structure (for example, flat-rate rewards versus bonus categories), redemption options, bonus offers for new cardholders, introductory and ongoing APRs, and other noteworthy features such as airline or hotel perks or the ability to transfer points.
Only credit cards explicitly available in metal were considered for this list.
What to know about metal credit cards
Metal credit cards blend functionality and sophistication to offer an elevated cardholder experience for those who qualify. But what else separates metal cards from their traditional counterparts? Beyond a showy exterior, you’ll want to consider eligibility criteria, fees and card rewards before you apply.
What is a metal credit card?
Metal credit cards are typically made of titanium or stainless steel. Like traditional credit cards, they have credit limits, charge interest on unpaid balances and offer perks, like rewards points and insurance coverage.
So, what separates metal credit cards from regular credit cards beyond a gleaming, weighted exterior? Some metal cards impose steep income requirements in exchange for premium perks.
How to get a metal credit card
The application process for metal credit cards differs by the issuer or provider, but generally, here’s what to expect from the process:
Explore card options. Narrow your search by comparing card features, fees, interest rates and rewards.
Check eligibility criteria. Review any eligibility criteria and consider your credit score. You can check your credit score for free through Equifax or TransUnion.
Complete application. Fill out an application online or in person and wait to find out if you’ve been approved.
Eligibility for metal credit cards in Canada
Make sure you’re eligible before you apply for a credit card. Metal credit cards typically impose the following eligibility requirements:
Canadian resident with sufficient credit history.
Age of majority in your province or territory.
A credit score of at least 660.
Beyond the criteria above, some metal credit cards may also require applicants to meet annual income requirements — typically around $150,000 for an individual or $200,000 for a household.
Metal debit cards in Canada
Credit cards aren’t the only card in Canada to receive a metallic makeover. Metal debit cards are also available, though you can’t get one through any of the Big Six Banks as of this writing.
To get a metal debit card, you must order one through a third-party provider specializing in converting debit cards from plastic to metal.
Custom metal cards
You can order a custom metal credit or debit card from a third-party provider. But before you place an order, vet the company you’re interested in by exploring customer feedback on the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot and Google reviews.
Ordering a custom metal card has little in common with the traditional credit card application process. Here’s how it typically works:
Select and purchase a card design from the provider’s website.
Mail your plastic debit or credit card to the provider.
Receive your new metal card and old plastic card by mail.
Custom metal card drawbacks
Ordering a custom card from a third-party provider could carry risks and drawbacks. Consider the following before you place an order:
Limited use. You may not be able to use your metal card at ATMs or in other circumstances that require full card insertion into a card reader. This could limit your ability to perform certain transactions.
No tap and pay. You may not be able to use your custom card for tap and pay, or NFC, payments.
Mailing your bank card is risky. Custom metal card providers typically need your plastic card in hand to complete the order. Sending a bank card by mail could expose you to credit card fraud and identity theft.
Who offers metal credit cards?
Getting a metal credit card from a reputable and well-established financial institution carries fewer risks than ordering one online from a third-party provider — but you’ll need to meet eligibility requirements.
Banks with metal cards
The following card issuers and banks offer metal credit cards:
American Express.
Metal Visa cards in Canada
There are four metal Visa credit cards available through Canadian financial institutions:
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card.
CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card.
CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege Card.
Amex metal cards
There are five metal American Express credit cards available to Canadians:
American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Card.
In addition, the prestigious American Express Centurion “black card” is an ultra-exclusive titanium charge card that’s available by invitation only.
Metal Mastercards
As of this writing, there are no metal Mastercards available in Canada. Previously, HSBC offered the HSBC Jade World Elite Mastercard, but it no longer exists due to RBC’s acquisition of HSBC.
Limited edition metal cards
From time to time, issuers will offer special edition metal cards. Popular options no longer available include:
Wealthsimple Cash Visa Card was available in tungsten metal during a limited edition offer.
KOHO offered limited edition prepaid metal cards in gold and pink.
How to dispose of a metal card
If you no longer want to use your metal card, you can mail the card back to your provider, return it in person to a bank branch or destroy it at home with a pair of metal snips or shears.
Frequently asked questions
Are metal credit cards better than regular cards?
Are metal credit cards better than regular cards?
Not necessarily. Metal credit cards offer many of the same benefits as traditional credit cards. However, some have stricter eligibility criteria and higher fees in exchange for premium perks like accelerated rewards points, premium travel benefits and rental vehicle discounts.
Can you convert a plastic card to metal?
Can you convert a plastic card to metal?
Yes. Custom card providers convert plastic credit cards to metal cards for a fee. Customers send their plastic credit cards by mail, and a custom metal card is created from the plastic card with identical account information.
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