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In today’s era of premium products gaining popularity, metal credit cards have become the epitome of elite status and a luxury lifestyle. Made of durable metals, including titanium and stainless steel, these cards offer longevity and a host of exclusive privileges for discerning customers.
This article covers the unique benefits of metal cards, tips for picking the right one for you, and how to make the most of the benefits once you get one.
Why Metal Cards Score Over Others?
Metal credit cards provide a lot more than just fancy, sturdy designs. Below are some of their winning advantages:
1. Premium Design and Durability
Constructed from brushed steel or titanium metal, these cards command attention with their stylish design, signature weight, and metallic sheen. Compared to regular credit cards, they are far more durable and long-lasting—built to withstand wear and tear from everyday usage over the years.
2. Exclusive Travel Perks
Metal cards offer cardholders exclusive travel privileges to elevate their journey experience. These include:
- Low foreign currency markup fee for international transactions
- Complimentary domestic and international airport lounge access
- Comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellations, lost baggage, flight delays
3. Enhanced Rewards Programs
These cards provide excellent rewards programs and accelerated earnings rates tailored specifically for premium travel and lifestyle spending categories:
- Up to 10X rewards points on airline, hotel, dining, and international transactions.
- Flexible redemption options- redeem points for air miles, cashback to your account, gift vouchers, or more.
4. Lifestyle Privileges
In addition to travel, metal cardholders can access a suite of premium lifestyle privileges such as:
- Free movie tickets, fuel surcharge waiver
- Complimentary membership to golf clubs
- Special discounts and offers from luxury brands, fine dining restaurants, premium hotel chains
How to Choose the Right Metal Credit Card
With many metal cards in the market, pick the best metal credit cards that match your lifestyle and spending patterns:
1. Evaluate Spending Habits
Analyse if you frequently spend money on international travel, fine dining, shopping at premium outlets, or health and leisure activities. Accordingly, choose a card with accelerated rewards in those categories.
2. Review Annual fees
Metal cards come with higher annual fees due to the premium privileges offered. Compare the cost to the card features to ensure value for money. For instance, IDFC FIRST Bank offers metal credit cards with competitive annual fees.
3. Assess Rewards and Redemption Choices
Opt for cards that offer maximum flexibility in redeeming reward points for miles, online vouchers or cash credits to your account. Consider redemption value and ease of converting rewards into benefits.
4. Consider Eligibility Requirements
Metal credit cards have stringent eligibility criteria for an applicant’s income, credit score, and existing relationship with the bank. However, certain banks, like IDFC FIRST Bank, also offer relatively relaxed eligibility norms.
Tips to Maximise Metal Credit Card Benefits
Use the card smartly to optimise benefits:
- Use for large transactions: Use your metal card to pay for expensive airline tickets, hotel bookings, and electronics purchases to earn maximum reward points.
- Strategically redeem points for maximum value: Use points to buy air miles during peak season or for business class upgrades.
- Use travel perks judiciously: Access airport lounges even for short layovers, utilise travel insurance and concierge assistance wherever possible.
- Track expenses and points: Use a mobile app for real-time monitoring and easy redemptions
Conclusion
While metal credit cards require more disciplined financial habits, the rewards can be much more gratifying. The exclusive travel experiences, lifestyle privileges, and social influence these cards offer make them a desired accessory for the discerning buyer.
Tailor your choice to your habits and go for a credit card apply process that aligns with your needs to unlock luxury benefits.
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