Bank card rewards are continually evolving and turning into extra worthwhile than ever earlier than. Nonetheless, it isn’t simply distinctive perks comparable to eating credit, Uber credit and computerized elite standing that set playing cards aside — it is also how they bodily look.
Following Chase’s extremely profitable launch of the Chase Sapphire Reserve in 2016, there’s been a speedy rise in metallic playing cards available on the market as issuers compete to supply essentially the most eye-popping designs. And it is not simply premium bank cards with these glossy new appears to be like — even some low- and no-annual-fee bank cards have gotten spiffy makeovers.
Cool-looking playing cards make for an important dialog starter, however this should not be the one motive to use for a bank card. In the event you’re on the hunt on your subsequent card — whether or not it is for touring, airport lounge entry or past — we have got you lined.
In the event you’re all about aesthetics, try our picks for the prettiest playing cards. (Notably lacking from this listing are invitation-only playing cards just like the titanium-crafted Centurion Card from American Specific and J.P. Morgan Reserve Card).
The knowledge for the Centurion Card from American Specific and J.P. Morgan Reserve Card has been collected independently by The Factors Man. The cardboard particulars on this web page haven’t been reviewed or offered by the cardboard issuer.
American Specific Gold Card
The American Specific® Gold Card does not simply take the cake for one of many highest returns on eating at eating places and groceries at U.S. supermarkets, however it’s additionally the best-looking card publicly out there, in our opinion. You will get the cardboard in two totally different shiny metallic kinds: Gold and the wildly well-liked Rose Gold. There was additionally a interval in mid-2024 the place you can get a limited-edition White Gold card.
Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards factors after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. In response to TPG’s January 2025 valuations, this bonus is price $1,200. Some folks could also be focused for a good larger welcome provide through the CardMatch Instrument (although remember that gives are topic to alter at any time).
Standout advantages: Earn 4 factors per greenback spent at eating places (on as much as $50,000 in purchases per calendar 12 months, then 1 level per greenback) and at U.S. supermarkets (as much as $25,000 per calendar 12 months at U.S. supermarkets, then 1 level per greenback spent) and three factors per greenback spent on flights booked immediately with airways or with American Specific Journey. You additionally rise up to $120 yearly in eating credit per calendar 12 months that you should utilize at retailers comparable to Grubhub, The Cheesecake Manufacturing facility, Goldbelly, Wine.com and 5 Guys, in addition to as much as $120 yearly ($10 per 30 days) in Uber Money, which can be utilized on Uber Eats orders or Uber rides within the U.S.
To obtain this profit it’s essential to have downloaded the newest model of the Uber App. The Amex Gold additionally gives as much as $84 per calendar 12 months (as much as $7 per 30 days) for Dunkin’ purchases within the U.S. and as much as $100 in Resy credit each calendar 12 months. This credit score is split into $50 credit biannually. Enrollment is required.
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Associated: A whole information to the Amex Gold eating credit score
Annual charge: $325 (see charges and costs)
To be taught extra, learn our full evaluation of the American Specific Gold Card.
Apply right here: American Specific Gold Card
The Platinum Card from American Specific
The Platinum Card® from American Specific is available in a glossy — look forward to it — platinum colour. The metallic card weighs 0.7 ounces and got here out as one of many strongest (least flexible) playing cards in our battle of the metallic playing cards. Since 2022, each new and current cardholders may select a card from choices designed by artists Julie Mehretu and Kehinde Wiley.
Welcome bonus: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards factors after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. This bonus is price $1,600 in response to TPG’s January 2025 valuations. Some folks could also be focused for a good larger welcome provide through the CardMatch Instrument (gives are topic to alter at any time).
Standout advantages: This card earns a stellar 5 factors per greenback spent on airfare booked immediately with the airline or Amex Journey (as much as $500,000 on these purchases per calendar 12 months), 5 factors per greenback on pay as you go resorts bought by means of Amex Journey, and 1 level per greenback on all different purchases.
Each calendar 12 months, you rise up to $200 in annual airline charge credit, as much as $200 in Uber credit, as much as $100 in credit score at Saks Fifth Avenue and as much as $240 digital leisure credit score with Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Occasions, Peacock and The Wall Road Journal.
The perks do not cease there; for avid vacationers, the cardboard gives as much as $200 on pay as you go Nice Motels + Resorts or The Resort Assortment (requires a two-night minimal keep) per calendar 12 months and as much as a $120 assertion credit score on your International Entry or TSA PreCheck utility charge. Moreover, the cardboard gives unparalleled lounge entry and computerized elite standing with Hilton and Marriott, amongst different perks. Enrollment is required. An Amex Card have to be chosen because the cost methodology on your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Money profit within the US.
Associated: maximize advantages with the Amex Platinum Card
Annual charge: $695 (see charges and costs)
To be taught extra, learn our full evaluation of the American Specific Platinum.
Apply right here: Platinum Card from American Specific
Restricted-edition Boeing 747 Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Specific Card
Although not out there, the limited-edition Boeing 747 Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Specific Card definitely earned a spot on our listing of prettiest playing cards. The glossy design is made with 25% metallic from a retired Delta Boeing 747 plane and was out there to new and current cardholders whereas provides lasted by means of early August 2022. A brand new model of the cardboard was launched earlier this 12 months whereas provides lasted, and it is attainable we might see one other return sooner or later.
Welcome bonus: Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership. Based mostly on TPG’s January 2025 valuations, the welcome bonus is price $840. Some folks could also be focused for a good larger welcome provide through the CardMatch Instrument (gives are topic to alter at any time).
Standout advantages: This card earns 3 miles per greenback spent on Delta purchases and 1 mile per greenback spent on all different purchases. As a cardholder, you get complimentary Delta Sky Membership entry* when touring on a same-day, Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight.
You additionally get free entry to American Specific Centurion Lounges when flying Delta with a ticket bought on a U.S.-issued American Specific card. Moreover, you will obtain a home first-class, Delta Consolation+ or primary cabin round-trip companion certificates annually if you renew the cardboard.
The companion cross is legitimate in all 50 U.S. states (together with Hawaii and Alaska), Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. Cardmembers additionally earn 1 Medallion Qualification Greenback for each $10 spent, with no restrict on what number of MQDs you may earn, plus an MQD enhance of two,500 MQDs every calendar 12 months.
*Starting in February 2025, Delta Sky Membership visits are restricted to fifteen free annual visits, with limitless annual visits after spending $75,000 in a calendar 12 months.
Associated: Delta Amex adjustments in 2024: Increased annual charges, new and enhanced perks
Annual charge: $650 (see charges and costs)
To be taught extra, learn our full evaluation of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Specific Card
Apply right here: Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Specific Card
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Signal-up bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus factors after spending $4,000 within the first three months from account opening. This bonus is price $1,230, in response to TPG’s January 2025 valuations.
Standout advantages: Earn 3 factors per greenback spent on journey (excluding the annual $300 journey credit score) and eating at eating places and 10 factors per greenback spent on Lyft rides (by means of March 2025). The annual $300 credit score covers travel-related prices comparable to resorts, airfare, tolls, prepare tickets and virtually something that codes as a journey buy by the service provider.
Different advantages embrace main auto rental insurance coverage, journey cancellation protection and no international transaction charges.
Associated: Which purchases depend as journey with Chase Sapphire Most popular and Chase Sapphire Reserve?
Annual charge: $550
To be taught extra, learn our full evaluation of the Chase Sapphire Reserve
Apply right here: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Capital One Enterprise X Rewards Credit score Card
Capital One might not be the financial institution that first involves thoughts if you consider glossy playing cards, however the Enterprise X comes with a design that appears proper at dwelling subsequent to different premium playing cards. Along with the design, although, the cardboard sports activities a decrease annual charge than a few of its opponents, which provides to its worth.
Welcome provide: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases inside the first three months from account opening. In response to TPG’s January 2025 valuations, this bonus is price $1,388.
Standout advantages: With this card, you will earn 10 miles per greenback spent on resorts and rental automobiles booked by means of Capital One Journey, 5 miles per greenback spent on flights and trip leases booked by means of Capital One Journey and a pair of miles per greenback spent on all different purchases. You will additionally get 10,000 bonus miles yearly in your anniversary, a $300 annual credit score for bookings made by means of Capital One Journey and as much as $120 International Entry or TSA PreCheck credit score. As a cardholder, you additionally will take pleasure in limitless complimentary visits to Capital One Lounges and Precedence Go lounges, with the power to carry as much as two friends at no further value.
Associated: How the Capital One Enterprise X journey credit score can prevent $300 in your subsequent journey
Annual charge: $395
To be taught extra, learn our full evaluation of the Capital One Enterprise X
Be taught extra: Capital One Enterprise X
Backside line
Issuers need you to really feel proud when handing over your bank card to retailers. Whereas the prettiest playing cards are sometimes additionally essentially the most rewarding, how a card appears to be like should not be a figuring out issue if you’re fascinated with which one to use for subsequent. We provide loads of assets, comparable to our month-to-month roundup of limited-time and new welcome gives, that you should utilize as a information to resolve which card can be essentially the most helpful addition to your pockets.
For charges and costs of the Amex Gold Card, click on right here.
For charges and costs of the Amex Platinum Card, click on right here.
For charges and costs of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex, click on right here.
