Over the years, credit cards have become a status symbol in personal finance and consumerism. Who could forget the countless movies where credit cards were used by wealthy people without a care in the world? In one way or another, the company or type of credit card you owned gave you some sense of superiority and exclusivity.
The epitome of status and privilege in the credit card game is the metal credit card – cards offered by credit card companies in various metals, including brass, steel, gold and platinum. The sleek, crisp design was once offered on an invitation-only basis to people back in the late 90s with the American Express Centurion Card. Fortunately, now that more players are offering metal credit cards, they are accessible to more people than ever.
With this option available to the public, the credit card experience just got better.
You may be surprised to learn that there is much more to the metal credit card than the trendy experience it provides; If you are eligible for one, you may have access to the highest and most exclusive rewards and benefits.
The question in all of this is, should you get one? This article will help you make that decision.
Differences Between a Metal Credit Card and a Traditional Credit Card
Despite the increased accessibility of the metal credit card, it is still viewed as a symbol of success and privilege. Just imagine the high one must feel when paying for things like food at a swanky restaurant. The feeling certainly boosts your ego.
Are metal credit cards better? From a user standpoint, there isn’t really much of a difference between metal and traditional credit cards. Each card offers a host of features you can use to your benefit. You will find, however, that many metal credit cards require you to spend between $200-$700 on an annual fee while having a high personal income to qualify. Among other things (i.e. high credit score), you should keep these in mind before applying with your credit card provider.
Visually, the metal card, for obvious reasons, is much heavier than a traditional plastic card with some going as heavy as 28.5g. Because of its material, the metal credit card is much more difficult to dispose of. Want to use scissors to cut them? Good luck. How about a shredder? Do that, and you might have to make a trip to your local supplies store for a new shredder. It is best to send it to your credit card provider and have them safely terminate your card if you really need to.
Lastly, you don’t have to do anything special to get a metal credit card. Similar to traditional cards, you apply, qualify and get sent your card in the mail. You should be aware of the cards available, which is what we’ll get to in the next section.
Examples of Metal Credit Cards in Canada
The following list will look at some of the best metal credit cards in Canada today.
1. American Express Platinum Card®
Minimum personal income: $0
Annual fee: $699
Great for: Travel, dining, everyday purchases
If you want to get started with a metal credit card, look no further than the American Express Platinum Card! American express cards incredibly generous when it comes to its bonus points.
If you want to learn more about this card, visit our webpage for a detailed breakdown!
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,190Total$1,190Plus $510 of bonus paid after the first year, not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
The Platinum Card® is the best premium card in Canada for travellers.
With this welcome offer, you can earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points:
70,000 points after charging $10,000 to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
30,000 points when you make a purchase between the 15th and 17th month after your Cardmembership begins
With this Card, you get:
2 points per $1 on eligible dining and delivery purchases in Canada
2 points per dollar on eligible travel purchases charged to the Card
1 point per $1 on all other purchases charged to the Card
You can use your Membership Rewards® points in many ways:
Transfer points to airline partners: Aeroplan, Avios (British Airways / Qatar Airways), Flying Blue, Delta SkyMiles, etc.
Transfer points to hotel partners, including Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy
Redeem points for statement credits to offset any travel purchase charged to your Card (1,000 points = $10)
Redeem points for statement credits towards other purchases (1,000 points = $10)
And more!
For example, with this welcome offer, if you decide to transfer your Membership Rewards® points to a partner loyalty program, you could earn up to:
100,000 Aeroplan points
100,000 Avios
100,000 Flying Blue Miles
120,000 Marriott Bonvoy points
With this card, you also have advantages for your travels:
$200 Annual Travel Credit
An annual meal credit of $200
A $100 statement credit for NEXUS membership
Complimentary access for you and one additional guest to more than 1,550 airport lounges in over 140 countries
Hilton Honors Gold status
Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
Access to the Fine Hotels + Resorts program
Last but not least, The Platinum Card® offers a wide range of insurance coverage: rental car theft and damage, $500,000 travel accident, emergency medical expenses (out-of-province or out-of-country), lost or stolen baggage, flight delays and misdirected baggage, hotel or motel burglary, Purchase Protection, Purchase Security.
Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.
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*Terms and conditions apply. American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of the information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, we may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Annual fee
Primary card$799
Additional card$250
Annual income required
Individual$0
Household$0
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
2xTravel
2xRestaurants
1xAll spending
Value
2nd Year Value$470
Transfer partners
AeroplanAirline
British Airways ClubAirline
Cathay Asia MilesAirline
Etihad GuestAirline
Flying BlueAirline
Hilton HonorsHotel
Marriott BonvoyHotel
Card benefits
Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$400
Travel creditsIncluded
Travel insurance
Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Trip CancellationUp to $2,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $1,000
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000
Purchase protection
Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days
2. American Express® Gold Rewards Card
Minimum personal income: $0
Annual fee: $250
Great for: Travel, hotel, dining
Let’s say you want a lower annual fee card but still offer great bonuses. The American Express® Gold Rewards Card still gives you the awesome benefits of a metal credit card without sacrificing too much on fees.
Want to learn more? We have an article on this incredible card that you would love!
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,020Total$1,020Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
Earn up to 60,000 Membership Rewards points with this welcome offer for the American Express Gold Rewards Card. That’s a value of $600 toward travel or any purchase charged to the Card:
5,000 Membership Rewards points per month when you charge $1,000 in net purchases to your Card, for 12 months (a total of 60,000 points in the first year).
You can also transfer your points to airline partners such as Aeroplan, Avios (British Airways, Qatar Airways, Finnair), Flying Blue, and hotel partners (Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors).
For example, with this welcome offer, if you decide to transfer your Membership Rewards points to a partner loyalty program, you would have the choice of earning up to :
60,000 Aeroplan points
60,000 Avios
60,000 Flying Blue Miles
72,000 Marriott Bonvoy points
With this Card, you get many benefits like:
$100 annual travel credit
Priority Pass membership and 4 complimentary Plaza Premium visits per year
$50 NEXUS credit
You earn 2 points per dollar for travel purchases, and at:
gas stations
grocery stores
drugstores
And 1 point per dollar everywhere else.
Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.
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Annual fee
Primary card$250
Additional card$0
Annual income required
Individual$0
Household$0
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
2xPharmacy
2xGas
2xTravel
2xGroceries
1xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$1,555
2nd Year Value$589
Transfer partners
AeroplanAirline
British Airways ClubAirline
Cathay Asia MilesAirline
Etihad GuestAirline
Flying BlueAirline
Hilton HonorsHotel
Marriott BonvoyHotel
Card benefits
Airport lounge access$160
Travel insurance
Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $1,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000
Purchase protection
Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days
Minimum personal income: $150,000
Annual fee: $599
Great for: Air Canada, Travel, hotel, lifestyle
This card is the Best Aeroplan Visa Credit Card. You’ll enjoy many benefits when travelling with Air Canada.
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$2,000Total$2,000Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
With the TD® Aeroplan® Visa* Infinite Privilege* Card, you can earn up to 100,000 Aeroplan points† with a tiered welcome offer.
This card also offers premium travel benefits, including:
A partial rebate on NEXUS program application fees (up to $100 CAD per eligible cardholder) every 48 months†
Unlimited access to Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges†, with complimentary access for one guest
6 complimentary visits per year to select international airport lounges through the Visa Airport Companion Program† presented by DragonPass International Ltd.
First checked bag free for you and up to 8 travel companions on the same reservation when travel begins with an Air Canada flight†
With the TD® Aeroplan® Visa* Infinite Privilege* Card, you earn:
Earn 2 points† for every $1 spent on eligible purchases made direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®)
1.5 points† per dollar on eligible purchases of gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries, travel, public transit and dining
1.25 points† per dollar on all other eligible purchases
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†Terms and conditions apply.
Annual fee
Primary card$599
Additional card$199
Annual income required
Individual$150,000
Household$200,000
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
2xAir Canada flights
1.5xRestaurants
1.5xGroceries
1.5xTravel
1.5xTransit
1.5xGas
1.25xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$2,334
2nd Year Value$461
Card benefits
Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$400
Travel insurance
Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 31 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 31 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $5,000,000 / 4 days
Trip CancellationUp to $2,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $5,000
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $2,500
Flight DelayUp to $1,000
Hotel BurglaryUp to $2,500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000
Purchase protection
Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+2 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,500 / 2 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days
4. BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card*
Minimum personal income: $150,000
Annual fee: $499
Great for: Travel, hotel, lifestyle
This card is definitely named appropriately for those seeking privilege in their credit card experience. The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card* – also known as BMO’s most expensive credit card, offers some great incentives to cardholders that are unique to this card alone.
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,340Total$1,340Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card is a premium metal card! By applying for this card, you can earn up to 200,000 BMO Rewards points:
80,000 points after $6,000 in purchases within the first 110 days of account opening
40,000 points after $30,000 in purchases within the first 180 days of account opening
80,000 points after $75,000 in purchases within the first 365 days of account opening
Additionally, you benefit from a 0% welcome interest rate on balance transfers for 12 months, as well as a 2% balance transfer fee.
Plus, you’ll receivea $200 anniversary credit to use as you wish!
As well as a membership to the Visa Airport Companion program with six complimentary visits per year to airport lounges.
With this Card, you can earn 5 BMO Rewards points per dollar spent on:
Groceries
Gas
Drugstores
Travel
restaurants and bars
Food delivery
And 1 BMO Rewards point per dollar spent everywhere else.
You can use BMO Rewards points for all travel purchases made through the agency or website of your choice (plane tickets, hotels, rental cars, all-inclusive packages, Airbnb, etc.) or for rewards and gift cards on the BMO Rewards platform.
Finally, enjoy six months of Instacart+ membership and a monthly $10 Instacart credit when you sign up with your eligible BMO credit card.
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*Terms and conditions apply
BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. For the latest information, please click on the Apply Now link.
Annual fee
Primary card$599
Additional card$99
Annual income required
Individual$150,000
Household$200,000
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
5xRestaurants
5xTravel
5xGroceries
5xGas
5xPharmacy
1xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$657
2nd Year Value$321
Card benefits
Airport lounge access$240
Travel creditsIncluded
Travel insurance
Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 21 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 21 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $5,000,000 / 3 days
Trip CancellationUp to $2,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,000
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $2,500
Flight DelayUp to $1,000
Hotel BurglaryUp to $2,500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000
Purchase protection
Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days
Minimum personal income: $0
Annual fee: $599
Great for: Air Canada, Travel, hotel, lifestyle
This card is the Best Aeroplan American Express Credit Card. You’ll enjoy many benefits when travelling with Air Canada.
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,200Total$1,200Plus $500 of bonus paid after the first year, not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
With this welcome offer for American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card, you can earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points. Here’s how:
Earn 60,000 points after you spend $7,500 on your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
Plus, earn an additional 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $2,500 in the 13th month
The annual fee goes from $599 to $799 on January 12, 2027. Only fees charged on or after that date follow the new price. Sign up now and your first year is billed at $599. The Additional Card goes from $199 to $249, and the Additional Reserve No Fee Card becomes the Reserve Companion Card at $25.
With this Amex Aeroplan Card, you earn 3X the points on purchases made directly with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations. And 2x the points on Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada. Everywhere else, you will earn 1.25X the points.
With this Amex Aeroplan Premium Card, you receive many Air Canada travel benefits, such as access to Maple Leaf Lounges in North America for you and one guest, priority check-in, priority boarding and priority baggage handling. It’s the best Amex Aeroplan Card for frequent Air Canada flyers.
With this American Express Aeroplan Card, enjoy your first checked bag free (up to 23kg/50lb) for up to 9 people travelling on the same reservation on Air Canada®* flights.
Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.
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American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, we may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Annual fee
Primary card$599
Additional card$199
Annual income required
Individual$0
Household$0
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
3xAir Canada flights
2xRestaurants
1.25xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$238
2nd Year Value$430
Card benefits
Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$400
Travel insurance
Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $1,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $1,000
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000
Purchase protection
Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days
Conclusion: Are Metal Credit Cards Worth It?
If you satisfy the qualifications to receive a metal credit card, then it can certainly be worth it. But please keep in mind: Credit cards don’t ever change just because one doesn’t come in plastic anymore. Sure, they look good but the opportunity cost may not all be there, especially when you consider the high annual fees. You still have to be responsible and make sure you don’t get yourself into a financial mess.
As you can tell from our shortlist, there are a bunch of different cards that offer amazing benefits and speak to your diverse needs. Take the time to review all of the cards out there before making a decision on metal credit cards.
The main metal cards in Canada include the American Express Platinum ($699 annual fee), the American Express Gold ($250), the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege ($599), the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege ($499), and the American Express Aeroplan Reserve ($599). All sit in the premium segment with generous welcome bonuses (up to 200,000 BMO points or 85,000 Aeroplan points), premium travel benefits, and airport lounge access. The metal is more a status signal than a functional advantage.
Is a metal card really worth its high annual fee?
It depends entirely on your spending and travel profile. For a traveler who takes 4 or more flights a year, uses airport lounges, books high-end hotels, and maximizes annual credits (NEXUS, travel, lifestyle), the benefits far outweigh the fees. For an occasional consumer who travels once a year, a card like the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite (without the Privilege tier) at $120 offers the same 5x bonus categories at a much more accessible annual cost.
What minimum income do premium metal cards require?
The Visa Infinite Privilege cards (TD, BMO eclipse) require a personal income of $150,000 or a household income of $200,000. The American Express Platinum and Gold cards have no official minimum income, which makes them accessible to the self-employed, young professionals, and newcomers. This difference is significant: a consumer who doesn’t qualify for the TD Aeroplan VIP can still get the Amex Aeroplan Reserve with the same 85,000-point bonus and comparable benefits.
Is a metal card more durable than a plastic card?
Metal cards are noticeably more rigid and better resist bending, flexing, and physical damage. However, they pose practical challenges: you can’t cut them with scissors at end of life (issuers provide prepaid return envelopes), they sometimes set off metal detectors, and some older card readers may struggle to read them. The heft and weight in your wallet remain their signature trait, appreciated by fans of premium products.
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,190Total$1,190Plus $510 of bonus paid after the first year, not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
The Platinum Card® is the best premium card in Canada for travellers.
With this welcome offer, you can earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points:
70,000 points after charging $10,000 to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
30,000 points when you make a purchase between the 15th and 17th month after your Cardmembership begins
With this Card, you get:
2 points per $1 on eligible dining and delivery purchases in Canada
2 points per dollar on eligible travel purchases charged to the Card
1 point per $1 on all other purchases charged to the Card
You can use your Membership Rewards® points in many ways:
Transfer points to airline partners: Aeroplan, Avios (British Airways / Qatar Airways), Flying Blue, Delta SkyMiles, etc.
Transfer points to hotel partners, including Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy
Redeem points for statement credits to offset any travel purchase charged to your Card (1,000 points = $10)
Redeem points for statement credits towards other purchases (1,000 points = $10)
And more!
For example, with this welcome offer, if you decide to transfer your Membership Rewards® points to a partner loyalty program, you could earn up to:
100,000 Aeroplan points
100,000 Avios
100,000 Flying Blue Miles
120,000 Marriott Bonvoy points
With this card, you also have advantages for your travels:
$200 Annual Travel Credit
An annual meal credit of $200
A $100 statement credit for NEXUS membership
Complimentary access for you and one additional guest to more than 1,550 airport lounges in over 140 countries
Hilton Honors Gold status
Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
Access to the Fine Hotels + Resorts program
Last but not least, The Platinum Card® offers a wide range of insurance coverage: rental car theft and damage, $500,000 travel accident, emergency medical expenses (out-of-province or out-of-country), lost or stolen baggage, flight delays and misdirected baggage, hotel or motel burglary, Purchase Protection, Purchase Security.
Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.
Legal
*Terms and conditions apply. American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of the information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, we may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Annual fee
Primary card$799
Additional card$250
Annual income required
Individual$0
Household$0
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
2xTravel
2xRestaurants
1xAll spending
Value
2nd Year Value$470
Transfer partners
AeroplanAirline
British Airways ClubAirline
Cathay Asia MilesAirline
Etihad GuestAirline
Flying BlueAirline
Hilton HonorsHotel
Marriott BonvoyHotel
Card benefits
Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$400
Travel creditsIncluded
Travel insurance
Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Trip CancellationUp to $2,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $1,000
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000
Purchase protection
Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days
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Our reviews and rankings are based on an objective assessment. Advertisers do not influence our content. We may receive compensation through some links; our analysis and opinions remain independent.
