Andrew Boyd
Vidhu Bajaj
David Boyd
Which issuers offer metal cards in Australia?
A handful of issuers, including American Express, Qantas and Revolut, offer metal cards. The Amex Platinum Card is made from metal; as a charge card it has no preset limit but must be paid in full each month, and it earns Membership Rewards points you can transfer to airline partners, plus lounge access.
Qantas offers the Premier Titanium Card, which earns Qantas Points per dollar, gives discounts on eligible Qantas flights, and includes Qantas First Lounge invitations. It currently needs an income of $200,000 or more to apply.
Features and benefits of metal cards
A metal card usually offers everything a black card does, with more generous terms. They often earn status credits faster, so you reach and hold higher status through spending, which brings upgrade priority, better lounge access and dedicated check-in.
Most come with a large sign-up bonus that needs higher spending to earn. For the typical applicant, the status credits and uncapped earn rate tend to be worth more than the bonus.
How to choose a metal card
There are plenty of perks on offer, so pick a card whose benefits you'll actually use, at a price that fits your budget. Look closely at the earn rates against your real spending: if you pay the balance in full each month, the rewards can put you ahead even after the annual fee.