How to Get a Custom Metal Credit Card in 2026

A metal payment card is exactly what it sounds like: a fully functional debit or credit card made from real metal instead of plastic. It feels heavier, looks more premium, and leaves a lasting impression every time you pay.

If you’re wondering how to get a metal credit card in 2026, there are two primary options. You can apply for a premium bank-issued metal card, or you can keep the card you already use and have it professionally converted into a custom metal card.

Here’s how each option works and how to decide which one is right for you.

Option 1: Apply for a Bank-Issued Metal Card

Many banks offer metal cards as part of their premium credit card programs. If you’re approved, you’ll receive a metal version of the card issued by that bank.

Some popular examples include:

• American Express Platinum® Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
• S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite®

These cards often include premium travel benefits, airport lounge access, rewards programs, purchase protections, and concierge services.

What It Takes to Qualify

Most premium metal cards require:

• Good to excellent credit
• Income sufficient to qualify for the account
• Approval by the issuing bank
• Annual fees that can range from several hundred dollars per year

If you’re looking for travel perks and premium banking benefits, this may be the right option.

Advantages

• Premium rewards
• Travel benefits
• Airport lounge access
• Purchase protections
• Built-in Tap & Pay

Limitations

• High annual fees
• Credit approval required
• Limited design choices
• Every card looks the same

Option 2: Convert Your Existing Card into Metal

If you already have a debit or credit card you love, you don’t need to change banks or open a new account.

A custom metal card conversion allows you to keep your existing account while replacing the plastic body with a professionally manufactured stainless steel or brass card.

Your account number, bank, rewards program, and credit line all stay the same. The only thing that changes is the physical card.

How Metal Card Conversion Works

The conversion process is simple.

1. Choose one of our engraved designs or upload your own custom artwork.
2. Place your order online.
3. Receive a prepaid shipping label.
4. Send us your compatible payment card.
5. Our patented process transfers your existing EMV chip into your new custom metal card.
6. We return both your finished metal card and your original plastic card.

Production typically takes 1–2 business days after your card is received, plus shipping time.

Will My Card Work?

In most cases, yes.

Most standard EMV credit and debit cards are compatible with metal card conversion. Compatibility depends on the specific EMV chip design used by your card issuer.

If you’re unsure whether your card is compatible, our team can verify it before production begins.

Is My Information Secure?

Security is our highest priority.

Lion Card uses a patented metal card conversion process protected under U.S. Patent No. 11,562,194.

During production:

• Your existing EMV chip is transferred into your new metal card.
• Card information is used only as necessary during production and is securely deleted after your order is completed.
• We never ask for your PIN, Social Security number, online banking password, or banking login credentials.
• Orders are processed through SSL 256-bit encrypted checkout.
• For additional peace of mind, many customers temporarily freeze their card or send an unactivated replacement card during shipping.

What About Tap & Pay?

Many people ask whether custom metal cards support contactless payments.

The answer depends on the design of your card’s original EMV chip.

Some compatible cards can be converted with Tap & Pay functionality, while others continue to work by inserting the EMV chip into payment terminals.

Even if your card is not compatible with Tap & Pay conversion, you can still use Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Wallet anywhere those services are accepted.

Bank-Issued Metal Card vs. Custom Metal Card

What Should You Look for in a Metal Card Company?

Before sending anyone your payment card, make sure they offer:

• A patented conversion process
• Secure handling of customer information
• Transparent security policies
• High-quality stainless steel or brass construction
• Approximately 27–28 gram card weight
• Worldwide shipping
• A satisfaction guarantee
• Responsive customer support

Avoid companies that simply apply stickers, skins, or decorative covers to plastic cards.

The Bottom Line

If you want premium travel rewards and don’t mind paying annual fees, a bank-issued metal card may be the right choice.

However, if you already have a card you love and simply want it to look and feel extraordinary, a custom metal card gives you complete freedom. You keep your existing account, preserve your rewards program, personalize the design, and enjoy the premium feel of a real metal card without opening a new account.

With a one-time purchase instead of recurring annual fees, custom metal card conversion offers a unique way to make your wallet stand out while keeping the payment card you already trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I turn my existing plastic card into a metal card?

Yes. Most standard EMV credit and debit cards can be professionally converted into metal by transferring the original EMV chip into a custom metal card.

Q. Does my account number change?

No. Your bank account, card number, and rewards program remain the same.

Q. Will my original plastic card still work?

Once 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. How much does a metal card weigh?

Most custom metal cards weigh approximately 27–28 grams, several times heavier than a standard plastic card.

Q. Does Tap & Pay work?

Some custom metal cards support Tap & Pay, depending on the design of the original EMV chip. Compatibility varies by issuer and chip configuration.

Q. Are metal cards accepted everywhere?

Metal cards work at virtually all standard payment terminals. However, some ATMs and kiosks that fully retain the card during processing may not be compatible with metal cards.

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.