IDEMIA Metal Card
Metal Card is a unique credit card designed to stand out from the rest. Crafted from premium materials like stainless steel and alloys, it offers an elegant look with added durability.
However, the mere fact that a credit card is made of metal shouldn’t be the reason you decide to apply for one. Instead, focus on the card’s welcome bonuses, earnings rates and premium perks.
Symbolism
Unlike plastic credit cards, metal credit cards have a certain heft that gives the impression of luxury. These cards often have premium benefits that can help you travel the world or buy a new car. They are also a status symbol as they are usually geared toward high-spenders with good or excellent credit scores. Moreover, they are often harder to get than standard cards. Some of them even require verification of income to qualify. For example, the X1 Card is an exclusive credit card that earns rewards with every purchase while verifying your income to ensure you’re not spending beyond your means. Other metal cards include the Bilt World Elite Mastercard and the ANZ Metal Card.
Whether you’re buying a coffee before work or dining out with friends, a metal credit card makes a statement about your style and confidence. The cards also have a unique, satisfying sound when you toss them down on a table, which is known as the “clank” effect.
While it’s not clear why people love their metal credit cards, the trend is growing. Many fintechs have embraced the trend with their own metal offerings. For instance, UK challenger bank Monzo has a coral pink version of its card Metal Card that has been spotted tapping into Oyster card readers in London. Similarly, Dutch digital bank bunq offers its customers a white metal card as a reward for prepaying their Easy Money account.
Durability
Credit cards are often subject to normal wear and tear, including bending, snapping or fading of printed information. Metal credit cards can withstand this type of damage better than their plastic counterparts, making them a good option for people who are concerned about physical damage to their card.
These cards also tend to be more difficult to duplicate than standard plastic cards, which can be a security benefit for some consumers. Additionally, many metal cards include enhanced security features, such as RFID (radio-frequency identification) blocking technology, to help protect against skimming and other forms of identity theft.
While the benefits of metal credit cards can be attractive to some consumers, these cards are generally reserved for people with good to excellent credit. Most metal cards require a FICO score of 670 or higher and some take your income into consideration when determining eligibility. This makes them less accessible to borrowers with lower scores, though some metal cards offer lucrative welcome bonuses and premium perks for those who qualify.
If you are interested in a metal card but do not have the required credit to qualify for one, there are some third-party companies that will convert your existing plastic card into a metal version for a fee. However, this could compromise the security measures of your existing plastic card, so proceed with caution if you choose this route.
Aesthetics
A metal card is sleek and modern in appearance, often weighing more than a plastic credit card. They can be engraved or have a smooth surface and come in brushed stainless steel, titanium, or gold. Some credit cards nxp mifare desfire also have a mixture of plastic and metal. Aside from being eye-catching, they can also be a status symbol. Many people perceive them to be indicative of wealth, as they can be associated with luxury services and high-value benefits.
The most famous metal credit card is probably the Centurion Card from American Express, which has a hefty annual fee and opulent perks that set it apart from traditional plastic cards. However, the popularity of metal cards is growing and more and more major card issuers are offering them to consumers.
While metal cards are a cool status symbol, they are not practical for everyone. Some older automatic credit card readers will not accept them, and they can be difficult to swipe. In addition, they are more expensive to produce than plastic cards and may have a premium price tag.
Metal business cards add elegance and a distinctive feel to your brand identity. This Black Metal Card from Imperium Law Group features a smooth surface with silver laser etching and spot color accents for a sophisticated design that grabs attention. For Stoked Athletics, a custom laser-etched QR code on the front of their card is subtle yet eye-catching.
Technology
Metal Card have a unique look and feel that make them an ideal product for banking institutions that want to differentiate themselves from the competition and win and retain their most valuable customer segments. IDEMIA proposes a large portfolio of high-end metal cards that match the expectations of this segmentation, from full metal to combinations of metal and plastic.
Unlike traditional payment cards, Metal Card are made of stainless steel that is resistant to physical damage. They are also more durable than plastic cards, which means they can withstand repeated bending and flexing. This makes them a great choice for those who frequently use their credit cards for travel and dining expenses.
Moreover, they are often equipped with biometric sensors that can help prevent fraud on high-value accounts. These sensors allow users to verify their identity by fingerprint. The sensor is easy to install in a card and provides a level of security that is difficult for criminals to replicate.
To ensure that their products are of the highest quality, manufacturers need to use only the best raw materials. In addition, they must also use the latest manufacturing technologies to produce the metal cards. This is important because it allows them to offer their customers the latest technological innovations and features that can improve their cardholder experience.