How Long Does Metal Card Conversion Take? Turnaround Times Explained

Metal card conversion is fast, and the total time comes down to shipping plus a short lab turnaround. Once your card reaches the lab, the conversion itself takes 1 to 2 business days, often starting the same day. Inbound shipping usually adds 2 to 3 business days, and return shipping adds a little more. From order to delivery, most conversions wrap up within about one to two weeks, with expedited options available. Here are the metal card conversion times explained, stage by stage.

How Long Metal Card Conversion Takes

The clock runs across three stages: shipping in, conversion, and shipping back.

Shipping Your Card In

After you order, you receive a prepaid, tracked label and mail your card. It typically reaches the lab in 2 to 3 business days, depending on the shipping speed you choose. Faster inbound options can shorten this window.

The Conversion Itself

Once your card arrives, the lab transfers your chip and stripe into metal and tests it. The conversion takes 1 to 2 business days, often starting the same day it is received. A photo of the finished card is emailed to you along the way.

Return Shipping

Both your original and new metal card ship back to you, tracked the whole way. Return time depends on your location and the shipping method. Expedited return is available if you want it sooner.

What affects your turnaround:

• The shipping speed you choose
• Your location for inbound and return
• Whether you add expedited processing
• The complexity of your design

How to Speed Up Your Conversion

A few choices can shorten the wait.

Choose Expedited Options

Expedited shipping and processing are available if you need your card faster. Selecting them at checkout shortens both the inbound and lab stages. It is the simplest way to cut your total turnaround.

Send a Ready-to-Convert Card

Having your design finalized and your card ready to mail avoids delays. Sending it promptly with the prepaid label keeps things moving. For safety, you can freeze the card or send a zero-balance card during transit.

The Short Version on Timing

Metal card conversion takes 1 to 2 business days in the lab, with shipping on either side bringing most orders to about one to two weeks. Expedited options shorten that if you are in a hurry. A photo confirms your finished card before it ships, and both cards come back tracked. 

Ready to start? Design your custom metal card and send it in.

FAQs

How long does metal card conversion take?

Metal card conversion takes 1 to 2 business days in the lab once your card arrives, often starting the same day. With inbound and return shipping added, most orders finish within about one to two weeks. Expedited options can shorten the total.

How long does the conversion itself take?

The lab work takes 1 to 2 business days after your card is received. During that time, your chip and magnetic stripe are transferred into the metal body, and the card is tested. A photo of the finished card is emailed before it ships.

Can I get my metal card faster?

Yes. Expedited shipping and processing are available if you need your card sooner than the standard timeline. Choosing those options at checkout speeds up both the inbound and lab stages. It is the easiest way to reduce your total turnaround.

How long does shipping take?

Inbound shipping usually takes 2 to 3 business days with the prepaid, tracked label, depending on the speed you pick. Return shipping varies by your location and method. Both directions are tracked so you always know where your card is.

Do I get my card back during conversion?

No. You mail your card in, and it stays at the lab during the 1 to 2 business days of conversion. Once finished, both your original card and the new metal one are shipped back to you together, tracked the whole way.

What is the total turnaround time?

Most conversions take about one to two weeks from order to delivery, combining shipping and lab time. The exact total depends on your location and shipping choices. Expedited options can bring it down when you need the card quickly.