In recent years, credit cards have become a popular and easy way to manage money and make purchases. People like using a card instead of cash, and they enjoy the rewards and benefits that come with credit cards. As time has gone on, many people are looking for a more luxurious experience, leading them to choose metal credit cards.
For instance, high-net-worth individuals are attracted to metal credit cards for their exclusive features and classy appearance. These cards not only look elegant but also offer unique perks.
Metal credit cards are similar to regular credit cards in function, but they are made of metal instead of plastic. This gives them a premium feel and added durability. They often come with various benefits, such as higher Reward Points, airport lounge access, and personalized services. While they may have higher fees and eligibility requirements, the luxurious appeal and additional advantages make metal credit cards a popular choice among cardholders.
HDFC Bank INFINIA Metal Credit Card
HDFC Bank has introduced the INFINIA Metal Credit Card, an invite-only card targeted at high-net-worth individuals seeking a luxurious lifestyle. This card has an annual fee of ₹12,499 plus taxes and a welcome bonus of 12,500 Reward Points. The card offers a low Forex markup fee of 2% for international transactions. It also offers a complimentary Priority Pass Membership, where users can access over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide. The INFINIA Metal Credit Card also offers dining benefits at some of the country’s most premium restaurant chains, including one plus one complimentary buffet at ITC Hotels and up to ₹750 off with Swiggy Dineout. With this card, users can avail of Buy-Two-Get-One free stay at ITC Hotels. The card also offers exclusive 24/7 concierge services on travel assistance, hotel reservations, and dining recommendations. Users also receive access to premium golf destinations, making it a perfect option for golf enthusiasts.
ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card
The ICICI Bank introduced the Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card in its super premium category, specially designed for high-net-worth individuals. The card is made of metal and has a sleek design that reflects its exclusivity. With a joining and renewal fee of ₹12,499 plus taxes, which can be waived on spending ₹10 lakhs or more in the anniversary year, this card offers a complimentary Taj Epicure membership, 12,500 Reward Points, and a complimentary EazyDiner membership.
Cardholders enjoy unlimited access to over 1000 lounges in more than 300 cities globally. The card also offers concierge services that can assist customers with various tasks such as booking flights, hotels, and restaurants. Cardholders also enjoy complimentary access to some of the best golf courses in India and around the world. This card also offers 6 Reward Points for every ₹200 spent on eligible transactions that can be redeemed for various rewards such as airline tickets, hotel stays, and merchandise. The card also comes with insurance coverage for travel and purchase protection, such as lost luggage, flight delays, and medical emergencies while traveling.
HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Metal Edition Credit Card
The Diners Black Metal Edition Credit Card is the second metal card issued by the HDFC Bank. The Diners Club Black Metal Credit Card is best suited for travel, dining, and shopping, and offers various benefits and rewards to its users. The joining and renewal fee of this card is ₹10,000 plus taxes, which can be waived on spending ₹8 lakh or more in the anniversary year. As a welcome benefit, this card offers a complimentary Amazon Prime membership, Club Marriott membership, and Swiggy One membership. With the Diners Club Black Metal Credit Card, users get 2X Reward Points on weekend dining. Users earn 5 Reward Points for every ₹150 spent on eligible transactions and 10X Reward Points on purchases made through SmartBuy. A complete insurance coverage, a low foreign currency markup fee of 2% on international transactions, and a 1.99% interest rate are also provided for cardholders.
OneCard Metal Credit Card
OneCard Metal Credit Card is an entry-level credit card issued by FPL Technologies Pvt. Ltd. in partnership with various banks, including Federal Bank, BOB Financial, CSB Bank, Indian Bank, SBM Bank, and South Indian Bank. This metal credit card can be issued as both a secured and an unsecured credit card. The unsecured card is issued based on your credit score and income, while the secured card can be obtained against a fixed deposit. With no joining or renewal fee, this credit card is free for life. OneCard Metal Credit Card rewards you with 1 Reward Point for every ₹50 spent on eligible transactions and 5X Reward Points on the top two spend categories of the month. You can also earn fractional Reward Points against your spending, which is a unique feature of this card. The earned Reward Points can be redeemed for cashback, with the value of 1 Reward Point being ₹0.10. This credit card offers lower forex markup fees of just 1% of the transaction amount and a lower interest rate of 2.5% per month.
IDFC FIRST Bank Ashva Credit Card
The IDFC FIRST Bank Ashva Metal Credit Card is a metal card weighing 12 grams and comes with a joining and annual fee of ₹2,999 plus taxes. This card is perfect for those who spend ₹20,000 or more monthly, as it offers attractive rewards, including 10X Reward Points on incremental spending above this threshold. New cardholders can enjoy a welcome benefit of 2,500 Reward Points worth ₹625 and cashback of ₹2,000 when making four transactions of at least ₹500 each within the first 60 days.
The card also provides complimentary access to domestic and international airport lounges, with four quarterly visits at domestic lounges and two at international ones. It also includes benefits such as purchase protection, personal accident coverage, and travel insurance. Cardholders can earn 5X Reward Points on spends up to ₹20,000 and 3X Points on specific categories like rent and education. Moreover, users can enjoy a “Buy One Get One” movie ticket offer with BookMyShow, saving up to ₹9,600 a year, along with a low Forex markup fee of 1% on international transactions.
SBI AURUM Credit Card
If you are somebody who wants to have a luxurious experience through their credit card, the SBI AURUM Credit Card is the perfect choice for you. With its stylish metallic design and black finish, this card comes with a joining fee of ₹9,999 plus taxes, which can be waived on spending ₹12 lakhs or more in the previous year. Cardholders can enjoy a wide range of benefits, including 40,000 welcome Reward Points valued at ₹10,000, free access to Club Marriott, Wall Street Journal, and Mint memberships. The card allows for four complimentary movie tickets each month and 16 free golf rounds a year. Users also get unlimited access to international airport lounges and four visits to domestic lounges. This card has a rewards rate of 4 points per ₹100 spent on eligible transactions, which can be redeemed for gift vouchers or travel bookings. Additional perks include travel insurance and a dedicated 24/7 concierge service to assist with bookings and reservations.
American Express Platinum Charge Card
The American Express Platinum Charge Card is a high-end metal credit card for people who enjoy luxury and rewards. With an annual fee of ₹66,000 plus taxes, this card offers many exclusive benefits. Cardholders enjoy complimentary access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, including famous American Express lounges. When it comes to travel, you can earn multiple Membership Rewards Points, like 3 points on international purchases, 1 point for every ₹40 spent on domestic purchases, 5 points on shopping with a rewards multiplier. Users also earn 5 Reward Points for every ₹100 spent on fuel transactions. You get welcome vouchers worth ₹60,000 from top-tier hotels and restaurants if you spend ₹50,000 in the first two months. Other perks include complimentary access to premium golf courses, complete insurance coverage, and accelerated rewards for spending with luxury brands. Points accumulated can be redeemed for various experiences, travel, dining, and even shopping through AmEx’s online portal.
Axis Bank Olympus Credit Card
Axis Bank also offers metal credit cards, such as the Olympus Credit Card, which provides users with great rewards on every purchase they make. The annual fee is ₹20,000 plus taxes, which cannot be waived. With this card, you earn 1 EDGE Mile for every ₹100 spent domestically and 2 EDGE Miles for every ₹100 spent internationally. Each EDGE Mile can be converted into 4 Partner Points, giving you 4% rewards on domestic purchases and 8% rewards on international spends. The card also provides unlimited access to domestic and international airport lounges, along with complimentary airport transfer and concierge services. Cardholders enjoy eight free golf sessions yearly and receive a welcome gift of 2,500 EDGE Miles and hotel vouchers worth ₹10,000 upon their first transaction. However, certain expenses, such as rent and fuel, won’t earn rewards when making a transaction with this card.
Times Black ICICI Credit Card
The Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card comes with an annual fee of ₹20,000 plus taxes and provides impressive features. Cardholders earn 2.5% Reward Points on international purchases and 2% on domestic purchases. Cardholders can redeem their Reward Points for cash, vouchers, or a variety of products. This card comes with a Forex markup fee of 1.49% for international transactions, making it perfect for people who travel abroad on a regular basis. Welcome benefits include a ₹10,000 EaseMyTrip hotel voucher, a Zomato Gold membership for dining discounts, and access to exclusive events at The Quorum Club. The card also offers unlimited domestic and international lounge access, luxury airport transfers, and complete insurance coverage.
IDFC FIRST Bank Mayura Credit Card
If you love to travel, shop, or enjoy entertainment, the IDFC First Bank Mayura Credit Card is the perfect choice for you. It has a joining and renewal fee of ₹5,999 plus taxes. Cardholders can earn rewards, including 10X Reward Points on spends over ₹20,000 in a month and 5X points on spends up to ₹20,000. New cardholders will also receive a welcome benefit of 5,000 bonus points and cashback of up to ₹4,000 after making four transactions of ₹1,000 or more.
Travelers will appreciate access to airport lounges, with four complimentary visits to domestic lounges each quarter upon spending ₹20,000 or more in the previous quarter and complimentary access to railway lounges. For those traveling internationally, the card also provides four visits to international lounges every quarter with no foreign transaction fees. Additional perks include discounts on movie tickets, insurance benefits such as trip cancellation coverage, and complimentary golf lessons.
Bottom Line
Metal credit cards are a new trend in India. These cards are made of metal and offer a premium feel to users. Their elegant design and superior durability set them apart from traditional plastic cards, making them appealing to high-net-worth individuals. They are typically offered to the rich and come with higher annual fees and strict eligibility requirements. They offer additional benefits like higher Reward Points, exclusive access to airport lounges, and concierge services. Metal credit cards offer practical financial solutions and also represent status and style. They are a popular choice for individuals seeking a luxurious shopping experience.