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Metal credit cards in Canada
A metal credit card comes with prestige and perks. Here's how to get one here in Canada.
Metal credit cards come with generous rewards, exclusive travel perks and other prestigious benefits. And today, to get a metal credit card in Canada you no longer need a big investment portfolio, a million dollar annual income or a huge net worth.
Learn how to get a metal card and compare available metal credit cards in Canada in our guide below.
The Platinum Card from American Express
700
Min. credit score
Min. credit score
$799
Annual fee
Annual fee
Up to
2x
Membership Rewards
Membership Rewards
100,000
Welcome offer
Welcome offer
The Platinum Card from American Express is an engraved metal charge card with a hefty annual fee of $799– but the benefits can far outweigh the costs. Note that this is a charge card, not a regular credit card, so you must pay off the balance in full every month or a 30%interest rate will apply. Earn 2 points for every $1 in card purchases on eligible travel. Plus, enjoy complimentary access to airport lounges worldwide.
- Signup bonus. Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards points. Earn 70,000 Welcome Bonus points after you charge $10,000 in net purchases to your card in the first 3 months. Plus, earn 30,000 points when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of cardmembership.
- Rewards points. Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada, 2 points for every $1 spent on eligible travel, and 1 point for every $1 spent elsewhere..
- Travel perks. You'll get complimentary lounge access worldwide, benefits with Fine Hotels + Resorts, personalized concierge service and Hotel Status Benefit to help fast-track points earned towards hotel loyalty programs. You'll also get access to benefits at Toronto Pearson International Airport including valet service, discounts on parking and access to Pearson Priority Security Lane.
- Metal Card. This premium credit card comes in precision-cut, engraved metal, which makes it incredibly durable.
- Annual fee. The annual fee for this card is $799.
- Supplementary card fees. Additional Platinum Cards cost $175 annually.
- Foreign transaction fees. When you spend overseas, you'll face a foreign transaction fee of 2.5%.
| Annual Fee | $799 |
|---|---|
| Purchase APR | N/A |
| Cash Advance Rate | N/A |
| Balance transfer APR | N/A |
| Welcome offer | Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards points. Earn 70,000 Welcome Bonus points after you charge $10,000 in net purchases to your card in the first 3 months. Plus, earn 30,000 points when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of cardmembership. |
| Rewards | Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada, 2 points for every $1 spent on eligible travel, and 1 point for every $1 spent elsewhere. |
American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
700
Min. credit score
$599
Annual fee
Up to
2x
Miles
85,000
Miles welcome offer
The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card is a premium Aeroplan rewards credit card that comes with tons of perks and accelerated rewards. Earn 2X the points on eligible dining and food delivery purchases in Canada, and earn 1.25X the points on everything else. Earn up to 85,000 welcome bonus Aeroplan points. That's a value of up to $2,600 or more when you combine your welcome bonus points and card benefits. This card also comes with a host of travel perks and coverage, including travel medical, trip cancellation and interruption, hotel burglary, car rental and common carrier coverage.
Annual Fee
$599
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance Rate
21.99%
Balance transfer APR
N/A
Welcome offer
Earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points. Earn 60,000 Aeroplan points after spending $7,500 in purchases within the first 3 months, plus earn an additional 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $2,500 in purchases in month 13. That's up to $2,600 or more in value when you combine your welcome bonus points and card benefits.
Rewards
Earn 2X the points on eligible dining and food delivery purchases in Canada, and earn 1.25X the points on everything else.
American Express Gold Rewards Card
650
Min. credit score
$250
Annual fee
Up to
2x
Membership Rewards
60,000
Welcome offer
The American Express Gold Rewards Card is another metal credit card that offers a solid rewards program allowing you to earn big. Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases (including flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises and more), and at eligible gas stations, grocery stores and drugstores in Canada, and earn 1 point for every $1 spent elsewhere. This card also comes with a host of travel benefits like airport lounge access, an annual travel credit and travel insurance coverage.
Annual Fee
$250
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance Rate
21.99%
Balance transfer APR
N/A
Welcome offer
Earn up to 60,000 Membership Rewards points. Earn 5,000 Membership Rewards points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $1,000 in net purchases on your card (for a total of up to 60,000 points).
Rewards
Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases (including flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises and more), and at eligible gas stations, grocery stores and drugstores in Canada, and earn 1 point for every $1 spent elsewhere.
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege
760
Min. credit score
$499
Annual fee
Up to
5x
Points
120,000
Points welcome offer
From everyday purchases to travel plans, the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege benefits every area of your lifestyle. To begin, you'll get a $200 lifestyle credit annually, which you can spend however you like. Earn 5x the BMO Points for every $1 spent on groceries, dining in and out, drugstore purchases, gas and travel. You'll earn 1 point per $1 spent on everything else. The card also comes with and impressive sign up bonus: Get up to 120,000 welcome points. Earn 50,000 points after you spend a minimum of $6,000 within the first 3 months, plus earn 30,000 points when you spend at least $30,000 in the first 6 months. Get an additional 40,000 points when you spend at least $75,000 by your first anniversary. You'll also have access to a a host of travel insurance coverage and benefits like airport lounge access and Visa Infinite Privilege Concierge services.
Annual Fee
$499
Purchase APR
20.99%
Cash Advance Rate
23.99%
Balance transfer APR
23.99%
Welcome offer
Get up to 120,000 welcome points. Earn 50,000 points after you spend a minimum of $6,000 within the first 3 months, plus earn 30,000 points when you spend at least $30,000 in the first 6 months. Get an additional 40,000 points when you spend at least $75,000 by your first anniversary.
Rewards
Earn 5x the BMO Points for every $1 spent on groceries, dining in and out, drugstore purchases, gas and travel. You'll earn 1 point per $1 spent on everything else.
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite
760
Min. credit score
$120
ongoing
Annual fee
Up to
5x
Points
60,000
Points welcome offer
The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite let's you earn accelerated rewards on everyday purchases. Earn 5x the BMO Points for every $1 spent on groceries, dining in and out, gas and transit. Plus, earn 1 point for every $1 spent on everything else. Plus, you'll also get an annual lifestyle credit and a generous welcome offer. Get up to 60,000 points (worth $400 in travel rewards), a $50 lifestyle credit and the $120 annual fee waived by your first anniversary. That's a total value of $570 by your first anniversary.
Annual Fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year ($120 thereafter)
Purchase APR
20.99%
Cash Advance Rate
23.99%
Balance transfer APR
23.99%
Welcome offer
Get up to 60,000 points (worth $400 in travel rewards), a $50 lifestyle credit and the $120 annual fee waived by your first anniversary. That's a total value of $570 by your first anniversary.
Rewards
Earn 5x the BMO Points for every $1 spent on groceries, dining in and out, gas and transit. Plus, earn 1 point for every $1 spent on everything else.
CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card
Unknown
Min. credit score
$499
Annual fee
Up to
3x
Points
80,000
Points welcome offer
The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card is a metal credit card with a host of perks. You can earn more points when you sign up. Earn 50,000 Aventura Points when you spend $3,000 or more during your first 4 monthly statement periods. Also, in your first year, you can earn an additional 2,500 Aventura Points each monthly statement period in which you spend at least $2,000. That’s up to 30,000 points.
Annual Fee
$499
Purchase APR
20.99%
Cash Advance Rate
22.99% (21.99% for Quebec residents)
Balance transfer APR
22.99%
Welcome offer
Earn 50,000 Aventura Points when you spend $3,000 or more during your first 4 monthly statement periods. Also, in your first year, you can earn an additional 2,500 Aventura Points each monthly statement period in which you spend at least $2,000. That’s up to 30,000 points.
Rewards
Earn 3 Aventura Points on travel with the CIBC Rewards Centre, 2 points for every $1 spent on daily purchases like gas, groceries and transportation, and 1.25 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
Please note: All information about CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card has been collected independently by Finder and this product is not available through this site.
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card
Min. credit score
$599
Annual fee
Up to
x
Points
90,000
Points welcome offer
The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card is a metal credit card offering premium perks. Get up to 90,000 Aeroplan bonus points when you meet the spend requirements, plus get a first-year annual fee rebate if you have a CIBC Smart Plus Account.
.
Annual Fee
$599
Purchase APR
20.99%
Cash Advance Rate
22.99%
Balance transfer APR
22.99%
Welcome offer
Get up to 90,000 Aeroplan bonus points when you meet the spend requirements, plus get a first-year annual fee rebate if you have a CIBC Smart Plus Account.
Rewards
Earn 2 Aeroplan points for every dollar spent on Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations. Earn 1.5 points for every dollar spent on grocery, gas, travel and dining. All other purchases yield 1.25 points per dollar spent.
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card
Good to Excellent
Min. credit score
$599
Annual fee
Up to
2x
Miles
75,000
Miles welcome offer
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card is a metal credit card that offers premium perks. Earn up to 75,000 Aeroplan points. Conditions Apply. Apply online by September 3, 2024. Earn 2 points per dollar on Air Canada purchases, 1.5 points per dollar on gas, groceries, travel, and dining, and 1.25 points on everything else.
Annual Fee
$599
Purchase APR
20.99%
Cash Advance Rate
22.99%
Balance transfer APR
22.99%
Welcome offer
Earn up to 75,000 Aeroplan points. Conditions Apply. Apply online by September 3, 2024.
Rewards
Earn 2 points per dollar on Air Canada purchases, 1.5 points per dollar on gas, groceries, travel, and dining, and 1.25 points on everything else.
Please note: All information about TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card has been collected independently by Finder and this card is not available through this site.
What is a metal card?
Metal credit cards are made from metal and usually offer accelerated rewards on travel and experiences, as well as access to prestigious banking benefits. While U.S. residents have access to metal credit cards that come with no annual fees, there are currently only a few offered in Canada, and most of them come with pretty unattainable eligibility requirements for the average person—with the exception of one: The Platinum Card from American Express.
Compare other metal cards in Canada
Here’s a quick look at some of the more exclusive metal cards in Canada
How to get metal credit card in Canada
For the more prestigious Canadian metal credit cards, you’ll need to have investments over $1 million, a massively high net worth and you’ll likely need to be a big spender. When it comes to The Platinum Card from American Express, you’ll need a good to excellent credit score and an ability to pay off your balance in full each month – not to mention a desire to pay $799 annually for the card. However, the easiest way to get a metal card is to apply for one in our metal credit card table here.
How to turn your plastic credit card into a metal card
If you can’t get a metal card or if you’re in love with your plastic credit card’s features but you wish it was made out of metal, there are services that can turn your plastic card into metal. You can also choose your own design or etch a logo of your choice.
However, these services typically cost $150 or more, not to mention you may have to give your card information to a third party. In addition, many users have had issues at the ATM or using the tap & go feature. Given the drawbacks, it may be better to stick with your plastic card until metal credit cards become easier to obtain in Canada.
How to destroy a metal credit card
Destroying a metal credit card takes more time than simply cutting up a plastic card. Here’s how to do it:
Return the metal card to your provider
Some banks may provide you with an envelope to return your metal credit card for disposal. The bank may send the envelope either when sending you a replacement card or upon request. Alternatively, you can visit a bank branch and leave your card there.
This is by far the easiest way to scrap your metal credit card. But if you acquired your card from an online provider, your only option may be to destroy the card.
How to destroy a metal card
Most metal cards in Canada are coated with plastic, which holds the account information. Because of that, it’s important you destroy the plastic layer. But before you proceed, check if the card is made of a thin metal layer. If it is, you can simply cut it with tin snips. If not, carefully and safely do the following:
- Destroy the EMV chip. You can either use scissors to pierce the chip or you can press your thumb on the back of the card behind the chip and push until the chip starts to come off. If it doesn’t come off, use any sharp metal object to help pry it off. Once out, destroy the chip with scissors.
- Remove your name and card number. Use a lighter to heat up the plastic layer. The more you heat it the easier it is to peel it off with scissors or any sharp metal object.
- Destroy any carvings on the metal credit card. If any numbers or names remain on the metal, use sandpaper or a sharp metal object to grind them away until they’re unreadable.
- Demagnetize the strip. If the magstripe is intact, put a refrigerator magnet on it and leave it there for an hour. After that, swipe it several times across the magnetic stripe.
- Cover the signature area. Use a permanent marker to make the signature area unreadable.
But if you no longer want to keep your metal credit card or if it expired, your bank will either send a return envelope or you’ll have to destroy it yourself. If you go for the second option, make sure the plastic coating is destroyed and any information remaining on the metal is unreadable.
Take a look at our detailed guide to credit cards to learn more about fees, interest rates and how to narrow down your options to find the right card for you.
Is a metal credit card worth it?
Metal credit cards gained popularity because they look and feel luxurious. After all, once you put the metal card on the counter it tends to get noticed. However, metal cards are heavier than plastic and they can weigh down your wallet — especially if you have more than one card. Also, depending on which metal is used in their production, they could trigger airport metal detectors.
However, the material of your credit card shouldn’t be your only criteria. If you find that a certain card isn’t a good fit for you, it won’t matter much if it’s metal or plastic.
That said, the most exclusive and prestigious credit cards in Canada are likely the ones listed above – which are all metal.
What are the heaviest credit cards in Canada?
If your wallet is full of plastic credit cards, it should be relatively light as plastic cards on average weigh around five grams. But if you carry one or more metal cards, your wallet will suddenly be quite hefty. Here are some of the heaviest credit cards in Canada:
| Credit Card | Weight |
|---|---|
| The Centurion Card from American Express | 14g |
| CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege | 17g |
| The Platinum Card from American Express | 17.5g |
What are the heaviest credit cards made of?
Most metal cards are made using a variety of metals and alloys, including brass, copper and stainless steel. Most of these cards are coated with a plastic layer, which holds valuable credit card account information.
Who are the heaviest cards good for?
Large spenders who want premium travel perks may want to consider one of these credit cards. Keep in mind, most of these cards have a hefty annual fee. Unless you’re getting more value from the card than you’re paying for it, these cards may not be the right choice for you.
Bottom line on metal credit cards in Canada
Most metal cards offered in Canada are still generally exclusive to high-income earners, big spenders and investors. Most of these cards offer big rewards on travel and dining, concierge services, airport lounge access and incredibly comprehensive insurance packages, however, there are plenty of other credit cards in Canada that offer similar features with much lower annual fees –not to mention the eligibility criteria for these cards are actually attainable for the average person.
If you’re scratching your head in disbelief at the eligibility criteria for most of the above metal credit cards, you’re not looking to pay a high annual fee for a charge card from Amex, or you missed out on the Koho metal card, you might want to consider other rewards credit cards.
A metal credit card represents prestige for good reason. On average, the heaviest credit cards weigh around 15 grams, come with a high annual fee and offer premium perks. Getting one of the heaviest credit cards could be worth considering if you’re looking for a premium travel option. Just make sure paying the annual fee is worth it. Otherwise, it’ll just weigh down your wallet.
If you think a heavy credit card or metal credit card may not be a good choice for you, but you still want premium perks, compare the luxury credit cards until you find the right fit for your wallet.
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