Best Metal Credit Cards in 2026 – Are They Worth the Hype?

Airport Lounge Access Explained - Your $400+ Hidden Benefit

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One of the most valuable—and underused—perks of premium metal cards is airport lounge access. If you travel even just 4-5 times per year, lounge access alone can justify a card's annual fee.

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What Is Lounge Access Worth?A single Priority Pass lounge visit costs $32-$35 when purchased à la carte. Premium metal cards grant you unlimited access to networks of 1,000+ lounges worldwide—potentially saving $400-$800 annually for moderate travelers.

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The Major Lounge Networks:

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1. American Express Global Lounge Collection (Amex Platinum)

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• Over 1,400 lounges worldwide

• Includes exclusive Centurion Lounges (premium amenities, complimentary food & drinks)

• Priority Pass Select membership

• Delta Sky Club access (10 visits when flying Delta)

• Escape Lounges, Plaza Premium, and more

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2. Capital One Lounge Access (Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card)

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• Capital One Lounges in major hubs (Dallas, Denver, Washington, with more coming)

• Priority Pass membership with unlimited guest access

• Plaza Premium Lounge network access

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3. Chase Lounge Program (Sapphire Reserve)

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• Priority Pass Select

• 1,500+ lounges globally

• Includes Chase Sapphire Lounges (Hong Kong, select US airports)

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The Guest Policy Advantage: Some cards let you bring guests for free (Capital One Venture X), while others charge per guest (typically $32). If you travel with family, guest policies become crucial for maximizing value.

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Pro Tip: Even if your home airport doesn't have a premium lounge, most major connecting hubs do. That 3-hour layover suddenly becomes productive time with WiFi, power outlets, and complimentary snacks instead of overpriced airport food.

The 5 Best Metal Credit Cards of 2025

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Card #1: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card - Best Overall Value

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Card #2: American Express Platinum Card® - Best for Luxury Travel

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[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "106", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Serious Points on Flights"} ]]

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Card #3: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card - Best Flexible Travel Rewards

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Card #4: Apple Card - Best No-Annual-Fee Metal Card

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Card #5: Prime Visa - Best for Amazon Shoppers (No Annual Fee)

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[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "79", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Amazon Shoppers", "headerHint": "Impressive Rewards and Benefits"} ]]

How to Actually Use Metal Card Benefits (Without Leaving Money Behind)

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Choosing the right metal card is step one. Actually using its benefits is step two—and where most people fail. Remember that $624 figure? That's how much the average cardholder leaves unused annually, according to Kudos Insights research.

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The 3 Most Commonly Wasted Benefits:

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1. Statement Credits

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‍Cards like Amex Platinum offer up to $100 Saks credit, $209 CLEAR credit, and up o $200 airline fee credit. If you don't shop at Saks or use CLEAR, that's $289 in wasted value immediately.

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Solution: Before applying for premium cards, honestly assess whether you'll use statement credits. If you never fly, airline fee credits are worthless. If you don't shop at luxury retailers, Saks credits go unused.

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2. Airport Lounge Access‍

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Many cardholders pay for lounge access through high annual fees but never actually visit lounges—either because they forget or don't know which lounges their card grants access to.

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Solution: Download the Priority Pass or lounge network app before your trip. Check which lounges are available at your departure and connection airports. Add lounge visits to your pre-flight routine—arriving 30 minutes earlier for a complimentary meal and WiFi can transform your travel experience.

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3. Travel Insurance and Purchase Protection
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Premium metal cards bundle comprehensive travel insurance (trip delay, baggage loss, rental car coverage) and purchase protection—benefits worth thousands if you ever need them. But most cardholders don't even know they exist.

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Solution: Keep a copy of your card's benefit guide in your travel bag or saved in your phone. If your flight is delayed 6+ hours, your Sapphire Preferred covers $500 in expenses—but only if you know to file a claim.

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The Kudos Solution:‍

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This is exactly why Kudos created Hidden Perks—a feature that automatically tracks your credit card benefits and alerts you when credits are about to expire or when you're using the wrong card. Instead of manually tracking dozens of perks across multiple cards, Kudos does it for you. The average Kudos user recovers $441 annually in previously missed rewards and benefits.

The Metal Card Application Process - What to Expect

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Getting approved for a premium metal credit card requires more than just decent credit. Here's what issuers actually look for:

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Credit Score Requirements:

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• Ultra-Premium Cards (Amex Platinum, Venture X): Excellent credit typically required (720+ FICO)

• Mid-Premium Cards (Sapphire Preferred): Good to excellent credit (690+ FICO)

• No-Fee Metal Cards (Apple Card, Prime Visa): Good credit (660+ FICO), though approval ranges vary

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Beyond Credit Score - What Issuers Consider:

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• Income: Premium cards often require $50,000+ annual income (though this varies)

• Existing Relationship: Having deposit accounts or other cards with the issuer can help

• Credit Utilization: Keep balances below 30% of limits before applying

• Recent Applications: Too many recent credit inquiries can hurt approval odds

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The Soft vs. Hard Pull Difference: Some cards let you check pre-qualification with a soft credit pull (won't affect your score). If you're approved after the full application, that triggers a hard inquiry (typically -5 points temporarily).

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Strategy for Beginners: If you have limited credit history, start with a no-fee metal card like Apple Card (which uses soft pulls for pre-approval). Build payment history for 6-12 months, then apply for premium travel cards.

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The 5/24 Rule (Chase Cards): Chase typically won't approve you if you've opened 5+ credit cards across any issuer in the past 24 months. If you're considering Sapphire Preferred, apply for Chase cards before hitting this threshold.

Red Flags - When Metal Cards Become Money Traps

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Premium metal cards aren't for everyone—and aggressive marketing can obscure the downsides. Watch for these warning signs that a metal card might cost you more than it's worth:

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Red Flag #1: You're Not Using Enough Credits to Offset the Fee‍

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Reality Check: Track your first 3 months of credit usage. If you're consistently missing statement credits or not visiting airport lounges, downgrade to a lower-fee card before year two hits.

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Red Flag #2: You're Changing Spending Habits to "Justify" Benefits‍

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Some people start shopping at Saks or booking unnecessary flights just to use credits. That's not saving money—that's spending money you wouldn't normally spend to activate benefits you're already paying for.

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Reality Check: Credits should align with existing spending patterns. Don't force it.

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Red Flag #3: You're Carrying a Balance‍

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Premium metal cards typically have APRs ranging from 18.99% to 29.99% variable. If you're carrying a balance month-to-month, interest charges will instantly erase any rewards value.

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Reality Check: If you can't pay your full statement balance monthly, rewards cards—metal or not—are the wrong tool. Focus on 0% APR balance transfer cards instead.

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Red Flag #4: You Applied Because It "Looks Cool"‍

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Metal cards are designed to feel prestigious. But paying annually for aesthetics is expensive vanity. Choose cards for benefits first, metal second.

Comparing Metal Cards Side-by-Side

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Here's how the top 5 metal cards stack up across key metrics:

The Verdict: No single "best" card exists—only the best card for your spending. Map your annual expenses to these categories to identify your ideal match.

Expert Tips - Maximizing Metal Card Value

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Tip #1: Stack Benefits Across Cards‍

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You don't have to choose just one metal card. Strategic combinations can multiply value:

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Tip #2: Use Transfer Partners Wisely‍

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Cards with transfer partners (Sapphire Preferred, Venture X, Amex Platinum) offer 30-50% more value when you transfer points to airlines rather than redeeming for cash back. A 75,000-point welcome bonus could be worth $1,125+ in premium flight redemptions versus $750 cash.

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Tip #3: Time Your Application for Welcome Bonuses‍

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If you have a big purchase coming (wedding, home renovation, business expense), time your card application 4-6 weeks before. You'll hit minimum spend requirements naturally without forcing spending.

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Tip #4: Set Calendar Reminders for Credit Expirations
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Most statement credits reset semi-annually or annually. Set phone reminders 2 weeks before expiration so you don't lose credits.

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Tip #5: Let Kudos Do the Heavy Lifting‍

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Rather than manually tracking which card earns what at every merchant, Kudos recommends the best card at checkout automatically. It's like having a rewards optimizer in your pocket—helping you earn 10-15% more rewards simply by using the right card.

FAQs - Metal Credit Cards Answered

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What is a metal credit card?
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A metal credit card is a payment card constructed with metal (typically stainless steel, titanium, or metal alloy) instead of plastic. The metal construction makes the card heavier and more durable. Banks often reserve metal cards for premium products with high-value rewards and benefits. From a functional standpoint, metal cards work identically to plastic—they just feel more premium.

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Are metal credit cards better than plastic cards?
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Not inherently. Metal cards aren't automatically superior—the benefits matter more than the material. However, metal cards tend to correlate with premium perks because banks use them to differentiate high-tier offerings. Metal cards are more durable and less likely to crack or wear over time compared to plastic. But a plastic card with better rewards will always outperform a metal card with weak benefits.

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Can I get a metal credit card with no annual fee?
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Yes. The Apple Card and Prime Visa both offer metal construction with $0 annual fee. These cards provide solid everyday rewards without luxury travel perks. While they lack airport lounge access and statement credits, they're excellent for users who want metal card prestige without ongoing costs.

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How do I dispose of a metal credit card?
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Don't use scissors or shredders—metal cards are too durable and can damage equipment. Instead, contact your card issuer and request a prepaid envelope for secure destruction. Most banks will send you one when your card expires or when you close the account. Some issuers also accept in-person returns at branch locations.

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Do metal credit cards set off airport security?
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Rarely. A single metal card doesn't contain enough metal to trigger most modern metal detectors. TSA typically has you place wallets in screening bins anyway. If you're concerned, simply place your wallet in the tray during security screening—the same as you would with keys or coins.

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Which metal card has the best airport lounge access?
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American Express® Platinum Card offers the most extensive lounge network—over 1,400 lounges globally through the Centurion Lounge network, Delta Sky Club access, Priority Pass, and more. Capital One Venture X also offers strong lounge access with Priority Pass and growing Capital One Lounges. Chase Sapphire Preferred doesn't include lounge access—you'd need Sapphire Reserve for that perk.

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Can I have multiple premium metal cards?
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Yes, and many rewards enthusiasts do exactly this—strategically holding 2-3 cards to maximize category bonuses. Just ensure each card's annual fee is justified by the benefits you actually use. Holding multiple premium cards only makes sense if you're actively earning enough rewards to offset the combined annual fees.

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What credit score do I need for a metal credit card?
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This varies by card tier. Ultra-premium cards like Amex Platinum typically require excellent credit (720+ FICO). Mid-premium cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred generally need good to excellent credit (690+ FICO). No-fee options like Apple Card may approve good credit (660+ FICO), though ranges vary. Beyond credit score, issuers also consider income, existing relationships, and recent credit applications.

Bottom Line: Is Metal Worth It?

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The appeal of metal credit cards isn't about the material—it's about the benefits that typically come with them. The question isn't "Should I get a metal card?" but rather "Do this card's perks align with my actual spending?"

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Get a Premium Metal Card If:

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• You travel frequently enough to use lounge access (6+ flights yearly makes this worthwhile)

• You'll legitimately use statement credits without forcing spending habits

• The welcome bonus alone covers the first-year annual fee

• You understand how to maximize transfer partners for premium redemptions

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Skip Premium Metal Cards If:

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• You rarely travel or prefer driving to flying

• You'll carry balances (interest charges erase reward value instantly)

• You can't commit to tracking credit expirations

• You're attracted primarily to aesthetics rather than benefits

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Start with No-Fee Metal If:

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• You want the premium feel without annual fee risk

• You're building credit history before applying for ultra-premium cards

• You're an iPhone user (Apple Card) or heavy Amazon shopper (Prime Visa)

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The Kudos Advantage:‍

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Whichever metal card you choose, Kudos helps you maximize its value automatically. Rather than manually tracking expiring credits, lounge locations, and category bonuses, Kudos handles the optimization for you—recommending the right card at checkout and alerting you to unused benefits before they expire. The average Kudos user earns $441 more annually simply by using the right card at the right time.

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Ready to upgrade your wallet? Explore all metal credit cards on Kudos to find your perfect match—and use code GET20 to earn $20 back on your first eligible purchase when you sign up.

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The metal card revolution has democratized premium perks—making airport lounges, comprehensive travel insurance, and serious rewards accessible beyond the ultra-wealthy. Choose strategically, use benefits fully, and that metal card becomes one of your wallet's most valuable tools.