Metal credit cards are issued directly by the card company, not through a standard application process

A metal credit card is a physical card made from stainless steel, titanium, or another metal alloy instead of plastic. You don't request one separately — the card company decides whether to send you metal or plastic based on your account status and the card's tier. Some cards come with metal as standard. Others upgrade you to metal after you meet spending thresholds or reach a certain account anniversary. A few let you pay an extra fee to get metal instead of waiting.

The path to metal depends entirely on which card you hold and which issuer you're with. American Express, Chase, and Citi all handle this differently. Some metal cards arrive automatically when you're approved. Others require you to request the upgrade through your online account or by calling the card's customer service line. A handful of premium cards only issue metal to cardholders who meet annual spending targets.

Key Takeaways

  • Metal cards come from the issuer automatically for some cards, or after you meet spending requirements or account milestones for others.
  • You cannot order a metal card from a third party — only the card issuer can produce and mail it to you.
  • Some issuers charge a fee (typically $25 to $95) to upgrade from plastic to metal, while others offer it free after a certain spending level or anniversary date.
  • The metal card replaces your plastic card on the same account number, so your rewards, credit limit, and benefits stay exactly the same.
  • Delivery time for a metal card is usually 7 to 14 business days after the issuer processes your request, longer than a standard plastic card.

Cards that come with metal automatically

Some premium cards ship metal from the moment you're approved. The American Express Centurion Card (the "Black Card") arrives in metal. So do certain versions of the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Citi Prestige. When you open one of these accounts, you don't need to do anything — the metal card is what gets mailed to you.

The catch is that these cards typically require a high annual fee ($395 to $550 or more) and strong credit. American Express doesn't publicly state the income or credit score needed for the Centurion Card, but cardholders report needing significant spending history and account tenure with Amex first. Chase's Sapphire Reserve requires approval through their standard application process, and Citi's Prestige works the same way. You apply like you would for any credit card, and if approved, the metal version arrives in your mailbox.

Upgrading from plastic to metal after spending or time

Many mid-tier premium cards offer metal as a free upgrade once you hit a spending target or reach an account anniversary. The American Express Gold Card, for example, lets you request a metal version after you've charged $25,000 in a calendar year. The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers metal to cardholders who have held the card for at least one year and have made purchases on the account.

To trigger these upgrades, you typically don't need to do anything — the issuer tracks your spending automatically. Once you cross the threshold, you can call the card's customer service number or log into your online account and request the metal card. Some issuers send you a notification when you become may be able to access. Others require you to ask. Check your card's benefits guide or call the number on the back of your card to confirm the exact spending requirement and how to request the upgrade.

Paying a fee to upgrade to metal

A smaller group of cards let you pay a one-time fee to get metal instead of waiting for a spending milestone. This fee typically ranges from $25 to $95, depending on the card. You pay it once, and the metal card is mailed to you. The fee does not renew each year — you're paying for the physical card itself, not a subscription.

To use this option, log into your online account or call customer service and ask whether a metal upgrade fee is available for your card. Not all cards offer this choice. If your card does, the representative can tell you the exact cost and process the request on the spot. The metal card will be mailed within 7 to 14 business days, and your account number, credit limit, and rewards rate stay the same.

What happens to your account when you get metal

The metal card replaces your plastic card on the same account. Your credit limit, rewards balance, purchase history, and all other account details remain unchanged. The card number may or may not change — some issuers reissue with a new number, others keep the same number. If the number changes, you'll need to update any recurring payments or subscriptions that charge to that card.

Your old plastic card becomes invalid once the metal card is activated. You don't need to destroy it yourself — the issuer deactivates it automatically. If you want to keep using the plastic card for some reason, call customer service before requesting the metal upgrade and ask whether they can issue both cards on the same account. Most issuers will do this, though it's not standard practice.

Timing and delivery for metal cards

Metal cards take longer to arrive than plastic ones because they're manufactured differently and often produced in smaller batches. Standard plastic cards typically arrive within 5 to 7 business days. Metal cards usually take 7 to 14 business days, and sometimes longer if the issuer is experiencing high demand.

Once you request the metal card, you can track its status through your online account or by calling customer service. Some issuers send email updates when the card ships. If you need the card urgently, call the issuer before requesting the upgrade and ask about expedited options — a few companies offer rush delivery for an additional fee, though this is rare for metal cards specifically.

Metal cards from different issuers

American Express offers metal upgrades on the Gold Card (after $25,000 annual spending), the Platinum Card (available to some cardholders), and automatically on the Centurion Card. Chase includes metal on the Sapphire Reserve and offers it to Sapphire Preferred cardholders after one year of account tenure. Citi includes metal on the Prestige and offers paid upgrades on select other premium cards.

Each issuer has different rules about which cards may have access to, what the spending threshold is (if one exists), and whether there's a fee. Before you apply for a card hoping to get metal, check the card's benefits guide or call the issuer and ask directly. This saves you from opening an account only to find out metal isn't available or requires a $75 fee you weren't expecting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a metal card affect my credit score or rewards?

No. The metal card is the same account with the same credit limit, rewards rate, and benefits. Your credit score is tied to the account itself, not the material of the card. Switching from plastic to metal changes nothing about how the account reports to credit bureaus or how you earn rewards.

Can I get a metal card if I was denied for the card itself?

No. You must be approved for the credit card first. Metal is only an option for people who already hold the card. If you were denied, you cannot get metal. You would need to reapply for the card and be approved before metal becomes available.

What if my metal card arrives damaged?

Call the issuer's customer service number on the back of your old card or log into your online account and report the damage. They will send a replacement at no charge. Damaged cards are treated the same as defective plastic cards — the issuer replaces them as part of normal service.

Can I request plastic instead of metal?

Yes. If your card comes with metal automatically or you've been upgraded to metal, you can call customer service and ask for a plastic replacement. Some issuers will do this without question. Others may ask why, but they typically honor the request. Plastic cards arrive faster, so this is useful if you need a replacement quickly.

Do I have to activate my metal card differently?

No. Metal cards activate the same way plastic cards do — through your online account, by calling the number on the card, or sometimes automatically when it arrives. There is no special activation process. Once activated, it works exactly like any other card from that issuer.