How Metal Card Conversion Works (Step by Step)
Have you ever wished your debit or credit card looked as premium as it performs?
Metal card conversion lets you transform the payment card you already use into a custom metal card without opening a new account or changing banks. Your account, card number, and rewards stay exactly the same. The only thing that changes is the card itself.
If you’re wondering how the process works, here’s everything you need to know.
What Is Metal Card Conversion?
Metal card conversion is the process of rebuilding your existing debit or credit card into a premium stainless steel or brass card.
Instead of issuing a new account, Lion Card carefully transfers your original EMV chip into a newly manufactured metal card using our patented conversion process.
Your:
- Bank stays the same
- Account number stays the same
- Credit line stays the same
- Rewards program stays the same
- Card issuer stays the same
The only difference is replacing a lightweight plastic card with a premium custom metal card.
Why Choose Metal Card Conversion?
Many people want the premium feel of a metal card without changing banks or paying expensive annual fees.
Metal card conversion offers several advantages:
- Keep your existing bank account
- No credit check
- No new application
- One-time purchase instead of annual fees
- Fully customizable designs
- Premium stainless steel or brass construction
- Patented EMV chip transfer technology
If you already love your current card, there’s no reason to replace it. Simply upgrade it.
Step 1: Choose Your Design
Start by selecting the design that best matches your style.
You can choose from:
- Professionally engraved designs
- Full-color printed artwork
- Corporate branding
- Personal logos
- Custom graphics
Every card is made to order.
Step 2: Place Your Order
Complete your order online.
After checkout, you’ll receive:
- Order confirmation
- Prepaid shipping label
- Shipping instructions
- Tracking information
Preparing your shipment only takes a few minutes.
Step 3: Ship Your Card
Package your compatible payment card securely and attach the prepaid shipping label.
For additional peace of mind, many customers temporarily freeze their card using their banking app before mailing it. Once the finished metal card is returned, simply unfreeze it and continue using it as normal.
Some customers also choose to send a newly issued replacement card to maximize the lifespan of their custom metal card.
Step 4: Your EMV Chip Is Transferred
Once your card arrives, our technicians begin the conversion process.
Using Lion Card’s patented technology (U.S. Patent No. 11,562,194), your original EMV chip is carefully transferred into your new metal card.
The magnetic stripe is also programmed so the finished card functions like your original payment card.
Because your original EMV chip is transferred, your account information, security features, and payment functionality remain unchanged.
Step 5: Quality Control & Testing
Every card undergoes multiple quality control inspections before leaving our facility.
Each card is tested for:
- EMV chip functionality
- Magnetic stripe performance
- Print or engraving quality
- Overall cosmetic appearance
After inspection, many customers receive a photo of their completed card before it ships.
Step 6: We Ship Everything Back
After testing is complete, your order is packaged and returned.
You’ll receive:
- Your new custom metal card
- Your original plastic card
Domestic orders are typically returned via USPS, while international orders are shipped using FedEx International Priority.
How Your Card Stays Secure
Security has always been one of Lion Card’s highest priorities.
Throughout the conversion process:
- Your original EMV chip is transferred into the new card.
- Card information is used only as necessary during production and is securely deleted after your order is completed.
- Lion Card never asks for your PIN, Social Security number, online banking password, or banking login credentials.
- Orders are processed using SSL 256-bit encrypted checkout.
- Tracking is provided for both inbound and outbound shipments.
Many customers also freeze their card while it is in transit for an additional layer of security.
Will My Card Still Work?
Yes.
Most standard EMV debit and credit cards continue working just like they did before conversion.
Compatibility depends on the design of your card’s original EMV chip. If you’re unsure whether your card is compatible, our team can verify it before production begins.
|
Feature |
Status |
Details |
|
EMV Chip Insert |
✔ Supported |
Original EMV chip transferred into the metal card |
|
Magnetic Stripe |
✔ Supported |
Programmed to match your original card |
|
Tap & Pay |
Available on compatible cards |
Compatibility depends on the original EMV chip design |
|
Apple Pay, Google Pay & Samsung Wallet |
✔ Supported |
Works normally when supported by your bank |
|
Online Purchases |
✔ Supported |
Account information remains unchanged |
|
ATMs |
Usually Supported |
Some machines that fully retain the card may not be compatible with metal cards |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Production is fast.
|
Stage |
Typical Time |
|
Shipping to Lion Card |
2–3 business days |
|
Production |
1–2 business days after receipt |
|
Return Shipping |
2–3 business days (U.S.) |
|
Typical Total Turnaround |
Approximately 5–10 business days |
International shipping times vary by destination.
Why Thousands of Customers Choose Lion Card
Since 2015, Lion Card has specialized exclusively in premium custom metal payment cards.
Customers choose Lion Card because of our:
- Patented conversion technology
- Premium stainless steel construction
- Worldwide shipping
- Secure production process
- Fast turnaround times
- Experienced craftsmanship
- Thousands of satisfied customers
Our goal is simple: deliver a premium card that looks exceptional while preserving the payment experience you already know and trust.
Ready to Upgrade Your Card?
If you love your current debit or credit card but want something more distinctive, metal card conversion is the easiest way to upgrade your wallet.
You’ll keep your existing bank account, rewards, and payment functionality while enjoying a professionally crafted metal card that’s designed to stand out.
Choose your design, place your order, and let Lion Card transform the card you already carry into something extraordinary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can any card be converted into metal?
Most standard EMV debit and credit cards are compatible. Compatibility depends on the card’s EMV chip design, placement, and issuer specifications.
Q. Does my bank have to approve the conversion?
No. Metal card conversion changes only the physical card body. Your bank remains the card issuer, and your account information stays exactly the same.
Q. Will my original plastic card still work?
After the EMV chip is transferred, the original plastic card can generally only be used by swiping its magnetic stripe where supported. Your new metal card becomes your primary payment card.
Q. Can I convert more than one card?
Yes. Many customers convert multiple cards, and Lion Card also offers dual-chip metal cards that combine two compatible cards into one premium metal card.
Q. What happens if my card expires?
When your bank issues a replacement card with a new EMV chip, you’ll need a new conversion. Many customers wait until they receive a newly issued card to maximize the life of their custom metal card.
Q. Is my information safe?
Yes. Lion Card uses secure production procedures, encrypted checkout, and a patented conversion process. We never ask for your PIN, Social Security number, online banking credentials, or passwords.
Disclaimer: Lion Card is an independent customization service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any bank, card issuer, or payment network. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
