Metal credit cards debuted just before the current century, in 1999 to be precise. Although they were available exclusively by invitation only, people can now apply to the various providers to get one. It has become a status symbol, thanks to its looks and weight.
While there isn’t much difference with the plastic best balance transfer cards with no transfer fee, the metal variants bring in more styling.
It has become a signature offering of the best fintechs and other companies across the globe. Nevertheless, the added weight, styling, and strength come at a cost higher than the plastic cards. With that in mind, let us see the top-notch metal credit cards you can get today.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum card has all the features you would expect from a high-class offering. While it functions like regular credit cards, the added benefits place it on a high pedestal.
We can say it is exclusive to those with the cash to spend, especially on travel and accommodation. Thanks to the spectacular benefits, the high-end lifestyle you seek is available at your fingertips. It is the one metal credit card fair credit score that defines American Express.
Best for Travel
The Platinum card from American Express is an excellent choice for travel. It offers several rewards for hotel and flight bookings, with an impeccable reward program for its holders. Also, holders can enjoy perks on Uber rides and even gym memberships.
Card Highlights
Pick up the Platinum metal credit card, and you cannot help but love the shiny matte finish of the metal. You can expect some weighty feel in your pockets with stainless steel as the core material. Its weight comes in at 16 grams. New cardholders will enjoy 100,000 Membership Rewards points if they spend up to $6,000 on purchases.
The spending must occur within the first six months from account opening. You can redeem the points for 0.5 to 1 cent per point. Although there isn’t an intro APR, you will enjoy variable APRs of 18.24% to 25.24% after your first six months.
The annual fee is where this metal credit card comes in heavy, at $695. For rewards, you have several of them, including 5x points for flights you book with American Express Travel. Others include $200 statement credits on hotels and flights.
Who Should Get It
If you love traveling with American Express Travel, this card should have a special spot in your wallet. It is the perfect way to benefit from your travels, hotel stays, and gym memberships.
What’s Good About It
American Express’s Platinum card offers its holders several travel rewards and other perks. You will enjoy using it on digital entertainment, hotels, and Uber ride bookings. With that in mind, the following are the advantages of using it:
- Multiple credits, including statements on hotels and resorts, Disney + and other digital entertainment, Walmart+ membership, Equinox club membership, etc.
- It offers cashback or returns on flights and lodging booked through its travel wing.
- Cardholders enjoy extensive airport lounge access through the expanded Centurion network.
- It gives an elite status to users, thanks to the travel benefits and Hilton and Mariott enrolment.
To sum
American Express’s Platinum offering ranks high among the best metal credit cards. From the toughness, the weight, to the feel, it exudes an aura of class as you swipe through different point-of-sale services. Owning this card is not cheap; you will have to pay $695 annually to maintain it.
Nevertheless, you will enjoy several benefits that come with it, especially if you are the traveling type. Using this card can take your dining, retail, and wellness to a whole new level. Moreover, you should have already had financial buoyancy before opting for it. That said, the Platinum Card from American Express is a must-have if you travel regularly.
US Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card
How about a card that gives you 5 points for every dollar you spend on hotels and car charters? Although not well-known like other premium offerings, the US Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® card brings lucrative rewards and perks.
Cardholders can enjoy spot-on and generous rewards for travel spending and car reservations. However, only customers of US Bank are eligible for the card. Even if you open an account now, you still have to wait for 5 business days before you can apply for the card.
Best for Payments
The US Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® card serves those who travel regularly best. Of course, traveling comes with the need for movement. With that in mind, the card suits car rental services and payments through mobile wallets like Google Pay and Apple Pay.
Card Highlights
Once you see this Visa card, you can immediately tell its premium nature, thanks to the plush metal finish. Nevertheless, you should be ready to walk around with a 13 grams weight. While your body gets accustomed to the weighty feel, you can grab the welcome bonus of $750. This reward comes after you have spent $4,500 within 3 months of opening an account.
The annual percentage rates come between 19.24% – 26.24%, completely variable. You will not enjoy an intro purchase APR, but you can use the $325 annual credit to offset the annual fee.
The US Bank does not charge much for the latter, only requiring $400 from cardholders. Other rewards you will get include access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide and unlimited point earnings. Every $1 spent on travel purchases returns 5x points, while the same payment on other purchases earns 1x points.
Who Should Get It
This Visa card is suitable for US Bank customers who travel regularly and use car charters on their trips. Also, people who love to pay with mobile wallets will find its usage beneficial, as they can rake in points. This card can grant you access to 22 private Troon Privé golf clubs if you love golf. That is in addition to discounts on boat cruises.
What’s Good About It
The massive sign-up bonus is spectacular, though you must spend at least $4,500 before assessing it. Nevertheless, the $325 annual travel credit can come in handy in offsetting the yearly fees. The US Bank offers a brilliant mix of benefits to cardholders, including:
- Discounts on car charters at SilverCar, Avis, National, and Hertz.
- Room upgrades, late check-outs, a $25 credit on food and dining, and a complimentary continental dish for breakfast.
- A VIP welcome and breakfast at participating Relais & Châteaus Hotel properties.
- 50% more value if you redeem your points for travel.
- A lucrative reward system to stack up points with every dollar spent.
To sum
The US Bank’s Altitude™ Reserve Infinite® brings a premium travel experience, regardless of its $400 annual fee. You can even offset the latter with a credit of $325 on your yearly travel statement. Register for one, and you will enjoy $750 if you hit a spending mark of $4,500 in 90 days after registering.
With 5x points for every dollar you spend on travel and hotel bookings, the rewards can get pricey when you want to redeem them. However, you must make your bookings through the Altitude Rewards Center. That said, you can also enjoy 3x points per dollar when you use your mobile wallet on travel expenses.
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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
With a credit score of at least 650, you can enjoy raking in unlimited miles using this best credit card for miles no annual fee. It is one of the best metal credit cards, thanks to its low annual cost and a buffet of benefits. Of course, heavy and intense advertising plays a crucial role in its popularity.
With this credit card, you can redeem its rewards by paying for travel expenses. Also, it does not matter which airline or hotel you use the miles for. Indeed, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of a kind, unlike the ones mentioned above.
Best for Miles Reimbursement
This credit card is an excellent choice for beginners and miles experts. The fixed rate makes it easy for beginners and experts to grab as many miles as possible. It is also an excellent fit for those looking to cover a few miscellaneous travel expenses.
Card Highlights
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has a luxury feel you will not forget in a hurry. It weighs 16.6 grams, thanks to its stainless steel build. Also, the write-ups sit beautifully on it to give you that classy feel. While Capital One does not offer an introductory annual percentage rate, the regular rate can go up to 25.49%.
The lowest rate you can get from the company is 17.49%, but you will need an excellent credit score, among other things, to get it. You do not have to spend much on maintaining this card for one year, as the annual fee is $95.
Considering the credit cards mentioned above, this one is the most affordable among them. The welcome bonus is sumptuous, offering up to $750 if you spend $4,000 within 3 months of registering. Other rewards include unlimited 2 miles per dollar spent on purchases.
Who Should Get It
This card fits the bill if you travel regularly and want to earn unlimited miles on your expenses. While you stack up miles, you can redeem them on anything, including flights, hotels, and other purchases.
What’s Good About It
Allowing users to redeem their miles on anything places this credit card ahead of many rivals. That is a rare and exclusive opportunity that many competitors do not offer. As a result, the cardholders enjoy unrestricted spending with tasty rewards. Speaking of rewards, here are the benefits of having a Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card:
- A buoyant rewards rate of 2 miles per dollar on purchases and 5 miles per dollar on hotel expenses and car charters.
- There are no fees for foreign transactions.
- You can redeem the miles through partner transfers or use them in travel purchases.
To sum
Capital One offers one of the best credit cards for travelers who want a premium offering in their wallets. Although it has no introductory annual percentage rate, users will enjoy a massive $750 as a welcome bonus. Proceed or continue using it; you can stack up thousands of miles, redeemable at any expense.
With 2 miles per dollar and 5 miles per dollar, you can imagine the magnitude of benefits you can reap from it. The card is available online, and applying takes a few minutes. You can never forget this card’s stainless steel feel and look regarding build and quality. It weighs 16.6g, making it a premium metal card for traveling, hotel bookings, and other travel-related expenses.
Citi Prestige® Card
The Citi Prestige® Card is a first-class travel credit card with an extended reach to restaurants and supermarkets. Although it is currently closed to new applicants, the benefits it carries are enormous, thanks to its point-earning system.
This credit card falls under a category featuring the likes of the American Express Platinum offering and Chase Sapphire Reserve®. It offers rich rewards for cardholders but falls short on benefits. The earning rate is spectacular and could result in some pricey statements at the end of the day.
Best for Cashback
The Citi Prestige® is best for those seeking reimbursement for flights, hotel bookings, ship cruises, and supermarket purchases. It is also an excellent choice to pay for the restaurant expenses, on-site or takeout. It also supports a buffet of transfer partners.
Card Highlights
Most high-end credit cards adopt a metal design, and Citi Prestige® is no exception. The build is made up of a blend of materials containing stainless steel. As a result, it is a pretty hefty card to carry around, weighing 18 grams.
While the design is stellar, the leading beauty lies in its rewards. Citi Prestige® does not offer a welcome bonus, nor does it have an introductory annual percentage rate.
That is thanks, in part, to the stoppage in issuing new cards. The regular or ongoing annual percentage rate varies between 16.74%-24.74%. You will not pay fees for foreign transactions when you use the card.
However, this benefit and others come at an annual cost of $495. You get 5 points per dollar spent on airlines, travel agencies, and restaurants for rewards. Every dollar you spend on hotels, cruises, and other purchases returns 3 points and 1 point.
Who Should Get It
Avid travelers who prefer to eat at restaurants or buy goods from supermarkets will enjoy this card’s rewards to the fullest. That is because of the unlimited ThankYou points they can earn while spending on these services.
What’s Good About It
The absence of a welcome bonus and an introductory annual percentage rate might make it seem like there are no rewards. However, things get interesting when you start using the card regularly. Imagine getting your Global Entry or TSA Precheck application fee discounted every five years. That is one of the advantages of using this card, among others. You stand to benefit from the following when you use Citi Prestige’s option:
- Zero foreign transaction fees
- Lucrative travel benefits, including a fourth-night hotel stay, lounges, etc.
- An annual $250 travel credit can come in handy for offsetting the yearly fee.
To sum
The Citi Prestige® credit card brings a lot of travel rewards to existing cardholders. Unfortunately, the provider has discontinued onboarding new users for this year. The card’s annual fee is $495, giving it more pressure to deliver the rewards. It does not fail in this regard, as cardholders can rake in points they can redeem in any partner service.
You can redeem them for air travel, hotels, cruises, restaurants, supermarkets, and general purchases. The unlimited ThankYou points earning system is remarkable, as you can earn as much as possible.
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Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Our next stop on this list of metal cards is Chase Sapphire Reserve®. Points and miles millennials will love this one, thanks to the card’s nifty bonuses. Getting this card does not come easy as it requires excellent scores of 720 to 850.
Notwithstanding, it is worth the effort once you start using it and unlocking the rewards. You can take the benefits to the highest level, higher than many rivals in the industry.
Best for Quality
The Reserve® from Chase Sapphire is best suited for travel. It can deliver excellent companionship, taking care of the payments while offering rewards on the side. As such, it can be the go-to option to grab elite status as you travel for business or vacation.
Card Highlights
Following the tradition of other premium offerings, the Reserve® has a metallic build that gives it heft. It is much heavier than the plastic alternative, weighing 13 grams against the latter’s 5 grams. Indeed, having one in your pocket immediately gives off the classy vibes associated with such items.
The welcome bonus is a mammoth 50,000 points that equal $900 when you redeem through the Chase Ultimate Rewards. However, you must spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months. There is no introductory annual percentage rate for the Reserve®, but you will enjoy a regular APR of 18.49% to 25.49%.
That is competitive as the highest value sits below most rivals’ 26.99%. Holding the Reserve® will cost you $550 annually, making it an expensive option. Nevertheless, you have $300 in Annual Travel Credit, among other rewards, to offset it.
Who Should Get It
Travelers who want to enjoy premium perks on their expenses can get the Reserve®. The application process is swift, and you could swim in the mammoth welcome bonus in no time. With the Sapphire®, travelers can redeem points in any of the ten airlines and three hotels. However, you should apply for it first before turning to other providers.
What’s Good About It
We have given you a glimpse into the rewards and benefits of getting and holding the Reserve®. The welcome bonus is mind-blowing, going up to $900 in cash value, and the annual percentage rate is competitive. Nevertheless, it has a few other benefits up its sleeve. Holders will get points as they use them for travel expenses. In a nutshell, the advantages of the Reserve® are as follows:
- 5x points per dollar spent on air travel
- Ten points per dollar spent on hotels and car charters.
- Access to over 1,300 airport lounges
- Insurances, including Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption, Lost Luggage, and Auto Rental Collision Damage.
To sum
The Reserve® brings a world of premium benefits to its travelers. It feels and looks high-class, maintaining the status of its holder. Although a 0% annual percentage rate would have been excellent, the behemoth $900 welcome bonus is epic. Spend at least $4,000 in your first three months; that offer is yours.
The rewards continue with your regular travel expenses. You get 5x or 10x points for every dollar you spend on airfare, hotels, and car charters.
Users even get points for using other forms of transportation. Indeed, the Reserve® offers the premium experience that metal cards are known for. Your yearly usage will enjoy APRs of 18.49% to 25.49%. However, you must have an excellent credit score to get this card.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
An alternative to the Reserve® is the Chase Sapphire Preferred®. Both credit cards come from the same provider but offer slightly different benefits. For starters, the Preferred® has lower annual percentage rates than the Reserve®.
Like its sibling discussed earlier, this card has a premium vibe and holds a special place among other high-end cards. The cost of maintaining it is relatively affordable compared to the Reserve®. Does that mean you will get fewer rewards?
Best for Beginners
The low annual fee makes the Preferred® a good fit for beginners who are starting out in points and miles. Thanks to the Chase Ultimate Rewards system, they can redeem the points in several ways.
Card Highlights
Chase Sapphire made the Preferred® from a proprietary blend of metals, giving it a weight of 13 grams. That is similar to what we get with the Reserve®, even though the latter offers more value. The welcome bonus also falls short of its sibling, coming in at 60,000 points. When redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, that equals $750.
Notwithstanding, you must spend $4,000 in three months to be eligible. Again, we have an option that does not offer an introductory annual percentage rate.
However, it brings relatively lower APRs of 17.49%–24.49% to regular users. That is a fair value, considering that rivals offer as high as 26.99%. The annual fee for the Preferred® is $95, which is way lower than that of its sibling. Also, you get similar rewards, including points on travel expenses, delivery services, hotels, takeouts, dinners, streaming services, and grocery purchases.
Who Should Get It
Beginners who cannot afford the $495 annual fee of the Reserved® should get this alternative, as it has a lower cost. They will enjoy near similar rewards and rake in points for stellar prizes through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
What’s Good About It
The Preferred® is a more affordable option than the Reserve®. Hence, there are a few tradeoffs. These will not be things beginners will worry about, but they can affect the experience of high-status travelers.
Nevertheless, this alternative has strong suits that can woo even premium travelers seeking first-class vibes. The welcome bonus and ongoing rewards are areas Chase Sapphire performs excellently. With that in mind, here are the benefits of using Preferred®:
- $50 annual credit on Ultimate Rewards Hotel.
- 25% more value when users redeem the points on airfare, car charters, hotels, and cruises.
- Eligibility for DashPass.
To sum
The Preferred® is an excellent alternative to the Reserved® if you still want the same provider, Chase Sapphire. Users enjoy lower annual fees with a few tradeoffs that will not bother beginners. The welcome bonus is lower, and the points gained for hotel stays, travel, dining, and other expenses are lower.
Notwithstanding, this option comes with lower annual percentage rates and even offers eligibility for DashPass. Also, users enjoy 25% more value when they redeem points on car charters, airfare, cruises, and hotels. Do that using the Chase Ultimate Rewards®, and you can get even more value from your points.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
The Executive World Elite Mastercard® brings a buffet of perks, including zero foreign transaction fees and exclusive membership to Admirals Club. It offers its benefits to frequent users of American Airlines and its Oneworld partners. The club membership alone has a retail value of $650.
As a cardholder, you will enjoy priority check-ins, airport screening, a free checked bag, and a fee credit for TSA Precheck or Global Entry. These are a few mentions of what Citi® is offering its esteemed customers. The Executive World Elite Mastercard® is the highest-tier you can get as an American Airlines partner card.
Best for Flight Rewards
This Executive World Elite Mastercard® from Citi® offers an easy passage to the Admirals Club. It also extends some benefits, like a free bag check, to other passengers on the same reservation. So, you can get free checks for up to eight of your friends on the same flight.
Card Highlights
Nothing beats the feeling of pulling out a credit card with a metallic build from your wallet. It is an action that gives off class and readily affirms the high status of the individual. Get the Executive World Elite Mastercard® from Citi®, and you will enjoy that. Registering for the Executive World Elite Mastercard® qualifies you for 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles. However, you have to spend $5,000 on purchases within three months.
Do that, and you will also enjoy the Admirals Club membership. Again, we do not get an introductory annual percentage rate with this one. Nevertheless, the ongoing APR varies between 18.24%-27.24%. You can get the best rates if you have a high rating. The annual fee for holding the Executive World Elite Mastercard® is $450. With the opportunity to earn valuable points on the fly, the price might be worth it.
Who Should Get It
If you regularly travel with American Airlines, the Executive World Elite Mastercard® is a must-have. It brings the benefits of traveling with the airline to your doorstep. From the welcome bonus to the points you earn, the experience and rewards are stellar. Having it is a brilliant way to get extra miles off your ticket purchases and enjoy the airport’s premium services.
What’s Good About It
The Executive World Elite Mastercard® has a few remarkable benefits, especially for American Airlines regular passengers. Despite the high annual fee of $450, the rewards that come with it are mind-blowing. Let us see some of the rewards.
- Users have an Admiral Clubs membership valued at $650.
- Every 2-dollar spent on American Airlines purchases returns 2 American Airlines miles.
- Cardholders receive up to $100 every five years in Global Entry or TSA Precheck application fee credit.
- Free first bag checks on domestic flights for users.
- 25% discount on users’ in-flight purchases, including food and beverage.
- Zero charges on foreign transactions.
To sum
The Executive World Elite Mastercard® has a lot going for it and is also one of the best credit cards. With premium quality, it seamlessly blends with high-class status and effortlessly brings privileges. Also, you will appreciate the metallic build. The Executive World Elite Mastercard® is a must-have for regular American Airlines travelers.
That is because it brings benefits such as American Airlines miles for every $2 spent and Admiral Club membership. Imagine getting 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles when you sign up.
That and many others are what you will enjoy by owning The Executive World Elite Mastercard®. The annual fee is not cheap as it will cost you $450. One final thing to point out is you need excellent scores to be eligible for The Executive World Elite Mastercard®.
United Club℠ Infinite Card
Thanks to the United Club Infinite Card, you can have luxury air travel at your fingertips. New users will get up to 80,000 United bonus miles after they have spent $5,000 on purchases before three months elapses. The provider further lays out other benefits along the way for regular cardholders. We discussed Chase’s options, the Reserve® and the Preferred®. The United Club℠ Infinite is the high-end option, as it outclasses the previous mentions, especially for users who travel with United Airlines.
Best for Bonus Miles
The United Club℠ Infinite is best for getting bonus miles on United Airlines travels. It adds premium comfort to the users and offers United Club membership without hassles. As a result, it gives impeccable value for every dollar you spend on United Airlines flights.
Card Highlights
United Club℠ Infinite is a premium option exclusive to United Airlines and its purchases. Before we go into more details about it, let us take a moment to appreciate its metallic design. The provider wraps up the design with the Infinite branding, indicating users’ plush possibilities. New cardholders will receive an epic 80,000 United bonus miles within three months of opening an account.
However, they must spend at least $5,000 within that period to be eligible for the welcome offer. From all indications, it is a good bargain. There is no introductory annual percentage rate for the United Club℠ Infinite. Notwithstanding, users will enjoy competitive and variable rates of 17.99% – 24.99%. All the benefits this option brings cost $525 annually. Speaking of rewards, you will get several of them, including access to the United Club airport lounges.
Who Should Get It
Travelers who fly with United Airlines will benefit from the United Club℠ Infinite. It gives remarkable benefits that make the flying experience one of a kind and trouble-free. In addition, people who want United Club airport lounge access and free bag checks should get it. Having the United Club℠ Infinite in your pocket will give them the VIP treatment.
What’s Good About It
We have seen a few benefits of having the United Club℠ Infinite, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. It holds even more rewards for its users for travel and off-flight benefits. Let us see some of them.
- Waivers for auto rental collision damage.
- Insurance for baggage delay.
- Inside Access provides exclusive access to United MileagePlus and Chase Events.
- Users get an extended warranty.
- Cardholders will receive reimbursement in the event of lost luggage.
- Users can enjoy travel services from Premier Access.
- United Club℠ Infinite offers purchase and return protection.
To sum
Owning the United Club℠ Infinite brings a premium and comfortable experience. The luxury treatment users get is top-notch, from the welcome bonus to the ongoing rewards. Spend $5,000 and get up to 80,000 United bonus miles. The luxury package continues with a progressive reward system, where users get miles for expenses.
Consequently, you get 4 miles for every $1 you spend on travel purchases, including in-flight food and beverages, tickets, and Wi-Fi. The benefits continue when you make other purchases with it, including dining and delivery services. Let us not forget the exclusive access you will have to all United airport lounges across the globe.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card
Our list of credit cards with a premium metallic build continues with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express®. It might have a high annual fee, but you can offset the charge with the yearly benefits. Getting it is a brilliant move if you are a regular traveler that uses Marriott Bonvoy properties.
Best for Lodging
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® is best for getting rewards on hotels, restaurants, and lodging expenses. However, it only applies to Marriott’s properties and those participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program.
Card Highlights
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® maintains an average weight among the credit cards we have discussed. It weighs 14.6 grams, thanks to its metallic build. Using the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® for the first time makes you eligible for a lucrative welcome bonus.
You will receive 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy points if you spend $3,000 in the first three months. While there is no introductory APR, the ongoing rates come between 17.99% and 26.99%. The annual fee is not cheap either, at $450. For rewards, you have the points earning system and renewal statement credits.
Who Should Get It
Marriott Bonvoy loyalists are better off with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express®. They will enjoy the lodging and dining rewards the provider offers as they spend on travel with them.
What’s Good About It
When credit cards cost an annual fee of $450, we expect a lot from them. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® does not disappoint, as it offers several benefits. Some of which include:
- Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar users spend on participating hotels, restaurants, and flights.
- Up to $300 statement credits during each card renewal year.
To Sum
If you hope to get some relief when staying at Marriott Bonvoy properties, the American Express® fits the bill. It brings several benefits, including statement credits for purchases at participating hotels.
Users will also rake in Marriott Bonvoy points as they spend on hotels, restaurants, dining, and flights. Overall, it is an impeccable option if you are not bothered by the high annual fee of $450. You will have a surplus of ways to get value for the expense.
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Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
Last but not least on our list of metallic credit cards is the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express. Although American Express provides the card, the rewards are redeemable on Delta flights only. That makes this metal credit card a valuable asset for travelers who fly Delta. Let us see what values it carries in more detail.
Best for Delta Travels
From the branding, you can effortlessly tell the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express is best suited for Delta travels.
Card Highlights
Let us start this section with the weight. Carry it, and you will enjoy the weighty feel of the 15 grams of stainless steel. It will stay in your wallet graciously, not too heavy or light.
The welcome bonus is 60,000 bonus miles and 5000 Medallion Qualification miles. That is an impressive offer, but you must spend $3,000 first. This option does not offer an introductory annual percentage rate. However, you will enjoy a 17.99% to 26.99% variable APR. The annual fee for this one is $250, and you will enjoy several rewards, including Delta Sky Access.
Who Should Get It
Obviously, travelers who prefer to fly with Delta and want more comfort or value should take this option. It has a relatively low annual fee of $250 and adds several user benefits.
What’s Good About It
The obvious benefit of getting the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express is a more comfortable flying experience. Users will enjoy the exclusive Delta Sky club membership, among other rewards, including:
- 3x miles on Delta and hotel lodging purchases.
- $39 per person rate to enter Delta Sky club for the user and two other persons.
To Sum
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express is relatively affordable to own and hold. With an annual fee of $250, you can spend less while reaping the benefits of keeping it.
The premium experience begins with the 60,000 bonus miles when you spend $3,000 in the first three months. Then, you can earn miles for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases. The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express is exclusive to Delta travels.
Read More: What Is a Credit Card Check & How To Use It
Pros and Cons of Metal Cards
We have gone through the different options if you want a premium traveling experience. They make spending on travel-related purchases rewarding. You can earn points or miles as you spend on flights, tickets, restaurants, hotels, dinners, and even deliveries. That said, there are some downsides to owning one of them. The pros and cons are as follows: Pros
- The metallic build makes them longer lasting than the plastic variants. You do not have to worry about breakage, and the stainless steel brings a timeless quality.
- The bonuses that come with owning one far outweigh the plastic variants. Users can enjoy points, miles, statement credits, etc., on hotels, restaurants, in-flight purchases, and cruises.
- Another pro is the status upgrade they give to the holders. Slotting one out of your wallet immediately puts you in the high class of society.
Cons
- Destroying an item with a metallic build is more challenging than plastic. As a result, these funding options become sources of environmental pollution if not properly disposed of or recycled.
- Holding them comes with annual fees that could be unsettling if not adequately managed.
Metal Credit Card Requirements
Since they offer more value than the plastic variants, getting one requires some stringent requirements. Of course, deep pockets are the primary requirement for this type of card. You must have the cash to hold it and make the purchases. Another crucial requirement for obtaining one is the credit score.
We are not talking about average here, but stellar scores, from 690, and some providers even accept a minimum of 720. With that in mind, it is practically impossible for someone with average scores to get them. The providers will immediately refer to the plastic variants. These are the general requirements. Nevertheless, each provider might require other things before they give you the premium treatment.
Metal Credit Card Cost
The costs for taking the metallic quality break into four categories: annual fees, balance transfer, cash advance, and foreign transaction fees. Usually, users spend more on the yearly charges than others. The annual fees of the top-notch offerings can go beyond $500.
Notwithstanding, you can find affordable options below $100, like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. Also, some offer yearly benefits you can use to offset the heavy annual fees.
Most of them, especially the ones on this list, offer zero foreign purchase transaction fees. That is a plus if you are the type that goes on international travel regularly. What you cannot escape, though, is the cash advance fees. They could be 3%, 5%, or 10% of the amount.
Sources Used in Research for the Article:
- AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, Citi, https://www.citi.com/credit-cards/citi-aadvantage-executive-credit-card
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business Card, American Express, https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/business/credit-cards/delta-skymiles-platinum/
- United ClubSM Infinite Card, Chase, https://creditcards.chase.com/travel-credit-cards/united/club-infinite